Coulee Roots Bujinkan

Dojo

Student Handbook

November 2017
 Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

What is it?
The Bujinkan is a system of martial arts founded by Soke Masaaki Hatsumi of
Nodashi Japan. This name was created by Soke Hatsumi to collectively represent
the nine ryu-ha (schools) of martial arts contained within. These lineages were
passed down to Soke Hatsumi from his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known by
many as the actual last living ninja. The name of the system can be defined many
ways however one possible translation would be:
Bu – Martial or military
Jin – Spirit or heart
Kan – House or Hall
Bujinkan – “Divine Warrior School”

The 9 Bujinkan Ryu

The Bujinkan martial arts include nine ryu (schools). Each one represents its own
unique skill set or applications. Although some may have similar specialties, their
approach and techniques may be very different. Six of these are regarded as jujutsu
schools of the samurai, and three represent schools of ninjutsu. I have listed them
in random order, including their specialty.
• Togakure Ryu (Hidden Door School) – Ninjutsu (concealing, stelth, patient
arts)
• Gyokko Ryu (Jeweled Tiger School) - Koshijutsu (bone finger art)
• Koto Ryu (Tiger Knockdown School) - Koppojutsu (bone structure art)
• Kukishindin Ryu (Nine Demons’ Divine Transmission School) – Happo
Hikenjutsu (eight secret weapons art)
• Shinden Fudo Ryu (Divine Transmission of Immovability School) –
Dakentaijutsu (hard weapon body art)
 9 Bujinkan Ryu continued…

• Takagi Yoshin Ryu (High Willow Tree Spirit School) – Jujutsu (soft art)
• Gikan Ryu (Clear Truth and Justice School) – Kopojutsu (bone structure art)
• Gyokushin Ryu (Pearl Heart School) – Ninjutsu (concealing, stealth, patient
arts)
• Kumongakure Ryu (Hidden Cloud School) – Ninjutsu (concealing, stealth,
patient arts)

Precepts of the Ninja

Ganbatte
Keep Going

Forget your sadness, anger, grudges and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in
a breeze. You should not deviate from the path of righteousness; you should lead a
worthy life. Don’t be possessed by greed, luxury, or your ego. You should accept
sorrows, sadness, or hatred as they are, and consider them a chance for trial given to
you by the gods… a blessing given by nature. Have both your mind and your time
fully engaged in budo, and have your mind deeply set on bujutsu.

(Written by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi 34th Grandmaster Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu)

 Ninjutsu Hiketsu Bun
Essence of Ninjutsu

by Toshitsugu Takamatsu 33th Soke of the Togakure Ryu

The essence of a Martial Arts and military strategies is self protection and the
prevention of danger. Ninjutsu epitomizes the fullest concept of self-protection
through martial training in that the Ninja art deals with the protection of not only
the physical body, but the mind and spirit as well. The way of the Ninja is the way
of enduring, surviving, and prevailing over all that would destroy one. More than
merely delivering strikes and slashes, and deeper in significance than the simple
out-witting of an enemy; Ninjutsu is the way off attaining that which we need while
making the world a better place. The skill of the Ninja is the art of winning. In the
beginning study of any combative art, proper motivation is crucial. Without the
proper frame of mind, continuous exposure to fighting techniques can lead to ruin
instead of self-development. But this fact is not different from any other beneficial
practice in life carried to extremes.
 Ninjutsu Hiketsu Bun
Essence of Ninjutsu continued…

Medical science is dedicated to the betterment of health and the relief of

suffering, and yet the misuse of drugs and the exultation of the physician’s
skills can lead people to a state where an individual’s health is no longer
within his or her personal control. A nutritious well-balanced diet works to
keep a person alive, vital, and healthy, but grossly over-eating, over-drinking,
or taking in too many chemicals is a sure way to poison the body.
Governments are established to oversee the harmonious inter-working of all
parts of society, but when the rulers become greedy, hungry for power, or
lacking in wisdom, the country is subjected to needless wars, disorder or civil
and economic chaos. A religion, when based on faith developed through
experience, a broad and questing mind, and unflagging pursuit of universal
understanding, is of inspiration and comfort to people. Once a religion loses
its original focus, however, it becomes a deadly thing with which to deceive,
control and tax the people through the manipulation of their beliefs and fears.
It is the same with the martial arts. The skills of self- protection, which should
provide a feeling of inner peace and security for the martial artist, so often
develop without a balance in the personality and lead the lesser martial artist
into warped realms of unceasing conflict and competition which eventually
consume him. If an expert in the fighting arts sincerely pursues the essence of
Ninjutsu, devoid of the influence of the ego’s desires, the student will
progressively come to realize the ultimate secret for becoming invincible – the
attainment of the “mind and eyes of god”. The combatant who would win
must be in harmony with the scheme of totality, and must be guided by an
intuitive knowledge of the playing out of fate. In tune with the providence of
heaven and the impartial justice of nature, and following a clear and pure
heart full of trust in the inevitable, the Ninja captures the insight that will
guide him successfully into battle when he must conquer and conceal himself
protectively from hostility when he must acquiesce. The vast universe,
beautiful in its coldly impersonal totality, contains all that we call good or bad,
all the answers for all the paradoxes we see around us. By opening his eyes
and his mind, the Ninja can responsively follow the subtle seasons and
reasons of heaven, changing just as change is necessary, adapting always, so
that in the end there is no such thing as a surprise for the Ninja.
 “The Rules of Ninjutsu”
Masaaki Hatsumi

The ninja should never initiate an aggressive action.

Always wait for your adversary to make the first move…this is the
first rule in the ninja code of conduct.
As you learn the way of the ninja, you will need to forget the notion that you direct
a combat situation yourself. Your opponent’s moves will dictate your moves. This is
a fundamental concept of the ninja’s method of combat. Sabaki (footwork) is by far
the most important part of the ninja’s physical training. With the ninja’s center of
gravity firmly planted in the lower torso, and energy radiating from the pit of the
stomach, all it takes is the slightest pressure on an attacker’s body to redirect the
momentum of the charge to his own advantage. Therefore, all Masters and students
alike go to great lengths to take care of their feet and legs.
Another vital aspect of our Ninpo taijutsu training…
is developing a natural ingenuity for finding ways of defeating an opponent.
Women and ultimately men alike should strike with ferocity while feigning
weakness (kyojitsu). The ninja art is anything but a test of strength, for strength and
other advantages can be neutralized using correct ninja tactics. Rather than
defeating an opponent, a ninja leads him into defeating himself for a ninja is in
control long before the unbalanced opponent ever knows it.
The balanced life is the key for the ninja.
On the path to becoming a ninja, one must strive to create a pattern of consistency
in every aspect of daily life. Ninpo taijutsu only realizes its full meaning from
acquiring this aspect. Our Ninpo entails a great deal more than the skillful
performance of a group of movements.
Though quite simple and straightforward, this once secret teaching is extremely
complicated and profound. The way of the ninja is the way of the total person.
Practice, enlightenment, the art of living itself… for the ninja, they are one and the
same.
 Dojo Etiquette
All students are expected to follow traditions for discipline and respect. As a
student you are being tested each time you attend class, so you must pay close
attention to the rules and follow them always.
1. Remove shoes when you enter the dojo.
2. Time in the dojo should be spent training, stretching, or relaxing. NO
HORSE PLAY. Socialization should be kept to a minimum.
3. When the instructor is on the mat, all students should become quiet and
line up in a formal line, senior students to the front and left of the teacher.
Late students must line up in the back despite their rank.
4. Follow the proper bowing in procedures.
5. The instructors should be called “Sensei”, all other black belts should be
called “Sir”, “Ma’am”, or Mr. or Ms.
6. Manners should always be used outside the dojo. As a member of the dojo
and a representative of Martial Artists everywhere, the image of a sensitive,
caring, and well mannered individual is required. Respect and courtesy to
other style Martial Artists is also necessary.
7. A double clap means stop and listen to the instructor.
8. There will be no gum chewing or eating during training. Water bottles
should be kept off the mats and out of the way.
9. No jewelry should be worn when training. Long hair should be tied back.
10. A black gi top and bottom, with the appropriate color belt is the
mandatory uniform to be worn when training in the dojo. A black t-shirt
should be worn under the gi top (jacket ). During hot months, the jacket may
be removed unless grappling (which requires a gi top). At formal testing and
demonstrations, full gi are required.
11. Senior belt means anyone at higher rank than you. Black belts may
instruct and provide discipline to lower belts. Discipline will be push ups,
squats, sitting out of training, or a talk involving the senior instructor and the
parent of the lower belt. The senior instructors/owners of the school have
final decision over any severe problems concerning behavior of students.
Students can be asked to leave the school permanently for behavior
inappropriate to training, or in contrast to these outlined rules.
 Bowing In and Bowing Out
Bowing in and out is a very formal and traditional ceremony. It is meant to bring
about a higher degree of focus from students and prepare them to train.
1. When the Sensei calls out that it’s time to start class, students will line up
in Shizen no Kamae and wait until Sensei kneels down in front of the class.
At this time all students kneel in Seiza no Kamae.
2. Sensei will relate any new news to the students. Sensei will then turn
around and students will put palms together before Sensei says “Shikin
Haramisu Daikomyo.” This phrase cannot be directly translated into English
but can imply, ‘a moment of true interaction between life and spirit may lead
to enlightenment.’ Students will repeat the same phrase.
3. Next everyone will clap twice, and then bow forward, rise up to clap again
and then bow forward again.
4. Sensei will then turn to face the class, with hands together, and say
“Oneigaishimasu.” Implying, ‘please assist me.’ Students will repeat the
same phrase with reverence while bowing.
5. When bowing out, the same pattern is followed. However, “Domo Arigato
Goziamasu” replaces the final phrase. This means ‘thank you very much.’
 Student Training Agreement

I have read, and understand the Coulee Roots Bujinkan Dojo student
handbook. I will uphold the guidelines and present a good example of
how a Coulee Roots Bujinkan Dojo member behaves both in and out of
the dojo. I will never use bujinkan techniques outside of the dojo unless
necessary for my safety. I will never incite violence. If physically
threatened I will use escape or evasion techniques to seek safety as a first
response rather than fighting if at all possible. I will try to eat healthy,
drink plenty of water, and sleep 8+ hours in my daily life.
Student__________________________Date_________

Sensei___________________________Date_________

As a parent of a Coulee Roots student, I will strive to help my child

follow the Coulee Roots Bujinkan Dojo student handbook.
Parent____________________________Date________

Parent____________________________Date________
 Direction and Movement Techniques
• Ten – Up; Above • AruKi – Walk
• Chi – Down; Below • Henka – Variation Of
• Chu – Middle Technique
• Ge – Low
• Kamae – Stance; Position
• Hidari – Left
• Zenpo - Forward • Kata – Set Form Of
• Koho – Back; Rear Movements To Teach
• Migi – Right Technique
• Omote – Open; Obvious • Keri – Kick
• Ura – Closed; Hidden • Taijutsu – Body Arts
• Taisabaki – Body Movement
• Tobi – Jump
Counting to 10 • Tsuki - Punch
• Ukemi – Rolling And
1) Ichi Breakfall Techniques; Injury
Prevention
2) Ni
• Waza - Technique
3) San
4) Shi/Yon
5) Go Commands
6) Roku
7) Shichi/Nana • Hajime – Begin
8) Hatchi • Mate – Wait
9) Kyu • Yame – Stop
10) Jyu
 General Vocabulary

• Bujinkan – Divine Warrior Training Hall.

• Buyu – Warrior Friends
• Dan – Black Belt Rank (1<15)
• Dojo – Training Hall; Martial Arts School
• Kunoichi – Female Ninja
• Kyu – Green Belt Rank (9<1)
• Ninja – A Student Of Ninjutsu
• Ninjutsu – The Martial Art Of The Ninja
• Sensei – Teacher; Instructor
• Soke – Grandmaster
• Uke – Person receiving the technique
• Tori – Person applying the technique
 Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

Kihon Kamae – Basic Postures

• Shizen No Kamae – Natural Posture

• Ichimonji No Kamae – One Line Posture
• Doko No Kamae – Angry Tiger defensive Posture
• Hicho No Kamae– Flying Bird Posture
• Kosei No Kamae – Offensive Posture
• Jumonji No Kamae – Cross Line Posture
• Hira No Kamae – One Line Receiving Posture
• Hoko No Kamae – Encircling Tiger receiving Posture
• Seiza No Kamae – Formal Seated Posture
• Sawari No Kamae – Cross Legs Seated Posture
• Fudoza No Kamae – Immovable Seat Posture

Sanshin No Kata

1. Chi No Kata – Earth Form

2. Sui No Kata – Water Form
3. Ka No Kata – Fire Form
4. Fu No Kata – Wind Form
5. Ku No Kata – Void Or Emptiness Form
 Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

Taihenjutsu Ukemi Kata

– Body movement receiving forms

• Zenpo Kaiten – Forward Roll (Up Onto Both Feet)

• Gyaku Zenpo Kaiten – Reverse Forward Roll
• Yoko Kaiten – Side Roll
• Goho Kaiten – Back Roll
• Oten - cartwheel
• Zenpo Ukemi – Front Fall
• Yoko Ukemi – Side Fall
• Goho Ukemi – Back Fall
• Jun Nagare – Basic Flowing
• Gyaku Nagare – Reverse Flowing
• Yoko Nagare – Sideways Flowing
 Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Uke No Kata – Receiving Forms

• Jodan Uke – Upper Level Block

• Gedan Uke – Lower Level Block

Shoten no Jutsu – Running To The Heavens

This is the art of running up vertical surfaces. Training begins with

running up a 3m plank at a 45 degree angle. The angle is gradually
increased until it is at 90 degrees.

Tobi Waza – Leaping

• Hidari Yoko Tobi – Left Sideways Leaping

• Migi Yoko Tobi – Right Sideways Leaping
• Ten Tobi – Heaven Leaping
• Chi Tobi – Earth Leaping
• Zenpo Tobi – Front Leaping
• Koho Tobi – Backward Leaping
 Animal Crawls
Practiced forward, backward, and laterally. Take-off and landings should be
as silent as possible.

• Rabbit – flat footed • Duck – flat footed

squat, feet hips squat, chest up,
width apart, leap for hands at ears (duck
height. wings), walk.
• Frog – flat footed • Crab – table-top
squat, feet wider position pushing
apart, leap for hips to sky, walk.
distance. • Ostrich – bend at
• Sloth – hands and hips only far enough
knees (square under that your back
body), knees 1 inch remains flat, reach
off floor, opposite toward floor with
side hand/foot, slow each straight legged
crawl. step.
• Bear – bend at hips • Shrimp (omote)– lay
w/straight legs, on back w/knees
hands on floor (looks bent, arms protecting
like “downward face, push off one
dog”), same side foot shooting hips
hand/foot, opposite direction
lumbering. and gaining distance.
 Animal Flows

• Rabbit Flow – Rabbit leap,

zempo kaiten, oten.
• Sloth Flow – Sloth x 3, frog
leap, yoko nagare.
• Monkey Flow – Monkey
(yoko), yoko kaiten, koho
kaiten.
• Crab Flow – Crab (koho),
koho oten, ichimonji switch,
jun nagare.
• Bear Flow - Bear x 3,
handstand, ichimonji switch,
koho nagare.
• Shrimp Flow – Shrimp (ura),
inchworm kaiten (omote, ura),
inchworm aruki.
 Hiken Juroppo – Striking Techniques

• Kikaku Ken or Zu Tsuki- head strike

• Shuki Ken- elbow strike
• Fudo Ken or Kongo Ken- clenched fist or hammer strike
• Kiten Ken or Shuto Ken- sword hand
• Shishin Ken- finger needle strike( little finger)
• Shitan Ken- fingertips together
• Shako Ken- claw strike
• Boshi Ken or Shito Ken- thumb strike
• Shikan Ken- extended knuckle strike
• Tai Ken- body, body hurtling strikes
• Koppo Ken- thumb knuckle strike
• Happa Ken- open hand slap
• Sokuyaku Ken- sole or heel kick
• Sokki Ken- knee strike
• Sokugyaku Ken- toe kick
• Ki Ken- spirit fist, using power of mind or spirit
 Kihon Happo – Eight Fundamental Forms

Koshi Kihon Sanpo - koshijutsu’s three fundamental

ways

• Ichimonji no Kata
• Hicho no Kata
• Jumonji no Kata

Torite Kihon Kata Goho- five fundamental hand

capture forms

• Omote Gyaku Dori

• Ura Gyaku Dori
• Musha Dori
• Oni Kudaki
• Ganseki Nage
 Resources
For martial arts and general physical health.

• Honbu Dojo Japan – Masaaki Hatsumi www.bujinkan.com

• Warrior Information Network www.winjutsu.com
• Bujinkan Lexington Dojo www.bldojo.com
• Bujinkan Sonoma Dojo www.bujinkansonoma.com
• Bujinkan Madison Dojo www.bujinkanmadisondojo.com
• Bujinkan Mizu Nagare Dojo www.mizunagaredojo.com
• The Way Of The Ninja by
Masaaki Hatsumi
• The Martial Way
by Forrest E Morgan
• The Art of War
by Sun Tzu
• It Starts With Food
by Melissa Hartwig
• The Primal Blueprint
by Mark Sisson