Masaaki Hatsumi — Founder of the Bujinkan
Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭, born 1931, Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan)
is the founder of the Bujinkan Dōjō and inheritor of nine classical
Japanese martial traditions (ryū-ha) passed down to him by his teacher,
Toshitsugu Takamatsu (1887–1972). A teacher, author, artist, and cultural figure,
Hatsumi Sensei is widely regarded for introducing the art of Budō Taijutsu
to practitioners around the world.
Early Life and Education
Hatsumi Sensei was born in 1931 and began studying martial arts at a young age,
exploring jūdō, karate, aikidō, and boxing before discovering the older koryū systems
that would define his path. He attended Meiji University, where he studied theatre
and drama, and later trained in osteopathy and bone-setting—disciplines that deepened
his understanding of human anatomy, structure, and natural motion. In his early adult years, he operated a small osteopathic clinic in Noda City, a profession that allowed him flexibility to pursue his lifelong study of budō.
Training with Toshitsugu Takamatsu
In the mid-1950s, Hatsumi Sensei met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, often referred to as “the Tiger of Mongolia.” Over the next 15 years, he made regular journeys from Noda City to train privately with Takamatsu Sensei in the mountains of Nara Prefecture. This long apprenticeship became the foundation for Hatsumi Sensei’s martial philosophy and expertise. Following Takamatsu Sensei’s passing in 1972, Hatsumi Sensei inherited these lineages and became Sōke (Grandmaster) of nine classical traditions (ryū-ha):
• Togakure-ryū Ninpō (戸隠流忍法) — 34th Sōke
• Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術) — 28th Sōke
• Kuki Shinden-ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) — 28th Sōke
• Kotō-ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術) — 18th Sōke
• Shinden Fudō-ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) — 26th Sōke
• Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) — 17th Sōke
• Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) — 15th Sōke
• Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) — 21st Sōke
• Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) — 14th Sōke
The Bujinkan Organization
Hatsumi Sensei founded the Bujinkan Dōjō in Noda City, Japan, to continue the living study of these Samurai and Ninja arts under a unified system known as Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu. This system emphasizes natural movement, distance, timing, adaptability, and awareness over brute strength or fixed technique. Through the Bujinkan, Hatsumi Sensei has taught thousands of students from around the world, with many traveling to Japan to train under him at the Hombu Dōjō. His seminars, writings, and art have shaped several generations of martial artists and helped preserve traditional budō in the modern world.
Philosophy and Contemplative Practice
Hatsumi Sensei’s teaching style emphasizes the concept of 観心 (kan-shin, observing the heart and mind)—a state of deep awareness and feeling. He often described martial movement as a form of “moving meditation”, a means of perceiving life with clarity and equanimity, embracing both change and the unknown through natural motion.
His writings and artwork reveal a strong contemplative and aesthetic sensibility rooted in the Shintō and Zen philosophy of Samurai culture. His paintings and calligraphy often explore themes of 瞑想 (meisō, meditation), 無心 (mushin, “no-mind”), and 無常 (mujō, impermanence)—illustrating his view that martial arts and mindfulness are inseparable, both paths leading toward harmony and self-understanding.
Cultural Contributions
Beyond teaching, Hatsumi Sensei is a prolific author and cultural contributor. His books—The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques and Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai (both published by Kodansha)—have become cornerstone works in modern budō literature. He has written essays and philosophy columns for Japanese magazines and newspapers, often reflecting on the themes of awareness, peace, and self-cultivation through martial practice.
He also served as a martial arts advisor and choreographer for film and television, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice (1967) and the Japanese series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya (1988–1989), in which he appeared as the mentor character Tetsuzan Yamaji.
Recognition and Honors
Over the course of his life, Masaaki Hatsumi has been recognized both in Japan and internationally for his contributions to martial arts, cultural exchange, and the preservation of traditional Japanese heritage. His unique role in bridging East and West through the study of budō has earned him acknowledgment across governments, institutions, and martial communities.
• 1986 — Instructor of the Year, Black Belt Magazine: Awarded in recognition of Hatsumi Sensei’s teaching excellence and global impact on martial arts education.
• 1999 (often cited as 2000) — International Culture Award, Japan: Presented by a representative of the Japanese Imperial Household on behalf of the Japan Cultural Promoting Association, this prestigious national award honored Hatsumi Sensei’s lifelong contribution to Japanese martial culture and his efforts to foster international understanding through budō.
• 1994 — Honorary Knighthood, Germany: Hatsumi Sensei received an honorary “Knight” title from a German cultural body in recognition of his extensive teaching and the spread of Bujinkan training across Europe. Although Germany no longer grants official noble titles, this honor symbolized respect for his influence as a cultural ambassador and educator.
• 2001 — Apostolic Blessing, Vatican City: Hatsumi Sensei was presented with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II, believed to be the first martial artist to receive such papal recognition. The blessing cited his contributions to peace, discipline, and the promotion of intercultural understanding through martial practice.
• Honorary Doctorates: Hatsumi Sensei has received honorary doctorates in Philosophy and Human Science from institutions in the United States, acknowledging his work in advancing martial philosophy as a humanistic and educational discipline.
• Civic and Law-Enforcement Recognition: Over several decades, Hatsumi Sensei has been granted honorary citizenships in cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dublin, and throughout Texas and New Mexico, and has received commendations and awards from international police and intelligence organizations, military groups, and world leaders—including Spain’s King Juan Carlos, the U.S. Pentagon, the FBI, and several U.S. Presidents. These honors recognize his teachings in self-defense, situational awareness, and the cultural value of budō as a discipline of peace and balance.
• Cultural Recognition and Exhibitions: In Japan, Hatsumi Sensei’s art and calligraphy have been exhibited in museums and municipal centers, and in 2013 he was honored by the CBME Dutch National Hall of Fame for his lifelong cultural influence.
Legacy
Through his art, teaching, and philosophy, Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei continues to embody the spirit of living budō—an art that evolves through compassion, awareness, and impermanence. His life’s work bridges traditional warrior arts and modern self-development, inspiring students worldwide to find stillness within movement.
