Bujinkan Books, DVDs, & Online Videos Featuring Masaaki Hatsumi and Others

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭) is a renowned Japanese martial arts master, most famous as the 34th Grandmaster (Sōke) of the Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu tradition and founder of the Bujinkan (武神館) organization. Here's an overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life and Education

• Born on December 2, 1931, in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
• Began martial arts training at a young age, initially studying various Japanese martial arts including judo, karate, and aikido
• Received formal education in theater and medicine, eventually earning an osteopathic degree

Martial Arts Journey

• In the early 1950s, he became a student of Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who was the 33rd Grandmaster of several ancient Japanese martial traditions
• Trained under Takamatsu for approximately 15 years before being named successor to these martial lineages
• Inherited nine traditional Japanese martial schools (ryū), including the Togakure-ryū, which dates back around 900 years

Legacy and Influence

• Founded the Bujinkan organization in the 1970s, which teaches Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu, an integrated system of the nine traditional martial arts he inherited
• Gained international recognition when he began accepting foreign students in the 1970s
• Has authored numerous books on martial arts and Japanese culture
• Was awarded the International Culture Award from Japan in 2000
• Served as a martial arts advisor for various films and television productions

Teaching Philosophy

• Emphasizes natural movement, adaptability, and spiritual development alongside physical techniques
• Teaches that martial arts should be used for protection rather than aggression
• Stresses the importance of understanding historical context and preserving traditional knowledge

Hatsumi has dedicated his life to preserving ancient Japanese martial traditions that might otherwise have been lost, while simultaneously introducing these arts to the international community. His teaching has influenced countless martial artists worldwide, and the Bujinkan now has dojos in numerous countries across the globe.