Soke Masaaki Hatsumi was born in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan on December 2, 1931. He was first introduced to the martial arts by his father at age 9 learning kendo. Later he went on to study judo, aikido, karate, boxing and numerous koryu bujutsu styles.

From 1957 to 1972, Masaaki Hatsumi studied with Takamatsu Toshitsugu, from whom he inherited the authority and position of soke (headmaster) in the following nine martial arts traditions:

• Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu – Hidden Door School

• Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu – Jewel Tiger School

• Kukishinden Happo Hikenjutsu – Nine Demon Gods School

• Koto Ryu Koppojutsu – Tiger Knocking Down School

• Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu – Immovable Heart School

• (Hon Tai) Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu – High Tree, Raised Heart School

• Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu – Truth, Loyalty & Justice School

• Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu – Jeweled Heart School

• Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo – Hiding in the Clouds School

 

In the late 1970's Masaaki Hatsumi founded the Bujinkan Dojo in honor of his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu. From 1982 till 2003 he travelled world wide to teach his style of martial arts. He continues to teach the essence of these martial art methods at the Bujinden Honbu dojo in Noda City today.