The Bujinkan is a martial arts organization founded by Hatsumi Masaaki of Noda City, Japan. Nine classical martial arts tradtions are contained within the Bujinkan. It is his expression of Budo (warrior way or method) as a synthesis of these nine traditions, many of which have over lapping histories.
 

The classical traditions, within the Bujinkan, fall under the classification of "kobudo" (old martial ways), "koryu" (old transmissions or flows of knowledge), or hei-ho (broadly encompassing martial strategy). Martial traditions from the feudal era of Japan were broad and contained knowledge not just of fighting with weapons or empty handed, but also knowledge of how to negotiate a battle, weather forecasting, how to build a proper fortress, how to manage one's fiefdom, medical knowledge, etc. A master of hei-ho was more than just a fighter and would have insights into many aspects of life, as survival itself could hinge on any aspect of life.
 

The Bujinkan is a large organization, and within it, like any organzation, are differences in tone and tenor. Different countries may have different tendencies. One Shihan (senior teacher) may have differences from another. Personalities, cultural traditions, and other factors may reveal subtle or even large differences in practices.
 

The point of the Bujinkan is to reveal the underpinnings of the nine schools to its practitioners. The fundamental principles are of the utmost importance. When a student can grasp these fundamentals (kihon), then he or she can better understand techniques from any of the schools and even martial arts not within the Bujinkan. It is the understanding of essential points (kaname) of budo that is the most important, rather than accumulating techniques. In fact, Hatsumi Sensei has said it is important not to become a collector of techniques, but a true Budoka (practitioner of budo) who understands the heart of martial arts. This is no easy task.
 

The nine schools (ryu-ha) of the Bujinkan are:
Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術)
Gyokko ryū Kosshi jutsu (玉虎流骨指術)
Kuki Shinden Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術)
Koto Ryū Koppō jutsu (虎倒流骨法術)
Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentai jutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術)
Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu (高木揚心流柔体術)
Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu (義鑑流骨法術)
Gyokushin-ryū Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法)
Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法)