Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei (Bujinkan Dojo) has decided to rename the art of Ninjutsu - "Budo Taijutsu" to try and eliminate the Western misconceptions about what Ninjutsu is and is not. This renaming has also allowed for a framework that consolidates nine martial arts schools under one discipline.

Togakure Ryu Ninpo

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu

Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu

Kukishinden Happo Biken

Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu

Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Biken

Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo Happo Biken

Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu

Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu

Budo Taijutsu does not refer to a specific style, but more to a group of arts, each with a different point of view expressed by the different school. The physical dynamics from one school to another varies - one may focus on redirection and avoidance while another may charge in and overwhelm, etc.

To provide some kind of brief description, Budo Taijutsu includes the study of both unarmed and armed combative techniques, strategy, philosophy, and history. In most instances, the area of study is quite comprehensive. The idea is to become adept at many things, rather than specialising in only one.

The main principles of Budo Taijutsu are: posture, distance, rhythm and flow. Soke Hatsumi has repeatedly called Budo Taijutsu, "The Art of Distance". The practitioner responds to attacks in such a way that they place themselves in and advantageous position from which an effective response can be employed. They are taught to use the entire body (Taijutsu) for every movement/technique, to provide the most power and leverage. They will use the openings created by the opponent’s movement to implement techniques.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was born in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan on December 2, 1931. Dr. Hatsumi graduated from Meiji University of Medicine in Tokyo, as a Home Tzugi (Osteopathic Doctor) with a major in theatre studies. He is respected as an accomplished practitioner of the ancient Japanese medical techniques of Seikotsu (natural healing), in addition Dr. Hatsumi is an accomplished artist of brush and ink, in the Nihonja style. His art work has been exhibited in the Nagai Gallery of Tokyo and in Paris, France

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is the Head or Soke of the Bujinkan Dojo. Dr. Hatsumi teaches both Japanese and Western students in Japan. Many students of the Bujinkan Dojo travel to Noda City, Japan to train with Sensei and the Master Teachers. The Master Teachers or Shihan's are Sensei's personal students who have been studying Ninjutsu under the Grandmaster's guidance for the past 40 years.