Seiren Dojo

generational headmasters called soke. The transmission of a ryuha often remained within a single family, and in some cases, the age of a ryuha can be many centuries old. In the early to mid 20th century, the stewardship of nine independent ryuha, passed to a well-respected martial artist named Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu. Each of the nine schools contains separate and distinct sets of kata (forms) and heiho (strategic characteristics). Takamatsu-sensei’s foremost student was Dr. Hatsumi, to whom he conferred the title of soke for these nine traditions. Upon Takamatsu-sensei’s death in 1972, Dr. Hatsumi consolidated these nine historical pedigrees into what is now known as the Bujinkan. Though the densho (curriculum or doctrine) of the Bujinkan was formed from the essences of these nine separate historical pedigrees, training opportunities in the original schools of the Bujinkan remain for advanced students, after a proper foundation of kihon (basic techniques) is laid. The main categories of basics include:


taihenjutsu (body movement)
jutaijutsu (grappling)
dakentaijutsu (striking)
kobudo (ancient weapons)
goshinjutsu (self-defense applications)


In addition, training in philosophy, psychological and meditative disciplines, strategy and history are also integrated with the physical training program.