Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
34th Grandmaster of Ninjutsu
Founder of Bujinkan - Meaning “Divine Warrior Hall”

www.bujinkan.com
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is the 34th Grandmaster in an unbroken line of the last nine living traditions of authentic ninjutsu, some of which are over 1000 years old. He is considered a living national treasure by the Japanese government. Dr. Hatsumi is also an internationally know painter, whose works have been exhibited in galleries from Tokyo, Japan to Paris, France. With more than 45 years of experience in the martial arts, Dr. Hatsumi has written numerous books on ninjutsu, is the author of several children's books and is the former chairman of the Writers Guild of Japan. He personally owns the world's most extensive collection of ninja artifacts, which are on loan to museums throughout Japan. Living in Noda City, Japan, he practices medicine and directs the International Bujinkan organization. He travels the world to share the teachings taught to him by his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, of Budo Taijutsu. Dr. Hatsumi holds two international Taikai (gatherings) for training each year. One is normally held in Europe and the other in the United States. Furthermore, students and scholars travel to Japan from many countries in order to train with this “mystical” man throughout the year.

• Black Belt magazine named Dr. Hatsumi "Instructor of the Year" for 1986. This is a unique honor because very few martial artists who live overseas receive this award. Dr. Hatsumi is best known for "opening the doors" to Ninjutsu to non-Japanese
• In 1987 and 1988 he starred in the Japanese TV show Jiraiya (a Japanese Robin Hood) in the role of a ninja master
• In the Spring of 1988, Dr. Hatsumi gave a martial arts demonstration for the FBI in Washington D.C., and was given a personal tour of Congress. Other law enforcement agencies have also recognized Dr. Hatsumi for his work, such as the NSA
• On June 12, 1990, Dr. Hatsumi and his staff had a personal audience with Georgia Governor, Joe Frank Harris and the governor issued an official proclamation in his honor
• Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recognized Dr. Hatsurni at the Tai Kai Atlanta. 1990
• In 1991, Dr. Hatsurni was granted honorary membership in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
• In 1992, Dr. Hatsumi was the focus of a CNN feature story. He has also starred in a series of instructional video tapes involving various aspects of the ancient martial art of ninjutsu
• Dr. Hatsumi received an honorary doctorate from Euro technical Research University in 1992 for teaching Bujinkan Martial Sciences
• In 1993, Dr. Hatsumi was honored with a Doctorate of Philosophy from the World Association of Colleges and Universities for his publication of books and production of videos. He holds another Honorary Doctorate degrees in Human Sciences
• Dr. Hatsumi was awarded the title of Knighthood from Germany
• In 1996, Dr. Hatsumi was officially recognized by the Atlanta Olympic Committee during the TaiKai Atlanta 1996
• Dr. Hatsumi starred in a Japanese movie on the life of a famous ninja, Hanzo Hatori
• November 22, 1999, the Japanese Government presented Dr. Hatsumi with the International Culture Award for being the Bujinkan Founder. This award is the highest honor given for cultural exchange and was awarded by a member of the Imperial Household. "This award is a great honor for the Bujinkan," stated Dr. Hatsumi at the presentation ceremony. Dr. Hatsumi is the 92nd recipient of this prestigious honor to date
• Dr. Hatsumi was nominated for his cross-cultural leadership in martial arts instruction
  

The Bujinkan is comprised of nine warrior schools dating back from the ancient battlefields of Japan; six are old samurai schools, the remaining three are schools of the often-misunderstood ninja. These historical teachings that are equally applicable to situations we face today. The practicality of the Bujinkan is perhaps the biggest draw for thousands of practitioners throughout the world. The professions of these practitioners range from that of doctors, lawyers, bricklayers, mom’s, youth, painters, law enforcement officials and many others.

Dr. Hatsumi holds black belts in several arts, including judo, karate, kendo, aikido and jojutsu, and has studied such western arts as boxing. He is grandmaster of the following nine schools of the Bujinkan:

• Togakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 34th Grandmaster
• Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu Happo Hiken, 28th Grandmaster
• Koto R yu Koppojutsu Happo Hiken, 18th Grandmaster
• Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakken Taijutsu Happo Hiken, 26th Grandmaster
• Kukishin Ryu Taijutsu Happo Hiken, 28th Grandmaster
• Takagiyoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu Happo Hiken, 17th Grandmaster
• Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 14th Grandmaster
• Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 21st Grandmaster
• Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu Happo Hiken, 15th Grandmaster