The Bujinkan
Bujinkan means “Divine Warrior House.”
The Bujinkan is an association, founded by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, encompassing nine martial traditions. Often, it is referred
to as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Budo may be translated as “Warrior’s Path to Enlightenment,” or “Warrior
Way,” and refers to the ancient and traditional soldier arts of Japan. Taijutsu refers to physical motions we perform
in training and can be translated as “Body Movement Skills” or “Skills with the Body Used in Warfare.”
The
Bujinkan is unlike any other martial art you will come across. It is steeped in a beautiful and intriguing history extending
over a thousand years. Since Dr. Hatsumi opened the doors of the Hombu Dojo to non-Japanese, the Bujinkan has spread to all
corners of the globe. A person can literally travel to almost any country in the world and train with fellow practitioners
even though they may not speak the same language. The Bujinkan is truly an international association.
Unlike other
martial art schools, the Bujinkan does not focus solely on a physical education. Practitioners are taught to expand their
awareness not only in the realms of combat, but also into areas of politics, economics, law, medicine, nature, personal relationships,
technology, and every other imaginable field. As the Bujinkan is the umbrella body for both Ninja and Samurai traditions,
there is a strong emphasis on warriorhood, not found in other martial arts. Living a moral, humane, and compassionate lifestyle
is a primary training focus.
Below is a link to a brief listing
of the nine schools of the Bujinkan. It should be mentioned that these descriptions
are very limited. They are included to give new students, and those interested in the Bujinkan, an idea of how our training
has come to being. The description of each school is merely a highlight and not the entirety. Each Ryu utilizes many skills
and concepts derived from their individual evolution under differing circumstances.
Soke and the Nine Bujinkan Ryu
Quotes
This emphasis on warriorhood may be summarized in the following quote by Robert L. Humphrey,
a marine who fought on Iwo Jima and honorary 10th Dan of the Bujinkan.
The Warrior Creed
Wherever I go,
everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.
Wherever I am,
anyone
in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home,
everyone is happy I am there.
" It's a better life!"
- Robert
L. Humphrey
