Bujinkan Tenrai Budo Dojo

THINK BY YOURSELF
– By Sôke Masaaki Hatsumi

In ancient times, a person who strve to learn budo would do individual keiko. After learning skills from his teacher, he trained himself to master those lessons. He had to have the determination to study through the techniques alone. Going into the mountains, he would repeat his solo training in nature, fighting with animals and trees.
These days, so many people forget to ‘go into the mountains.’ These people tend to desire the easy way out. If they are having problems that are complicated, they immediately ask someone older to solve it for them. Moreover, the elder gives them easy advice. Most people answer nicely because they think it would be good to help the situation along, but in fact, this often ends up hurting the individual`s growth.

It might be a little different from keiko in Budô, but some problems can only be understood by the person who has the problem. An advisor gives suggestions trying to solve the problem through applying his own experiences, while the listner ( who does not have those same experiences ) listens to the guidance as if it were being recieved from some divine being. There is sometimes a serious danger in missing a lesson`s important point. Therefore, you should sometimes offer the advice, ” Ponder the dilemma yourself.” You may consider this coldhearted. However, being cold illustrates the need to solve a problem ( finding warmth ). Perhaps some days later, the individual will return saying: “I can`t figure out a solution…” and he will recount his problem in a totally different manner than his first telling. You will now be able to discern how to offer advice that is more appropriate by judging from his revised account.

In Budô, we inform students of the proper answer after the “torment”, of making them think for themselves. Some things must be learned through suffering or they will be forgotten for the rest of your life. We must all learn to solve our own difficult problems. Furthermore, in Budô, we suffer great pains to master the best techniques. It was throught the pains and labors of our ancestors, who became the founders of our traditions, that these techniques were invented.

“If you don't understand the first movement I showed you, how can you expect to be able to do the next movement? Develop one stage at a time... Life is the same way. That's what I am teaching.”
宗家Masaaki Hatsumi

At times during the 2024 Portland Taikai, Nagato Sensei sat to receive a variety of questions from students.
Each question simply returned to the idea of ‘not over thinking’ or rather, to develop ones patience and endurance to allow things to naturally unfold. As a result, the answers will come when the time is right. Rather than quieten the mind,trust the teachings and just practice to reveal the secrets, people seem to want to hear the answer without practicing hard to truly discover and understand it with their entire being. I sensed that having Gaman 我慢 or Nintai 忍耐 ( endurance,patience,self restraint/control ) was the overlying theme for the three days. Through the questions asked, it felt that this had yet to be really understood. Mysteriously, the Gokui written by sensei for the Taikai cleary expressed the need to relinquish oneself and have the patience to listen and accept the lessons from Kami 神.

なす技を（なすわざをNasu waza o)

己が力と(おのがちからとono ga chikara to）

人の云う（ひとのいうhito no iu)

神の導く(かみのみちびくkami no michibiku）

身と知らずして（みとしらずして　mito shirazu sh*te)

Hatsumi Sensei’s passage below also gives an insight into this path of transcendence 自然の超越 to become closer and harmonise to the will of the natural world and universal process.
南虎

“When you feel like you are “stuck” (八方塞) in your life, you must remember that if you give up, you are finished. The important thing is, "don't think in your head, don't reject anything, rely on your senses and act with mushin”, you will surely find a path and you’ll be able to get through difficult situations. This is heijoushin.”
宗家Hatsumi

Understanding Bujinkan Grading

The Bujinkan ranking system has long been a topic of debate and misunderstanding. Having been a member for over 35 years, I’ve encountered countless theories, opinions, and misconceptions about its purpose and meaning. However, rather than dwelling on the confusion, I believe it is far more valuable to understand the evolution and intent behind the ranking system. It’s important to recognize that this misunderstanding is not unique to the Bujinkan — it exists in martial arts and organizations worldwide. My intention in writing this is to offer insight and guidance to the younger generation, in the hope that it will help you navigate your journey more clearly and avoid some of the common pitfalls along the way.

Hatsumi Sensei began training with Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu Sensei in 1957, when he was 26 years old. At the time, he had already achieved high grades in various modern Budo and had studied some Ko Ryu arts under Ueno Takashi Sensei. It was Ueno Takashi that paved the path to meet Takamatsu Sensei. Takamatsu Sensei formally appointed Hatsumi as his successor in 1972, just before his passing, entrusting him with the responsibility of preserving and spreading the ancient warrior arts.During the 1960s and 1970s, Japan experienced rapid economic growth, modernization, and urbanization, which significantly reshaped its cultural landscape. During this time, modern Budo such as Karate, Kendo, and Judo gained widespread popularity across the nation, while interest in Ko-ryu (classical martial arts) steadily declined as Japan moved further away from its traditional warrior heritage.

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility to preserve and pass on the ancient martial traditions he had inherited from his teacher, Tosh*tsugu Takamatsu, Hatsumi Sensei founded the Bujinkan Dojo in 1972. His aim was not only to transmit the techniques of these arts but to instill a profound understanding of Budo — emphasizing survival, compassion, and the deeper principles of martial arts — while adapting them to meet the needs of the modern world. In essence this transition would be the solution to bridge the old and the new while maintaining its essence.

In the early years, the Bujinkan combined modern Dan grades with traditional menkyo (licensing), allowing students to progress within a structured ranking system while still preserving the essence of classical martial traditions. Throughout the 1970s, word of Hatsumi Sensei’s teachings began to spread, and gradually, foreign students started traveling to Japan to train under him. With the group still relatively small, maintaining quality control was naturally easier. However, in the late 1970s to early 1980s, Hatsumi Sensei faced a serious illness that lasted for five years, significantly impacting his physical condition. Despite this setback, he continued his training, adapting his methods to accommodate his health and ultimately overcoming his illness. This period of physical limitation profoundly shifted Sensei’s perspective on martial arts, inspiring him to place greater emphasis on natural movement, intuitive response, and adaptability, which would later influence the core approach of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.

In 1983, at the request of some of his students, Hatsumi Sensei introduced the Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki as a structured training syllabus to help guide practitioners in their study of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. This marked a shift in training approach, as it provided a clear foundation for students to follow. However, it is important to understand that in Japanese culture, when a teacher accepts a student, their relationship is built on trust. Once that trust is established, it is not uncommon for a teacher to bestow ranks or titles prematurely — not as a measure of actual skill, but as a form of encouragement and a symbolic promise that through dedication and continued practice, the student would eventually reach the level of ability represented by the rank. During the late 1980s and 1990s, the Bujinkan experienced rapid global expansion, with membership peaking at over 500,000 practitioners worldwide. However, this unprecedented growth, combined with cultural differences, and varying interpretations of the art, inevitably led to an erosion of overall quality. During the late 90’s and 2000’s Sensei begun outlining the importance of quality controls and requested his seniors across the globe led by his domestic seniors to take the lead. Much of his messages he conveyed during his classes in Japan, international Taikai’s, Daikomyosai’s and various publications. Yet despite the size he maintained a one on one approach with those of us who were fortunate.

The Bujinkan main stream grading system consists of kyu (pre black belt) ranks and dan (black belt) ranks. The kyu ranks generally start from 9th kyu (for beginners) and advance to 1st kyu before achieving shodan (1st-degree black belt). The dan ranks begin from shodan and progress up to 15th dan. There is also a special titles to mark various stages of milestone developments. In addition in special circumstances Sensei would issue Menkyo Kaiden in various areas. The journey from beginner to advanced ranks in the Bujinkan is not purely based on technical proficiency but on the development of one’s character. Sensei also gave teachers the freedom to design their own grading syllabus.

Once a student been training consistently for approx 10-15 years and demonstrated the right technical proficiency and temperaments they would be ready to undertake the Godan test (5th dan test). This test, often called the Sakki test, was administered mainly by Hatsumi Sensei while he was actively teaching.

The purpose of this test is not merely to measure physical skill, but to assess one intuitive ability to sense danger. Passing the Godan test marks a significant milestone in a practitioner’s journey, signifying that they have begun to understand the essence of Budo. It also marks the practitioner as a Shidoshi (licensed instructor) capable of teaching others.

Ranks from 6th dan to 10th dan focus heavily on the practitioner’s ability to move beyond technique and their teachers requirements.

The higher ranks (11th to 15th dan) are considered leadership levels. Practitioners who reach these levels are expected to be guiding lights for their students and to embody the principles of Soke teachings. Hatsumi Sensei often speaks about transcending form and embracing non-form (Muto Dori) at these levels.

Hatsumi Sensei has repeatedly emphasized that ranks are not about superiority but about responsibility. Higher ranks mean a greater responsibility to protect, teach, and embody the true spirit of Budo. Those who focus solely on the number of dan ranks miss the deeper point of training in the Bujinkan.

In the Bujinkan, grading is not only a reward for technical skill but a reflection of personal growth along the path of Budo. Progression is measured not by perfecting techniques but by refining the self, cultivating qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and adaptability that extend beyond combat into everyday life. Hatsumi Sensei emphasized that the true value of rank lies not in the belt itself but in the heart that one develops. His approach to the Bujinkan was never solely about creating warriors but about forging complete human beings capable of navigating conflict and life with grace, humility, and clarity.. He often said:

“True Budo is not about defeating others. It is about avoiding conflict and protecting life. The ultimate martial artist is one who can walk away from conflict unharmed, without harming anyone else.”

While there is a lot of glory to be had I urge you to view your journey as a life long learning walking modest path for self improvement.

Seiryu
青龍

Lleva tu Patch con Orgullo

No debe darte vergüenza usar tu patch de la Bujinkan. Al contrario, debe ser un motivo de orgullo profundo. Ese emblema no es solo un adorno sobre el uniforme: representa que eres parte de un linaje ancestral, una tradición viva transmitida de maestro a discípulo a lo largo de generaciones.

El patch Bujin fue diseñado por el propio Soke Hatsumi, con colores y símbolos cargados de significado. No es casualidad su forma ni su estilo: cada trazo refleja valores y principios que forman parte de nuestra práctica diaria. Llevarlo sobre el pecho es también llevarlo en el corazón.

Usarlo en cada clase, cuidarlo, respetarlo, es una manera de honrar al maestro, al camino y a ti mismo. Es afirmar que estás comprometido con una escuela que enseña mucho más que combate: forma seres humanos con disciplina, sensibilidad, fuerza interior y respeto por la vida.

No seas tímido. No te avergüences de tu grado, aunque sientas que aún te queda mucho por aprender. Eso nos pasa a todos. Si tu maestro te ha otorgado ese rango, es porque ha visto en ti la semilla de algo valioso. No es un regalo: es una responsabilidad, y también una expresión de confianza.

Por eso, cuida tu patch. Muéstralo con alegría. Llévalo con humildad y con firmeza. Porque no solo estás usando un símbolo… estás representando un camino. Y eso es algo para celebrar.

TENRYU DOJO

If you are honored a particular rank or status by your teacher, respect it.
Especially in the case of a Japanese Sensei. It's not about what YOU want. Its not about you. Its about something greater than you!
To be a student is following your teacher and sacrificing desire in order to fulfill your duty. Whether you want to accept what your teacher has planned for you or not, is irrelevant. The path of Budo is the path of duty and penance to your teacher, family, and country.
The more you make a fuss of things, the more you miss the meaning of your path. As Soke says, " Bufu Ikkan!" or follow the martial wind daily!
When one accepts their role, they will start to live as a martial artist and become a role model. Teachers need to set the example. If you just kick your shoes off, don't bow upon entry/exit of the dojo, look after your uniform, and be late for class, how do you expect your students to show any respect, let alone commitment to you as their teacher and dojo?
To fulfill ones role takes effort, discipline, and a strong sense of conviction to follow through simply what had been bestowed in trust by your teacher. To do otherwise is to let yourself, your students, the art, and especially, your teacher down.

"Being a teacher is a way to truly see if you are a true student. "

This is so important!
The teacher with the right mind should be training more than his/her students, not just every now and then. Your responsibility is great. It is important that everyone look at themselves and ask whether they are actually fulfilling their role deeply and in accordance with their teachers wishes. If not, try harder or, don't be a teacher. Close your dojo or hand the reigns to someone that will accept the role. Don't get frustrated or angry with your students, especially if you are not doing much more than them. We cannot be hypocritical. We have to be honest with our own training and motivations. We cannot live in denial.
The martial arts are about unification of the spirit, technique and body.
How unified are you in your pursuit of the way?
頑張て下さい！
Duncan

Late night practice from the TCJ

- Gogyo no Kata
- Kihon Happo
- San Shaku Bojutsu
- Yon Shaku Bojutsu
- Roku Shaku Bojutsu

Study tonight on the Amatsu Tatara Hisshin Ginkōroku (天津鞴韜謐心誾諕録) documents written by Takamatsu Sensei:

- Shinshin no Maki Jō (神心 の巻 上 )
- Review of some Anmajutsu concepts
- Human Anatomy & Physiology