Many martial arts promise to prepare students for dangerous situations, but not all were created with the same purpose. Some were forged by professional warriors—samurai and ninja—who relied on them for survival on the battlefield. Others evolved from the needs of farmers and villagers for simple self-defense. Naturally, the warrior arts developed broader, deeper, and more refined methods than arts practiced only part-time.
The classical warrior systems, known as bujutsu, were shaped and tested over centuries of real combat. Unlike many modern martial arts, which emphasize sport competition or simplified self-defense routines, the warrior traditions were designed to ensure survival against armed, determined opponents. Training encompassed a wide range of tactics, weapons, and strategies, giving the warrior adaptability in any life-threatening encounter.
The Samurai and the Bujinkan
The arts of the samurai and ninja differ greatly from many modern systems. Sport training is bound by rules and often builds habits that are dangerous in real combat, which has no restrictions. Solo kata practiced in the air may look impressive, but they cannot replace the experience of working with a living partner. True combat involves timing, distance, energy, and human unpredictability—skills best learned through hands-on training.
In the Bujinkan, we train directly with partners to develop realistic, practical ability. This type of training is more challenging than sport-based practice, but it is also far more rewarding. The nine classical schools of the Bujinkan preserve a vast body of knowledge, refined over centuries, and passed down to us through Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Sōke (grandmaster) of Togakure-ryū Ninpō, an art with over 800 years of history.
Tradition and Modern Application
Bujinkan Maru no Ichi Dojo of Nevada is not just another martial arts school. Our goal is to create a positive, supportive environment where students explore the depth of traditional warrior training while learning how to apply its principles to the modern world. (After all, while swords were once essential, today however you are more likely to be carrying a flashlight or other everyday items which may serve a similar role—you’ll discover how as your training progresses.)
We draw inspiration from Toshitsugu Takamatsu, the 33rd Grandmaster of Togakure-ryū, who wrote:
“The essence of all martial arts and military strategies is self-protection and the prevention of danger. Ninjutsu epitomizes the fullest concept of self-protection in that it protects not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. The way of the Ninja is the way of enduring, surviving, and prevailing over all that would destroy one.”
Toshitsugu Takamatsu
Join Us
We welcome sincere people of all backgrounds and skill levels. If you are of good character and an open mind, you are welcome here.
