The Bujinkan system incorporates nine ancient martial traditions, which have been passed down from generation to generation for close to 1000 years. In our training now, the essence of these traditions is explored both from a historical perspective and applied in a modern context. The art offers an extremely diverse set of self-protection skills. In general the ryu are not studied separately (although senior students may choose to study ryu in more depth). Rather, they are taught as complementary systems under the umbrella understanding of the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu of Hatsumi Soke.

Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu - Jeweled Tiger School - The oldest of the nine traditions. Heavily influenced by Chinese kenpo and known for its kosshijutsu attacks to muscles and soft organs. Gyokko Ryu was originally founded by Cho Gyokko who was said to have fled China during the Tang Dynasty around 900 AD. This ryu forms much of the basis for the Bujinkan system including the kihon happo.

Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu - Hidden Door School  - The second oldest of the nine traditions, this system is famous for its use of such weapons as shuko and shuriken, and for its stealth tactics. It was reportedly founded by Daisuke Togakure in the late 1100s.

Kukishin Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu - Nine Demons School - This ryu is a battlefield style whose specialty is the use of many different weapons including spears, swords, hanbos, etc. Many of the weapon techniques (hanbo, bo, yari, naginata, etc.) in Bujinkan come from this school. Kukishinden Ryu was reportedly founded by Izuma Kanja Yoshiteru in the mid 1100s.

Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu - Immovable Heart School - This system specializes in dakentaijutsu (striking techniques), and jutaijutsu (hard grappling techniques) which prevent the attacker from breaking their fall. This was the first ryu that Takamatsu Sensei learned form his grandfather. This ryu was also founded by Izuma Kanja Yoshiteru in the mid 1100 who also learned Chinese kenpo.

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu - Tiger Knocking Down School - This style specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques and is very linear in motion. This style was originally organized into a ryu by Sakagami Kunishige in the mid 1500s. The name of the school means to knock the tiger down with the tips of the fingers.

Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu - High Tree, Raised Heart School - This system specializes in grappling and throwing techniques similar to aikido and judo. However, unlike judo and aikido, this style makes it difficult for the opponent to use ukemi to fall or roll safely. This ryu is known as the "bodyguard school", and was founded by Takagi Oriuemon Shigenobu around 1650.

Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu - Jeweled Heart School* The second ninjutsu ryu in the Bujinkan system was founded by Sasaki Goemon Teruyoshi in the mid 1500s. Not much is known of this ryu except that it is an Iga ninja school and concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu, rather than the fighting side. It is also known for its use of sutemi (sacrifice) throws.

Gikan Ryu Koppo Taijutsu - Truth Loyalty and Justice School*- This ryu was originally founded by Uryu Hangan Gikanbo in the mid 1500s and specializes in koppojutsu or bone-breaking techniques. This style is known for its low stances, with much of the footwork within the Bujinkan system coming from this ryu.

Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu - Hiding in the Clouds School*- The third of the ninja ryus, it uses similar taijutsu as Togakure Ryu, and is also known for double blocks and strikes This ryu originated with Einaizaemon Ienaga Iga in the mid 1500s.