Bujinkan

The Bujinkan (武神館) is an international organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi. It is best known for its association with the ninja. The system taught by this group, called Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu, consists of nine separate martial arts traditions.

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Etymology and basic philosophyThe Bujinkan organization is the modern continuation of ninpo as carried on and adapted from its foundations in Feudal Japan. Thus Bujinkan taijutsu has many similarities with older forms of otherJapanese martial arts, including Aikido and Judo.

Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu practice does not normally include participation in competitions or contests, as the school's training aims to develop the skills to protect ones self and others, through the use of techniques which often focus on the disabling (breaking) of the attackers limbs and which can also intentionally cause their death.

The Bujinkan does not adhere to any guideline or set of rules to limit action or techniques during training, as such many of the staple responses of a student would be illegal in most competitions. Specifically however, the Bujinkan is mostly known for teaching koshijutsu (pressure point, muscle attacks/tears and joint dislocations), koppojutsu (bone breaking), jutaijutsu (throwing, grappling, ground fighting),dakentaijutsu (strikes), happo bikenjutsu (various modern and traditional weapons), and ninpo tactics and strategies (Ninjutsu). The depth of training in the Bujinkan, is designed to open the eyes of the student to the endless possibilities and potential in all situations.“ Every encounter is sacred and could present the one potential key to the perfection of the

great universal enlightenment we seek. - Masaaki Hatsumi

HistoryPre-historySeveral of the above martial arts taught in the Bujinkan can allegedly be traced back to the Iga region of Japan and were developed and used by the Yamabushi and the Ninja. The arts said to be in the Iga-ryuNinjutsu tradition include Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Gikan-ryū and Shinden Fudo Ryu. The alleged connection to Ninjutsu is through Hatsumi's teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu who

was, among other things, permitted to copy the Amatsu Tatara scrolls. Takamatsu Toshitsugu's grandfather was a samurai and a direct descedent of the founder of Gyokko Ryu (the Gikan-ryū was passed to Takamatsu Toshitsugu through another source). Other arts, such as Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishinden Ryu were developed and used by members of Japan’s Samurai families. Today the Bujinkan incorporates techniques from all of the above 9 ryu and others.

In 1843 several of the Bujinkan ryūha were mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (“The History of Fighting Arts”).[1] Although details of the ryūha were omitted, the publication states, "even though they are not mentioned in this particular periodical, there are several schools that are well-known for being ‘effective arts’ (jitsuryoku ha)." Among the schools listed in this section are Gyokko Ryū, Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu, Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō, Kukishin Ryu, Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtaijutsu and Asayama Ichiden-ryū(which is not part of the Bujinkan’s nine schools but was studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno). [1] The Bujinkan as a whole has been recognised by the Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (All Japan Sword Federation).[citation needed] However, the recorded history and lineage of several of the ryūha taught in the Bujinkan, as documented by the Bujinkan, especially of Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu, have been called into question.[2]

Formation of the Bujinkan OrganizationThe head of the Bujinkan organisation, Masaaki Hatsumi, is the lineage holder of several ryūha taught in the Bujinkan, transferred to him 1958 by his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu.[3] [4] [5] [6]

From 1968 and onwards, the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten has entries bearing the name of Hatsumi below his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu for the following school entries: Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu, Kuki Shinden Happō Bikenjutsu, Kotō-ryū Koppōjutsu, Shinden Fudō-ryū Dakentaijutsu, Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtaijutsu,Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu, Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō and Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō.

[edit]Yearly themesSince 1988 Hatsumi's teaching has focused on a particular theme each year. This typically means that a specific ryū, or a certain set of techniques from specific ryū will be taught. Hatsumi announces the years theme, or focus, each year at the Daikomyosai.

Depending on what years a student has studied in Japan, they may find that their focus reflects the themes or schools taught during their time. This is one reason that there are often noticeable differences in techniques from different teachers inside the Bujinkan. Although Ninpo Taijutsu is an overall theme of the Bujinkan, 2008 marks the first time that a Ninpo Taijutsu Ryū was the focus of the year. However, prior to founding the Bujinkan organization and teaching the nine Ryū collectively (with particular yearly focus), Hatsumi awarded his students rank certificates in individual Ryū.

The themes thus far are:

• Theme of 2010 - Rokkon Shoujou• Theme of 2009 - Mu - No theme• Theme of 2008 - Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu• Theme of 2007 - Kukishin Ryu• Theme of 2006 - Shinden Fudo Ryu• Theme of 2005 - Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu (Bo and Tachi)• Theme of 2004 - Daishou Juutaijutsu (Roppo-Kuji-no Biken)• Theme of 2003 - Juppo Sessho• Theme of 2002 - Jutaijutsu (Takagi Yoshin Ryu)• Theme of 2001 - Kosshijutsu (Gyokko Ryu)• Theme of 2000 - Koppojutsu (Koto Ryu)• Theme of 1999 - Kukishinden Ryu• Theme of 1998 - Shinden Fudo Ryu• Theme of 1997 - Jojutsu• Theme of 1996 - Bokken• Theme of 1995 - Naginata• Theme of 1994 - Yari• Theme of 1993 - Rokushakubojutsu• Theme of 1992 - Taijutsu Power• Theme of 1991 - Sword and Jutte• Theme of 1990 - Hanbo• Theme of 1989 - Taijutsu and Weapons• Theme of 1988 - Taijutsu

No focus was announced for 2009, though Hatsumi talked about 3 things which are important for a martial artist, these 3 things may be thought of as a kind

of Sanshin. He said that these things were going to become a bit of a theme for next year.[citation needed]

• Sainou (Ability/talent)• Kokoro (Heart)• Utsuwa (Capacity)[7]

Soon after the theme as herein described was announced, it was proposed by Hatsumi that the second aspect, Kokoro (Heart), be replaced by Tamashii (Soul). His reasoning was that the heart is in a constant state of change, whereas the soul is permanent and unchanging, and therefore is "essential to the person", as was later stated on George Ohashi's homepage.[citation needed]

SchoolsThe Bujinkan organization incorporates the teachings of nine martial arts lineages known as (ryūha)[8]:

• Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術)• Gyokko Ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術)• Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術)• Koto Ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術)• Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術)• Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術)• Gikan Ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術)• Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法)• Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法)

Training

Opening and Closing CeremoniesAt the start of the lesson the class kneels in grade order and faces the front of the dojo (or kamiza if there is one) and the class instructor does the same. The palms are raised above the head and the instructor says Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo which is then repeated by the class. The whole class then claps their hands twice and bows. Coming up, the hands are raised once again and clapped (though only once this time) and the bow repeated. The instructor then turns to face the class and everyone bows repeating the phrase “Onegaishimasu”. Any special instructions for the day are then given and the class starts. The same is

repeated for the end of the class except that the final phrase is changed to Domo Arigato Gozaimasu. This means thank you.

Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo has no exact English translation though the general meaning is as follows:

• Shikin - A greeting, sensation of harmony, perceived by the heart.• Haramitsu - Wisdom from courage and effort fosters sincerity, loyalty and

faithfulness.• Daikomyo Bring respect and reliance, illumination from the inside to the

outside.

Unlike other systems, these ceremonies have no religious connotations.

TaijutsuThe training is generally referred to as taijutsu (body arts), and is composed of both armed and unarmed methods of fighting. Bujinkan training incorporates bikenjutsu, bōjutsu, sojutsu, naginatajutsu,tantojutsu, tessenjutsu, juttejutsu, kusarigama, the use of modern firearms and more. Much of the basic taijutsu taught to beginners comes from six primary lineages in the Bujinkan compendium, namely Kotō-ryū, Gyokko-ryū, Shinden Fudō-ryū, Takagi Yōshin-ryū, Kuki Shinden-ryū, and Togakure-ryū.

Roles of the Uke and the ToriMuch like Aikido, training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (waza) rather than freestyle practice. The basic pattern is for the receiver of the technique (uke) to initiate an attack against the person who applies the technique - the 取り tori

Ukemi and BalanceBujinkan Taijitsu seeks to use body movement and positioning over strength in order to defeat the opponent. All techniques in Bujinkan Taijustsu revolve around getting the opponent off balance while maintaining your own balance. This is achieved by moving the opponent perpendicular to his or her weak line, the imaginary line drawn between the opponents heels.

Uke continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (e.g., an exposed side), while Toriuses position and timing to keep uke off-balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, uke will sometimes apply reversal techniques (返し技 kaeshi-waza?) to regain balance diable the Tori.

Ukemi (受身?) refers to the act of receiving a technique. Good ukemi involves a roll or breakfall that is used to avoid pain or injury, such as joint dislocations or throws. Thus learning to roll and break fall effectively is key to safely training in Taijutsu. Before receiving the 9th kyu, the first rank, a student must demonstrate the ability to smoothly roll in a variety of directions without exposing the neck to injury.

WeaponsA large variety of weapons are taught, including swords such as daitō, wakizashi and tantō, bambooshinai, wooden bokken, mogito (a flexible aluminum replica sword that holds no edge), or swords made by soft modern materials are employed for safety such as fukuro shinai, staves of varying lengths (bō,jō), short staves called (hanbō, hanjō), nawa (rope), kusari-fundo (weighted chain), kusarigama (scythe with chain), yari (spear), kamayari (spear with curved scythe-like blades crossing the principal head),kagiyari (spear with 2 rearward hooks), bisento (known in Mandarin as 'kwandao'), kyoketsu shoge(similar to a kama except it has a dagger point and a rope of several feet attached to an iron ring), jutte(sword trapping truncheon), tessen (iron fan), naginata (Japanese glaive), kunai (a blunt digging tool), as well various form of shuriken including bo-shuriken and senban shuriken. In training, students are encouraged to always use any available weapons, including the environment. In some dojos, students will practice hiding training weapons in their uwagi or somewhere on the mat, and surprise their uke(training partner) during technique. While in many other oriental martial arts this is seen as dishonorable, the emphasis Bujinkan places on stealth and deception makes it a valuable exercise when practicing awareness.

Physical conditioningJunan taiso is a method by which the Bujinkan practitioner may develop and maintain good physical condition and well being. The yoga-like stretching and breathing exercises form a core part of all training sessions.

Self ProtectionThis martial art is largely based on combat, it is used to protect oneself from attack and not for competition purposes. Because of its nature, if any of the techniques are executed correctly, permanent and major injuries or even death can occur as a result. Safety and care is always taken seriously during training sessions; when

practicing techniques, one must be careful to not injure their Uke (practice partner).

Uniforms and RankingsKyu levelsThe Bujinkan Dōjō has a series of nine kyū (grades) below the level of shodan, starting with mukyu("without grade") and then from kukyu (9 kyu) to ikkyu (1 kyu), with 9 kyu being the lowest rank and 1 kyu being the highest. Unlike other Japanese martial arts, such as karate and judo, unranked (mukyū) practitioners wear white belts, kyu grade practitioners, green belts, and those with ranks of shōdan and above wear black belts. In some dojos Kyū level practitioners - especially in children's classes - wear colored belts, though the actual color of the belt varies from place to place. In Japan, it was once customary for kyu-level men to wear green belts over a black gi and women to wear red belts over a purple gi; however, this practice has largely been abandoned. Now, both male and female Bujinkan practitioners wear green belts at most Japanese dōjō. Outside of Japan, some countries still follow the green for men/red for women custom, while others use green for all practitioners.

Dan levelsThere were originally 9 dan levels, as with many other martial arts using the kyū/dan system, but this was changed by Hatsumi to 10 and later, 15 dan levels[citation needed]. The grades are divided into three groupings; 1-5 dan Ten (Heaven), 6-10 dan Chi (Earth), 11-15 dan Jin (Man, in the sense of Humanity). The Jin levels are further divided into the five elements of the Godai; chi (earth), sui (water), ka (fire), fū(wind) and kū (void).

The practitioner's level is displayed by the color of the art's emblem, called wappen (ワッペン), inscribed with the kanji "bu"(武) and "jin" (神). There are four kinds of wappen (9 to 1 kyū, 1 to 4 dan, 5 to 9 dan, and 10 to 15 dan) sometimes augmented with up to four silver, gold or white stars (called hoshi) above or around the emblem, representing the individual ranks.

At 4 dan (yondan), practitioners submit to a test before the sōke to establish that they are able to sense the presence of danger and evade it, considered to be a fundamental survival skill. This is called sakki. This is the test for 5 dan. A practitioner with the level of godan or above is entitled to apply for a teaching license (shidōshi menkyo). A shidōshi is entitled to open his own dōjō, and grade

students up to the level of 4 dan. A practitioner with the level of between 1 dan to 4 dan may become a licensed "assistant teacher" (shidōshi-ho), if backed by and acting under the supervision of a shidōshi 5th to 9thdan or a person who holds the level of 10 dan (jūdan). In the Bujinkan a person who holds the level of between 10 dan and 15 dan is often referred to as a shihan.

In addition to the kyū/dan system, a few practitioners have earned menkyo kaiden "licenses of complete transmission" in individual schools. These menkyo kaiden essentially establish that the master practitioner has learned all that there is to learn about the particular lineage. Whereas the kyū/dan ranks are often made public, those select practitioners who have earned menkyo kaiden rarely divulge their status, sometimes even being reluctant to recognize their actual dan ranking to outsiders.

References1. ^ a b The History of Fighting Arts. 1843. pp. 508–517.2. ^ Skoss, Diane (ed.); Beaubien, Ron; Friday, Karl

(1999).http://koryu.com/library/ninjutsu.html "Ninjutsu: is it koryu bujutsu?". Koryu.com. Retrieved 2007-01-01.

3. ^ Tetsuzan: Chapter1 p18; ISBN 4-901619-06-34. ^ Alex Esteve: Exploring the essence of the Martial Arts, ISBN 978-84-85278-30-55. ^ Ninjustsu, History and Tradition; ISBN 0-86568-027-26. ^ Footprints of the Bujinkan dojo soke7. ^ The main meaning of the word utsuwa, its first definition in the dictionary, is

'container/receptacle/vessel'. A secondary meaning, however, is concerning a person's capacity or potential. Examples of 'utsuwa' in Japanese sentences include: "Utsuwa no ookii." (a person of high caliber). "Daitouryou ni naru utsuwa dewa nai." (He [doesn't have what it takes / isn't cut out] to be president. / He is not of presidential caliber [stature]) So utsuwa can mean 'caliber', to have 'potential', basically to have the 'right stuff'.[citation needed] Yet the basic meaning implied by the word 'container' may hold another aspect. Fish, plants etc. will only grow to the size of the container which they are in. Their growth is limited by the size of their container. Humans too have a 'limit' to their potential. If their utsuwa is small, they can never grow bigger than its limits. Such is another possible suggestion of Hatsumi.[citation needed]

8. ^ Bujinkan Schools Info