Frequently Asked
Questions
The
Who What Where and How of it all.
Find the Pennsylvania Dojo ?
The Dojo is approximately twelve miles south of the
city of Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is in a semi rural setting and
easily accessible from from Harrisburg, New York, or Philadelphia. Use the comments
section to contact us. Once we know where you are relative to the Dojo we will e-mail
you detailed directions and maps.
Contact the Dojo Directly ?
Use the comments page
to e-mail us or call us for more information. Don't be afraid to ask any martial
arts questions you may have. If we don't have an answer we steer you to someone who
does.
Order the video "Self Defense For Everyone"?
Click on the video title to go the video page for
more information on this excellent introduction to Ninjutsu
Measure advancement in Ninjutsu?:
Every individual advances at
his/her own rate. Your rate of advancement will depend on a number of
factors. Time available for training and practice, is one
factor. On a more practical level the lessons learned in training can be applied
immediately. Since self defense is an all or nothing proposition,
"almost", beating back an attacker or rapist doesn't win you
anything, this is the advancement that matters.
More Information on Ninjutsu?
General information is everywhere, but varies in quality.
For an in-depth appraisal one of the books by Masaaki Hatsumi is an excellent
resource.
A brief outline of Ninjutsu's history can be
found here. For more detailed
historical information see our links page
for other internet sites that deal with the subject in greater detail or
forward your questions to the Dojo.
We welcome any and all questions about Ninjutsu. If we don't have the answer we can point you to some one
who can.
For those wanting a fail safe introduction to the art we
recommend Ed Martin's "Self
Defense For Everyone" video tape. It walks you through some basic moves and
holds that can be practiced at home. An excellent way to grasp how Ninjutsu works.
Eligible to join the Pennsylvania Bujinkan Dojo?
Anyone who is serious about the art of self defense.
Age, size, weight, and physical condition is not a factor. Ninjutsu will adapt
itself to you and your environment. Children's classes are available.
Ed Martin? Ed is Founder of the
Pennsylvania Dojo and student of Dr. Masaaki
Hatsumi.
Dr. Masaaki
Hatsumi (1931- )
Dr. Hatsumi is Ninjutsu's greatest living teacher
and the last Ninja taught in the old style.
Only successor to Toshitsugu
Takamatsu. Dr Hatsumi is a life long student of the martial arts.
He sought out Takamatsu when
his training in conventional martial arts could go no farther. For 15
years he was Takamatsu's only student. Just prior to Takamatsu's death in
1977 the last combat Ninja declared Dr. Hatsumi his only heir in the art.
Dr Hatsumi has
worked for over forty years training men and women in the art of Ninjutsu.
Due to his work Ninjutsu has moves from one Grandmaster with one student to one
grandmaster over seeing dozens of senior students, like Ed Martin, who have
taught some degree of the art to over
100,000 applicants world wide.
In addition to his martial arts training Dr. Hatsumi
is an osteopathic doctor, has a degree in theater arts, and has received his
doctorate. An accomplished author and artist he has published several titles on
subjects ranging from poetry to self defense. His art work has been
displayed world wide. He is sought after by film
and television producers world wide as the authority on Ninjutsu. In his
seventh decade he remains active in the teaching of Ninjutsu.
His Dojo's website is found at http://Bujinkan.org
Toshitsugu "Tiger" Takamatsu:
(1887-1972) 
Considered the last "combat Ninja" Toshitsugu was born to a family
with roots in both the Ninja and the Samurai classes. As a child he was
taught by masters of several ryus, becoming the only person to have completed
training in all aspects of Ninjutsu
As a young man he gained notoriety when he single handedly stopped a small
riot. As an adult he sought adventure in China and acquired an unmatched reputation for
ferocity in battle and personal integrity.
For most of his adult life he was the only man fully trained in the art of
Ninjutsu. Only after retiring to his
village did he take on a single student, Dr. Hatsumi Yoshiaki. After 15 years
of instruction Toshitsugu declared Dr. Hatsumi his only heir in the art of Ninjutsu.
Bo:
A six foot
walking staff cut to be used as a defensive weapon. Used correctly it can really
ruin someone's day.
Bokken:
A
wooden practice sword used in training sessions.
Dan: Dan is another, more accurate
term for black belt. A tenth degree black belt in Ninjutsu is referred
to as a 10th Dan.
Dojo: A Dojo is the training area where the lessons
are taught.
Hanbo:
A
walking staff one half the size of the Bo. Used in the same manner as the Bo.
Jo:
A four
foot walking staff used in the same manner as the Hanbo.
Ryu: One of the
nine schools of self defense that comprise Ninpo. Of the nine Ryus, six
are modified from the martial arts traditions of the Samurai, the other three
are Ninjutsu. Soke Hatsumi teaches all nine as an integrated whole.
Soke: Soke is the Japanese name for
Grandmaster. Modern Ninjutsu has just two grandmasters in the last
century. Both of whom are listed above.
Shidoshi: A Shidoshi is a
fifth degree black belt. This is the lowest level black belt who is allowed to train
others.
Ninjutsu: A form of the martial arts
that developed in feudal Japan, Ninjutsu was nearly extinct by the 20th century and is
enjoying a global rebirth..
Tai Kai:
A yearly, nation wide seminar dedicated to advancing the art of Ninjutsu into
American life. Other nations have their own Tai Kais.
