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Japan is home to dozens of martial arts, some of which date back hundreds of years. Kenjutsu, for example, is an umbrella term that refers to all styles of swordsmanship-based martial arts originating in feudal Japan. It was pioneered out of necessity to train samurai warriors so that they could better defend their land. One of the newer and more modern Japanese martial arts, however ,is Bujinkan. In this post, we're going to explore Bunjikan and reveal five fun facts about the art that you probably didn't know.
#1) It Originated in the 1960s
According to Wikipedia, Bujinkan originated in the 1960s, during which the martial art was described in the "Encyclopedia of Martial Art Schools" as well as the "Bugei Ryuha Daijiten." These teachings helped cement the martial art in Japan's culture, thereby introducing it for the world to see.
#2) It Focuses on Nine Schools
Like many other Japanese martial arts, Bujinkan features multiple schools, each of which teaches a specific method or style of combat. The schools of Bujinkan are also known as ryuha. Collectively, the nine schools or ryuha are known as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
#3) It Teaches Ninja Skills
You might be surprised to learn that Bujinkan specifically teaches combat and defense skills used by traditional Japanese ninjas. During Japan's feudal period, ninjas, also known as ninjutsu, were responsible for carrying out espionage, infiltration, sabotage and other covert missions for their respective daimyo. The skills, tactics and techniques used by ninjas back were have since been condensed into the martial art Bujinkan.
#4) Taijutsu Involves Unarmed Combat
Taijutsu, a key branch of Bujinkan, teaches practitioners how to attack and defend themselves using their own body as a weapon. A form of unarmed combat, it encompasses a wide range of maneuvers, including grappling holds, chokes, joint locks, punches, grabs and more. When learning Taijutsu, practitioners first train on how to jump, leap and break their fall. Next, practitioners progress into the combat stages of Taijutsu.
#5) It Teaches Mind Control
Here's a fun fact about Bujinkan: It teaches mind control. That doesn't mean that you'll develop telekinesis powers when learning Bujinkan. Rather, the advanced stages of this modern Japanese martial art teach practitioners how to influence their opponent's mind using deception. Again, this goes back to the days of feudal Japan when ninjutsu would use similar tactics to manipulate their enemies.
