31/10/2026
Why do we train Bujinkan?
I feel that all shihan should consider this question deeply and train/teach accordingly.
The answer to this question will determine the future of the Bujinkan and the purpose it can have in society.
I have concluded that the core purpose of my training is to develop practical fighting and self-defence skills. From this foundation, I hope to develop a positive community, become more healthy, preserve the lessons from our history, etc.
However, to do this, we must test ourselves, fail often, and continually play outside of our comfort zone. For me, this kind of tough, heart-breaking training is the vehicle to have a positive impact on the world and hopefully build something for future generations.
So how do we test ourselves? We train techniques that are designed to cause damage; most of our set-ups (kuzushi) are banned from sparring for good reason, etc.
I concluded that if I could apply our foundational techniques (ie the elements that are present in kihon happo) against skilled combat sports’ practitioners under their rulesets, then I can say that my taijutsu is practical from a fighting perspective. I am assuming that applying these foundational techniques in a “no rules” context will be easier than doing so under MMA or BJJ rules.
It took me two to three years of hard training and a lot of trial and error to be able to do this. The techniques look the same on the surface but have changed a lot during this hardening process.
I can’t recommend it highly enough.
