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What is the dojo like?

We are a traditional Japanese Dojo (Koryu/Kobudo) training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. This is one of the top martial arts in the world. The art has a deep history (over 1,000 years), the training is combat effective, and most important: we all enjoy training. Our dojo is a part of the Pacific Northwest Bujinkan family of dojos. 

​Everyone in the dojo helps each other learn, they become your friends, not your competitors. This is a complete system and includes grappling, striking, and weapons. Our heritage includes Bujutsu (Samurai arts) and Ninjutsu (Ninja arts) -- this is the only authentic Ninjutsu dojo in Idaho with a Japan-licensed teacher. 

What is Bujinkan Ninjutsu?

Documentary on Hatsumi Soke

The name of our art is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, which refers to the physical and spiritual techniques required for studying this martial art. We examine and train in both Ninja and Samurai arts as both are part of our system's heritage (The truth of Ninjutsu is quite different from the way it is portrayed in movies. The truth is actually more interesting than fiction and is studied as part of our curriculum. For more information on this, read this article, and also this page here).

​The word Bujin uses two Japanese kanji: 武 Bu – warrior, and 神 Jin (also pronounced Shin or Kami) – divine or enlightened. 館 Kan means a castle or hall. So, the Bujinkan means the Hall of the Enlightened Warrior, or Hall of the Divine Warrior. Ninjutsu means the art or skills of the Ninja, it is composed of 忍 Nin - to endure or persevere, and 者 Ja - person. So, the meaning of the word ninja is a person who endures/perseveres.

According to the head of our art, Hatsumi Soke, right now is the best period for those studying Ninjutsu, because a person can evolve and perfect their skills to such an extent that was not possible before. The Bujinkan Dojo is today the only school teaching true Ninjutsu in the original manner (many other so-called ninjutsu schools teach a pieced together system of other martial arts they picked up from different teachers and call it ninjutsu, or several are dissenters from the Bujikan that have started their own schools and are break-offs from the original). Furthermore this is the only ninja school and one of the few samurai traditions taught today that has endured a strict, uninterrupted line of Soke (patriarch over a school or grandmaster).

The Bujinkan Dojo consists of nine total Koryu (ancient martial arts schools that existed before the Meiji period which began during the 1800s). Several of the Bujinkan's schools date back to the 1100s with the "youngest" school dating back to the 1600s. These were passed down through an unbroken line through their various Soke until they ultimately were all passed on from the previous heads of the schools to one man, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who then passed them to his pupil, Dr. Hatsumi. The title of Soke (the patriarch, head of the family; Bujinkan is considered a big family), was passed to Dr. Hatsumi so that these martial arts could evolve and live on. Hatsumi Soke organized the Bujinkan as a system for teaching these nine ancient schools. The majority being Ninha schools or schools having ties to ninja, the remainder being samurai schools. 

The Bujinkan is known worldwide and has official dojos in more than 40 countries. Hatsumi Soke has been given special honors by the Emperor of Japan, all U.S. military branches, FBI and CIA, U.S. Homeland Security, and is even the first martial artist in history to receive an Apostolic Blessing by the Vatican. To learn more on Hatsumi Soke, watch the documentary above on Amazon Prime or visit our Instructors page.

You can also read more about our art and Hatsumi Soke in this article: https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b02345/?pnum=1

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what is the training like?

A student in our school starts by learning a core set of basics from all of the schools that provide a strong and effective foundation from which to build. Each year we also focus on learning the Waza (techniques) from the densho (ancient scrolls) of one of the individual schools.

In the dojo we train to accept and receive attacks from opponents (Uke Negashi) in a realistic manner with the greatest efficiency possible. In the Bujinkan, we use distance, balance, and timing in our training to develop skill sets that allow us to interact with an opponent so that they cause their own destruction.

The basic disciplines of unarmed fighting are divided into Dakentaijutsu (punching and kicking techniques, [Karate]), Koshijutsu (attacking muscles and organs techniques), Koppojutsu (attacking bones and bone structure techniques), and Jutaijutsu (controlling [Jujutsu/Jiujutsu/Jiujitsu] and throwing [Judo] techniques). While we do train in some very devastating combat methods, our philosophy holds that these are unnecessary except in the most dire of circumstances. We should love and pity anyone so out of balance that they would attack another human being and not cause them harm if it isn't necessary. If it should be necessary, however, then we are armed with the skills and knowledge for such an encounter. We train in the set techniques (Waza) of the ancient schools (Koryu) we study and learn to adapt them using the secret teachings (Gokui) for any situation. Free training (Randori) simulates the realities of an altercation and also helps students learn to deal with stress and pressure from real attacks.

What weapons are studied?

Kenjutsu (sword techniques) and Bukijutsu (various combat weapons) are studied at all levels, you don't have to wait for a certain rank level to start using weapons. We train in both ancient traditional weapons and modern weapons. There are several of every training weapon available to borrow in the dojo. Many students prefer to own and train with their weapons. Because of the nature of our training, for the safety of everyone, only high quality weapons may be used in the dojo. Here are some of the weapons we teach.

Nihonto: Japanese Swords: Katana, Dai-Katana, Wakizashi, Tachi, Kodachi, Odachi, Ken, Ninjato, Nagamaki
Bo: Roku Shaku Bo, Jo, Hanbo
Tanto: knives
Juu: guns
Yari: spears
Naginata and Bisento: large pole arm weapons with curved blades
Shuriken: throwing weapons such as Shakken (stars) and Bo Shuriken (straight spikes)
Kyoketsu Shoge: blade and hook weapon with weighted rope attached.
Nawa: rope for restraining opponent
Kusari Fundo: weighted chain weapon
And more

What gear and equipment is needed for training?

Training is done wearing traditional all black uniforms called keikogi, dogi, or simply gi. There are many different styles available at various prices. You do not have to buy a gi through the dojo to participate, you may find one that suits you best or wear a black one you already own. Sometimes a free gi is offered as part of a new member promotion.

In Japan, Bujinkan teachers and practitioners wear tabi during training. These are split toed socks common in Japanese traditional clothing. In our dojo many students wear tabi as well, but regular socks are fine to wear also. Often enough the Japanese wear western style socks for training also so it's not an issue to not wear tabi.

There are training weapons available to borrow in the dojo, and many students choose to train with their own weapons. Because of the nature of our training, for the safety of everyone, only high quality weapons may be used in the dojo. A mouth guard, padded grappling/striking gloves, and padded headgear are also suggested for training. Males should wear a cup, females a chest guard for intense-contact training.

are there guidelines for participation?

Yes, there is a set of official guidelines for members of the Bujinkan, written by the head of our martial art in Japan, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi. They are:
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1.  The Bujinkan shall be open to only those who agree with and uphold the guidelines of the Bujinkan Dojo. Those not doing so shall not be allowed to join. Specifically: Only those who have read and agreed with these guidelines shall be allowed to participate.
2.  Only those able to exercise true patience, self-control, and dedication shall be allowed to participate. A physician's examination report shall be required. Specifically, individuals with mental illness, drug addiction, or mentally instability shall be barred from joining. The necessity of such a report concerns individuals who may present a danger to others, for example, those with infectious diseases or illnesses, individuals with clinically abnormal personalities or physiology, and individuals lacking self-control.
3.  Individuals with criminal records shall be turned away. Trouble makers, those who commit crimes, and those living in Japan who break domestic laws shall be turned away.
4.  Those not upholding the guidelines of the Bujinkan, either as practitioners or as members of society, by committing disgraceful or reproachable acts shall be expelled. Until now, the Bujinkan was open to large numbers of people who came to Japan. Among them, unfortunately, were those committing violent drunken acts, the mentally ill, and trouble makers who thought only of themselves and failed to see how their actions might adversely affect others. Through their actions, such people were discarding the traditional righteous heart of the Bujinkan. From this day forward, all such people shall be expelled.
5.  Regarding accidents occurring during training (both inside and outside the dojo), one should not cause trouble to the Bujinkan. This is an extremely important point. Those unwilling to take personal responsibility for accidents occurring during Bujinkan training shall not be admitted. Reiterating for clarity, the Bujinkan shall not take responsibility for any accidents happening in the course of training, regardless of the location.
6.  All those joining the Bujinkan must get an annual member's card. This card not only preserves the honor of the Bujinkan members, it indicates you are part of a larger whole - one whose members come together with warrior hearts to better themselves through training and friendship. It evinces the glory of warrior virtue, and embodies both loyalty and brotherly love.
7.  The tradition of the Bujinkan recognizes nature and the universality of all human life, and is aware of that which flows naturally between the two parts:
"The secret principle of Taijutsu is to know the foundations of peace."
"To study is the path to the immovable heart (fudoshin)."

Recently, the Bujinkan has become truly international. Just as there are various time zones, so exist various taboos among the world's peoples and nations. We must respect each other, striving to avoid such taboos. We must put the heart of the warrior first, working together for self-improvement and for the betterment of the Bujinkan.

Those not upholding the above-mentioned guidelines shall be forced out of the Bujinkan.

Masaaki Hatsumi - Soke 

what is the history of the bujinkan?

The heritage of the Bujinkan goes back over 900 years. Because the history of the Bujinkan is so deep, this is just a brief overview. More of the complete history is available to learn in the dojo or through history books. The Bujinkan is a world wide Japanese martial arts organization headed by Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. Dr. Hatsumi is the Soke (Grandmaster/head of family) of nine different schools of martial arts, both samurai and ninja. Here is a short documentary video about Toshitsugu Takamatsu Soke, the late teacher to our current Grandmaster, Hatsumi Soke. This video helps put into perspective the nature of our training and the history it is steeped in.​

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The Bujinkan is comprised of nine ancient martial arts schools that were passed down from generation to generation until they are all passed on to Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.  Hatsumi Soke has been given special honors by the Emperor of Japan, all U.S. military branches, FBI and CIA, U.S. Homeland Security, and is even the first martial artist in history to receive an Apostolic Blessing by the Vatican.

Below is a list of the nine schools of the Bujinkan and the generation number that Dr. Hatsumi is the Soke of. Also included is the meaning of each school's name, their specialty, and the year they were founded.

Togakure Ryu Ninpo 
34th Grandmaster
Hidden Door School, Ninja school, founded in 1161 AD. One of the oldest ninja schools of the Iga province.

Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu 
28th Grandmaster
Jeweled Tiger School, related to Ninja, soft tissue and organ attacks, founded officially in 1156 AD, though it's origins date back hundreds of years earlier to Tang Dynasty China, 618-907 AD.

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu 
18th Grandmaster
Knocking Down Tiger School, related to Ninja, bone breaking, founded in 1532 AD.

Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu/Jutaijutsu 
26th Grandmaster
Immovable Heart School, striking and grappling, founded 1113 AD.

Kukishin Ryu Taijutsu 
28th Grandmaster
Nine Spirits Divine Transmission School, samurai school specializing in naval warfare, long battlefield weapons, and unarmed fighting, founded during the 1330s AD.

Takagiyoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu 
17th Grandmaster
High Tree Raised Heart School, samurai grappling school, founded in 1632.

Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo 
14th Grandmaster
Hiding in the Clouds School, Ninja school, founded in the Tenmon Era 1532-1554.

Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo 
21st Grandmaster
Jeweled Heart School, Ninja school, because of historical record discrepancies, it is not know exactly when this school was founded. It was founded before 1600 AD.

Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu 
15th Grandmaster
Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School, bone breaking school, founded in the Eiroku Era, 1558-1570.

The Bujinkan is an organization through which these nine different schools can be taught. A student in our school starts by learning a core set of basics from all of the schools that provide a strong and lethal foundation from which to build. Each year we also focus on learning the Waza (techniques) from the densho (ancient scrolls) of one of the individual schools.

This is just a brief overview of the Bujinkan's history. Its history is very deep and each of the nine schools has its own history, dating back nearly one thousand years in some cases. Participants have the opportunity to learn it all.

additional considerations

Choosing a martial art is a very personal thing and there are many forms to choose from. Our priority is to keep the art alive through training in authentic traditional forms and adapting them to modern day situations. We are only open to those students interested in the training and are willing to dedicate to a solid training experience. We don't try to inflate membership numbers by simplifying the training for the lowest common denominator. We don't train as if it were a military boot camp either and you are never forced to do anything you are not ready for, while at the same time pushing through your comfort zones to achieve more than you thought possible. If you are interested in traditional Japanese martial arts training (koryu training), we would love to have you as part of our dojo family.

Point of Caution 1: Be aware, there are other dojos in the USA that claim to be authentic Ninjutsu, but they are in reality break away schools from the Bujinkan and have severed their ties to Soke (Head of Family, or Grandmaster) Masaaki Hatsumi, and thus also from the lineage of the Nine Schools. They often will mention the "Nine Schools," or will say that their teacher was a student of Masaaki Hatsumi, but they are not Bujinkan schools and have no direct connection to the lineage of the Nine Schools. Sometimes they will try to make it seem they are still training under Hatsumi Soke, when the reality is they are not. The Bujinkan is the only organization name that Soke teaches through (not some other school whose head teachers left the Bujinkan or were thrown out and then proclaimed themselves as grandmasters and started their own schools). If you want to learn the authentic martial arts and receive ranking certificates from Japan, signed by Masaaki Hatsumi Soke, you need to train under a teacher licensed in the Bujinkan. They will be registered with the Bujinkan as a Shidoshi, have a Shidoshi certificate in Japanese authorizing them to teach, and an up-to-date Shidishi-Kai card for the year. The Sensei (instructor) will provide annual membership cards in the Bujinkan and order rank certificates for students from Japan. Our dojo's Sensei regularly trains in Japan under Hatsumi Soke and the Japanese Daishihan (master instructors). It is disappointing to see students misled by schools claiming one thing when the reality is something else and a little research will uncover the misrepresentations. But don't just take our word for it, come in and experience the training and you'll understand the difference.

Point of Caution 2: Occasionally someone comes across misinformation regarding what Ninjutsu is or isn't. They read something on the internet, in a book, or in a movie that doesn't actually connect with historical truth about Ninjutsu. Not everything on the internet, in books, or movies is truth. Historical facts must corroborate what an author or producer is claiming, and too often this isn't the case. However, there is also a wealth of factual historical information available on Ninjutsu, with more being uncovered a from old documents all the time. For accurate scholarly history on Ninjutsu, please start with these books if you are interested:
The Ninja, The Secret History of Ninjutsu: Ancient Shadow Warriors of Japan
Hidden Lineage Vol. 1 - The Ninja of the Toda Clan
Essence of Ninjutsu
The Complete Ninja
Mysteries of the Ninja: An Examination of the Myths Surrounding the Ancient Shadow Warrior
Introductory History to the Nine Schools of the Bujinkan
Ninjato