Our Grand Master - Masaaki Hatsumi

Masaaki Hatsumi graduated from Meiji University in Tokyo, with a major in theater studies, and osteopathic medicine. Soon after graduation he opened a bone clinic in his home town and his practice continued on a steady basis until about 1990 when his travel and movie schedule seemed to take all his time.

Grandmaster Hatsumi is the author of over a dozen books and more than 50 videos on the martial traditions of the Bujinkan Dojo. He has been featured in almost every magazine relating to the subject in Japan, and many others throughout the world. He has authored countless magazine and newspaper articles on the martial arts, ninjutsu, and on “how to live a natural life.” He wrote, directed and acted in 50 episodes of the Japanese television series "Jiraya." He acts as a consultant for various plays and movies to ensure that what is being portrayed is done correctly and with historical accuracy.

Dr. Hatsumi’s home displays an elaborate collection of awards, certificates, letters of friendship, and honorary titles from some of the most elite organizations in the world. Some of them have been listed below:

• Title of Knighthood by the German National Historical Culture Federation, at Frankfurt.
• Received the Papal Award, an Apostolic blessing from the Vatican, on behalf of Pope John-Paul II.
• Honorary Doctorate degrees in Human Sciences and Philosophy from the U.S.
• Honorary member of Texas Rangers.
• Honorary member of Arizona Rangers.
• Received the Cross Medal and Sun Medal from Juan Carlos King of Spain.
• Honorary award from the Spanish Secretary of State for the Intelligence Agency.
• Received an honorary Doctorate from the Manchester School of Osteopathy.
• Awarded the title Todo Hanshi (Master teacher of the way of the sword) on February 11th by Nakazawa Toshi, President of Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (Japan Sword Federation).
• Received an award from London Metropolitan Police Headquarters.
• Received an award from the City of Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Voted by U.S. “Blackbelt” Magazine 1986 Instructor of the Year.
• Received Letters of thanks from Prince Charles’s secretary.
• Certificate of Friendship from President Mitterand of France.
• Letters of appreciation from US Presidents: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton.
• F.B.I. Federal Bureau of Investigation Certificate of Friendship
• Pentagon America National Department of Defense Certificate of Friendship
• Received the Shakai Bunka Korosho “Contribution Prize for Society and Culture” and Kokusai Bunka Eiyosho “International Cultural Honour Prize” awarded by Nihon Bunka Shinkokai “Japan Culture Promoting Association, signed by the Emperor of Japan.
• Received the Sekai Bunka Taisho “World Cultural Grand Prize” award in the division of Martial Arts, issued by the Sekai Heiwa Bunka Rengo “World Peace and Culture Federation”.
• Honorary Citizen of the state of Texas & cities of Los Angeles, California, Atlanta, Georgia, Dublin, Jordan Valley, Burton Village, and New Mexico.
• S.A.S. England Special Forces Certificate of Friendship
• Royal Marines (England Navy) Certificate of Friendship