Grandmaster
Masaaki Hatsumi

The Bujinkan or "Divine Warrior House" is an international training organization based in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is headed by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the current generation head of nine ko-ryu or feudal-era traditions passed to him by his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu.

The arts of the Bujinkan were developed and refined through centuries of political upheaval, social repression, and internecine warfare. Some were used by Japan's hereditary professional military class, the samurai. Others were used by clans and families of intelligence and unconventional warfare experts, the ninja. There is not as distinct a division between the two as some would have you believe: It was not uncommon during some periods for samurai to learn some ninja tricks and skills - if only to develop countermeasures! - and a number of ninja families originated with samurai forced to flee their han or clan holdings after a military defeat. A short history of the ninja is available here: http://www.winjutsu.com/ninjakids/nk_history.html

Training is based on at least three areas: moral foundation, historical perspective, and physical training. Physical training is taijutsu or "body arts", including a broad range of physical skills: evasions, rolls and breakfalls, strikes, kicks, locks, throws, chokes, etc. The weapon arts are a natural extension of the taijutsu. Training for both adults and children is conducted in a supportive, "family" atmosphere. Since these arts do not rely on upper-body strength, they can be learned as easily by women as by men. There is no competition or tournaments, as competition can encourage people to "prove themselves" and possibly get hurt.

Training is not limited to taijutsu, as this is a comprehensive martial art. We often have outdoor classes in climbing, swimming, and tracking, all with a ninja focus. More information on Bujinkan instruction of children in the US is available here: www.winjustu.com/ninjakids

Additional Links for Reference