| Bujinkan (武神館) |
|
|---|---|
| Date founded | c.1970 |
| Founder | Masaaki Hatsumi (born December 2, 1931) |
| Current head | Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭) |
| Arts taught | Bujinkan Budō Tai jutsu |
| Ancestor schools | • Gyokko-ryū Kosshi jutsu |
| Official Site | http://www.bujinkan.com |
The Bujinkan (武神館) is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi, it is best known for its association with ninjutsu. The system taught by this group, called Bujinkan Budō Tai jutsu, consists of nine separate martial arts traditions.[1]
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The origins of some techniques studied in the Bujinkan are unclear.[2]
Hatsumi's claimed connection to Ninjutsu is through his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu. The Bugei Ryuha Daijiten (researched by a friend of Takamatsu) indicates that Takamatsu's "genealogy includes embellishments...to appear older than it actually is".[3][4] Other researchers believe that there is no historical basis for the claims that Takamatsu had any link to a ninjitsu lineage.[5][6] It is Hatsumi's assertion that Toshitsugu was permitted to copy the Amatsu Tatara scrolls[7] which date back to 7BC[8] and contain many assorted techniques (ranging from killing by yelling, and control of weather, to fighting techniques and fortification design[9]). The Bujinkan school claims that Takamatsu's grandfather was a samurai and a direct descendant of the founder of Gyokko Ryu (and that the Gikan-ryū was passed to Takamatsu through another source).[7] Other arts, such as Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishinden Ryu were developed by members of samurai families. Today the Bujinkan claims to incorporate techniques from the 9 traditions overseen by Hatsumi and other sources.[1]
In 1843 several of the Bujinkan ryūha were mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (“The History of Fighting Arts”).[10] 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 Koppō jutsu, Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō, Kukishin Ryu, Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtai jutsu and Asayama Ichiden-ryū (which is not part of the Bujinkan’s nine schools but was studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno).[10]
The head of the Bujinkan organisation, Hatsumi, claims to be the lineage holder of several ryūha taught in the Bujinkan, which he claims were transferred to him in 1958 by his teacher Takamatsu.[11][12][13]
From 1968 and onwards, the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten has entries bearing the name of Hatsumi below his teacher Takamatsu for the following school entries: Gyokko-ryū Kosshi jutsu, Kukishinden Ryu, Kotō-ryū Koppōjutsu, Shinden Fudō-ryū Dakentai jutsu, Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtai jutsu, Gikan-ryū Koppō jutsu, Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō and Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō.
Since 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 marked the first time that a Ninpo Taijutsu Ryū was the focus of the year. 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:
No focus was announced for 2009, though Hatsumi talked about 3 things which are important for a martial artist, which may be loosely considered to be the yearly theme. He said that these things were going to become a bit of a theme for next year.[14]
Soon after this theme as 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.[14]
The Bujinkan organization incorporates the teachings of nine martial arts lineages known as (ryūha):[15][16]
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu practice doesn't 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 attacker's limbs and which can also potentially 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 inappropriate in most competitions. Specifically however, the Bujinkan is mostly known for teaching koshi jutsu (joint manipulation art), koppo jutsu (bone manipulation art), jutai jutsu (throwing, grappling, ground fighting), dakentai jutsu (strikes), happo biken jutsu (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.
Taijutsu (body art, body arts, art of the body) is the system of unarmed defense. Throws holds, chokes, locks of the joints are all techniques of taijutsu. Taijutsu is divided into subsystems, daken-taijutsu or the way of attacking the bones and ju-taijutsu or the relaxed body method. Daken-tai jutsu utilizes and teaches strikes, kicks and blocks. Ju-taijutsu which utilizes and teaches grappling and throwing techniques. The first levels of training such as leaping, tumbling, proper fall techniques, body conditioning form the basis for taijutsu, these techniques are necessary in order to progress into other techniques such as the use of tools and weapons. Once learned Taijutsu techniques can be applied to any situation, armed or unarmed.[17][18][19]
Training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (waza) and then advancing to unlimited variations of those forms ("Henka"). 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.
Bujinkan Taijitsu seeks to use body movement and positioning over strength in order to defeat the opponent. All techniques in Bujinkan Taijutsu 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 Tori uses 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 disable 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.
Weapons use is among the 18 disciplines taught in bujinkan: bō, jo, hanbo, yari, naginata, shuriken, kusarigama, kayaku (the use of firearms, gunpowder, explosives and pyrotechnics.)
Junan taiso (junan meaning flexible) is a yogic method of stretching and breathing [20] by which the Bujinkan practitioner may develop and maintain good physical condition and well being. The exercises promote relaxation, blood circulation, muscle toning, and flexibility[21] and form a core part of all training sessions. Junan taiso is a form of conditioning and preparation for the body, all major joints are rotated and stretched in a proper manner while proper breathing and concentration are practiced.[22]
This martial art is largely based on combat, it is used to protect oneself from attack and not for competition purposes. Because of its nature, many of the techniques can result in permanent and major injuries or even death. Safety and care is always taken seriously during training sessions; when practicing techniques, one must be careful to not injure their Uke (practice partner).
Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō ("The Jeweled Heart School") is taught within the Bujinkan martial arts organization. According to the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten, Masaaki Hatsumi is the lineage holder of Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō. The Bugei Ryuha Daijiten states that the Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō was transferred to Masaaki Hatsumi in the middle of the 20th Century by his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu. Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō is taught today in the Bujinkan organization.[23][24][25][26][27]
In 1843 Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō was mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (“The History of Fighting Arts”), p. 508-517. Although details of the ryūha was 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 was Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō. [10]
According to the Bujinkan martial arts organization, Gyokushin-ryū was founded in the mid-16th century by Sasaki Goeman Teruyoshi, who was also then-sōke of Gyokko Ryu, which explains similarities between the two styles. Gyokushin-ryū is considered a style of koshijutsu. Masaaki Hatsumi is the current and 21st sōke.[28]
According to the Bujinkan, Gyokushin Ryu has sutemi waza techniques, and is more focused on the art and techniques of espionage, rather than fighting. Its most prominent weapon is the lasso (nagenawa).[28]
According to Bujinkan members Ninja Jūhakkei, the eighteen disciplines (jūhakkei < jūhachi-kei) were first stated in the scrolls of Togakure-ryū 戸隠流, or "School of the Hidden Door", allegedly founded during the Oho period (1161-1162) by one Daisuke Nishina (Togakure), who learned a life view and techniques (ninjutsu) from Kagakure Doshi.[29] Togakure ryu Ninjutsu Hidensho is a manuscript in the possession of Masaaki Hatsumi that is said to document Togakure-ryū. The document is the purported origin of the "18 skills of Ninjutsu", however there is some controversy regarding the lineage of this claim as evidenced by the Bugei Ryūha Daijiten. This source indicates that Hatsumi's Togakure-ryu "genealogy refers to various written records and oral transmissions and there are many points/places where embellishments have been added and people appearing in the genealogy are also made older than they actually are".[30]
Ninja jūhakkei was often studied along with Bugei Jūhappan (the "18 samurai fighting art skills"). Though some are used in the same way by both samurai and ninja, other techniques were used differently by the two groups.
The 18 disciplines are:[31]
The name of the discipline of Taijutsu (体術), literally means "body skill" or "body art". Historically, the word taijutsu is often in Japan used interchangeably with jujutsu (as well as many other terms) to refer to a range of grappling skills. The term is also used in the martial art of aikido to distinguish the unarmed fighting techniques from other (e.g. stick fighting) techniques. In ninjutsu, especially since the emergence of the Ninja movie genre it was used to avoid the explicitly referring to "ninja" combat techniques.
The 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.
There are fifteen dan grades in the Bujinkan although only ten are formally recognised. After attaining the rank of Judan (tenth Dan) the further five grades up to fifteenth dan consist of advanced study in individual schools or Ryu-ha. The study of Tenchijin Ryaku No Maki (The arts of Heaven Earth and Man) forms the foundations of 9th Kyu to Shodan (1st Dan) and comprises all the fundamental techniques required for advanced study after obtaining the Shodan rank. It was previously stated that Ten Ryaku No Maki, Chi Ryaku No Maki and Jin Ryaku No Maki are divided amongst the Dan grades but this was incorrect.
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 and after passing, a practitioner is considered to be under the protection of the 'Bujin', or Guiding Spirits. A practitioner with the level of godan or above is entitled to apply for a teaching license (shidōshi menkyo). A shidōshi (士道師) 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 9th dan or a person who holds the level of 10 dan (jūdan). In the Bujinkan a person who holds the level of between 8 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.
The Bujinkan organization recognises black belts (Shodan level) granted to people who have studied only via home training video courses over an average period of 2 1/2 to 3 years.[32] (Testing for the black belt requires the student be briefly present in a Bujinkan dojo.[33]) Video training courses are available to reach the rank of 5th dan black belt.[34]