The 33th Grand Master of nine ryuha (traditional schools) of ninjutsu.
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi ( 初見良昭 ) -34th Soke
Dr. Hatsumi was born in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, on December 2, 1931. He graduated from Meiji University of Medicine in Tokyo, as a Hone-tsugi (Orthopedic Doctor). He is respected as an accomplished practitioner of the ancient Japanese medical techniques of Seikotsu (natural healing methods). In addition to medicine, Dr. Hatsumi is an accomplished artist of brush and ink in the Nihonga style. His art work has been exhibited at the Nagai Gallery of Tokyo and in Paris, France.
Dr. Hatsumi has written numerous books and articles on philosophy and martial arts that have been translated into many languages. He writes a weekly column for a local Chiba prefecture newspaper and is a recurring subject of the major Japanese martial arts magazine, Hiden. An accomplished actor and director of both movies and television, he starred in the TV series, Jiraiya, for four seasons. He also coached and directed notable martial arts film stars, Sonny Chiba and Toshiro Mifune.
For his efforts to spread the art of the Bujinkan throughout the world, Dr. Hatsumi has been recognized by many governments, private organizations and distinguished individuals as a national treasure.
