ABOUT
NINJUTSU (忍術) sometimes used interchangeably with the term ninpō (忍法) is a centuries old martial art, strategy, and tactics of the ninja. Ninjutsu is thought under Bujinkan Budo's Soke (Grandmaster) Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda-shi, Japan. The organization is a compilation of 9 ryu (complete "schools") teaching martial art traditions of unarmed and armed (swords, sticks, and many other traditional Japanese weapons) techniques.
The 9 Ruys (schools) include:
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Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術)
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Gyokko ryū Kosshi jutsu (玉虎流骨指術)
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Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術)
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Koto Ryū Koppō jutsu (虎倒流骨法術)
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Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentai jutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術)
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Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu (高木揚心流柔体術)
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Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu (義鑑流骨法術)
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Gyokushin-ryū Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法)
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Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法)
TEACHING PRINCIPLES
Kihon Happo
Bujinkan Budo, with its nine schools offers an enormous amount of knowledge. Without solid foundations, the katas (series of movements) or henka (variations while maintaining the kaname, or the essence of the technique) would not work to their full potential. Those foundations are commonly known as kihon happo.
Playful Spirit
Unlike academic learning, Bujinkan Budo learning takes place through both practicing and experiencing the 'feeling' of the technique. In order to be conscious, and develop a good flow, training is done in a playful, open environment. This exercise requires both physical and mental focus.
Balancing Martial & Arts
The combination of the words martial arts requires a delicate balance between the 'Martial' and the 'Art'. If too much emphasis is placed on modern, practical self defense tactics , the art form may be lost, or become irrelevant. On the other hand, if too much emphasis is placed on art solely, that knowledge may become useless when called for in a real situation.