Bujinkan Kongo Renge Dojo

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EDITED POST

This image is a significant historical photograph featuring two of the most influential figures in modern ninjutsu history. It captures a rare moment of cultural exchange and preservation between the "Last Ninja" of the old era and the man who would globalize the art.

The People in the Photo
Masaaki Hatsumi (Left): The founder of the Bujinkan organization. In this photo, he is much younger than in his more famous recent videos. He is currently the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu and is credited with bringing ninja martial arts to the Western world.

Fujita Seiko (Right): Known as the "Last Koga Ninja." He was the 14th head of the Kōga-ryū Wada-ha and a legendary figure who allegedly served as a spy and instructor for the Japanese government during WWII.

The photograph was likely taken in the late 1950s or early 1960s, shortly before Fujita’s death in 1966. At this time, Hatsumi was a dedicated researcher and practitioner of traditional martial arts (Kobudo).

This refers to the extensive array of tools laid out before them, many of which were from Fujita’s personal collection or historical archives they were documenting.

Notable Weapons Displayed
The image showcases the "Shadow Arsenal" of the shinobi, focusing on tools designed for concealment and utility rather than just open combat:

Tekko-kagi (Hand Claws): Hatsumi is demonstrating a set of metal claws worn over the back of the hand, used for both climbing and defense against swords.

Shuriken (Throwing Stars/Spikes): A variety of hira-shuriken (flat stars) and bo-shuriken (straight spikes) are scattered on the tatami mat.

Kusarigama (Chain-Sickle): You can see the sickle blades and weighted chains hanging on the wooden wall behind them.

Makibishi (Caltrops): Small, spiked objects on the floor intended to be thrown behind a retreating ninja to injure the feet of pursuers.

Shinobi-zue (Hidden Staffs): The long poles in the background often contained hidden chains or blades.

This photo represents a "passing of the torch" in the martial arts world. While Fujita Seiko claimed to be the last of the Koga line and died without a formal successor for his specific ninjutsu style, Hatsumi went on to study under Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu (another legendary figure) and turned these secretive traditions into the international Bujinkan system practiced by thousands today.

#初見良昭 #藤田西湖 #武神館 #忍術 #忍者 #古武道 #武道 #忍者 #忍術 #初見良昭 #藤田西湖 #武道

Morihei Ueshiba passed away on this day, April 26th 1969.

A mind free of rigid limitations.