Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Ph.D.

taken from: www.ShinkenTaijutsu.com

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is a highly accomplished martial artist, doctor and healer, writer, actor, and artist. Dr. Hatsumi is most noted as the 34th Grandmaster of Budo Taijutsu and founder of the Bujinkan Dojo. Budo Taijutsu encompasses nine ancient martial art traditions of feudal Japan and integrates physical, intellectual and spiritual elements for personal growth and development. It is practiced by more than 10,000 practitioners around the world.

Dr. Hatsumi was born in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, on December 2, 1931. He graduated from Meiji University of Medicine in Tokyo, as a Hone-tsugi (Orthopedic Doctor). He is respected as an accomplished practitioner of the ancient Japanese medical techniques of Seikotsu (natural healing methods). In addition to medicine, Dr. Hatsumi is an accomplished artist of brush and ink in the Nihonga style. His art work has been exhibited at the Nagai Gallery of Tokyo and in Paris, France

Dr. Hatsumi has written numerous books and articles on philosophy and martial arts that have been translated into many languages. He writes a weekly column for a local Chiba prefecture newspaper and is a recurring subject of the major Japanese martial arts magazine, Hiden.

An accomplished actor and director of both movies and television, he starred in the TV series, Jiraiya for four seasons. He also coached and directed notable martial arts film stars, Sonny Chiba and Toshiro Mifune.

For his efforts to spread the art of the Bujinkan throughout the world, Dr. Hatsumi has been recognized by many governments, private organizations and distinguished individuals. Some of his most notable accomplishments and accolades are as follows:

International Awards and Recognition:

Apostolic Blessing awarded by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, the Vatican, April 2001

World Cultural Grand Prize: Martial Arts Division for 2000,World Peace and Culture Association

Social Cultural Distinguished Service Award for 1999, Japanese Culture Promotion Society

Chairman of the International Department, Japan Literary Artists' Club, 1990-1994

Professor of Natural Sciences (USA), Trinity College

Cross and Sun Medal, presented by the King of Spain, Juan Carlos

Blackbelt Magazine's Instructor of the Year award for 1986

Awards from the Spanish Secretary of State for the Intelligence Agency, from London Metropolitan Police Headquarters

Letters of Thanks from Prince Charles' Secretary, the London Secretary of State for the Environment, the London Ambassador's Secretary, and the Mayor of London

Letter of Appreciation from the Premier of South Australia, John Bannon

Letters of Appreciation from the Director of the National Security Agency and the FBI Academy, USA

Letters of Appreciation and Birthday greetings from US Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton

Honorary Member of the Texas Rangers

Letters of Thanks from the US State Governors of Texas, Georgia, Maryland, California, New Jersey and Tennessee

Honorary Citizen of the State of Texas and the cities of Los Angeles, Atlanta, Gatlinburg, USA; Dublin, Ireland; Jordan Valley, Israel and many others.

Bujinkan Dojo Hombu:

Togakure-ryu, Ninpo, 34th generation Grandmaster
Gyokko-ryu, Kosshijutsu, 28th generation Grandmaster
Koto-ryu, Koppojutsu, 18th generation Grandmaster
Shidenfudo-ryu, Dakentaijutsu, 26th generation Grandmaster
Kukishin-ryu, Taijutsu, Happo Bikenjutsu, 28th generation Grandmaster
Takagiyoshin-ryu, Jutaijutsu, 17th generation Grandmaster
Kumogakure-ryu, Ninpo, 14th generation Grandmaster
Gyokushin-ryu, Ninpo, 21st generation Grandmaster
Gikan-ryu, Koppojutsu, 15th generation Grandmaster