Bujinkan Martial Arts: Do They Work

Bujinkan Martial Arts. Do they Work? Here is a video by Antony Cummins on observations about the Bujinkan and Masaaki Hatsumi and his history within the organisation.

[@AntonyCummins]

Some of the edits are problematic because i had to render in parts. Sorry for the overlap. tell me what you think. some of the videos i used are below. Masaaki Hatsumi - Taikai 1987 in UK (Best moments) - KZbin 👊Hatsumi Masaaki Sensei Ninjutsu HL - KZbin Masaaki Hatsumi: Dojo Art - KZbin How A Professional Paint Mixer Creates Colors - KZbin

[@chrisscarbrough7663]

This art, as I’m sure you’re aware, is very complex. It’s all about training these things in a way that yields the results you’re looking for.

[@stevenedmund5680]

Like you say ....he was more direct before with a hard and soft style ....his stop kicks @20:09 were similar to the JKD concept

[@Patrick-rc7bm]

I think you underestimate the value of the spiritual aspect. Bujinkan is a fusion of Shinto/Shugendo, Taoist and Buddhist philosophies and teachings loosely arranged around old school Jute- Jutsu. That's not a bad thing! The martial art itself are all based around the concept of old skool style Jute Jutsu. A modern Ninja is therefore someone who follows the faith of Ninpo. This is very different to the Ninja of the 1500s who were equally different to the Ninja of the 12 century. Life is change. Nin Po Ik Kan!

[@davidantinori4778]

@@Patrick-rc7bm Maybe, but the question the video addresses is not about the spiritual side of Bujinkan, but if the martial art itself works. And as someone who now has been doing Bujinkan for 12 years, I agree with him. The martial art (at least how I trained it) felt way too soft and flowery. Most techniques are way to complicated and rely too much on a willing opponent to ever work in a realistic scenario and with someone who actually defends himself. And that is also due to the way Bujinkan is thought. I have been to two schools, and been to multiple seminars of different high level teachers. But the trainings and seminars became NEVER more than practising the technique on a complying partner.

[@darrylviljoen6227]

​@@davidantinori4778 it comes down to instructor too. I've trained under two different bujinkan instructors one was technique focused. the other was ex-military and results focused. I would happily go and train under him.

[@jeremiahagnew5260]

I am a bujinkan student/practitioner. I have a jujutsu/judo/newaza background, and I practice some boxing and karate. The teacher I have aligned myself with and am affiliated with is a military/ leo veteran, and sticks to the kata and techniques, and is under Ishizuka Sensei. I work in the private security industry, and count myself lucky to have found teachers who have a similar background and experience. I have unfortunately had to use my training at work, but fortunately what I learned from my teacher and previous teachers has worked for me. I practice the kata and techniques from the schoolsmy teacher has learned, I practice randori, and newaza from Jujutsu and judo. I can say from experience that it depends on you, your teacher, and how you train the techniques and kata.

[@CuchulainAD]

Boom. Ishizuka is a great teacher.

[@caseyalexander2244]

@Jeremiah Agnew I'm almost certain we follow each other on Instagram and have chatted about Bujinkan.

[@dsimon33871]

Bottom line! Great Post.

[@TheMelloMunsta5]

I just made a comment similar lol. Our Sensei’s have similar backgrounds, as far as ninjutsu/military training goes

[@Polentaccio]

Generally speaking, those of us who can make the bujinkan work, also have aome experience elsewhere and have teachers who also did.

[@KuganeGaming]

I have practiced Bujinkan for over 10 years and when I observe things objectively, sure, the martial art can be highly effective IF you practice it to perfection, have good teachers, have the right motivation, etc. I also think it adds a layer of realism in combat where other formalized martial arts do not, even though that layer is frail at best. For the average person, somebody that joins the Dojo once or twice a week to practice for an hour - unless they are talented fighters I think it adds very little to their ability to fight. What it does teach though, is teach a sense of how deadly a real fight can be, it helps you to spot cues in people's behavior which helps you avoid fights and danger. Also, most dojos do practice a bit of boxing, grappling, etc. So at the very least some experience is better than none. I do think though, that an average person spending a year at a proper boxing school will have a better chance in a fight than somebody that practiced Bujinkan. Does that matter? It depends on the individual. When I started practicing it was out of the love for historical Ninjutsu and Japanese tradition (even though I wrongfully assumed the whole "secret fighting art" was a real thing). When you strip it to its core and take away the bullshit you are left with a collection of authentic Samurai schools, so it is rooted in tradition and discipline. If you practice well I do think it helps you grow as an individual, plus it keeps the tradition alive. It also practices you in a large range of weaponry and you quickly learn that a real fight is always with weapons and this does help you in a pinch to make use of tools available (ropes, brooms, chairs, etc.). If you do want it to become a highly efficient combat art though, you probably need to spend a good 30+ hours a week practicing for many years, otherwise you won't get there. At that point you need to ask yourself the question if MMA isn't a better use of your time if you compare time spent versus result. I have no issue with that limitation, but I'm tired of some Bujinkan practitioners acting like they are the living incarnation of legendary Ninja.

[@computron808]

Well said !!! The training helps u really feel connected with your body. And u learn how to move and use your body naturally. For me it was life changing experience for me.

[@KuganeGaming]

@@computron808 Thanks to Bujinkan I realized I had cancer very early on. Something just felt off in my body. Training felt off. I found the tumor after about 2 years. But doctors wouldnt believe me because of all the google-doctors out there (i studied biomedical research myself, so did have some experience). They finally let me do an echo after 1.5 year of nagging them and I was able to get treated within 2 days after the echo did show the tumor. I now have chronic fatigue and run my youtube channel where I cover a trading card game called Flesh and Blood (I thematically play Ninja in that game, lol), but if it wasnt for the Bujinkan I would have died. I was the kind of person before that ignored illness, Bujinkan changed that, it made me aware of my health.

[@computron808]

@@KuganeGaming daam. That’s crazy.

[@pabloqueima]

I agree to some extent. If your focus is self defense, you are way better off spending that amount of time in MMA, weapons based combatives, stick fighting, knife fighting, social engineering, psychology, etc. People and more so schools need to be honest about what they're doing and for what purpose. Violence and violent situations mutate and change constantly, tradition has no place in there, only evolution.

[@KuganeGaming]

@@pabloqueima Heres the thing, I believe Bujinkan is authentic in the Samurai art sense, but Samurai warfare was army warfare. Nowadays its some 1 on 1 self defense stuff, but I think it just isn't designed for that. Also, we are over 400 years later, the arts were optimized for Japan vs Japan, Japan vs China, Japan vs Korea, Japan vs Mongolia, etc. based on the weapons and fighting arts of that time. So its a no brainer to me that the limited world knowledge of the Japanese of those periods can never compare to the vast combat knowledge of a globalized society. That doesn't mean Bujinkan is bad, but it's not necessarily the best. So I agree with your statement about tradition and change.

[@ogarzabello]

From the inside: BUJINKAN needs more western boxing, more ground fighting (like jujitsu), more sparring and when I say sparring I mean sparring with guys who practice box, jujitsu, judo and MMA. That teaches you how to make what you learn in Bujinkan work. BTW, even Hatsumi said: if you're in a real fight keep it simple, don't try complicated techniques, those are only to teach principles.

[@michaelgallagher6912]

That's why in training he says play but for combat he says train kihon happo. Master your basics

[@ogarzabello]

@@michaelgallagher6912 There is NO ground fighting in kihon happo kid. Master your basics.

[@michaelgallagher6912]

Until there is

[@michaelgallagher6912]

If you can't do it on the ground I guess you didn't Master it

[@billnorthup]

@@ogarzabello I guess you haven't seen the old Stephen Hayes books with the super low Ichimonji no Kamae lol

[@unragazzonormale8732]

A little back story, I studied bujinkan for a few years. I spared a boxer and got head punched and wised up. Later I studied BJJ and Muay Thai and I realized that some of the movements and locks do work. Ive implemented some very nice throws and weight distribution tactics at a young age.

[@finsburyparksk8er]

thank you for sharing this, just had a similar experience and questioned bujinkan. but I love it. just needs some integration like with the others you mentioned

[@andreelyusef3235]

I started in the Bujinkan and then Genbukan back in 98. When I seen they had no real striking I knew something was wrong. No sparring I knew something was even worse there. You can’t teach fighting without fighting. Like learning to swim without swimming but trying to be an Olympic swimmer. It’s madness.

[@signor_zuzzu]

I don't know how people believe that the organization is legit when there is video evidence of Hatsumi saying: " ninjutsu is taijutsu " when the word ninjutsu literally means art of stealth/infiltration. He literally made money out of people that didn't know Japanese or were unaware of it's history.

[@chocomalk]

I have known old school and new school Bujinkan practitioners as well as Genbukan.It seems to me there was a brief period where Hatsumi actually cared about teaching and transferring techniques accurately and with graduating students legitimately. This turned into mcdojoism and ninja woowoo as time went on. This is one of the reasons behind the Bujin/Genbukan split. I have trained with old and new and the new ones could barely breakfall let alone do any of the more refined techniques. Same is true for Genbukan now, they were originally fairly straight forward Japanese budo and now....welp

[@clarkethedark]

I think you are correct, it's the lack of quality control some people have mentioned. I'd say it matters a lot who you learn from, what other experience you have and what degree of dedication you are willing to invest into it. Also I think that to judged this or any other martial arts properly you need to have a proper alignement of expectation/limits/purpose of it/your goals. Say you want to learn the ancient ways of samurai sword fight and so you do kendo, when in reality that's mostly a modern babmboo sword sport. So if the swame with other stuff. If one wants the most effective self defense system without any extras then bujinkan is def not for you, go pick something like krav maga or self defense class. Bujinkan is more for fans of traditional japanese MA and culture and of course fighting and weapons, but if you want it for your MMA career then it's def not for you as most of the stuff they teach there is illegal in MMA and the rest would probably not be effective or not as effective as other stuff.

[@andreaswestin9932]

Let's not forget about Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do and that American Kickboxing were developing in the 60-70's as well.

[@TheSpiritualCamp]

To be fair, the fact that a martial art is "good" or not depending on the practitioner and of the teacher is valid for ALL martial arts, MMA included. One thing I noticed is that when people are younger, they focus more on technique and realism, and when they're older, they focus more on the fundamental principle, the "essence" (maybe for spiritual reasons, and also simply because, when you have accumulated so much experience, the little techniques are BORING to you, you see the broader patterns and know that's the most important part, so you want your students to focus on that). This tendency is not specific to Hatsumi, most masters of traditional martial arts (especially Japanese) are like that, in my humble opinion.

[@MarQui988]

I have been practicing within the Bujinkan for several years, I understand your point of view, I think the problem arises when some instructors learn and learned from the Hatsumi who was 80 years old and teach to move like an 80-year-old man who sees and understands budo in a way that has nothing to do with a practical martial art that was intended to bring warriors to fight, however luckily there are some instructors who understand the processes that the organization went through however, it is true that it leaves the next students in a fate that I would not wish them.

[@sargonixofur1234]

Personally, Ashida Kim is the most credible modern ninja. He can dodge invisible bullets, and has sand in his pockets - undefeatable. Everything goes back to Hatsumi. How much he has told the truth about Takamatsu, and how much is just BS he made up? The more I read about it, the more I think he is a story teller who made up some tales to make his ‘jiu jitsu’ more interesting.

[@computron808]

The ashida Kim was funny !!!

[@black_eagle]

Don't forget Ashida's most terrifying ninja skill--the ability to rip your genitalia off with his bare hands.

[@sargonixofur1234]

It’s a shame that Count Dante died. The one true master, who could even defeat sensei Steven Segal.

[@computron808]

@@black_eagle oh do u mean kata Dante? The most deadliest and not for the faint of heart.

[@billnorthup]

@@black_eagle That technique is called "Monkey Grabs The Peach" lol. Remember it from back in the 80s when I was buying all the ninja books. One of the few Ashida Kim techniques that I think would probably work if applied properly!

[@championmartialartspembrok3689]

Love this video am 52 back in the 80' had a few buddys goto Japan study this came back with big egos I never was fond of this form of Martial Arts, but Now find myself deeply intrigued by the whole study of feudal Japan especially the samurai. Thank You for your work..🥋

[@lukeallen4398]

100% truth...Martial arts i s about military art... that is what the term means .MMA is a sport ..Bravo Anthony 💖🇦🇺

[@JoriMikke78]

So? Same with everything else, karate, judo, boxing are also sports, and it doesn't take anything away from them - just the opposite, because the effectiviness can be proven without a doubt. Most traditional martial arts have absolutely no place in war (and most of those never did)

[@getawaydreamer2724]

This was an amazing video and very well explained it. I remember early 80s Bujikan but didn’t know what it turned into after the 2000’s. Makes perfect sense now.

[@inthedenoftigers5702]

The way I understand is that the 'source code' for everything in the Bujinkan works off Gyokko Ryu and more specifically Kihon Happo, which are 8 techniques: 3 parry/strikes (Koshi Sanpo) and 5 standing joint lock/takedowns (Torite Goho). Everything from the Anti Arrest techniques in Togakure Ninjutsu to some of the more modern Henka, presupposes that these 8 techniques are drilled as nauseum and then you jazz a la Hatsumi from there. I think the major sticking point is that standing joint locks and takedowns are very rare to pull off in Heavy sparring such as MMA, you don't see aikido and hapkido in MMA for the same reason. They are more an auxiliary pain compliance skill set that work against opponents who are already incapacitated and can be 'based' against a surface, which is why you see law enforcement officers use similar skills more often. See Rory Millers views on joint locks for more details. As for Sparring, you might see standing joint locks more in HEMA. Joint locks require the arm to be extended/slowly extending to be halfway possible to capture against a resisting opponent, which is super rare in unarmed combat, but more common in weapon forms.

[@caseyalexander2244]

That's correct. The Kihon Happo is the core of the core of the 9 schools. Some Bujinkan teachers only teach the Kihon Happo and do not teach waza (techniques). The different schools have basically the same techniques done in a slightly different flavor. The culmination of it all was put together by Hatsumi's wife as a way to send back material with the foreign teachers to teach to their students upon returning home. This is what is called the Ten Chi Jin, basically the outer core of the Kihon Happo. The waza, which are based on and are essentially combinations of things from the Kihon Happo, are what the MMA crowd can pull from, but they are not exclusive to the Bujinkan. The human body has the same limitations no matter what the art is, and many arts have similar techniques. It's just that the Bujinkan system is very complex and multilayered, which is what makes it very confusing for a person that starts training in it to relate to if they have never done anything else beforehand. Someone could start as a complete beginner, but it takes a long, long time to understand and digest what is being taught with no frame of reference. This is why the Bujinkan system is not good for someone to learn how to 'fight'. They are better off with starting with MMA, or to learn a grappling style and a striking style in one order or another. Learning the Bujinkan system for self defense or for law enforcement or security work is a completely separate goal than that of a competitive fighter. The former is really the goal with the Bujinkan training, not the latter. To assess it overall, Bujinkan is more geared towards those who already have martial arts experience and who are wanting to delve deeper into Japanese history and culture, and who appreciate it for what it is.

[@caseyalexander2244]

@gingercore69 see my reply above. I saw you had a question in another comment.

[@TheLockopen]

The way I understand joint locks is basically this: first of all you must have a fully dedicated strike to counter from. This is large impart set up by having a good grasp of distancing in order to lure your opponent to strike at you in such a manner so as to set up a counter. (A basic tenet of any combat art “distancing “) . Secondly (not that there is any true order to combat) you absolutely must have their body weight which is closely related to the prior point aka distancing and allows for balance manipulation as a counter in and of itself. And thirdly (but not finally) you have to have a distraction likely the best option here is pain. If you cause enough pain first or simultaneously you can put the brain into a state of shock which will help your tai jitsu to work into joint manipulation. Another important aspect of joint locking is the follow through… meaning you need to be able to pull the trigger so to speak. That mind set is not taught in sports by definition. There is no tap out when your life is on line. It takes an almost evil if not desperate person to mutilate another human being. Also there is opportunity unforeseen which may present completely unscripted or otherwise practiced scenario. For example while grappling in sport some time you accidentally hurt your partner… sometimes badly. So basically that can happen intentionally and if you have highly refined training and years of it… we’ll I think it speaks for itself how that one goes. Joint manipulation from the bujinkan is not sportized and meant to be used before either defending one’s life or going to prison. But the training is not to garnish a tap out. Something to think about in my opinion.

[@computron808]

Tanemura Sensei won the rights of Gikan Ryu in court.

[@geoffreyfletcher6976]

This does explain why some of Hatsumi's earliest students eventually broke away from or left the Bujinkan to go on and do what they felt or knew was more effective; Genbukan, Jinenkan and Toshin-do, just to name a few, and even what Robert Bussey did for much of the late 80's and early 90's (Robert Bussey's Warrior International) which later became Bussey Combatives. But still all systems have both good and bad practitioners and instructors.

[@f4ust85]

Enjoyed the video, made me reminisce my own time in Bujinkan around 2000 when a lot of the instructors and people involved were still from law enforcement circles or the military. Even back then, most of the people were very high on their own supply and it was bogus in any self-defence scenario: in fact, it is quite dangerous to believe the principles religously and follow the totally unrealistic footwork and stances Bujinkan is using - as cringy as it sounds, Bruce Lee was right in a sense that sometimes the strongest opponent is a strong, big, explosive guy, who has ZERO martial arts experience, is therefore unspoiled and has no ideology or stylized habits. More than Hatsumi, I think the inevitable problem is the total lack of realistic sparring and full-contact scenarios in training, and very strong "uke" mentality one might know from aikikai - people spend years acting like they can just run circles around slow-mo attackers and respond with three, five moves to any single punch. I think the martial art that works really means it should work almost universally and for almost anyone: if a strong, healthy guy joins literally any mediocre local boxing, muaythai, kyokushinkai or wrestling gym, he will almost 100 % become a better fighter in just a matter of months and in only 1-2 years he can compete and smashes almost anyone on the street or in a self-defence situation, no need to "study for 30+ years" while spending a small fortune, attend seminars with geriatric "10th degree blackbelts". Bujinkan on the other hand can take a young, strong stud who could naturally KO almost anyone in a brawl and turns him into an indoctrinated folk-dancer who has silly footwork, dangerous habits and unrealistic expectations. Bujinkan reminds you of people who claim they will teach you how to swim, yet spend years on the beach doing intricate esoteric movements and talks without ever stepping into water.

[@kdlofty]

Personally i think there's a martial art for everyone, it's just a case of finding the one that suits you.

[@hanzohattori6716]

The Bujinkan, as almost all martial arts today, such as judo, karate, jujutsu, bjj etc etc etc have roots from old koryu and wartime techniques and has evolved in different ways over the years and are basically just as effective as the other. It's not the martial art, it's the martial artist. And as I have most of my experience in the bujinkan, I can say that I was quite sceptical at first. But then one time one of my teachers told me that the techniques we practice are not meant for a real time scenario. We practice the techniques to understand what is happening. To understand why the wrist-lock hurts, or why our turning of our bodies makes the opponent loose his balance. It is why we practice "kamae"= stances. To understand how our body functions and why standing in a specific way can make us keep our balance and such. This is key to almost all martial arts. Especially the japanese ones. As they most likely have roots in the edo period, where the combat techniques were practiced in a more spiritual and educational way, rather than train you for actual war. All in all, I think there is a lot to learn about real self defence and combat from a variety of different martial arts from a variety of different places and times. So, which martial artist would most likely win in a fight? I think the one that has 1) superior physical strength 2) knows how to use that strength to his/her advantage 3) has superior stamina 4) knows where to hit and how to grab your opponent, and the most important trait of them all 5) has the mentality to actually hurt someone.

[@caseyalexander2244]

That's a fair assessment. I have trained in Bujinkan for 8 years, and already knew how to fight before I started. 95% or more of the people I have trained with that never did anything beforehand and some that have, would never be able to get far in a real fight. Their taijutsu would fall apart in short order if they were attacked. It's not because of the art, it's because of them, personally.

[@JoriMikke78]

We kind of have had that question (who would win a fight) answered... It was in the very first MMA tournament and it still remains the same.

[@nathangedamke2041]

As someone who personally finds the Bujinkan a good fit for my own martial journey, I really hope that this message gets out to the new generation of leaders in the Bujinkan arts. I believe that you are right that the shift towards only slow movement, henka, and "inclusivity" in belt promotions has put the art in a dangerous place as far as maintaining it's effectiveness, and is an issue that needs to be addressed Now don't get me wrong, the three items I mentioned are exactly the reason that Bujinkan works for me, so I'm not knocking them entirely. As someone who has some fighting experience in several styles already, I find that this training methodology really helps me learn new techniques and patterns of movement quickly and well, and that's why I still train in it. However, I constantly have to look outside my instructor and the Bujinkan itself to learn things like the basics of how techniques work, body conditioning (it's real easy to hurt your hands and wrists without at least a little of this), and pressure testing. The art is a good tool for my own martial arts journey, but I fully admit that it lacks a lot of the things that new martial artists (or just people looking to train for better self-defense) need to be successful. The one good thing that the art has going for it is at least it generally doesn't discourage people from seeking outside training to supplement their Bujinkan. Maybe that's just my own experience though.

[@signor_zuzzu]

This is basically why I ended up on this channel a year ago or so. I like to see things for what they actually are. For me ninjutsu is leagues above martial arts because it teaches you that, how to be smart.

[@chrisscarbrough7663]

The “principles” behind the techniques shown do work in MMA environments, but they must be modified a little, and it helps if you practice them against MMA guys. But they most definitely work, I’ve had success with them. It’s important to keep in mind that 99% of Bujinkan videos show practitioners training to “learn & develop” their skill rather than shown them “apply under pressure” these skills. That’s an important distinction. Budo/Ninpo Taijutsu is a complex art that is challenging to understand and become proficient at. I think I requires a certain personality type, because most people aren’t going to invest the time and effort needed to truly understand it. In short, I have come to find everything I learned from the Bujinkan to be extremely effective, the key is , you have to train it correctly, and according to the goals you are trying to achieve with it.

[@Polentaccio]

The problem for me ( 20 years in) is that I rarely see people actually working against resistance or spontaneous attack. I feel the Japanese should hav e called people on this more rather than constantly training in this very loose manner. But hey, everyone needs to make it work for themselves. What I find sad though, is everyone thinks it will without ever feeling what it is like to feel resistance and pressure from an opponent.

[@normangriffin5227]

You have it right not all are for sport and each individual will be more or less effective depending on the way they understand the real use of martial arts

[@billnorthup]

The Bujinkan is mainly a social club for people who like to "play" with martial arts, exploring what CAN be done instead of what tradition dictates. It's best for people who are already experienced martial artists or have real life fighting experience and understand that the training is not usually realistic BUT is fun as hell with tons of creativity, natural relaxed body movement, subtlety, and plenty of "ah-ha, never would have thought of that!" moments. Whether or not things you discover can be applied in real life is up to you to determine, and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with no MA or fighting experience, except for a few dojos like AKBAN. That said, even the Gracies have connections in the Bujinkan and have played with it. In fact there's a video somewhere on KZbin of some of them playing with a Kyoketsu Shoge, if I remember correctly.

[@jeremyarroyo360]

Life is not a game so I dont see why they think this or martial arts is period when you got a 357 or getting jumped a knife pointed at you See if it is a game to play around with. It should not be taken lightly these are peoples lifes

[@stevenlowe3245]

One of the best long cons in a hundred years. Hatsumi gratified his ego and made some serious bucks off of made up nonsense. Got to be a Ninja master without actually being an operator or killing anyone. Hats off to him.

[@computron808]

Gyokko ryu out of all the Ryuha is the only only art that effective against modern style fighting like boxing. In my opinion gyokko n koto ryu are the only arts really worth learning.

[@jaimcgee4566]

Yes, all of the throws in ryu-ha works as well

[@computron808]

@@jaimcgee4566 what do u mean my brother? Please excuse my ignorance.

[@dsimon33871]

Gyoko and Koto for fighting empty and Kukishin for weapons and you have 99% of Booj, with occasional Takagi and Daken Shin den fu... now and then.

[@computron808]

@@dsimon33871 And it’s a good thing in my opinion.

[@jaimcgee4566]

I can see that…

[@wheeljack0]

Wow! I did not know that about it changing in the 2000's. I was lucky enough to have trainned with some good people in the 80's & got to train with the guys from Japan when they came over to the U.K. It sounds terrible now. I know a guy that is very good at it & hopefully teaches the old 80's ways still. He could def hurt you in ways you did not know. I had his hand & finger prints all over my body when i got my black belt.

[@user-ph6bm9hp6e]

I think that master hatsumi is a truly incredible at what he's teaching, what I think is that once you learn,it's teaching you about the element of surprise,not allowing the enemy to see what's coming, regardless of what the enemy might come with

[@tochiro6902]

Hello thank you for the video, Bujinkan is effective in some respects in some ways there is no perfect martial art for me. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but it also comes on the fighter there are good and bad.

[@NeoclassicYT]

You kidding me!? You actually became a serious researcher of the content of the martial arts. Congrats, you've improved!

[@jasonmorahan7450]

Anecdotally where bujinkan has benefitted me personally is injury reduction, I would be maimed several times over without it. I'm not a fighter, I was always a much smaller and less vicious guy than any street opponent but homeless youth background put me in pretty brutal conflicts I would've loved having a good home like the lucky people to have never been anywhere near in the first place and the whole road your life goes down from that path, again not of choice involves more dangerous social environments one after the other trying to get to the lifestyle of lucky people who simply live normal lives in regular jobs and don't have people living downstairs who think they're gangsters and things like that and do actually stab people for looking at them wrong and things like that. So my anecdotes are actual, serious street injurious conflicts with very vicious, experienced, criminally ambitious and somewhat sociopathic fighters, often in groups or ring leaders of thug sycophants. Fights I never stood a chance in and nobody really does, criminals are opportunists and never attack when the conclusion is in any doubt, you don't even know you're in a fight when they take out an eye and end yours for you, then rob you. That's how they do. So living in places like the budget backpackers hostels near commission flats (the Projects for Americans), where some rooms are cooking meth or whatever, where some people are routinely being stabbed, robbed, beaten and that's just the social environment you're in, if you're not one of these brutal crim types you're a target and that's pretty straightforward, the fairly limited budo taijutsu and takamatsu ryuha kobudo classes I managed to attend, then just did my best to practice on my own by incorporating general movements into daily routines, the way I walked down a sidewalk fairly briskly and moved between pedestrians coming the opposite direction I tried to make like the way we moved in the dojo and things like that, as the only real practice I could do, upon that basis you get to a subconscious routine of moving in tune with anyone around you whilst multitasking a conversation say, so if you're chatting and they lift an arm in body language you naturally move and angle in relation to that movement, as if you're always in the dojo in real life all the time and you're not even thinking about it, since it's become just part of your normal routine. Unquestionably simply moving the way I moved saved my butt numerous times, a handful that stood out as obvious intentions to cause me harm and an unknown number I wouldn't be aware of. One nutter with a razor edged kukri he loved to show off got the impression I was often armed myself and a bigger psycho than he was, neither of which was the case nor any impression I wanted to give but it really worked out for me, he was much older, a career crim and about a hundred times tougher and harder than me and nobody would've even known to look for the body if he wanted to take me out, I had nobody. So that was damn lucky. Another had been in prison for a long time and spent most of his time in there doing weights and he looked it, feller would probably punch through a car door and he decided he had a problem with me, in true streetwise style which is probably habit from his own early background I'm sure, he was the type who felt you out a bit before he went hard on you and it was during those moments, during a seemingly innocuous conversation with someone I preferred avoiding because bloke was damn scary, I got the severe impression I was in for a very bad beating here for reasons I couldn't fathom, but the way he was watching my every move and moving his arms around whilst I was constantly repositioning myself (scared as hell but trying not to show it for fear that would bring the fists flying), trying to continue the seemingly innocuous conversation, it was like we were already fighting whilst pretending we weren't and I was just wishing we weren't, but that attack never came although I knew the second I ever dropped my guard around that guy for one instant it definitely would. Another time a house share turned out the housemates were ex bikers on a methadone program doing all sorts of local violent crimes, I could hear them whispering in the lounge some nights from my room how they were going to rob me and things like that which was pretty freaky and obviously I got out of that place but in the couple of weeks that took the attack never came and again I think that was because of the way I moved around them, always fearfully positioning myself like the way we do in the dojo 100% of the time. I was pretty young and small fry through all these so easy prey, all these guys often attacked easy prey as I became aware so the only reason I can think I didn't wind up on the table was basically this. Their instincts I think are to attack when you're off balance but if you're clearly on guard they hold off for another time, you wouldn't ever get too drunk around them for example, people disappear that way. Then came the time I got run over by a delivery driver idiot in a ute, who used to come careening into the delivery bay at work at about 20 and just managed to pull up braking hard before the concrete barrier from a blind corner entry. I was standing in the middle of the bay so there was no chance for them to stop, it's a blind entry so they had no idea I was there and the nose of the ute was just making contact with the side of my left knee before I knew it was coming, but as my left leg crumpled pure muscle memory had me doing a backward roll over the hood, instead of standing there in shock getting my leg crushed or going under the wheel. I did have a sprained knee but otherwise rolled off the hood and went flying across the concrete relatively uninjured from the force of the ute but I definitely would've had a broken leg at the very least, probably some more serious injuries if I hadn't instinctively reacted that way, it hit me doing 15 or 20 and it's about a 1300kg ute. But actual fights I engaged in are something else, because a street fight isn't about winning a fight against a person but winning the objective the fight is about, so it's when I intervened in a rape, another intervention in a street mugging and trying to prevent a home invasion. I didn't defeat any of those opponents in the fight but what I did was stopped the rape from occurring, stopped the mugging from continuing and stopped one home invasion at least, at the door. In each case the objective was achieved and I wasn't seriously injured so I consider these huge successes. Those were probably mostly me as a person but it's hard to separate me and whatever I could learn from bujinkan by that stage. I had tried some karate, judo and wing chun before bujinkan but honestly I couldn't make those work for me in a real sense, although they were great for exercise and hobby, it was really only bujinkan that I found practicable in the style of movements and expression, although as mentioned my dojo training is in fact quite limited, six months 2-3 times a week at one and just a handful of lessons mainly as a refresher at the other, the rest just what I could practise, incorporate and have transient friends help me with emulating to incorporate into my daily routines. It was all just pure survival to me, having nothing else to work with. Can't arm in Oz for self defence legally and it's stupid to do crime if you're a loner, you'll wind up in prison with nobody to bail you out or look after your stuff or anything so I always avoided doing anything legally unsound, it would've been pretty smart to arm myself pragmatically but it's just not legal here so it's stupid, if you do have to defend yourself with it you're a criminal despite being the victim of a crime and it's much better to have cops on your side if you're the victim of a crime and they show up, which they definitely will if you stab someone. So bujinkan was all I had. I think it worked. Obviously I'm not going to put my bujinkan up against an MMA fighter in a ring, or in fact any organised or willing fight with any kind of fighter, it's not what that's about. It is about the fact I'm at a massive disadvantage to a practising fighter since I don't and have never gone around picking fights or having fights regularly or routinely, and I would say unquestionably it helped reduce the disadvantage to at least hopefully, have some reasonable chance of success in what the fight is about as opposed to defeating an opponent in terms of physical competition. If the fight is about trying to injure me, my only objective is to reduce injury and reduce the threat of injury. Steven Hayes once said the best self defence technique is invulnerability and I used to satirically comment to friends who used to help me train a bit, that what it meant is it's best to simply drive past a street fight in your Mercedes than be in one. On the one hand that's completely true.

[@ReasonbyNight]

Good video. For the last part: I actually started my Martial Arts journey with Bujinkan and its on all levels very fascinating. My teachers lend a lot into that Magic WabuWabu, but beyond that the Training gave me a strong discipline back then and I developed a nice trained body and a healthy lifestyle. On top some nice weapon skills, too and I could use the training effectively in Security works. After almost 3 years I realised that more and more weird stuff was going on with the teacher and I disliked that cultish feeling. I moved into another city and there was no Bujinkan. I trained Kung Fu, Kali and MMA and always thought, that Bujinkan needs Sparring and a more aggressive approach and I still believe that it could be done effectively, if people would dare to do it. Problem with the Yes-Man stuff is the mentality of traditional Japanese Martial Arts: Sensei is right. Always. Most people wouldnt question Sensei and thats an issue. And even if they would do it, Sensei wouldnt be happy to be questioned at all. I will check out the Bujinkan in my area, after all that years with other Martial Arts and hope for a good teacher. I always liked it and maybe I can just do my thing there, with good teaching.

[@philipgarrett5009]

I want to thank you for this post. I trained in ninjutsu for about 3 years in the late 80 s early 90s. Now at 50 I decided to start martial arts again and joined a thai boxing gym. My reasons for doing this are health fitness and self defence. Whilst sparring in my current gym I seem to hold my own well but do get caught with their kicks.and superior boxing skills So, yes big gaps in my knowledge (thats down to me i should have studied harder at the time)..but the taijutsu footwork positioning and utilizing the body to strike have not left me. I hope to keep this economical approach to my thinking. Perhaps I will return to ninjutsu in the future too, will have yo do more research, keep training in something and enjoy the journey!

[@AntonyCummins]

Thanks phillp

[@mailthedragon]

I suppose I have been very lucky in finding the teachers I did, which are promoting bujinkan as a living martial arts, but are putting in serious effort to keep it real.

[@christopherblade5984]

A great video. Thank you for creating. Us real Ninjas know the truth🥷💥‼️

[@hunterlogan8915]

Quite enjoyed this video and to be honest one can not blame the old man to go that way

[@RodCornholio]

Man, this is good.

[@SEN-oz1hq]

right Antony, if u can get a good teacher and get some hard training (don't be afraid of it) your Taijutsu can work. I used taijutsu in the military, as a bouncer, in a one on one fight on rocky cliffs, a gang fight 3 against 8 and being chased on foot out of Mexico. In a real fight muscle memory kicks in, training kicks in. But there's one thing no fighting method teaches you. Fear. Real fear. If you can't stand up to fear in your battles or against your enemy. No martial art will work for you. If your hard, if you have tenacity and the guts combine w honest & correct training u can make almost anything work. This "bujinkan" art method whatever u want to call it, ninpo. It works. I'm confident in my taijutsu. The thing is to narrow down your list of techniques to what your body is comfortable doing because as Antony says there is too many techniques. It's good to know for material to teach. But u only need to learn and use one or two because your body will manifest it when needed. All the other ones you can leave out. And the only difference between you and someone else is nothing. Everyone is capable, it's just who's trained more. "You are what have trained in"

[@samuelgates5935]

Exactly. EVERYONE and EVERY STYLE is beatable........ that's why you must pick your battles. ~ Said by an ancient master back in time.

[@Maddie_Madds]

At the end of the day, any martial art I do, I ask questions, and I reject what I think is useless. I really don't like being taught by old men, because they often develop too big of an ego, develop ignorance, and don't allow questioning of their methods. That becomes an issue for me, as I will question everything which often pisses off lots of martial arts practitioners.

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for sharing this with us 👍🏻

[@lovefunbeer]

Great B roll selection! Great work!!

[@ninjamaster7724]

Bujinkan/Togakure-Ryu did indeed clain to be ninjutsu.Maybe now they are distancing themselves from the term ninjutsu because they have been called out and asked to prove their lineage,which Hatsumi claims to trace back to the 12th,or 13 century and either can't,or doesn't want to,but they definitely implied that they were a ninjutsu art. My friend was a Bujinkan/Togakure-Ryu green belt back in the 90's and here in Australia they used to call their art Togakure-Ryu Ninjutsu and Bujinkan was the association/organisation that they were part of. Ninpo is listed in 3 of their arts and ninpo literally means ninjutsu,so they absolutely have claimed that they were a ninjutsu school.

[@kairosparadigms]

Well put together. I have trained and lived for many years in Japan, I totally understand what you are saying.

[@LuisRodriguez-tf5mx]

Fair and good assessments. I was taught by a martial artist, including bujinkan. Military,police, 20 years as prison guard work. Concluded often " don't get married to styles. Would be more beneficial to understand the mechanics therein "

[@xingyimaster1987]

Brilliant analysis. Validates my own experience of both bujinkan and genbukan. They only really work if you have some prior idea of fighting or what really works. Then you can sieve out the rubbish and make what's good work. However you can spend years doing that or just join a judo school, or bjj or mma etc and gain some skill in a matter of months. I have found some amazing bujinkan guys who can fight and know how to use it. I feel bujinkan is just another type of jujitsu. And it has one element to it that makes it very good. That is the idea of free flowing or adapting to what happens rather then being rigid. I feel genbukan is too rigid and formulaic and hence even less effective. I remember a 5th dan genbukan instructor telling me honestly he struggled to make it work when faced with a real life situation. I think if i took up bujikan now after years of wrestling, bjj real sparring i could gain a lot from it. However if i went straight into it, it would probably have been a disaster for me. The idea of doing whatever works, dirty techniques and weapons will make any martial artist more complete. So i think bujinkan has its place for some people.

[@IronBodyMartialArts]

As usual mate. That was really good.

[@Dale_The_Space_Wizard]

Wow! synchronicity! I felt like watching the Duellists, as I havn't seen it in a few years. I just finished watching it and checked my KZbin notifications. Watched this video and it mentions the Duellists in it! LOL,

[@patrickkelly345]

Bujinkan 9 Ryu-ha: 👎🏼• Togakure-ryū Ninpō 👎🏼• Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō 👎🏼• Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō __ • Gyokko-ryū Kosshi-jutsu __ • Kotō-ryū Koppō-jutsu 👍🏼• Kukishinden-ryū Taijutsu 👍🏼• Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jū-taijutsu __ • Shinden fudō-ryū Daken-taijutsu (or Jū-taijutsu. Might as well call it Shinden fudō-ryū Kumi-uchi) 🤔• Gikan-ryū Koppō jutsu (Not. much information on this ryu-ha) Correct me if I'm wrong, but from the information regarding the schools of the Bujinkan... Kukishinden (historically named Kukishin-ryū) and Takagi Yoshin-ryū are the only 2 schools that seem to be historically correct as Bujutsu (Samurai Arts). Is Shinden fudo-ryū an art of the samurai? "Maybe!!" Is it historically correct? "🤔" Gyokko-ryū and Koto-ryū effective, but when I look at their techniques I see more of a relationship within the Chinese Kung fu, and not the Samurai Bujutsu. Gikan-ryū not labeled because there's not much information on it's history, nor does it seem to provide the revelation of its techniques. Antony Cummins @Samurai and Ninja History I agree with you, it's hard to predict what is true and what is fake when you have a whole mixture different things. And like you, I've been studying the information and practicing it's techniques thinking it was Ninjutsu. Once I started digging deeper, then looking up you and your information, I began to realize that my thoughts about the ryu-ha of the Bujinkan are wrong.

[@jackreacher4488]

I have a few friends that trained in bujinkan. Their stories are the same, great for fitness, learn how to use all kinds of weapons, great fun. But they got their asses handed to them on the street because no sparring with resistance, no situational awareness, no deescalation techniques, just a bunch of "you are now empowered by the ancient ninja knowledge, hurr durr".

[@jeremyarroyo360]

This is were it is a problem I feel this should be tested to see what works and dont also body conditioning as ninjas did climb walls and towers ect. And your body has to be in shape you look in the bujin alot of out of shape peole. Some feel it's not nessarybi highly disagree with that.

[@Edward-vy2py]

BS

[@jde1311]

This is a very interesting and we'll explained video

[@dinninfreeman2014]

The first point to be had is that if you can successfully land a groin kick, you can land an inside leg kick and vice versa. If you can land an eye poke you can land a jab. Most of these just require slight modification and you can transition into and out of the rule set and still be effective in both contexts. My next point is that just because you train MMA doesn't mean you ever need to get in the ring and have a full fight. Your skill as a martial artist will still greatly improve if all you do is light sparring against a resistant opponent, at that level it's really not any more dangerous than any other martial art. A good fighter can make any technique work so long as he understands body mechanics, footwork, distance, and timing. A bad fighter couldn't make the most high percentage technique out there work, as he doesn't understand fighting. I agree that size matters, but as long as your athletic and strong you still have a good chance. See Jack Dempsey for proof.

[@jamesnevitt3400]

The best comment on here everyone says MMA won't work because of rules like everything else you get rid of the rules everything changes . He or she can finger grab and eye poke too and groin kick. So can a boxer or karate person.

[@user-vt8jp7px9v]

Hi Anthony glad you're bringing more video's out. This is my perspective as an Aikido practitioner I believe that Aikido had nothing to do with battlefields and it's parent art Daito Ryu was formed by the imperial guard during the Edo period, they'd settle disputes in the court rooms, using locks and restraining techniques and carry out performances for the royal family. It was recorded that Morehei Ueshiba the founder of Aikido took part in this. Fluid movement and relaxation is a principle used in Modern Martial arts today, BJJ is a great example. Martial Arts is Martial Arts

[@user-el6ul4ey4c]

Sory man but daito ryu not koryu its 20 century style like aikido or hakko denshin ryu

[@lusitanus6504]

Next year, I am finally starting teaching my version of the Bujinkan. I am going to focus on realism and develop a structure. I learned from several instrutors, some of them former bouncers and I have some streetfighting experience myself. I Will make the training as time eficient as possible and I Will encourage crosstraining in other arts in a specific way for each student. Its going to be a challenge and an evolving project. I Will keep studying and the focus Will always be in dinâmic realístic combat no matter how old I get. Maybe I Will even make a KZbin channel about it at some point. Abraços from Portugal 🙂

[@MacCionnaith]

Don't forget the kata and the difference between the schools!

[@Polentaccio]

So how has your curriculum worked for you so far?

[@benzo80o.c82]

Did you open your school..if so..how did it go for you?

[@lusitanus6504]

That would a big challenge to me to be honest. ​@@MacCionnaith

[@lusitanus6504]

​@@benzo80o.c82I was only able to open it recently. I have two people interested. I work shifts in security so I only have time for One 2h class a week. I intend to promote the classes with demos of live full speed cinemátic type techniques and post a few a day on FB Instagram and maybe tik tok. Hopefully my first class Will be this saturday. It Will be in the local Park. Its what I can do for now. Maybe later on when I can quit security work I can do more classes per week. Abraço

[@akashuriken]

.. the arts came alive for me once I saw a certain French teacher move in quite a unique way... your end conclusion on different types of teachers, I couldn't agree more:)

[@MrShadeofMyself]

I practise Bujinkan for 7 Years now and have to say: you have to strip so much Hokuspokus away to get to the core of what it is meant for. With many traditional Martial Arts its the same thing as HEMA, take what they try to teach you in the books and then try to find out what the inventor of the techniques really meant. Otherwise you will end up looking like an idiot, doing stuff which not even works against the slightest resistance. And unfortunately there are so many bad Bujinkan teachers out there. We have one in the Area, 15. Dan, which practise sword strikes like Kendo does for example Edit: The core principles about timing, angle and distance come to the same point in every martial art, so most are, in their basics, the same thing, not superior, not inferior to each other. Many times i heard "we cannot spar because it could end deadly" thats true, but it's also true for boxing, MMA, BJJ, etc. And they do sparring. So put away all the mystical stuff and fancy hand wavings and try to find out from which point the stuff evolved, why is a "tigerclaw" a tigerclaw, what are Kyushu points in the anatomy and forget about Ki lines etc.

[@pabloqueima]

The answer "it depends on the instructor you find" is problematic. If you say "you have a 10% chance of getting a good Instructor", 80% of the people will tell you theirs is. That much variability means the system is flawed. No one says judo may work depending on the sensei, no one says wrestling may work depending on the coach, no one says boxing or MMA work depending on the instructor. What you mean instead is "the system is not good, there just some people who may try to make it work a little more". Wich at the end it means you have to fix the system, because the system is not fixing you. Which is what actually happen in all those other disciplines, they make you a fighter. And that's all there is to it. Do you become a fighter after doing it for some time? Or you have to work your way around it to make it maybe work when you actually need it?

[@rflores0371]

I agree! I quit Bujinkan because I got to 3rd Dan and I didn't feel I could defend myself in real situations. I didn't think it was a matter of gaining more Dans, it was the martial art and its focus. So I went back to a prior martial art I used to practice: Wing Chun. It may also be criticized but I feel way safer knowing I can block, punch, kick, harm and in some cases, when everything's under control, I might even apply a Bujinkan technique, ending or concept.

[@Toremneon]

Hi, I train Bujinkan vor about 2 years now. I trained Ju Jutsu, Wing Chun and Judo before that. So I had a lot of basics and comparison, I had some problems to get in there and I still see your points. What you can learn in Bujinkan is how to manipulate bodystructure, how to use your own body alignment and all kinds of arm/hand leverage they are really good at that. But yes, most of this stuff breaks apart, as soon as you just let go of your own grip as Uke. I can say that I do have a very good teacher, that makes it work really well. But still, there is like no pressure testing of the techniques or any free sparring. I could like write a lot about your points and the whole problematic of speed and realisms but I dont want to make this to long.

[@alexanderstevens145]

Those clips of all out warfare unpredictable multiple attackers with swords and axes puts mma and everything else into perspective.

[@todd2683]

Great point about hatsumi bringing value in the 80s a sense of freedom henna power. Also was good philosopher. Up until 90 the 5th dam was the goal. In 90 the tenth dan focus. Then 2000 the 15th Dan. Which Bruce lee joked about in the sixties.

[@funkyninja7636]

Really enjoyable and interesting video. It will ruffle a few feathers I expect, but it's nice to see Anthony has earned enough respect in his own right to comment on such matters with authority and a logic that is hard to argue against. However to the extent that Hatsumi can make a good life for himself and go with the flow of culture to use budo for his own benefit, I suspect there is more Ninpo to his "taijutsu" than meets the eye ; ) Stephen Hayes claims this is what Hatsumi taught him and I sure wouldn't mind just a fraction of their bank balance and mystique! They are persevering to get the job done using yang (genuine art) and yin (making a buck with dubious ethics) to succeeded. That's pretty shinobi in my book!

[@original0blace]

The way I see it, with any martial art system or system of fighting, it’s only the toolbox, whilst the fighter is the tradesmen. Having good tools is important, but what’s more important is to be able to use those tools as intended. Learning how to do a martial art, the techniques, punches, kicks, ect, that is one skill. Knowing how to use and employ them effectively in context such as in a fight whilst playing mental chess with a resisting opponent is another entirely seperate skill set. There’s being a skilled martial artist and then there’s being a good fighter and these two things are in-fact two seperate things.

[@Polentaccio]

Revisiting this video again, I honestly feel that this was a very fair overview of the state of the Bujinkan. The foundations are fantastic but it has run away on itself. I practice it in a more realistic way but the majority definitely do not. There simply is no standard anymore. No real syllabus or standard.

[@italopetrucci8814]

Best explanation ever. I ve been in BJK for almost 20 yrs.

[@AntonyCummins]

Thank you

[@Luigi4Speed]

This video was very entertaining. Maybe the most. Nice job with the editing, Antony. It's funny that one of the things that turned me away from bujinkan was the fact that I have never found any video recording of bujinkan fighter in a real fight. Not once.

[@user-ph6bm9hp6e]

It's like spaying mase in the eyes of the attacker,he never sees it coming

[@CraigAB69]

This is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt. Agreed, finding a good teacher is the key. But how do you know what a good teacher is if you have zero training experience? Also, how can people train these days? as they want quick results and are generally unfit. There is a process people must follow. Densho are the framework, not the fighting style. Is a fight static or dynamic? Think Shu-Ha-Ri. Or maybe, learning to crawl, then walk, then run, then Parkour. You can't go from learning to walk to Parkour. Every great athlete starts with a framework. The problem with Bujinkan is that a lot of people are stuck in the framework, thinking that if they keep going, they will get some magical insight, so then they become technique collectors. We all generally think that Karate is static, but what happens if that is not the real Karate, just the framework? Have a look at Yusuke in Okinawa Season 2 Ep.10 . When you see Soke, and you say "That's garbage, that will never work", are you sure of what you are seeing or are you looking at it from the limits of what you understand about: posture, spinal alignment, joint manipulation... Are you taking the 2 hour lesson out of context? If you are an adult and worried about rank, you have missed the point. Rank is for the encouragement of children. If you have bought a rank by going to Japan each year, you know within yourself that you are really that good and deserve it. Or is it your ego talking? I am a nobody, not a teacher or own a dojo, these are just my views.

[@Patrick-rc7bm]

Some good points to be fair. You're right it depends on who with and how you practice. Bujinkan is a colIection of concepts. Its true few are doing it for real, but thats not a bad thing. As Soke says " I cant give it to you, you have to take it" its kinda hidden in plain sight. The thing that that really defines and binds the Bujinkan is the philosophy of Ninpo and that has evolved over time and makes it so much more than just a fighting technique. Very pleased you recognise there are people within who practice and take this seriously.

[@jaysantana1317]

Great video, Anthony. Definately a great analysis. I've follow you for years now, and I have to say that you hit the nail right in the head with your points on martial arts. It's a shame some ppl dismiss what you have to say simply for it being you, and them having an opinion of your character for whatever reason it may be. Keep up the good work. Ossu!

[@AntonyCummins]

Thank you

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Hello there. I found you from your interview with Matt Easton a couple of days ago. In the last couple weeks, I've been following an interest in Bujinkan and found that there was a dojo in my city. I'm primarily interested in the most effective self-preservation combat training as it pertains to martial arts. Judging by your video here, I might want to keep my eyes and ears open for some other alternatives. Just got your book, Ninja Skills by the way. All the best!

[@kristoffernordlund8392]

Well made video, realy nice work=)

[@LOFIGSD]

Good video Antony, before MMA and BJJ, if you wanted to practice more hands on grappling style training you were looking at Judo or Wrestling, with very little real wrestling in the UK, if you were a hard basr*rd you could maybe get into Muay Thai,(average Bujinkan fat bloke would die skipping lol). I was in the Bujinkan/Genbukan in the 1980's and for years trained with Dave Heald, I was Sandan, and we did some good practice, but outside that, always thought most of the Bujunkan were fat geeks role playing, who honestly, wouldnt last 2 minutes in a real fight. Does stuff in the Bujinkan work? Honestly, people are better finding a good Muay Thai or MMA/BJJ gym, sparring and training with someone trying to beat you up, is what works, and get fit! Have I used Taijutsu techniques, in the Ring and in the Street, YES, but I I am a big, strong, trained fighter, and as Bruce said, absorb what is useful, but tbh, a lot of it is bollox.

[@LeeBlegen]

I pretty much thought that Taijutsu was the unarmed style of Ninjitsu fighting. This is informative

[@AntonyCummins]

Hi Lee. No it is not. It’s just a general term for jujutsu. This is a problem the Bujinkan started.

[@advancingsecurity]

Great explanation brother. As a Security Guard I find a lot of your research useful. All I have to do is change spy or ninja to criminal 😆. As a Martial Artist I'm trying to turn drop a lot of the cool moves I used to do because it's not practical. For example When I lived in the Dominican Republic I would use a machete for training and home defense because katanas isn't something most people come across. I also dropped the Sai for pepper spray and a lot of my old school grappling techniques for a fire arm and a pocket knife. (FYI I have most your book's) You are a great researcher. Please continue to do your great work!

[@theguyinthechair225]

I don’t think the “does it work” question is relevant to traditional martial arts because training “traditionally” is more about carrying the “tradition”. JMO

[@tonypittbull72]

Interesting video 👏🏻

[@Padla696]

Bujinkan at its core looks to me like old school jiu jitsu without any sport rules, aimed at self defense. A few very importants points to consider are: 1. There is no "best" marital art or combat sport, only best practicioner. 2. Martial Arts are NOT combat sports. 3. In today's world most martial arts have transformed into combat sports. Martial art that tries to stay authentic to its original purpose should be compared to combat systems taught to military, special forces and intelligence. Systems that are designed to neutralize or kill individual without any rules. 4. Bujinkan is very much affected by bad teachers, larpers and historical role players, scam artists and frauds. Much more than other martial arts or combat sports and in no small part due to the ninja boom in the 80s. 5. Many people confuse historical research of ninja and samurai with bujinkan study of hand to hand combat. Both have its place.

[@JoriMikke78]

Again these people, who think that calling something sport does take something away from the art. BJJ is a combat sport and it is martial art too, like some many others.

[@bushikageninryu6714]

Largely because many are koryu jujitsu. Like shin den Fudo Ryu. all but 3 are samurai arts. I believe Antony has commented on how these are historically based but the ninjutsu ones aren’t at 10:00

[@bushikageninryu6714]

@@JoriMikke78 well yes and no. The combat sports are sparring. It’s supposed to be a tool for training, not the focus

[@gingercore69]

Great video! Im practicing bujinkan and sipalki at the same time(sipalki is a korean full contact martial art with strikes, grappling and weapons, the sword tournaments allow grappling and striking too, so... Very "realistic") and not only do they complement each other very well, but also allow me to notice if the bujinkan one is one of the good ones (it is, the instructor also teaches in the army i think) I got a QUESTION related to the video tho... Are the techniques in bujinkan curriculum when not mixing stuff up similar or related to what traditional koryu would do?

[@AntonyCummins]

That would take a lot of work to solve

[@gingercore69]

Also, many techniques are found bith in sipalki and bujinkan, so, i end up using some of the bujinkan techniwues in sipalkk too

[@ghostdog2898]

Check out Dr Ruthless. Her stuff is great for men or women. Serious stuff. Cheers

[@anthonymartin740]

Super glad I are across your video. You really did a great job talking about the martial art. From when it was doing so well as a combative martial art and how it’s kind of fallen to a more flow driven martial art involving money. There’s bad teachers and there’s great teachers. I’ve been doing bujinkan for 4 years now and I myself(maybe I’m brain washed) can say that it is effective if taught by someone who knows and understands it. For example there’s one sensei that will allow sparing and the more basic principles that stay real. While one leans more towards not wanting anyone to get hurt and show demonstrative pieces. Will it work in a street brawl? I’d say yes. In a controlled sport, I’d also say yes. It’s a matter of the training and what your striving for in the martial art. I end this with one last thing. From what I’ve been taught is to never go into a fight expecting to not get hit, and that a fight is alive. Meaning it’s always moving, always changing, do not rely on Kamai(leave this in the dojo), or just one gyaku, or expect it to work(everything has to basically be the perfect opportunity or opening). other than that stick with the basics.

[@rayrocha4189]

What I like about these ninja or possibly neo ninja arts is from the very basics of it. The idea that it is possible to train a response that will provide the best possible reaction for safety and opportunity is very valuable. I am speaking to the way dakentaijutsu is trained at least while I did it in the late 80s and early 90s as a student where the students pair up and move to ichimunji no kamai (sorry for the spelling I can barely spell English) in response to a strike randomly initiated in groups on 1 to 5. Just training to bring your hands up and move out of the way I think is the most valuable aspect of it and it is significantly different the karate, kung fu, bjj. It will help and has helped me in many non combat related encounters that would have been very dangerous to me. (I was kicked at by a horse for instance and moved out of the way just like I was trained to) it prevented me from a strike to the chest. My wife fell down a short flight of stairs while pregnant and her training allowed her to handle it without injury. Etc. As far a real fighting goes I was able to disarm a pistol that a guy was in the process of pointing at me due to a ptsd reaction that he got from Vietnam. I don’t think that I am the best fighter or anything like that but I do recognize skilled I got from ninjutsu that although I trained many other arts I recognize that I got from ninjutsu.

[@rab877]

Hey I'm looking forward to your Don Roley fight in July! You're not going to back out are you?? I'm hoping you can show us how a "real" fighter should be...

[@minhashamayim4824]

Therefore if every person can be defeated, does this not mean that it is impossible for one person to defeat everybody including himself?

[@Quantum3691]

7:35 That does not look like horror film monster makeup. That guy got wrecked in the worst way and is lucky to be alive.

[@michaelgallagher6912]

My understanding was that takamatsu gave gikan ryu to someone else who died before takamatsu and that person gave it to tanemura. Takamatsu then gave it to hatsumi and that was the issue. Tanemura was one of hatsumis students. He was stephen hayes first instructor. So some people believe that because takamatsu was alive he was the true master and had the right to give it to hatsumi but if you view the title as property takamatsu gave it away and that person gave it to tanemura

[@scaleworksRC]

Thanks for this! Learning a lot so far.

[@user-bn4ov9sp5s]

I say train gracie jiu jitsu and study the classic scroles... great vid tho.. amazing points...

[@sorenpx]

If you haven't already done this, I'd be really interested in a video that compares and contrasts the Bujinkan system with Hayes' modified To-Shin Do system. It is supposedly modernized and very self-defense focused.

[@M_K-Bomb]

My opinion as a martial arts enthusiast reviewing if some of the stuff from Bujinkan can be pulled off. Some of the lock escapes do seem fairly reasonable and comparable to other traditional martial arts. But, at least half seem like pure martial arts fantasy stuff. The stuff that's unrealistic bullshit is 20:35 which couldn't be pulled off in high a intensity stressful attack. 20:44 which is too complicated and someone as skilled and strong would get out. 21:07 The guy leaves his punch out there and it's a technique where you move faster than your attacker who throw the punch. A person doing a boxing jab cross would beat you.

[@kwihan7262]

Maybe the balance issues that Takamatsu had were also due to his damaged eardrum...

[@yourfavoriteninja5191]

You're awesome!

[@TheLockopen]

I was first exposed to the Bujinkan when I was 14yrs old. I am now 39 years old. I`ve been in and out of many different schools and have had quite a few different teachers. I do agree on the following draw backs: Grading is not done right... but this is true for a plenty of Mcdojo`s and not a only a bujinkan issue. Some of the techniques are quite impossible ... but thats from our modern perspective and often biased understandings and opinions.... in my opinion. The practitioners of old (ancient) had all the time they required to practice and they included it in there every day lives. This is actually one thing a person can do even now. For example you can sweep a floor using tai jitsu (natural body movement). And here`s a fact that always gets over looked..... this art teaches your body and mind to respond spontaneously to unpredictable situations. This is precisely why you see so many strange movements to the untrained eye, and they are seemly unrealistic demonstrations. Firstly it does take practice lots of it and secondly it requires an open mind in order to learn beyond the fist to cuff kinda perspectives... what if you wrists are broken in a fight or perhaps you find yourself far weaker than your opponent. In this type of situation is all about survival. This art is primarily about survival. The Ideas are different... for example if you could be lucky enough to defend yourself with all your training that`s a good thing. But the case may be that your not so lucky, and that`s part of the rational for not using it in the first place. Also though you can train your self to be open minded. If the dust off your sleeve (think when you get dust in your eyes) happens to present itself when say your unable to do anything else... but then you see it and blow and it`s useful. It`s also about training your mind not to pause... also subconsciously your training the brain to look out for every possible angle. I can think of no other art with these concepts so highly emphasized. And, so is the idea of maintaining and taking the balance from your enemy with as little force as possible. This is a practical ability for when your Hatsumi (he did train the FBI once upon a time) age and beyond, if you can grasp and actually develop some of these skills. It`s actually not easy concept to grasp or explain. But, after many off and on years of training ... I have used aspects of this art that are expressed threw my body and mind in very unexpected ways. I`ve caught myself from falling in very difficult situations for example falling off ladder or slipping on beach rocks.. I`ve learned to train my body to move between narrow spaces while been able to use my upper body in a combative way simultaneously. I`ve used some techniques in real self defense situations where I was not intending or otherwise requiring me to kill someone. That said, the very obvious mind set of been prepared to kill often times has been enough to discourage my would be opponents... most people think of fighting as a fist fight of sorts... if you mean to survive by absolutely ANY"! means this is an art that may never be used by the student! You cannot imagine this art actually been used in the MMA as it would not be possible to allow for a person to try to kill another in the shortest time frame possible. ... in a sense also this this is why the bujinkan trains with guns, and other weapons. Guns are the ultimate power... however that`s not to say one should`nt train to defend from one! But, just because someone can`t shoot worth a dame we don`t blame the gun for not been a viable weapon.. same thing here you don`t bring a killing art to sporting event! PERIOD! This art is meant to be adapted to one`s own understanding once past the basic levels of understanding and abilities. (After the 5th level of black belt) It is meant to be adaptable to any new moments in combat where you can find something to give you the advantage. It`s meant to be unscripted and totally unique ... without a memorized set of Kata... in your review you fail to elaborate about this too... there are many deep things to be learned in this art which is why its functioning on the world scene as it does... it`s not for everyone by any means. It`s not for sport. It`s not for winning. It`s not for show. It`s for learning and adapting ... even to old age. The Grandmaster fights different to be effective at his respective age. And it should be understood as that and nothing more or less, in my opinion. These are some of the hidden aspects of the art which literally now one talks about. And there`s more. Bottom line is ... if you find it useful then probably it`s either saved your life in real time or it`s helped at least to avoid you having to test it out in real life. After all who really wants to dig out an eye ball with a thumb just to partially eat it and spite it back at your enemy ... or maybe cry like a little baby so as too avoid a fight altogether (you might go to jail in some country`s if you strike them in the neck, sternum etc)... or maybe you act like a crazy person... or maybe you give your life to save what`s worth more than it... (family) the list of possibilities is endless and so are the techniques... it`s a true budo art! The truth is that you cannot be successful in this art so long as you seek out confrontation in this modern age. In my opinion. I would assume to be either put in prison or otherwise live with regret if I were to be successful in a situation where I employed some devastation secrets for which an normal person is not expecting or intending to get into. After learning this art well you basically have two options... never use it or try to lessen the degree to which you do. Either way it`s not something people truly want to practice in this modern era. Instead most people want to live life like a tough guy who can beat people up! lol I think we should train hard in order to avoid having to use it, EVER ! ... if your lucky enough to avoid your future enemy`s ... hence remain hidden from you potential enemies and that`s another layer to this way of life that people usually would never think of, but might understand if your honest about it. After all it makes sense to be a humble martial artist and to only give the opportunity of conflict a fleeting chance"! live a pure life and remain a peaceful monster... a dragon waiting for a demon to play with ... or better yet not having to ever bother!

[@LeeBlegen]

Well said. Training absolutely matters, but the natural pecking order is exactly what it is. Keep training and I guarantee (unless you’re a professional fighter) you’ll rarely have to fight. BUT…always keep training

[@LeeBlegen]

I also prefer Traditional Martial Arts over MMA. I like watching MMA fights, but I absolutely LOVE watching traditional disciplines. Traditional martial arts touch my soul

[@todd2683]

It started to go bad around 90. That’s when Doran navon left. I got out in 94. I do mma. I still use a small fraction of bujinkan stuff.

[@GabeCuello]

Spot on, man. It's sad that it's turned out that way. I do miss training with some old school artists.

[@scorpzgca]

Hello Anothony Cummings amazing video I was going to join Bujinkan I might join a Jujutsu martial arts organisation instead I will try Bujinkan but I agree I have to ensure I pick the right school and not fall for this fake ninja martial arts, it's sad that Bujinkan has become watered down with rich men creating a religon out of it that is done right wrong, I thought martial arts is about self-defence and gaining confidence and power this has made me re-think my samurai and ninja research too good job

[@thetruthhurts7500]

We can all agree that the Bujinkan is complete nonsense. Everyone knows this. What is hard is for people who have dedicated themselves to it, to step away and look at it from a outside viewpoint. Instead they will defend it and Hatsumi because it is human nature to do so.

[@mp9810]

As a BJJ guy, there's a couple of legit sweeps in there. But 99% of even that 'best' footage is pure bullshit. It just looks like Aikido with cooperative partners going with the movements. Most of those joint locks were rubbish. Arm bars with just controlling their face or arm? Yeah, nah. Biting the arm to avoid a choke? This has been proved wrong multiple times, you'll leave some teeth marks but get your jaw broken. I went into it open minded, but it looks like 99% rubbish to me. Almost none of this would work.

[@jamesnevitt3400]

I am thinking about getting into krav magra. Bujinkan is like those folks that dress up as medieval soldiers with foam swords and axes and shields it's nothing wrong with it, but just don't pass it off as a super effective art. Everybody says MMA is a sport not until someone gets picked up and slammed on the concrete on the back of the head.

[@mp9810]

@@jamesnevitt3400 Krav is almost as bad tbh. No quality control on instructors - check out the long-form interviews online of former Krav instructors talking about what BS it is. It's all marketing. There's no proper sparring or resistance, just people taking dives to convince idiots that they could actually fight 4 people by hitting them in the balls.

[@stgonechild]

Interesting take on hard and soft. I wonder if this is why Storm Shadow's and Snake-Eyes's ninja clan is depicted as having both a hard and soft master.