Ninjutsu: Discover the extraordinary art of Ninja

In the vast universe of Japanese martial arts, there is one figure that has intrigued and fascinated entire generations: the ninja.

Shrouded in a veil of mystery and legend, the art of ninjutsu has been the subject of speculation and admiration in both the East and the West.

From the shadows of ancient history to its presence in contemporary popular culture, we will decipher the secrets of these masters of stealth and cunning.

We will delve further into the fascinating world of the ninja, exploring their enigmatic history and cultural impact.

How the Shadow Warrior Emerged

The ninja (translated as the person who resists), also known as shinobi no mono or simply shinobi (one who hides), were warriors specialized in stealth, infiltration, and espionage tactics in feudal Japan, especially during the Sengoku (1467-1603) and Edo (1603-1868) periods.

They emerged as a response to the need to develop unconventional combat techniques to confront the political and military conflicts of the time.

But the truth is that long before their, let's say, more widely known appearance, ninja lived in hiding, living simple lives in the Japanese mountains.

There are traces of the existence of these iconic warriors dating back almost ten centuries, and part of the shinobi villages were located in the Iga Mountains region (today, a famous ninja museum is located there).

Although the popular image of ninja is often associated with mysterious figures and supernatural abilities, they were actually experts in guerrilla tactics, camouflage, sabotage, and intelligence, but in their villages, they were also very good farmers.

Over the centuries, ninja trained in various ancient martial arts (bujutsu), the use of weapons such as the sword and shuriken (throwing stars), and the use of disguise and camouflage techniques. All of this was extremely necessary for defense against attacks from invaders.

Ninja operated both on the battlefield and in urban environments, carrying out covert missions for a variety of clients, from feudal lords to wealthy merchants. Their ability to infiltrate strongholds, gather intelligence, and destabilize the enemy gave them a feared and respected reputation throughout the country.

With the end of the feudal period and the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate in the 17th century, the need for ninjas diminished, but their legacy endures in Japanese culture and the popular imagination to this day.

What is Bujinkan?

Within the vast panorama of Japanese martial arts, the Bujinkan emerges as a
hidden treasure, a lineage that preserves and teaches the ancient techniques of the ninja.

Bujinkan is an international martial arts organization founded by Sensei (master) Masaaki Hatsumi in 1972. Its name is derived from the kanji (Chinese characters) "Bujin," meaning "divine warrior," and "Kan," meaning "place" or "house."

The Bujinkan is considered one of the main heirs of traditional ninjutsu, combining techniques from different schools of Japanese martial arts, known as ryūha.

What distinguishes the Bujinkan is its holistic approach to the study of ninja skills, which goes beyond simply learning to fight.

Associate practitioners not only train in hand-to-hand combat techniques, but also explore the use of traditional weapons, wilderness survival, traditional medicine, and Japanese philosophy.

Through the Bujinkan, students can immerse themselves in a journey of self-discovery and personal growth while learning the ancient arts of Japanese warriors through Budo Taijutsu.

The Bujinkan's philosophy promotes respect, humility, and self-discipline, and fosters a deep understanding of Japanese history and culture.

What is Budo Taijutsu?

Budo Taijutsu is the martial art practiced within the Bujinkan. It focuses on the physical, mental, and spiritual development of the individual, emphasizing the efficient use of the human body in combat.

Practitioners learn to move with fluidity and grace, developing strength, agility, and coordination. They also cultivate principles such as respect and humility.

Within the nine ryuha included in Bujinkan Budo TaiJutsu, three are Ninpō (ninja art) and the other six are Bujutsu (art of war):

• Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu

• Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (Ninjutsu)

• Koto-ryū Koppōjutsu

• Kukishinden-ryū Happō Bikenjutsu

• Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (Ninjutsu)

• Shinden Fudo-ryū Dakentaijutsu

• Takagi Yoshin-ryū Jūtaijutsu

• Gikan-ryū Koppōjutsu

• Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (Ninjutsu)
  
  

The heirs of tradition

The history of Budo Taijutsu, also known and most widespread throughout the world as “Ninjutsu”, is a saga of masters and apprentices that goes back generations.

Takamatsu Toshitsugu

Takamatsu Toshitsugu was a child prodigy who became a martial arts master from an early age.

Throughout his life, Takamatsu mastered the nine ryuha, or traditional schools, that form the foundation of Budo Taijutsu.

As Takamatsu aged, he searched for a worthy successor to inherit his vast knowledge and experience. Eventually, he found his ideal disciple, who had proven to be exceptionally talented and dedicated.

Over time, Takamatsu entrusted Hatsumi Masaaki with the responsibility of being the "Soke" (heir) of the nine ryuha, thus transmitting the tradition passed down from generation to generation in 1968.

Hatsumi
Masaaki

Hatsumi became a legendary figure in the world of martial arts, taking Budo Taijutsu to new heights of global recognition.

For decades, he guided countless students on the path of the warrior, teaching not only combat skills but also values ​​such as integrity, humility, and respect.

In a significant milestone in his career, Masaaki Hatsumi announced on his 88th birthday in 2019 that he had selected eight new Sokes to lead each of the nine ryuha.

Los ocho nuevos Soke

These successors, carefully chosen and trained by Hatsumi himself, represent the next generation of leaders in the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu organization.

Tsutsui Takumi: 35th successor of Togakure-ryū.

Noguchi Yukio: 19th successor of Kotō-ryū.

Ishizuka Tetsuji (RIP): 29th successor of Gyokko-ryū.

Nagato Toshiro: 27th successor of Shinden Fudō-ryū.

Kan Jun'ichi: 22nd successor of Gyokushin-ryū.

Sakasai Norio: 18th successor of Takagi Yōshin-ryū and 16th successor of Gikan-ryū.

Furuta Kōji: 15th successor of Kumogakure-ryū.

Iwata Yoshio: 29th successor of Kukishinden-ryū.

This legacy of masters and disciples, dating back centuries to Takamatsu Toshitsugu and continuing with Hatsumi Masaaki and his successors, is the very essence of Budo Taijutsu.

It is a testament to the dedication, passion, and commitment of those who strive to preserve and transmit the ancient Japanese martial arts to future generations.

Shidoshi-ho Maykol Richter

Maykol, a passionate Brazilian, stands out as an experienced professional in various Japanese disciplines, including the ancient martial art of Budo Taijutsu.

In the field of martial arts, he achieved the title of Shidoshi-ho in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, earning his 4th DAN in 2024, recognized by Daishihan Alejandro Garcia (RIP), and under the supervision of Shidoshi Felix Gabriel Aguilar (Posadas – Mukae Dojo).

Maykol has always been interested in martial arts since he was a child, and he began participating in the Bujinkan in 2003, when he was just 16 years old, at Yudai Dojo, Blumenau, Brazil. He practiced for many years with Sensei Fabricio Vegini (15th Dan) in his hometown, and later met other teachers around the world, where he practiced directly in classes or seminars, including during his trip to Japan in 2010.

*Fabricio Vegini (15th Dan – BR) – Classes in Blumenau/BR;

*Felix Gabriel Aguilar (7th Dan – AR) – Classes in Posadas/AR;

*Martin Aguilar (6th Dan – AR) – 1 Seminar in Posadas/AR;

*Hans Coolen (15th Dan – CA) – Occasional Classes in Paraguay;

*Hernan Goijman (15th Dan – AR) – 1 Seminar in Posadas/AR;

*Kacen Zoughari (15th Dan – FR) – 2 Seminars in Brazil;

*Lubos Pokorny ((15th Dan – CZ) – 1 seminar in Brazil;

*Jake Sharpstone (15th Dan – GB) – 3 weeks of Classes in Cambridge / England;

*Carsten Schroeder (4th Dan – DE) – 6 months of Classes in Berlin/Germany;

*Isamu Shiraishi (15th Dan – JP) – 1 class at Honbu Dojo / Japan;

*Toshiro Nagato (Soke Shinden Fudo Ryu – JP) – 1 class at Honbu Dojo / Japan;

*Yukio Noguchi (Soke Koto Ryu – JP) – 1 class at Honbu Dojo / Japan;

*Tetsuji Ishizuka (Soke Gyokko Ryu – JP) – 2 weeks of classes – Ishizuka Dojo / JP;

*Masaaki Hatsumi (Soke Bujinkan – JP) – 3 classes at Honbu Dojo / Japan;

In addition to his experience in Budo Taijutsu, Maykol has an impressive academic and professional background, including:

• Postgraduate studies in Integrative and Complementary Health Practices in Brazil.

• He is a Reiki Master with extensive experience in Brazil (taught nearly 50 in-person courses).

• He has been a Yoga teacher since 2014, certified in three styles (including AcroYoga, the International Method of California/US).

• He has been a Holistic Therapist since 2013, specializing in Thai Massage (Certified by the ITM School of Chiang Mai, Thailand), Zen Shiatsu, and other manual therapies.

His dedication and passion for Japanese practices are reflected in his commitment to continuous learning and his desire to share his knowledge with others.

Bujinkan Kotora Dojo – Encarnación, Paraguay

Recently, Shidoshi-ho Maykol took a major step in his life by opening his own dojo in Encarnación, Paraguay, called Bujinkan Kotora Dojo - with the authorization of Shidoshi Felix and Daishihan Alejandro Garcia (RIP).

He also taught classes in Posadas throughout 2024, extending his influence beyond his borders.

Through his work in Encarnación, Maykol seeks not only to spread the teachings of Budo Taijutsu, but also to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle based on the principles of respect, integrity, and self-development.

Would you like to learn more about the classes? Sign up now for your first free class and discover the secrets of this famous and incredible martial art!