For many years the art that we study was known around the world as Ninjutsu. This is a limited term, however, considering that the Bujinkan consists of nine ryu and only three are Ninjutsu ryu. The Bujinkan was long known for Togakure Ryu Ninpo, but in truth the majority of the techniques that were being studied were from other schools. Keeping this in mind, let's delve into a very condensed and simplified overview of Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu.

Ninjutsu was developed in the Iga and Koga regions of Japan. It is believed that the art is a result of the training methods of the Shugenja and Yamabushi mountain ascetics.

Contrary to the common Hollywood stereotype, most ninjutsu ryu were not comprised of assassins. Some were even of samurai status, or had at one time held such office. The majority of the ninjutsu clans were founded by warriors who had the misfortune of being on the losing side of a war and chose to live by taking their families into the mountains, rather that facing ritualistic suicide as the samurai code would demand. Other ryu were founded by simple peasants and farmers who were basically considered less than human by the military government. Many traditional Japanese Bujutsu Ryu contained a ninjutsu curriculum.

Their only chance of survival was to flee to outlying regions and develop skills that would not only help them survive the elements, but the aggression of the samurai as well. It would be reasonable to view the ancient ninja as guerrilla warfare specialist, experts in all aspects of combat and strategy, intelligence gathering and networking, and seekers of spiritual enlightenment and truth.

In ancient times, membership in a ninjutsu ryu was restricted to those who were born into the ninja families Every day was spent ensuring the families' survival: farming, martial training, outdoorsmanship, etc.

Ninja clans were despised by samurai and peasant alike. Legend and myth surrounded them and their tradition. They were feared, and many common folk believed them to be nothing more than fairy tale. More than one samurai general set about to rid Japan of ninjutsu clans, most notably Oda Nobunaga. For an excellent write up on this event and more ninjutsu related facts, visit "Mats Hjelm's Bujinkan WWW" page. (See the link section on our homepage.)

Daisuke Togakure was a samurai in the mid 1100's. He was on the losing side of a battle and escaped to the mountain region of Iga. It was here that he is credited for founding Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu.

The lineage of Soke of Togakure Ryu is as follows: