genbukan ninpo

Genbukan Ninpo Bugei: Tradition, Discipline and the Way of Ninpo

Written by: Adrian Del Lago

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Reading time 6 min

From the Shadows of the Past: History and Philosophy of Genbukan Ninpo Bugei

El Genbukan Ninpo Bugei represents one of the most respected and well-established systems in the world of ninjutsu. Founded by Shoto Tanemura Sensei in 1984, the Genbukan school is dedicated to preserving and transmitting the traditional martial arts of ninjutsu and the samurai in their purest form. Tanemura Sensei, a master of multiple classical martial arts (koryu), conceived Genbukan as a school that would unite the comprehensive knowledge of Japanese martial traditions, especially those of the ninja, often misunderstood in popular culture.

The word Genbukan means "Vocational Training Place""; "Gen" (玄) refers to the deep, mysterious aspects of training; "Bu" (武) represents the martial spirit; and "Kan" (館) is a building or hall. This title reflects the school's mission to cultivate a deep understanding of martial arts that goes beyond physical techniques and movements, guiding practitioners toward inner strength, discipline, and mental resilience. Below, we'll explore the history, training practices, and unique characteristics that define Genbukan Ninpo Bugei.

History of Genbukan Ninpo Bugei

Tanemura Sensei's background is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts.. He trained rigorously under the tutelage of eminent masters such as Takamatsu Toshitsugu, one of the most renowned ninjutsu masters of the 20th century, and Sato Kinbei, an authority on the classical martial arts. Inspired by his commitment to preserving the rich history of these traditions, Tanemura established Genbukan Ninpo Bugei as a school that would not only teach ninjutsu, but would also instill in students the authentic philosophy and spirit that these arts embody.

Since its inception, Genbukan has expanded globally, with dojos in many countries, making it accessible to a global audience. While rooted in the traditions of ancient Japan, Genbukan integrates modern principles of martial arts pedagogy, ensuring that practitioners from diverse backgrounds can understand the teachings in both historical and practical contexts.

The Heart of Genbukan Training: Ninpo Bugei

The heart of training in Genbukan lies in the Ninpo Bugei, a comprehensive system that includes various aspects of ninjutsu along with the classical arts of the samurai. Ninpo is often interpreted as "the highest order of ninjutsu", aiming at both martial skill and character refinement. The teachings of Bugei Ninpo encompass a wide range of traditional techniques and philosophies, divided into several categories:

  1. Taijutsu (Body Techniques)
    El taijutsu forms the core of physical training in Genbukan, focusing on the principles of evasion, balance, locks, throws and strikes. Practitioners learn to use the body as a whole, employing relaxed but controlled movements to generate power and efficiency. The skills in taijutsu improve self-defense, awareness and agility, making it ideal for real-life scenarios.

  2. Buki Waza (Weapon Techniques)
    At Genbukan, students train with traditional ninja and samurai weapons, such as the sword (katana), short sword (wakizashi), staff (bo and hanbo), shuriken (throwing stars), and more. This weapons training is crucial to understanding the ancient strategies used by warriors and ninjas, and fosters a sense of respect for these classic tools.

  3. Koppojutsu and Koshijutsu
    El koppojutsu, or bone fracture techniques, and the koshijutsu, which involve attacks to soft tissue points, are among the most refined aspects of Genbukan Bugei Ninpo. These techniques require precise control and are often considered advanced aspects of training. The emphasis is on controlled and ethical use of force, aligned with Genbukan philosophy.

  4. Seishinteki Kyoyo (Spiritual Refinement)
    Integral to Genbukan philosophy is the concept of spiritual refinement. This goes beyond physical skill, encouraging practitioners to cultivate virtues such as humility, patience and resilience. Students are taught to approach training not just as a means of learning to fight, but as a journey of self-discovery and growth.

  5. Heiho (Strategy and Tactics)
    The study of strategic thinking is essential in Genbukan, reflecting the ninja's historical role in intelligence gathering and unconventional warfare. This includes not only tactical application in martial arts, but also the mental discipline to understand situations and adapt accordingly.

Genbukan Ryu-Ha (Schools) and Lineage

Genbukan preserves teachings from multiple classical Japanese schools, or ryu ha, ninjutsu and samurai arts. Some of these schools include:

  • Togakure Ryu: Known for her unique evasion and concealment techniques.
  • Kumogakure Ryu: Specialized in stealth and psychological tactics.
  • Gyokko Ryu: Focuses on body mechanics and joint manipulation.
  • Kuki Shinden Ryu: Emphasizes the integration of weapons and unarmed techniques.

Each ryu ha brings a different perspective to the general curriculum, and students gain exposure to various methods and approaches. This multifaceted training provides a holistic understanding of the ninja arts, from hand-to-hand combat to strategic thinking.

Training Environment and Rank System in Genbukan

The Genbukan dojo maintains an environment of respect and discipline where practitioners are encouraged to display humility, dedication, and a strong work ethic. The rank system, using grades of kyu (beginner) and and (advanced), helps track progress and gives students structured goals to work toward. Promotions are earned based on demonstration of skill, knowledge, and ethical maturity, all carefully evaluated by qualified instructors.

The Way of Ninpo: Philosophy and Ethics

In Genbukan, the philosophy of Ninpo is fundamental. Tanemura Sensei emphasizes that Ninpo, at its core, is a way of living aligned with moral principles. The training fosters mental resilience, self-control, and the ability to face life's challenges with courage and clarity. This is encapsulated in the concept of Shin Gi Tai Ichi, which means the unification of spirit (shin), technique (gi) and body (tai).

Unlike the often romanticized image of ninjas as mercenaries or assassins, Genbukan's Ninpo Bugei emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of martial artists. Practitioners are taught to respect life and use their skills responsibly, in the service of self-defense or to protect others, embodying the idea that true strength lies in self-control and compassion.

Genbukan Ninpo Bugei as a Path of Mastery and Self-Realization

Genbukan Ninpo Bugei is much more than a martial art; it is a transformative path that builds discipline, strength, and wisdom. Through rigorous training in traditional techniques and a focus on ethical development, Genbukan offers students an opportunity for deep personal growth. Tanemura Sensei's vision has made Genbukan a respected path for those seeking an authentic connection to Japanese martial heritage and the timeless wisdom that lies within the way of Ninpo.

For modern practitioners, Genbukan offers both a link to the past and a guiding light for the future, helping people face challenges with a warrior's spirit and a peaceful heart.

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kazeiro

Author: Kazeiro

Writer: Kazeiro

Kazeiro is the administrator of this website and 7th dan shihan of Takaharu Tenshin Ryu. He has over 45 years of experience practicing traditional Japanese martial arts. He is the writer of the book: Vital Strategies of the Way of the Warrior and responsible for the Takaharu Tenshin Ryu school for the West.

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