Grandmaster Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi - Short Biography and Work
Dr. Hatsumi founded the Bujinkan, which means "Divine Warrior Hall," in honor of his teacher, Toshitugu Takamatsu. The nine warrior schools of the Bujinkan hail from the ancient battlefields of Japan; six are old samurai schools, the remaining three are schools of the oft-misunderstood ninja. These historical roots provide a mine of rich teachings that are equally applicable to modern situations, teaches Dr. Hatsumi.
Dr. Hatsumi preaches the importance of understanding the principles underlying techniques, not just the mechanics--things that will serve the greatest benefit in the flurry of a real battle. This practicality is the Bujinkan's biggest draw for 200.000 of practitioners around the world, many of whom are involved with law enforcement or personal security.
Dr. Hatsumi, a former bone-setter, has penned over a dozen books, has published over 60 DVD's, and is the former chairman of the Writers Guild of Japan. For his efforts to spread the art of the Bujinkan throughout the world, Dr. Hatsumi has been recognized by many governments, private organizations and distinguished individuals.
Among Dr. Hatsumi's other many honors, awards and recognitions are (see full list later in this text):
- Apostolic Blessing awarded by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, the Vatican, April 2001
- Awarded the International World Culture Grand Prize for Peace and Culture by the Japanese government. The award, the highest honor given for cultural exchange, was presented to Dr. Hatsumi by a member of the Imperial Household on November 22, 1999.
- Certificate of friendship from former American president Regan, Bush and Clinton, the King of Spain His Majesty Juan Carlos, President Mitterrand of France and Prime minister of England Major.
- Letter of appreciation from Pentagon, CIA, FBI, SAS, Royal Marines, National Police Department of Spain
- London Environment Agency
Dr. Hatsumi holds black belts in several arts, including judo, karate, kendo, aikido and jojutsu, and has studied such western arts as boxing. He is grandmaster of the following nine ancient schools of Japanese martial arts which now is the foundation of the Bujinkan:
- Togakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 34th Grandmaster
- Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu Happo Hiken, 28th Grandmaster
- Koto Ryu Koppojutsu Happo Hiken, 18th Grandmaster
- Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakken Taijutsu Happo Hiken, 26th Grandmaster
- Kukishinden Ryu Taijutsu Happo Hiken, 28th Grandmaster
- Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu Happo Hiken, 17th Grandmaster
- Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 14th Grandmaster
- Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 21st Grandmaster
- Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu Happo Hiken, 15th Grandmaster