Kuro Washi Bujinkan Dojo

Authentic Samurai & Ninja Martial Arts
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About Our School 
 
 

 
James Menephee receiving Godan (5th Degree Black belt) certificate from Shihan Carbonaro
 
In October 7th, 2006 we became the Omaha, NE branch of the Tanuki Bujinkan Dojo, located in Long Branch, NJ, under the supervision of Shidoshi Chris Carbonaro.  On Decemebr 6th, 2007, James received the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) and we became the Kuro Washi Bujinkan Dojo.  Although the school name has changed, Shihan Carbonaro remains James' instructor and a guiding light for our school's budo path.  James continues to go train with his instructor often, and travels to Japan yearly.
 
 
 

Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi & Sensei James Menephee in Ayase, Japan 2006
 
What is the Bujinkan?
 
Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi is the Grandmaster of nine ryu, or schools, of Japanese combat arts. Of these, three are Ninjutsu ryu(schools), while the remaining six are Samurai ryu. The Bujinkan (literally "Divine Warrior Training Hall") is Hatsumi Soke's organization through which these arts are taught around the world.  More information on the lineages are below. 

  

                                         

Nine Ryu (Schools) of the Bujinkan

Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu - "High Tree, Raised Heart School"

This system specializes in grappling and throwing techniques similar to aikido and judo. However, unlike judo and aikido, this style makes it difficult for the opponent to use ukemi to fall or roll safely. This ryu is known as the “bodyguard school”, and was founded by Takagi Oriuemon Shigenobu around 1650.
Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu - "Nine Spirits School"
 

 
"Kukishinden Ryu" banner from
Grandmaster Hatsumi to our school

This ryu is a battlefield style whose specialty is the use of many different weapons including spears, swords, hanbos, etc. Many of the weapon techniques (hanbo, bo, yari, naginata, etc.) in Bujinkan come from this school. Kukishinden Ryu was founded by Izuma Kanja Yoshiteru in the mid 1100s.
Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu - "Immovable Heart School"

This system specializes in dakentaijutsu (striking techniques), and jutaijutsu (hard grappling techniques). This was the first ryu that Takamatsu learned form his grandfather. This ryu was also founded by Izuma Kanja Yoshiteru in the mid 1100 who also learned Chinese kenpo.
Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu - "Jeweled Tiger School"

The oldest of the nine traditions, this style is heavily influenced by Chinese kenpo and is known for its koshijutsu attacks to muscles and soft organs, also using fingers and thumbs for ripping and tearing. Gyokko Ryu was originally founded by Cho Gyokko who was said to have fled China during the Tang Dynasty around 900 AD. This ryu forms much of the basis for the Bujinkan system including the kihon happo.
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu - "Tiger Knocking Down School"

This style specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques and is very linear in motion. This style was originally organized into a ryu by Sakagami Kunishige in the mid 1500s. The name of the school means to knock the tiger down with the tips of the fingers and historically, training started with striking sand and gravel, then larger stones for conditioning.
Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu - "Truth Loyalty and Justice School"

This ryu was originally founded by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo in the mid 1500s and specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques. This style is known for its low stances, with much of the footwork within the Bujinkan system coming from this ryu.
Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu - "Hidden Door School" (***Training theme of 2008***)

The second oldest of the nine traditions, this ryu forms much of the basis for the ninjutsu techniques taught in the Bujinkan. This system is famous for its use of such weapons as shuko and shuriken. It was founded by Daisuke Togakure in the late 1100s.
Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu - "Jeweled Heart School"

The second ninjutsu ryu in the Bujinkan system was founded by Sasaki Goemon Teruyoshi in the mid 1500s. Not much is known of this ryu except that it is an Iga ninja school and concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu, rather than the fighting side. It is also known for its use of sutemi (sacrifice) throws
Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu - "Hiding in the Clouds School"

The third of the ninja ryus, it uses similar taijutsu as Togakure Ryu, and is also known for double blocks and strikes This ryu originated with Einaizaemon Ienaga Iga in the mid 1500s.