The Bujinkan organization was formed in the early 1970's as the umbrella organization under which Hatsumi Masaaki Sōke ("Grandmaster") transmits the teachings of the martial arts Ryū-ha ("traditions" / "schools") which he in turn received from his teacher, Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sōke. These Ryū-ha follow an unbroken lineage back through hundreds of years of Japanese history. The roots of the Ryū-ha themselves are said to be 3,000 years old.

 

Although Hatsumi Sensei possesses Denshō ("scrolls") which designate him as the Sōke of many different Ryū-ha, the Bujinkan itself is officially comprised of the following 9 Ryū-ha: Gyokko ryu Koshijutsu, Koto ryu Koppojutsu, Togakure ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, Gyokushin ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, Kumogakure ryu Ninpo, Shinden Fudo ryu Dakentaijutsu, Kukishin ryu Happobiken, Takagi Yoshin ryu Jutaijutsu, and Gikkan ryu Koppojutsu. 

 

These Ryū-ha were formed during the centuries of civil war which preceded the unification of Japan under theTokugawa Shogunate in 1603. Their teachings have not been watered down for the sake of sporting applications, as is the case with most other Japanese martial practices, but have been faithfully handed down as methods for dealing with real-life conflict-resolution situations. As these teachings have been tested on the battlefield, they are well-suited to self-defense situations where there is no ring and no rules.

 

With no rules, there there are no rule-based competitions such as tournaments or other such sporting events in the Bujinkan. Training is mainly done through study and practice of various scenarios involving 1 or more opponents, either empty-handed or with a variety of tools. Training is done in a safe and controlled manner, at a level of intensity that training partners are comfortable with.