The Bujinkan Dojo ("Warrior God Training Hall") represents the unification of nine distinct schools of ancient Japanese samurai and ninja martial arts. It was founded by the current Soke (Grandmaster) of the Bujinkan, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi-Sensei, who inherited the Ryu Ha (formalized teachings) for these nine schools from his teacher, the late Toshitsugu Takamatsu. Takamatsu Sensei is considered by authorities as the "last true combat ninja." Each school has historical roots extending many centuries into the past, as listed below.

 

•     Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu, founded by Daisuke Nishina in the Late 1100's

•     Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu, founded by Tozawa Hakunsai in the Mid 1100's

•     Kukishenden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu, founded by Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru in the Mid 1300's

•     Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu, founded by Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru in the Early 1100's

•     Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu, founded by Sasaki Goemon Teruyoshi in the Mid 1500's

•     Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, founded by Sakagami Taro Kunishige in the Mie 1500's

•     Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu, founded by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo in the Mid 1500's

•     Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu, founded by Takagi Oriuemon Shigenobu in the Mid 1600's

•     Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu, founded by Iga Heinaizaemon No Jo Ienaga in the Mid 1500's

 

Three of these nine schools represent traditional Ninpo Ryu Ha ("formalized teachings") whereas the other six are derived from the fighting skills utilized by Samurai during periods of warfare. All nine schools of martial arts are collectively sustained and taught under the umbrella term of "Budo Taijutsu," as coined by Hatsumi-Sensei, in today's Bujinkan Dojo. Because these traditions were developed in times of real combat, the martial art remains alive and relevant for modern self-protection.

 

Over the last several decades, the Bujinkan Dojo has grown to encompass hundreds of schools and training groups not only in Japan, but in countries across North America, Europe, and South America. Hatsumi-Sensei continues to train regularly at the Honbu Dojo ("home training hall") in Noda City, Japan. The ideals of the Bujinkan are also upheld at the highest level by the 15th Dan Shihan located around the world.

The Bujinkan Dojo is the only authentic source of ninpo training. This is because Hatsumi-Sensei is the only true successor of ninpo Ryu Ha from the last true combat ninja, Toshitsugu Takamatsu.

 

                                                                                                                Bujinkan Honbu Dojo

                                                                                                                636 Noda, Noda-shi,

                                                                                                                Chiba-ken, 278-8691

                                                                                                                Japan