The foundation of the Bujinkan is the practice and perfection of Budo Taijutsu, or the “art of using the body”. In order to learn and understand taijutsu effectively, the Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki - the Principles of Heaven, Earth, and Man - was written and compiled from techniques that have been passed down for over a thousand years. The Tenchijin gives a logical progression to follow in internalizing and understanding Budo Taijutsu through a series of katas or practice movements.

Initially, training begins with the student learning to recognize their own body's natural movements. Taihenjutsu (body movement skills) focuses on a number of different skills which include learning to fall and roll safely, leaping, posture, and avoiding attacks. Ukemi, which in the broad sense means injury prevention is stressed strongly in the early stages of training.

 As training progresses, katas are introduced to teach the basics of Dakentaijutsu (striking techniques) using the entire body as a weapon to strike or block; and Jutaijutsu (grappling techniques) using and escaping from locks, throws, chokes and holds. These katas ( Kihon Happo) form the basis of Budo Taijutsu, and go beyond teaching basic striking and grappling techniques. Through practicing the Kihon Happo repeatedly the student will begin to understand the most important principles in actual combat - timing, distance, rhythm and flow.

 In later stages, Randori (free response) is introduced to help the student to learn to create and explore openings which naturally appear in the opponent’s movements, and to apply techniques based upon correct taijutsu principles. Randori is initially done slowly so students can learn to move freely and to adapt to the opponent’s movements. It is often said, that this free flowing style and adaptability is one of the most important aspects of Bujinkan training. A confrontation is a dynamic, constantly moving process, and to succeed, it is vital to be able to adapt and respond to the opponent’s changes. In a real situation, speed and power are far less important.

 Training can be both soft and hard. Soft, gentle training allows the student to concentrate on developing proper taijutsu fundamentals, and to understand how to respond correctly with both the heart, mind and body to the opponent’s various changes. At the same time, hard training is not neglected. Always practicing proper taijutsu principles, hard training helps the student to build the mental and spiritual character necessary to continue in a life or death struggle even if hurt or injured.

 As students begin to understand taijutsu, basic weapons training is introduced. This has two purposes: First, students learn how to avoid or defend against weapon attacks, and overcome any fear of the weapon. Second, and more importantly, weapons training helps to perfect proper taijutsu principles. If a student’s taijutsu is weak, this will be magnified in weapons training.

---- (From Bujinkan Dojo NYC's Student Training Guide.) ----

This page was borrowed from the Bujinkan Dojo NYC.