The ninja has a traceable history that precedes most martial arts. The ninja's martial art is not a form of karate. The ninja's martial art is called Ninjutsu and is different than most other arts.

There are nine different schools of ninjutsu that is recognized by the Japanese government as current, active styles of ninjutsu. These nine schools, or nine ryu, makes up what is called the Bujinkan Dojo. There are, historically, other styles of ninjutsu but these have faded away. Most of these other styles have their traditional scrolls of information in museums. Therefore, rendering the style with no official leadership or sole Grandmaster. Our Grandmaster or traditionally known as the Soke is Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, of Noda City, Japan. He has the scrolls of the nine ryu therefore; these styles of ninjutsu are active schools. Although, there is more to having an active style, than just having the scrolls. He is the 34th generation Soke, or grandmaster, of legendary Togakure ryu ninjutsu, the oldest form of the ninja arts.

The art is not taught for competition. Trophies are not awarded. This is due to the very nature of ninjutsu. This art is about self-preservation, not sport. How can one be awarded points in a tournament? When most of his techniques of ninjutsu would induce his disqualification for the use of very dangerous or disabling techniques.

The history that surrounds the ninja is distorted. Although, they were feared by most all people. There are very short historical references that some of the ninjas were spies and assassins. Although, this is a stereotype. Just as there are good and bad people. If one member of a family is wicked does this make for a wicked family? There were peaceful ninja. The peaceful ninja lived quietly with his family, perfecting the art in order to protect his family and himself and his country. Other ninja worked with the samurai. In fact some of the ninja were established samurai warriors. On the other hand, sometimes the samurai were his enemy. History shows the rare occurrence of instances where the ninja was hired by a shogun or emperor to gather information much like today's CIA or act covertly to achieve a specific goal such as a military Special Forces unit. Although, for the most part the ninja engaged in his mission alone. Therefore, if he were discovered, the enemy would not be able to trace this lone person's intentions. It could be passed off as a wandering vagrant or even a spy but they would not know from where he originated. Unfortunately, it is this side of the ninja that has received the most attention. The ninja is to persevere in the studies of this art in order to protect his loved ones or the less fortunate or himself or country, not for one's own ego or to achieve a certain financial status or rank. The ninja trains endlessly because he enjoys it. The ninja, unlike on TV, tries to the fullest extent to resolve a dispute without using violence. The ninja would not provoke the violence, he would only respond accordingly to it. Ironically, a ninja could be provoked into a situation that may justify the use of his skills, although, he may choose to resolve the situation using other means other than self defense.

Ninjutsu is relatively new to America. One reason is since the art was not taught commercially like karate in Japan. The ninja of the older era were considered extremely dangerous. In fact, during Japan's history ninjutsu was banned at different times during its history. For example, during World War II, the ninja were not allowed to pursue their art of ninjutsu due to their secrecy, ability, and often viewed upon as their counter-culture attitude by those with the samurai mentality. In light of the art's history, it is easy to understand why ninjutsu was not readily taught to foreigners. Within the last few decades, a few Americans braved the ninja world in Japan and generally some of them were not accepted with open arms. Some of those that pioneered this art for the Americans, and other countries, endured harsh treatment from some of the ninja practitioners of Japan. Although, this attitude has changed, the Japanese practitioners kindly accept most Americans. On the other hand, some of the Japanese already welcomed the Americans decades ago.

Many reasons exist for why the ninja has survived into this present era. The ninja has the trait of adaptability. While the ninja trains in the perfected forms of old, he also trains for his current threat. He has centuries old defense forms that are effective against knife, gun, and random violence.

Since the art of Ninjutsu is so realistic, for actual defense, we must make sure that we train only exceptional members of society. This is simply due to the fact that these effective techniques can be used in an inappropriate manner, just as history records. In this art you will encounter a membership application that will allow an investigative background inquiry.