History of the Amatsu Tataru Bumon Shumon

Many Ryu-Ha are connected with "Kuki". Originating from the Nakatomi (Fujiwara) Clan which later became the Kuki Clan. A famous personage from the clan was Fujiwara No Kamatari and in the 37th generation there was Kuki Takamasa. In 645 BC, during one rebellion, Kamatari was the decisive force that brought it to a halt. From the 38th Emperor Tenchi was given the Secret "Amatsu Tatara Hibun" Scroll, both as reward and to educate him in his new position as Prime Minister. This scroll contained information to run an effective government and keep a peaceful nation.

In 600 BC, a prince from Karudeia shipwrecked in Japan with three attendants. This Aryan, Prince Mimaoh was a reputed scholar on seamanship, astronomy, and philosophy. At Mount Miwa in Nara he joined with the God Empress Amaterasu, and won an appointment as a high government official, with duties including the centralization and effective management of the governing system. When he was made a minister he was presented to the God Empress a special necklace of 72 beads, that beyond being a symbol of office was also a special tool for scrying the future. In Nara, the Council of the Higher Echelon Gods met proclaiming Amaterasu as Empress (Queen) of Gods and men, presenting her with this necklace. The very talented attendent of the Prince named Hiboko No Mikoto was gifted with 10 jeweled symbols of the Gods for his efforts in their service.

In 550 BC, Buddhist Malays invaded the Yamato area fighting against the Imperial Forces. The base camp was situated at the Mount Miwa , and after the Malays were defeated that surrender conditions were contracted. The Malays were given pardon and permission to settle the Iki area. After this the God's Council met again to decide on strategy for future protection of the nation.

It was decided to write a great volume including the true history of Japan, great incidents there of, defensive and offensive tactics, systems of Martial Arts and weaponry, scrying techniques, governing procedures and systems, including both Tenmon and Chimon.

This treasured scroll took until 10 BC to complete. This became known as the "Amatsu Tatara Hibun No Maki". It was in Tenwa Year 9 - 3rd Month in the capitol that Kamatari rewrote the scroll into Kanji from Gods capitals. This single scroll was later divided into 5 volumes, later still being subsectioned into 36 texts with 9 subtitles. Now the main scrolls known of are : Hibun Shiron, Shinpi Kansei No Maki, Kanseiron No Maki, Shinrihen No Maki, Kanagihen No Maki, Hokyo Hiden No Maki, Tenmon Chimon No Maki, Chikujo No Maki, Jinei No Maki, Gunryaku No Maki, Juho Kajutsu No Maki, Kishajutsu No Maki, Kenpo Hishohen No Maki, Sojutsu Hibun No Maki, Naginata Hishohen No Maki, Bojutsu Hishohen No Maki, Jutaijutsu Kappohen No Maki and Bekkan.

In Taisho Year 10 (1920 AD), Takamatsu Sensei was allowed to pen copies of all the priceless Kuki Clan Scrolls. He was able to copy almost everything they had. But in Showa year 20 (1945 AD), the Kuki Clan Scrolls were destroyed in the firebombing of World War II. Four years later on April 3, 1948 AD Takamatsu Sensei represented the Kuki Clan with beautifully written and bound scrolls that he had rewritten from his own notes.


~Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto
(Bu-Fu Magazine)

Philosophy

The following essay is the teachings of Bu-Fu (warrior-wind) and an example of what one’s heart, as a warrior, should be like. Please read it over and over, nurture and find its spirit within yourself.

As a warrior, one should constantly practice awareness, from the moment one awakes in the morning; one should keep a watchful eye on his own behaviour and manners, his conduct, never forgetting the meaning of humanism. These are all Bu-Fu. Never act violently nor be rough in nature, and at no time should you take life lightly. Try to build up a gentle life style without hurrying through it. Consciously relax. Be not afraid of life; allow yours to be gentle and rich in love, in accord with the spirit of "Kajo Chikusei" or "Kajo Waraku", a flower’s heart, the spirit contained within the growing bamboo.

If you are proud of the martial arts, do not tarnish their image by acting violently. People often say that we should bring relief to those who suffer, stand up against those who oppress others and knock them down. However, be also cautious of the weak, never relax in their presence for, at times, they themselves turnes into oppressors. Be not one who seeks battles. If you wish to use this martial art, it should be for the good of those in need, who truly are both good and honest, never in the cause of the dishonest and evil. Those who follow these maxims may be termed true warriors.

If you are ridiculed or humiliated, do not allow it to move your heart; laugh it off instead. It is this type of heart, which contains the truly strong spirit of Nin, patience and perseverance.

The true spirit of Nin lies also in the ability of not drawing one’s "Katana", sword, too often, doing so rather, only at times of intense need. A warrior must never forget this type of heart. Let your heart be strong and your spirit be full of vigor, resembling the autumn sleet on fields shimmering in the sunlight, and with love as that murmured by the fresh wind of spring.

To attain this type of heart, a good command of both philosophy and the martial arts in true balance is of the utmost importance. Once obtained, the warrior is then a true servant of Bu-Fu.

To begin learning the Ninja warrior-way, then, the study and cultivation of culture and philosophy, and a heart full of evil-dispelling light, is essential. One must have a flower’s heart and honesty, should be as clean-cut and straight, as a blade cuts through a bamboo stalk. Allow your heart to grow the power to solve all of life’s problems. Do not rely on your head alone, learn through your body as well. If one is able to comprehend these essentials, he is sure to find his Bu-Fu flowing within his body and heart.

Finally, one must turn all the above into reality, strive to accomplish it all, so as to truly be a servant of Bu-Fu.

Let us train !

~Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto

Martial Arts and Martial Sports

Budo is a great Japanese inheritance which our ancestors made for complete victory, through experience in battles by their blood and sweat. It is not Budo if there is no thinking about battle and effect in a true fighting case. With the Budo if you lose a fight, you face death. The Budo practitioner has to have resolution all time to die or not.

For training in Budo one has to concentrate with strong Ki. So this Ki sees into an opponents heart and he, will be afraid. If one can not do this, as a martial artist it is not useful for true cases. If a man trains like a movie actor that is just playing at Budo. Even when receiving a heavy injury never escape and even if ones neck is cut never resign until you knock down and completely finish your enemy.

"...martial art (Budo) is not sport and not a play theory of Budo, and it is unimportant how long the scroll is. The most important thing is just training and practice. There is a very famous phrase in China : "The person well known about the way never says so, but the person who doesn't know well soon says".

~Grandmaster Sato Kinbei Sensei (1948)