Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi (Born December 2, 1931)

He graduated from Meiji University in Tokyo, with a major in theater studies, and later opened his own chiropractic clinic in Noda City.

From his childhood he studied many martial arts, including Judo and western boxing. But it was first when he met his teacher Toshitsugu Takamatsu that he found the arts that he wanted to dedicate his life to.

From Takamatsu he inherited the position of Soke (Grandmaster) of 9 Ryu (schools of martial art):

  • Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu - The Hidden Door School
  • Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu - The Jeweled (or pearl) Tiger School of "bone finger art"
  • Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu - The Nine Demon School of "eight secret weapons arts"
  • Koto Ryu Koppojutsu - The Tiger Knocking Down School of Bone Structure Art
  • Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu - The Immovable Heart School of "hard weapon body art"
  • Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu - The High Tree and Awakened Heart School
  • Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu - The Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School of Bone Structure Art
  • Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu - The Jeweled (or pearl) Heart School
  • Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo - The Hiding in the Clouds School

To facilitate the teaching of these schools he created the Bujinkan organization, that teaches his amalgation of all the schools.