The nine
schools.

Ninjutsu, evasion and adaptation.

Togakure-ryū is associated with ninjutsu: reading a situation, moving away from danger and using the surroundings. The tradition also includes distinctive implements and weapons, including shuriken and shukō.

Circular movement and balance.

Gyokko-ryū emphasises footwork, angles, circular movement and control of a partner’s balance. Kosshijutsu is associated with vulnerable areas of the body. Kihon Happō, foundational exercises in Bujinkan, is linked to this school.

Close distance and direct movement.

Kotō-ryū is associated with short, direct movements, strikes, and work on body structure and balance. It is often described alongside Gyokko-ryū: two traditions with different emphases on distance and direction of movement.

Weapons, body technique and partner practice.

Kukishinden-ryū has a broad repertoire of body techniques and weapons. Staff, sword and spear are central examples. Work with balance and body structure is also connected to historical combat situations involving armour.

Natural posture and movement.

Shinden Fudō-ryū is associated with natural posture and movement. The tradition includes both striking techniques and work with grips, throws and control. Naturalness is a central principle in descriptions of the school.

Close-range practice, throws and control.

Takagi Yōshin-ryū emphasises close-range practice, grips, throws and control. Compact movements and adapting to a partner’s force are typical features. The school is often associated with situations where space is limited.

Footwork and body structure.

Gikan-ryū is regarded as a koppōjutsu tradition and is associated in public descriptions with footwork, strikes, kicks and throws. Detailed accounts of its syllabus vary; this is a short introduction to the school’s place in Bujinkan.

Ninjutsu and strategic perspectives.

Gyokushin-ryū is one of Bujinkan’s three ninjutsu traditions. Descriptions emphasise information gathering and strategy. Throws, including sutemi-waza, and the use of nagenawa, a thrown rope or lasso, are also mentioned.

Movement, leaps and distinctive implements.

Kumogakure-ryū is also a ninjutsu tradition. It is described as related to Togakure-ryū, featuring leaps and simultaneous movements with both arms, among other elements. Kamayari, a spear with a hook or side blade, is mentioned in the school’s tradition.