Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi (Ph.D) (1931-) is soke and founder of Bujinkan. He is also soke of the nine ryu Bujinkan is based on, titles he was given by his teacher, Takamatsu Toshitsugu.

Hatsumi is regarded as a "national living treasure" by the Japanese athorities due to his extensive and probably unmatched knowledge in the history of Japanese martial arts.

Hatsumi started by training in Okinawan Karate and Judo, and became an expert in Judo during the 50s. At that time, he trained US soldiers at a military base in Japan, and after realizing that even a Judo master can be defeated if the attacker is strong enough and using tricks, he started searching for something better. He found it in Takamatsu Toshitsugu, who became his teacher.

This is what he has to say about Ninjutsu:

    By experiencing the confrontation of danger, the transcendence of fear or injury or death, and a working knowledge of individual personal powers and limitations, the practioner of ninjutsu can gain the strength and invincibility that permit enjoyment of the flowers moving in the wind, appreciation of the love of others, and contentment with the presence of peace in society.
