| Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei (Bujinkan Dojo) has decided to rename the art of Ninjutsu - "Budo Taijutsu" to try and eliminate the Western misconceptions about what Ninjutsu is and is not. This re-naming has also allowed for a framework that consolidates nine martial arts schools under one discipline.
- Togakure Ryu Ninpo
- Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
- Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu
- Kukishinden Happo Biken
- Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu
- Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Biken
- Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo Happo Biken
- Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu
- Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu
Budo Taijutsu does not refer to a specific style, but more to a group of arts, each with a different point of view expressed by the different school. The physical dynamics from one school to another varies - one may focus on redirection and avoidance while another may charge in and overwhelm, etc.
To provide some kind of brief description, Budo Taijutsu includes the study of both unarmed and armed combative techniques, strategy, philosophy, and history. In most instances, the area of study is quite comprehensive. The idea is to become adept at many things, rather than specializing in only one.
The main principles of Budo Taijutsu are: posture, distance, rhythm and flow. Soke Hatsumi has repeatedly called Budo Taijutsu, "The Art of Distance". The practitioner responds to attacks in such a way that they place themselves in and advantageous position from which an effective response can be employed. They are taught to use the entire body (Taijutsu) for every movement/technique, to provide the most power and leverage. They will use the openings created by the opponent’s movement to implement techniques.
Note: Due to the combative nature of the techniques studied, there are no tournaments or competitions in Budo Taijutsu. There are Bujinkan Guidelines that is enforced and expected for every practitioner to adhere to. |
