History

 Between the X and the XIV centuries, a great number of immigrants, as well as defeated Japanese bushi (warriors) were left without a land or lord.  After the defeat of their army, they began to form autonomous groups sheltered in mountains in order to hide far away from urban centers.  The remoteness of the provinces of Iga and Kôga, afforded the ideal location for their quest in forging the fighting techniques that are the origins of ninjutsu and several other Japanese martial arts traditions.   

Though legend speaks of mythological origins, it is between the X and the XIV centuries that ninjutsu likely developed.  The interaction of religious and military sources produced a purely Japanese approach to the use of nature, cosmic laws, and psychology.  This interplay produced a knowledge that is considered an intuitive and effective means of dealing with the difficulties of everyday life both physically and mentally.*

Today

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is the 34th Grand Master of nine ryuha (traditional schools) of ninjutsu.  He offers his teachings via the Bujinkan Dojo, an organization he founded in honor of his teacher, the famous Takamatsu Toshitsugu.  The lineages held by Dr. Hatsumi are unbroken since their foundations. 

* From Kacem Zoughari's book : "L'ombre de la Lumière"