Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Who is Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi soke?

Who was the last grandmaster of the Bujinkan arts?

What is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu?

Are there competitions or tournaments in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu?

Is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu a spiritual martial art?

Why is the school named: "The Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo?"

Are there separate classes held for beginners?

Will training at Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo make me fit?

I have trained at other Takamatsuden schools. How will this affect my training at Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo?

Where can I find a Bujinkan Dojo outside of New York City and outside of the United States?

Guidelines For Participation In The Bujinkan

What does it cost to train at the Benevolent Heart Dojo and what do I do if I would like to join?

Answers

Who is Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi soke?

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is a highly accomplished martial artist, doctor, writer, actor, and artist. Dr. Hatsumi, may be most well known for being the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu and founder of the Bujinkan Dojo. The Bujinkan Dojo, Divine Warrior Training Hall, was named in honor of his teacher Toshitsugu Takamatsu. Members of the Bujinkan Dojo can be found all over the world and in many major metropolises.

Dr. Hatsumi was born in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, on December 2, 1931. He graduated from Meji University of Medicine in Tokyo, as a Hone-tsugi (Orthopedic Doctor). He is respected as an accomplished practitioner of the ancient Japanese medical techniques of Seikotsu (natural healing methods). In addition to medicine, Dr. Hatsumi is an accomplished artist of brush and ink in the Nihonga style. His art work has been exhibited at the Nagai Gallery of Tokyo and in Paris, France.

Dr. Hatsumi has written numerous books and articles on philosophy and martial arts which have been translated into many languages. He wrote a weekly column for a local Chiba prefecture newspaper and is a recurring subject of the major Japanese martial arts magazine, Hiden. An accomplished actor and consultant of both movies and television, he starred in the TV series, Jiraiya, for four seasons. He also coached and directed notable martial arts film stars, Sonny Chiba and Toshiro Mifune. For his efforts to spread the art of the Bujinkan throughout the world, Dr. Hatsumi has been recognized by many governments, private organizations and distinguished individuals.

For more detailed information on Soke Masaaki Hatsumi including three pages on his international recognition and awards, please visit the following site: hatsumi.gr

Who was the last grandmaster of the Bujinkan arts?

Toshitsugu Takamatsu - 33rd Soke 1888 - 1972

Toshitsugu Takamatsu was born 1st of March 1888. He is regarded to be the last combat ninja in history. He learned Togakure- ryu, Gyokko- ryu, Shindenfudo- ryu, Koto- ryu, Gyokushin- ryu and Kumogakure- ryu from his grandfather Toda Shinryuken. From Ishitani sensei he mastered Kukishinden-ryu, Hontai Takagi Yoshin- ryu, Gikan- ryu. From Mizuta Tadafuza he mastered Takagi Yoshin-ryu. He lived in China for about 10 years, where he had many students. Takamatsu was a very well known master of Bojutsu and Jujutsu, not many knew that he was also soke of some ninjutsu traditions. He passed away in May 1972, 84 years old.

What are the nine traditions?

Incorporated within the Bujinkan system are nine ancient martial ryus or traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation for as long as 1000 years. Although three of these ryus are ninjutsu styles, the other six are traditional koryu (ancient martial ways) or samurai schools. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the current soke (grandmaster), inherited the authority and title as head of these nine ancient martial schools from his late teacher Toshitsugu Takamatsu. For those that are unfamiliar with the various schools in our organization, here is a brief description of the nine ryu ha (traditions).

Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu - Hidden Door School
The second oldest of the nine traditions, this ryu forms much of the basis for the ninjutsu techniques taught in the Bujinkan. This system is famous for its use of such weapons as shuko and shuriken. It was reportedly founded by Daisuke Togakure in the late 1100s.
Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu - Jeweled Tiger School
The oldest of the nine traditions, this style is heavily influenced by Chinese kenpo and is known for its koshijutsu attacks to muscles and soft organs, also using fingers and thumbs for ripping and tearing. Gyokko Ryu was originally founded by Cho Gyokko who was said to have fled China during the Tang Dynasty around 900 AD. This ryu forms much of the basis for the Bujinkan system including the kihon happo.
Kukishin Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu - Nine Demons School
This ryu is a battlefield style whose specialty is the use of many different weapons including spears, swords, hanbos, etc. Many of the weapon techniques (hanbo, bo, yari, naginata, etc.) in Bujinkan come from this school. Kukishinden Ryu was reportedly founded by Izuma Kanja Yoshiteru in the mid 1100s.
Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu - Immovable Heart School
This system specializes in dakentaijutsu (striking techniques), and jutaijutsu (hard grappling techniques). This was the first ryu that Takamatsu learned form his grandfather. This ryu was also founded by Izuma Kanja Yoshiteru in the mid 1100 who also learned Chinese kenpo.
Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu - Jeweled Heart School
The second ninjutsu ryu in the Bujinkan system was founded by Sasaki Goemon Teruyoshi in the mid 1500s. Not much is known of this ryu except that it is an Iga ninja school and concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu, rather than the fighting side. It is also known for its use of sutemi (sacrifice) throws.
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu - Tiger Knocking Down School
This style specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques and is very linear in motion. This style was originally organized into a ryu by Sakagami Kunishige in the mid 1500s. The name of the school means to knock the tiger down with the tips of the fingers and historically, training started with striking sand and gravel, then larger stones for conditioning.
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu - High Tree, Raised Heart School
This system specializes in grappling and throwing techniques similar to aikido and judo. However, unlike judo and aikido, this style makes it difficult for the opponent to use ukemi to fall or roll safely. This ryu is known as the "bodyguard school", and was founded by Takagi Oriuemon Shigenobu around 1650.
Gikan Ryu Koppo Taijutsu - Truth Loyalty and Justice School
This ryu was originally founded by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo in the mid 1500s and specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques. This style is known for its low stances, with much of the footwork within the Bujinkan system coming from this ryu.
Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu - Hiding in the Clouds School
The third of the ninja ryus, it uses similar taijutsu as Togakure Ryu, and is also known for double blocks and strikes This ryu originated with Einaizaemon Ienaga Iga in the mid 1500s.

What is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu?

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is an amalgamation of nine warrior arts of ancient Japan as compiled by Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. The name Bujinkan, which translates as the "Divine Warrior Training Hall" was chosen by Dr. Hatsumi in honor of his late teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu.
Budo Taijutsu is a generic term referring to the nine schools taught in the Bujinkan organization. Although the term ninjutsu is often used to describe the Bujinkan arts, this is a bit of a misnomer as the Bujinkan arts are much more than just ninjutsu.

Are there competitions or tournaments in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu?

No, the following quotes illustrate some of the motivation behind the exclusion of competition and tournaments in the Bujinkan:
"There was a gathering of high-ranking karateka (karate practitioners) yesterday, and they were doing breaking demonstrations. Everyone was so impressed with the karateka stacking up to 20 to 30 roofing tiles then smashing the tiles with one blow. And so I thanked them. I told them that ninja would pick up the shards of the broken tile and throw them in their face, then kill them. I said that if they could not read that far, then they were not true martial artists and would truly die in a real fight. The room fell deafly quiet after that."
-Masaaki Hatsumi

"If this were a martial sport, everything I am teaching you would be against the rules. It has to be if you are to survive a real fight." - Masaaki Hatsumi

Moreover, competition and tournaments are activities for feeding the ego. In Eastern philosophy, ego is the root of spiritual suffering. Thus, from an Eastern philosophical perspective, performing these ego-building activities is counter-productive to spiritual well being.

Is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu a spiritual martial art?

Yes:
"There was a famous Zen master whom people would seek out to become enlightened. He was strict and would occupy people with things having nothing to do with seeking enlightenment. You see, that is the only way to achieve enlightenment; by not focusing on achieving it. Then, one day it will just come to you." -Masaaki Hatsumi

Here at the Benevolent Heart Dojo, we train and train and train ... and train some more. We do not focus on being spiritual or attaining some sort of enlightenment. By not focusing on spirituality and instead focusing on our Budo training, we can embrace the spiritual aspects of the martial arts. In this manner, students of this dojo are on the path to achieve the benevolent heart of a true budoka (martial student).

Why is the school named: "The Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo?"

The benevolent heart is a fundamental concept in Bujinkan training. The name of the dojo serves as a reminder for practitioners. The following excerpt illustrates the importance of the "Benevolent Heart," for those studying Japanese Budo

"TAKAMATSU-SENSEI once wrote an article for Tokyo Sports. In it, he spoke about the importance of having a benevolent heart. It is only by nurturing this benevolent heart that you are able to truly get good at Budo. Those who do not nurture this heart bear instead a covetous heart --- a heart with a darker side. You must train so as to rid yourself of everything that is covetous and dark. You must strip away all of your bad habits so that only true benevolence remains. It is only through proper training that you can attain this benevolent heart, so please train well." - Masaaki Hatsumi

Are there separate classes held for beginners?

We do not have separate beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. As you can imagine this makes learning this style seem more difficult for the newcomer. The lack of student separation is in effect an advantage for the beginner. Integration allows the beginning student to learn more, by having advanced students available as role models and valuable experienced training partners. Instead of one teacher instructing a room full of new beginners, by having an integrated class of students of varied skill levels, a new student benefits from not one teacher but a room full of teachers. Furthermore students in the Benevolent Heart Dojo are treated as individuals. Students receive individual attention unavailable at "Mc. Dojo’s" (large commercial martial art schools & franchises).

Will training at Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo make me fit?

Quality of movement and accuracy of timing are two of the focal points of training at the Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo. Therefore, practitioners learn to eliminate extraneous movements and learn how to be as efficient as possible. Efficient movement and accurate timing eliminates the need for strength and speed in one's techniques. The only muscles one should build from training in the school, is lower body muscles and posture related muscles. Proper training at the school will help increase your flexibility. Independent cardio and muscle training is recommended of all practitioners.
Those who are interested in training primarily for fitness should look elsewhere for fitness focused martial arts, sports, or programs. Fitness orientated martial arts are not effective fighting styles; wasted movement and inefficiency are not the habits one wants to learn in dealing with a life threatening situation. Sport martial arts are a lot of fun and can often be useful in keeping you in shape but again many inefficient habits can be learned when training in such styles.

What is your grading policy?

Grading is a tool for measuring a students progression. As a loose guideline there are one or two testing days a year. If a student wishes to test on one of these days they should make the instructor aware of the fact two to three weeks before hand. Students are not required to test. Also, the shidoshi may, without notice, suddenly award a student rank when he thinks the time is appropriate.

I have trained at other Takamatsuden schools. How will this affect my training at Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo?

We welcome all practitioners with good hearts and tame egos. We treat everyone as individuals. You are not required to test at the Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo but if you would like to be ranked please discuss your options with the main Instructor. Class is very relaxed and not rank orientated. So come train!

Where can I find a Bujinkan Dojo outside of New York City and outside of the United States?

There are over 1,000 Bujinkan instructors all over the world. Recently our dojo has had visiting students from Africa, Australia, England, Germany, Ireland and France. We would love to help you find a good dojo in your area, so please send us an e-mail if you need any help.

Guidelines For Participation In The Bujinkan

The Bujinkan shall be open to only those who agree with and uphold the guidelines of the Bujinkan Dojo. Those not doing so shall not be allowed to join. Specifically:

Only those who have read and agreed with these guidelines shall be allowed to participate.
Only those able to exercise true patience, self-control, and dedication shall be allowed to participate.
A physician's examination report shall be required. Specifically, individuals with mental illness, drug addiction, or mental instability shall be barred from joining. The necessity of such a report concerns individuals who may present a danger to others, for example, those with infectious diseases or illnesses, individuals with clinically abnormal personalities or physiology, and individuals lacking self-control.
Individuals with criminal records shall be turned away. Troublemakers, those who commit crimes, and those living in Japan who break domestic laws shall be turned away.
Those not upholding the guidelines of the Bujinkan, either as practitioners or as members of society, by committing disgraceful or reproachable acts shall be expelled. Until now, the Bujinkan was open to large numbers of people who came to Japan. Among them, unfortunately, were those committing violent drunken acts, the mentally ill, and trouble makers who thought only of themselves and failed to see how their actions might adversely affect others. Through their actions, such people were discarding the traditional righteous heart of the Bujinkan. From this day forward, all such people shall be expelled.
Regarding accidents occurring during training (both inside and outside the dojo), one should not cause trouble to the Bujinkan. This is an extremely important point. Those unwilling to take personal responsibility for accidents occurring during Bujinkan training shall not be admitted. Reiterating for clarity, the Bujinkan shall not take responsibility for any accidents happening in the course of training, regardless of the location.
All those joining the Bujinkan must get an annual member's card. This card not only preserves the honor of the Bujinkan members, it indicates you are part of a larger whole—one whose members come together with warrior hearts to better themselves through training and friendship. It evinces the glory of warrior virtue, and embodies both loyalty and brotherly love.

The tradition of the Bujinkan recognizes nature and the universality of all human life, and is aware of that which flows naturally between the two parts:

"The secret principle of Taijutsu is to know the foundations of peace. To study is the path to the immovable heart (fudoshin)."

The Code of the Dojo:

To know that patience comes first.
To know that the path of Man comes from justice.
To renounce avarice, indolence, and obstinacy.
To recognize sadness and worry as natural, and to seek the immovable heart.
To not stray from the path of loyalty and brotherly love, and to delve always deeper into the heart of Budo.

To follow this code is part of the dojo's guidelines.

Meiji 23 (1890) Spring, Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu Showa 33 (1958) March, Takamatsu Toshitsugu Uou Hatsumi Masaaki Byakuryu

Kyu levels: beginners
First to Fifth dan: Ten (heaven)
Fifth to Tenth dan: Chi (earth)
Tenth to Fifteenth dan: Jin (person)
The eleventh to fifteenth dan are broken into Chi (earth), Sui (water), Ka (fire), Fu (wind) and Ku (emptiness); the Happo Biken will be taught at these levels. The fifth dan test shall only be administered by Soke. True Shihan can be given fifteenth dan.

Recently, the Bujinkan has become truly international. Just as there are various time zones, so exist various taboos among the world's peoples and nations. We must respect each other, striving to avoid such taboos. We must put the heart of the warrior first, working together for self-improvement and for the betterment of the Bujinkan.

Those not upholding the above-mentioned guidelines shall be forced out of the Bujinkan.

The Bujinkan Dojo
Soke: Masaaki Hatsumi — Title: Hisamune
636 Noda, Noda-shi, Chiba-ken 278 Japan
Tel: 0471-22-2020 Fax: 0471-23-6227

All members should own every copy of the Hombu's publications, and read and re-read them consistently as part of your training. Reading them soon after you join, a year later, and then several years after that, will afford you with different interpretations and different feelings. The Hombu's publications also contain information concerning the worldwide practice of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and the various materials (printed, video, or otherwise) available for training. Translation by Benjamin Cole

Adobe PDF file (12k) of Guidelines For Participation In The Bujinkan

(Japanese Langauge File - NIHONGO)

What does it cost to train at the Benevolent Heart Dojo and what do I do if I would like to join?

Bujinkan Dojos in Japan do not put their tuition/membership fees on-line. This isn't supposed to be a commercialized art and may be considered poor taste to list rates online. But due to the frequent requests for fee information, we provide the following rule of thumb:

Prices are usually about $10 per 2 hour class when paid for monthly. When paid for further in advance, there are 10% 20% & 30% discounts depending on how far in advance tuition is paid. There is also a 10% student, law enforcement and military discount.

Joining the Benevolent Heart Dojo
The Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo is looking for students who:
-welcome challenges.
-are willing to make sacrifices for their own progress and the betterment of those around them.
-are self-motivated.
-will not settle for mediocrity.
-can dedicate a significant amount of time to their martial arts training.
-are open minded and able to "empty their cup."
-are respectful and courteous.
-( and most importantly) have a good heart.

If this sounds like you, then you may be a good candidate to become a student at the Benevolent Heart Dojo.

Our dojo is a small tight-knit group, much like a family. It is critical to us to find the finest people to consider into our family. This is not a revolving door dojo. Revolving door dojos make a monetary profit by having students come and go. We on the other-hand would lose precious time and effort for every student who joins half-heartedly only to leave soon after. Ninjutsu is the art of patience and endurance. Those who lack these qualities should look for another dojo or martial arts school.

If you think you will make a good student at the Benevolent Heart Dojo please Email Us with the following information and we will contact you:

-Full Name:
-Contact Information:
-Date of Birth
-Occupation:
-Experience in other martial arts (if any):
-Reasons for applying to our dojo:
Article 3 of Hatsumi Soke�s Guidelines for Participation in the Bujinkan states:
3. Individuals with criminal records shall be turned away. Trouble makers, those who commit crimes, and those living in Japan who break domestic laws shall be turned away.
-Have you ever been arrested? Please explain.
-How did you find out about our dojo? Please be specific.
-If you were to join our dojo, what classes during the week would you like to regularly attend?
-Is there anything else we should know?

Disclaimers

* Please check with your physician if you are unsure of your athletic abilities, are over weight, or you have heart or other health problems. By nature, as with all martial arts, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is dangerous. Although every effort is made to prevent injuries, Bujinkan NYC Benevolent Heart Dojo is not responsible for injuries or accidents that occur during training.