Bujinkan FAQ: Training Questions Answered
Common questions about Bujinkan martial arts, training at Rojodojo, and studying with Michael Glenn in Santa Monica. Last updated: March 2026.
What is Bujinkan?
Bujinkan is a traditional Japanese martial arts system comprising nine historical schools (ryūha) inherited by Masaaki Hatsumi. It includes taijutsu (unarmed combat), weapons training (sword, staff, spear), and strategy principles developed by samurai and ninja over 900 years.
The nine schools include three ninja traditions (Togakure-ryū, Gyokushin-ryū, Kumogakure-ryū) and six samurai traditions (Gyokko-ryū, Kotō-ryū, Shinden Fudō-ryū, Takagi Yōshin-ryū, Gikan-ryū, Kukishin-ryū). Training emphasizes natural movement, adaptability, and personal growth.
Who can train Bujinkan?
Bujinkan welcomes students of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Training emphasizes natural movement, adaptability, and personal growth rather than athletic performance. Classes are available for beginners through advanced practitioners.
Unlike sport martial arts, Bujinkan has no competitions. Students progress at their own pace, focusing on understanding principles rather than “winning.” Many practitioners train into their 70s and 80s.
What should I wear to my first Bujinkan class?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing like a t-shirt and sweatpants or gi. Avoid zippers, buttons, or hard accessories. Training is barefoot or in tabi, so remove shoes before entering the dojo. A Bujinkan gi can be purchased after you begin training.
For weapons classes, bring your own equipment if you have it (rokushakubō, hanbō, shinai). Beginners can borrow dojo equipment until they purchase their own.
How long does it take to get a black belt in Bujinkan?
Bujinkan uses a kyu/dan ranking system. Earning shodan (1st degree black belt) typically takes 3-5 years of consistent training. However, Bujinkan emphasizes personal growth over rank, and every student has their own unique path to black belt.
Rank requirements include:
- Kyu levels (9th-1st kyu): Basic techniques, ukemi (falling), fundamental kamae
- Shodan (1st dan): Proficiency in taijutsu, basic weapons, understanding of nine schools
- Nidan-Sandan (2nd-3rd dan): Teaching skills, deeper strategy, weapon mastery
- Yondan+ (4th dan+): Advanced principles, personal expression, leadership
Michael Glenn holds 15th dan (jūdan kū level) and was awarded Daishihan (great teacher) by Hatsumi Sensei in 2017. Bujinkan FAQ
Who is Masaaki Hatsumi?
Masaaki Hatsumi is the founder and Grandmaster (Sōke) of the Bujinkan organization. He inherited nine traditional martial arts schools from his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu and began teaching internationally in the 1970s. Hatsumi Sensei awarded Michael Glenn the title Daishihan in 2017.
Born in 1931, Hatsumi Sensei was a Sekkotsu (bone setter) who taught martial arts part-time. He gained international recognition in the 1980s-90s through ninja demonstrations and became one of the most influential martial artists of the 20th century. He officially retired in 2020, passing leadership to his students worldwide.
What is Rojodojo?
Rojodojo is Michael Glenn’s online and in-person Bujinkan training platform based in Santa Monica, California. It offers membership tiers (Shinjin, Tokkun, Jikideshi) with access to 410+ training archives, monthly Japan reports, video instruction, and rank evaluation.
“Rojō” (路上) means “on the road” or “journey” in Japanese—reflecting the continuous path of Bujinkan training. The platform serves students worldwide who can’t train locally, as well as Santa Monica dojo members. Bujinkan FAQ
Membership Levels:
| Level | Price | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjin (新人) | $16/month | All training videos, 400+ archives, monthly Japan reports |
| Tokkun (特訓) | $32/month | Shinjin + black belt videos, shidoshi teaching content |
| Jikideshi (直弟子) | $150/month | Tokkun + in person classes, rank evaluation, unlimited Santa Monica classes |
How do I start training with Michael Glenn?
After reading this Bujinkan FAQ, Start with a Shinjin membership ($16/month) for access to all training videos and notes. If you’re local to the Los Angeles area, you can attend in-person classes. For extra training, choose Tokkun ($32/month) or Jikideshi ($150/month) levels with direct feedback and rank evaluation.
Michael Glenn began Bujinkan training in 1988 and travels to Japan 3-4 times per year to train with senior instructors. He has conducted seminars worldwide (Québec, Reykjavík, Chicago, Florida, Phoenix, Los Angeles) and maintains direct lineage to Hatsumi Sensei.
Is Bujinkan effective for self-defense?
Yes. Bujinkan was developed for samurai and ninja battlefield survival. Techniques focus on natural movement, awareness, and using an opponent’s energy against them. However, modern training emphasizes personal development alongside practical self-defense skills.
Bujinkan FAQ Training includes:
- Taijutsu: Unarmed combat, strikes, throws, joint locks, chokes
- Bukiwaza: Weapons (sword, staff, spear, knife, chain weapons)
- Strategy: Awareness, distance (ma), timing, psychological principles
- Ukemi: Safe falling and rolling from any position
The goal is not just “winning a fight” but developing confidence, awareness, and the ability to protect yourself and others.
Where is the Rojodojo located?
Rojodojo is based in Santa Monica, California. In-person classes are held at the Bujinkan Santa Monica dojo. Training videos are available worldwide through the membership platform.
For class schedules, pricing, and enrollment, visit the Membership page or contact Michael directly.
Last updated: March 15, 2026
What is Bujinkan?
Noda-shi Bujinkan Enbu group 野田市 武神館 演武 Bujinkan is a traditional Japanese martial arts
system comprising nine historical schools (ryūha) inherited by Masaaki
Hatsumi. It includes taijutsu (unarmed combat), weapons
training (sword, staff, spear), and strategy principles developed by
samurai and ninja over 900 years.The nine schools include three ninja traditions (Togakure-ryū,
Gyokushin-ryū, Kumogakure-ryū) and six samurai traditions (Gyokko-ryū,
Kotō-ryū, Shinden Fudō-ryū, Takagi Yōshin-ryū, Gikan-ryū, Kukishin-ryū).
Training emphasizes natural movement, adaptability, and personal
growth.Who can train Bujinkan?
Québec Bujinkan Kamae And KyojitsuBujinkan welcomes students of all ages, fitness levels, and
backgrounds. Training emphasizes natural movement, adaptability, and
personal growth rather than athletic performance. Classes are available
for beginners through advanced practitioners.Unlike sport martial arts, Bujinkan has no competitions. Students
progress at their own pace, focusing on understanding principles rather
than “winning.” Many practitioners train into their 70s and 80s.What should I wear to my first Bujinkan class?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing like a t-shirt and sweatpants or gi. Avoid zippers, buttons, or hard accessories. Training is barefoot or in tabi, so remove shoes before entering the dojo. A Bujinkan gi can be purchased after you begin training.For weapons classes, bring your own equipment if you have it (rokushakubō, hanbō, shinai). Beginners can borrow dojo equipment until they purchase their own.How long does it take to get a black belt in Bujinkan?
Bujinkan uses a kyu/dan ranking system. Earning shodan (1st degree black belt) typically takes 3-5 years of consistent training. However, Bujinkan emphasizes personal growth over rank, and every student has their own unique path to black belt.Rank requirements include:Kyu levels (9th-1st kyu): Basic techniques, ukemi (falling), fundamental kamaeShodan (1st dan): Proficiency in taijutsu, basic weapons, understanding of nine schoolsNidan-Sandan (2nd-3rd dan): Teaching skills, deeper strategy, weapon masteryYondan+ (4th dan+): Advanced principles, personal expression, leadershipMichael Glenn holds 15th dan (jūdan kū level) and was awarded Daishihan (great teacher) by Hatsumi Sensei in 2017. Bujinkan FAQ
Who is Masaaki Hatsumi?
Hatsumi Sensei and Michael GlennMasaaki Hatsumi is the founder and Grandmaster (Sōke) of the Bujinkan
organization. He inherited nine traditional martial arts schools from
his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu and began teaching internationally in
the 1970s. Hatsumi Sensei awarded Michael Glenn the title Daishihan in
2017.Born in 1931, Hatsumi Sensei was a Sekkotsu (bone setter) who taught
martial arts part-time. He gained international recognition in the
1980s-90s through ninja demonstrations and became one of the most
influential martial artists of the 20th century. He officially retired
in 2020, passing leadership to his students worldwide.What is Rojodojo?
Rojodojo is Michael Glenn’s online and in-person Bujinkan training
platform based in Santa Monica, California. It offers membership tiers
(Shinjin, Tokkun, Jikideshi) with access to 410+ training archives,
monthly Japan reports, video instruction, and rank evaluation.“Rojō” (路上) means “on the road” or “journey” in Japanese—reflecting
the continuous path of Bujinkan training. The platform serves students
worldwide who can’t train locally, as well as Santa Monica dojo members.
Membership Levels:
LevelPriceAccessShinjin (新人)$16/monthAll training videos, 400+ archives, monthly Japan reportsTokkun (特訓)$32/monthShinjin + black belt videos, shidoshi teaching contentJikideshi (直弟子)$150/monthTokkun + in person classes, rank evaluation, unlimited Santa Monica classesHow do I start training with Michael Glenn?
Bujinkan 急所丸 kyusho maru
After reading this Bujinkan FAQ, Start with a Shinjin membership
($16/month) for access to all training videos and notes. If you’re local
to the Los Angeles area, you can attend in-person classes. For extra training, choose Tokkun ($32/month) or Jikideshi ($150/month) levels with direct feedback and rank evaluation.
Michael Glenn began Bujinkan training in 1988 and travels to Japan
3-4 times per year to train with senior instructors. He has conducted
seminars worldwide (Québec, Reykjavík, Chicago, Florida, Phoenix, Los
Angeles) and maintains direct lineage to Hatsumi Sensei.Is Bujinkan effective for self-defense?
Bujinkan kata 雲雀 HibariYes. Bujinkan was developed for samurai and ninja battlefield
survival. Techniques focus on natural movement, awareness, and using an
opponent’s energy against them. However, modern training emphasizes
personal development alongside practical self-defense skills.Bujinkan Training includes:
Taijutsu: Unarmed combat, strikes, throws, joint locks, chokesBukiwaza: Weapons (sword, staff, spear, knife, chain weapons)Strategy: Awareness, distance (ma), timing, psychological principlesUkemi: Safe falling and rolling from any position
The goal is not just “winning a fight” but developing confidence, awareness, and the ability to protect yourself and others.Where is the Rojodojo located?
Rojodojo is based in Santa Monica, California. In-person classes are held at the Bujinkan Santa Monica dojo. Training videos are available worldwide through the membership platform.For class schedules, pricing, and enrollment, visit the Membership page or contact Michael directly.