All techniques and fundamentals discussed require the guidance of a qualified Bujinkan instructor.

Areas of Ninpo Study

The following studies outline the pragmatic approach we take to survival. While these practices were developed hundreds of years ago, the techniques and muscle memory acquired, are just as applicable today as they were when developed by the ancient shinobi.

1. Taiso (Stretching & Conditioning)
2. Taijutsu (Unarmed Combat Arts)
3. Bojutsu (Stick Fighting Arts)
4. Tantojutsu (Knife Fighting Arts)
5. Shurikenjutsu (Blade Throwing Arts)
6. Kenjutsu (Sword Fighting Arts)
7. Hojutsu (Firearms)
8. Yarijutsu (Spear Fighting Arts)
9. Hojojutsu (Rope Tying Arts)
10. Meiso (Meditation Techniques)
11. Ninki (Specialized Ninja Tools)
12. Naginatajutsu (Halberd Fighting Arts)
13. Juttejutsu (Iron Truncheon Fighting Arts)
14. Bisento (Battlefield Halberd Fighting Arts)
15. Gotonpo (Use of Natural Elements for Escape & Evasion)
16. Kusarifundojutsu (Weighted Chain Fighting Arts)
17. Kyoketsu Shoge (Dagger, Rope, & Iron Ring Fighting Arts)
18. Kusarigamajutsu (Chain & Sickle Fighting Arts)
19. Heiho (Combat Strategy)

Kihon Happo

Kihon Happo, or the “Eight Fundamentals,” are one of the major building blocks of Budo Taijutsu. Constant refinement and perfect practice of these movements are what make one flexible and versatile in whatever circumstance they encounter, using whatever means they’ve developed in the pursuit of ninpo. The following are Kosshi Sanpo Waza, or the foundational three-method techniques.

1. Ichimonji no Kata
2. Hicho no Kata
3. Jumonji no Kata

Below are the Torite Goho (five) Kata, which are responses to various grabs to the defender’s body and clothing. They can also be used fluidly against strikes and other offenses.

1. Omote gyaku
2. Ura gyaku
3. Ganseki nage
4. Oni-kudaki
5. Musha dori

Hoken Juroppo Uchi (Striking with 16 fists)

Another fundamental of Budo Taijutsu is Hoken Juroppo Uchi (16 fists strikes). These fists are unique to this art in the way they are delivered via angle, timing, and body movement.

1. KIKAKUKEN (ZUTSUKI) – Head butt
2. SHUKIKEN – Elbow smash
3. FUDOKEN (KONGOKEN) – Clenched fist strike
4. KITENKEN (SHUTO) – Open hand palm edge strike
5. SHISHINKEN – Any individual fingertip as a striking weapon
6. SHITANKEN – 3 or 4 fingertips together as a stabbing spear
7. SHAKOKEN – Palm & fingertip claw
8. SHITOKEN – Extended thumb stab
9. SHIKANKEN – Extended knuckle fist
10. KOPPOKEN – Middle knuckle of folded thumb as a strike point
11. HAPPAKEN – Open hand slapping strike
12. SOKKIKEN – Knee strike
13. SOKUYAKU – Bottom of foot stomp kick
14. SOKUGYAKU – Toe drive kick
15. TAIKEN – Any part of the body as a weapon; shoulder, hips, etc.
16. SHIZENKEN – Total body weapon variations