The Bujinkan is a warrior society; it has a unique history dating back over 900 years. This background is inextricably linked with the myth and fact of the Ninja in feudal Japan.
The present Grandmaster is Dr Masaaki Hatsumi,and was born in Noda City,
Chiba Prefecture, Japan on December 2nd 1931. Throughout the 1950's and 1960's he travelled every weekend across Japan to study with Toshitsugu Takamatsu of Kashiwara City, Nara Prefecture, from whom he received his initiation into the ways and psyche of the Ninja. Eventually Dr Masaaki Hatsumi inherited from Toshitsugu Takamatsu the ultimate authority and the standing of Grandmaster(Soke) of the following combat systems.
"Without complete and total training in all aspects of the combative arts, today's martial artist cannot hope to progress any further than mere proficiency in the limited set of muscular skills that make up his or her training system. Personnel enlightenment can only come about through total immersion in the martial tradition as a way of living. By experiencing the confrontation of danger, the transcendence of fear or injury or death, and a working knowledge of the individual personal powers and limitations, the practitioner of Ninjutsu can gain the strength and invincibility that permit enjoyment of the flowers moving in the wind, appreciation of the love of others, and contentment with the presence of peace in society".
Budo Taijutsu is not a sports-oriented martial art it is a thorough combat system. The way and the psyche of this code was formed, forged and tested in the danger and riot of battle. This is not to say that Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a historical re-enactment society, far from it. Through the inspiration of Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, this way of life, this way of combat is kept vital and current to the needs today's society.
Through training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu the practitioner will feel a justifiable sense of well-being and pride. Well-being, brought about by the confidence that this system will provide, this feeling of contentment will soon spread to friends and family, as they will all feel safer when you are around and will always be glad that you are there. The aura of pride will surface through being a part of this unique and like-minded warrior family, a warm, playful and tactile family that is generously dispersed across the world.
Gradually students of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu through their combat training will improve their aerobic capacity and their flexibility, it is self evident that maintaining a fit and limber body is essential to longevity and health. Also, with the aid of various techniques the student is taught to achieve and maintain a higher state of awareness, this will be an obvious advantage to them in every aspect of their life.
When Dr Masaaki Hatsumi was asked about what was required to become a Ninja, he replied, "It is Nintai-jisei (endurance and self-control). That is the most important thing. Living with endurance."
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Grading system
10th Kyu - Mukyu 無 級
9th Kyu - Kyukyu 九 級
8th Kyu - Hachikyu 八 級
7th Kyu - Nanakyu 七 級
6th Kyu - Rokukyu 六 級
5th Kyu - Gokyu 五 級
4th Kyu - Yonkyu 四 級
3rd Kyu - Sankyu 参 級
2nd Kyu - Nikyu 弐 級
1st Kyu - Ikkyu 級
1st Dan - Shodan 初 段
2nd Dan - Nidan 弐 段
3rd Dan - Sandan 参 段
4th Dan - Yondan 四 段
5th Dan - Godan 五 段
6th Dan - Rokudan 六 段
7th Dan - Nanadan 七 段
8th Dan - Hachidan 八 段
9th Dan - Kyudan 九 段
10th Dan - Judan 十 段
11th Dan - Jushodan 拾 初 段
12th Dan - Junidan 拾 弐 段
13th Dan - Jusandan 拾 参 段
14th Dan - Juyondan 拾 四 段
15th Dan - Jugodan 拾 五 段
Shidoshi-Ho 士 道 師 補
Shidoshi 士 道 師
Shihan 師 範
Soke 宗 家
