Bujinkan Budo Ninpo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu
武神館武道忍法対術／忍術
Bujinkan Budo Ninpo Taijutsu, also known asBujinkan Ninjutsu, is hybrid system teaching techniques from nine classical Japanese Martial Arts (日本古武道).
戸隠流忍法体術 Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu
玉虎流骨指術 Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu
虎倒流骨法術 Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
高木揚心流柔体術 Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu
神伝不動流打拳体術 Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu
九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術 Kukishinden Ryu Happo Bikenjutsu
義鑑流骨法術 Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu
雲隠流忍法 Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo
玉心流忍法 Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo
Each art has its own areas of specialization and lineage, but each is a form of Taijutsu (体術). Taijutsu literally means, "art or skill of using the body." It is the precursor to jujutsu, judo, aikido, etc. Rather than focusing on speed or strength, Taijutsu is based on natural body mechanics, emphasizing correct alignment of the muscles and skeleton, balance, timing, distancing, and an understanding of human anatomy. Thus, a smaller, less skilled, or less fit individual can escape and survive assaults by larger, stronger, faster, armed, or more skilled attackers.
The nine schools were united into the Bujinkan by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi （初見良昭宗家）, the 34th generation Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu. He learned the nine schools from his master, Takamatsu Toshitsugu (高松寿嗣宗家), the last recorded bloodline member of a Ninja family. Hatsumi Sensei organized the Bujinkan to teach the classical techniques, principles, strategies and philosophies of the Japanese martial arts in a contemporary context. Hatsumi Sensei and his top students, the Japanese Shihan(師範), still live and teach in Japan, welcoming students from all over the world.
Bujinkan encompasses all ranges of combat both armed and unarmed. Striking, grappling, traditional and modern weaponry, as well as special techniques for rolling, falling, walking, running, jumping etc. are all part of the Taijutsu curriculum.
Rich Cearley Shihan[師範](Master Instructor) is the head Bujinkan Budo Ninpo Taijutsu [武神館武道忍法体術] teacher at Houston Karate Academy. He travels regularly to Japan to train with his teacher, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi Soke[初見良昭家](Grandmaster) and the Japanese Shihan. Rich received his Shidoshi Menkyo [指導し免許](instructor’s license) in 1995 and currently holds the rank of Judan Kugyo Happo Biken [十段空行八法秘剣](10th Degree at Void Level of Eight Directional Sword Secrets or 15th Degree Black Belt). Hastumi Sensei presented Rich with the Gold Medal of the Bujinkan in November 2013 in recognition of his dedication to the art. Rich feels fortunate to have trained with many Japanese and foreign instructors and tries to foster a fighting spirit and good heart in his students.
Training at Houston Karate Academy is directed by Rich Cearley Shihan on Thursdays at 7:30pm and Saturdays at 1:00pm, with assistance from his senior students. Opportunities for continuing training at seminars and in Japan are offered to serious students.
