Budo Warrior Schools │ F.A.Q.

F.A.Q

Q: What is the Bujinkan?
A: The Bujinkan or "Divine Warrior House" is an international martial arts training organization based in Noda Shi, just north of Tokyo in Japan. It is headed by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the current grandmaster or Soke of nine ko ryu or feudal-era martial arts traditions passed to him by his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu.
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Q: What is the martial historical behind your school?
A: The arts or disciplines of the Bujinkan were developed and refined through centuries of political and social upheaval, as well as intense and repeated civil warfare. Some disciplines were used by Japan's hereditary and ruling military class, the samurai. Others disciplines were favored by the secretive clans and families of intelligence and unconventional warfare experts, the Ninja or Shinobi. There was not however, such a distinct a division between the two warrior elites as some would have you believe. Understanding the history helps to understand the technical distinctions between the different ryu or schools of the Bujinkan. Differences in social status and in mission requirements dictated different ideas about combat effectiveness among the different ryu. Such factors as whether or not armor was typically worn, whether it was conventional combat or the need to escape and report vital intelligence, all influenced tactics and the characteristic ways of movement and have heavily influenced the nine differing ryu.
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Q: What does training consist of?
A: Initially the training is based on taijutsu or "body skills", including such skills as: evasions, rolls and breakfalls. Strikes, kicks, locks, throws and chokes. The traditional weapon arts are taught in a natural progression from the strong taijutsu base. Each training session is conducted in a supportive, "family" atmosphere using positive reinforcement.
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Q: Do you teach kata?
A: Kata are generally performed by two (or more) partners and are quite brief, reflecting the reality of combat encounters. They teach basic concepts or principles of survival. Kata are the starting point for learning the arts.
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Q: What makes the Bujinkan system different from other martial arts?
A: The Bujinkan core is a comprehensive or “total” life-protection system. It does not specialize in any particular kind of narrow application or sporting practice as many arts do. Everything is used freely, including unconventional weapons and unconventional applications of common and traditional weapons. In the Bujinkan system the focus is not on learning particular techniques and applying them against an opponent. In the Bujinkan we study and understand the fundamental survival skills of movement distance and timing. This fundamental philosophy needs to be witnessed at first hand to be understood and appreciated.
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Q: How long does it take to learn these arts?
A: The Bujinkan system is best understood as a way of life and not as a study course. You begin as it were by learning the scales as in music but our scales consist of learning effective life-protection principles and skills from the first class, but there is no end to the process.
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Q: What about coloured belts and ranks?
A: A white belt is worn at the very start of your Bujinkan journey. After your first successful grading you will receive a green belt if you are male and a red belt if you are female. Every subsequent kyu or student grade is awarded with silver or gold stars above a red and white Bujinkan badge, the green or red belts do not alter until you are awarded your shodan or first level black belt. Shodan literally means beginning level. So, in the Bujinkan we understand that your black belt is not the end of a journey but the beginning.
The most pivotal rank is the 5th Dan rank. On the immediate passing of which, you would have earned the title of Shidoshi or keeper of the way. The Godan Shinsa is the 5th Dan test. You must hold a valid Yondan Menkyo or 4th Dan certificate to qualify for this test. You will sit in front of Soke with your back to him. A shinai is placed on the top of your head. Soke will then raise the shinai. Without a Kiai (vocal shout), Soke will cut full force, sometimes to the ground with the Shinai aimed at your head. If you have Sakki, you will move and totally avoid the cut, and become 5th Dan or Godan and Shidoshi. If you do not, you will be hit, and remain a Yondan.
There is no dishonour in failing. The honour has already been attained by achieving your Yondan, and being permitted to take and watch the test. You have nothing to lose. With regards to the Godan test, Masaaki Hatsumi Soke has this to say in his book Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu'…

"By the way, the exam for the fifth level of Taijutsu, as exercised at my Bujinkan Dojo, goes like this. A trainee is seated on the floor with his eyes closed. I stand behind him, sword in hand. I will then strike with the sword, using my will set to actually kill the student. If he dodges the attack
successfully the fifth level (Godan - 5th Dan) is awarded to him. In addition, the first step of Bufu (true warrior’s way) starts here. This test is not meant to only evaluate one's skill in avoiding attacks from behind, but also recognising that one cannot live one's life without knowing of things 'in back'. As you may have experienced, someone whom you may have never thought would betray you, has. Even in such cases the strength that you received by passing the Godan test will let you dodge such betrayals, or dissipate the power of these attacks, to maintain righteousness. If you learn simply techniques and actions, such exercises are simply acrobatics. If your mentality remains at such a low level, it will destroy the purpose of ones life. It is like a cancer that obstructs human growth. Therefore, this real sword test (Juji-Giri Mumei no Itto - cross cut in darkness) is like a surgical knife, which shaves off the cancers. It will cut off immature mentality. In addition, this test Identifies those who should not be taught further (for lack of this higher mentality).

Once one passes the Godan test (5th Dan), his training methods naturally change. His training changes into Mienai-keiko (the unseen training), and then into Wakaranai-keiko (The incomprehensible training). It was necessary in ancient days, to have a place to test for the fifth level. When the teacher saw the abuse of the Bushu, he needed a place where he could reprimand the student by a sword, which may have killed the student if necessary.”
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Q: Who is the principal instructor for Budo Warrior Schools?
A: Marc Moor is the chief or principal instructor. He was awarded the title of Shidoshi in 1999.
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Q: How can I join the Bujinkan?
A: The Bujinkan system is not like most martial arts schools where you may attend regularly and get some physical exercise and after a couple of years gain a pretty good understanding of everything within that martial art. The Bujinkan system is more like a friendly group of likeminded people promoting a life development process. At Budo Warrior Schools anyone of good character regardless of experience, size, fitness, gender, race, religion or political persuasion may join, but people wanting a conventional approach to training soon select themselves out.
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Q: Can Children join?
A: All the Budo Warrior Schools Dojo welcome individuals or groups from the age of thirteen. Some Dojo however do accept younger children, please contact for more details.
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Q: What training costs are involved?
A: At Budo Warrior Schools the training fees are paid monthly and the costs vary depending on employment status. There are discounts for students, children and subsequent family members.
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Q: What should I do next?
A: Come along for a warm and friendly welcome at your nearest Budo Warrior Schools class for a free trial period and take it from there.
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