Amatsu Ryoho, The Healing Art of the Bujinkan
A journey into Japan's unwritten history, where a mysterious past shaped a spiritual identity rooted in a profound acceptance of the unknown.
Japan's unique geography forged a culture of patience and adaptability, where harmony and a deep spiritual connection to nature shaped society, from its daily life to its martial arts.
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Why Amatsu is as essential component for completing your martial art training and enhancing your life
1 | Amatsu & Ten Chi Jin
2 | Amatsu Heritage
Japan's history, marked by a rhythm of isolation and selective adoption, forged a nation that adapts to change without losing its core identity.
3 | Why Amatsu Matters
Amatsu Medicine →
ウィンブルドンの武神館武道
1 | Amatsu & Ten Chi Jin
As previously discussed, the Bujinkan, like many traditional Eastern martial arts, is fundamentally structured around the trilogy of Ten, Chi, and Jin—Heaven, Earth, and Man. Ten refers to spiritual development, Chi to martial development, and Jin to medical understanding. These principles are not arbitrary; they reflect millennia of accumulated wisdom, passed down from ancient sages who observed the interplay between nature, human experience, and the formation of life itself. Cosmologically, these three realms—Heaven, Earth, and Man—describe the intersection of the inner, outer, and applied dimensions of existence. Ten, or Heaven, is concerned with the inner self: spiritual, philosophical, and intellectual cultivation. It is the foundation of self-awareness, providing clarity of mind and understanding of one’s true nature—distinct from the superficial identities and roles that society imposes. This inner development is essential because without it, any martial skill is incomplete. Chi, or Earth, represents the practical, external world: movement, conflict, and the ability to navigate physical challenges. It embodies the understanding of strategy, positioning, and the mechanics of the body in response to threats or obstacles. Finally, Jin, or Man, integrates the two: it is the medical understanding that allows one to maintain, restore, and optimize life itself. Jin is not merely technical knowledge; it is the capacity to respond intelligently when life and health are at risk, whether from the external world or internal imbalances. The importance of Ten cannot be overstated. Martial training focused purely on Chi—technique and combat—without the guiding principles of Ten is fundamentally limited and dangerous. Physical skill alone, without self-awareness, moral grounding, or strategic intelligence, leads to impulsive reactions and exposes the practitioner to unnecessary risk. In real life, conflict is rarely straightforward. The true mastery of martial arts is not in the ability to fight—it is in the ability to avoid unnecessary conflict and to maintain composure when confronted with profound challenges. Ten trains the practitioner to see beyond immediate stimuli, to anticipate consequences, and to respond with measured clarity rather than instinctive aggression. Once Ten has laid the foundation of self-awareness, Chi—the martial component—becomes meaningful. The ability to defend oneself is not about aggression or domination; it is about responsibility, readiness, and protection. A practitioner trained in Chi without Ten is like a powerful instrument played by someone without understanding the music: skilled, yet potentially destructive to oneself and others. Chi equips you to act, but Jin, the medical or human-developmental dimension, completes the framework. Jin, the study of medicine within the Bujinkan framework, holds a unique significance. On a basic level, it is practical: if one is injured in combat or life, knowing how to stabilize, heal, and protect the body is essential. In isolated or extreme situations, where outside help is unavailable, Jin provides the tools to sustain life itself. But beyond the practical, Jin embodies a deeper philosophical and social dimension. It is through medical knowledge that the practitioner extends concern beyond the self. Here, the training moves from inward development—Ten and Chi—toward relational awareness. It cultivates empathy, responsibility, and an understanding of interconnectedness. By studying Jin, one recognizes that life is not merely an individual pursuit but a shared experience: the body, mind, and health of others matter as much as one’s own. This relational aspect of Jin is where Amatsu medicine becomes critical. It is not just a collection of techniques or remedies; it is a lens through which one perceives the balance of life, the subtleties of human nature, and the ways in which one can serve others responsibly. It teaches the practitioner to move from self-protection and personal accomplishment toward genuine connection and service. True mastery of Bujinkan principles—through Ten, Chi, and Jin—culminates in this ability to integrate personal growth with societal responsibility. In the Dharma Dojo in Wimbledon, we place special emphasis on this holistic approach. Western martial arts culture often separates physical skill from spiritual and medical development, reducing the art to mere performance or competition. At our dojo, we reclaim the full spectrum of Bujinkan training: spiritual cultivation, practical martial proficiency, and medical wisdom. By doing so, we honor the original intentions of the art and equip our students with a complete framework to navigate life responsibly, protect themselves effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. Ultimately, Jin—the study of Amatsu and medical knowledge—transforms the martial artist from someone who is merely responsible for themselves into someone who is complete: spiritually grounded, physically capable, and ethically and practically equipped to engage with the broader human experience. This is why Amatsu is not an optional supplement; it is an essential component of Bujinkan training, providing a bridge between personal mastery and the profound responsibility of being fully alive in the world.
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2 | Amatsu Heritage
Amatsu 天津" is an ancient and sacred form of Japanese medicine, which, according to our esteemed grandmaster, Soke Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei (b. 1931), PHD, originates from the celestial realms, as implied by its meaning ‘divine harbour’. Dr. Hatsumi asserts that Amatsu has endured since time immemorial, referring to mythical origins tracing back to ancient times, alluding to potential connections between Amatsu and Noah's ark (hinting at its presumed relation to preceding civilisations). Overall, the origin of Amatsu’s wisdom remains uncertain, with legends attributing its impartation to either the goddess Amatsu Tatara or Amaterasu-Ōmikami, the goddess of the sun and the purported ancestress of the Imperial Household of Japan. According to legend, however, Amatsu's knowledge was bestowed upon humanity through supernatural transmissions that are said to have occurred in the mountains of Japan. Historical perspectives suggest that Amatsu's roots delve deep into the Jomon Period, the earliest historical era of Japanese history, which began around 14,500 BCE. During this epoch, King Mima journeyed to Japan with three special envoys from Babylonia, intertwining influences from distant lands. The subsequent Kofun period, ranging from about 300 to 538 AD, witnessed the consolidation of Yamato authority and the influx of diverse cultural elements, possibly even from the Indus Valley Civilisation. The enigmatic Yamabushi, revered for their supernatural powers, inhabited the mountains of Japan, blending esoteric Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto practices into their spiritual repertoire. Their secluded retreats became centres of learning, where martial arts were studied alongside nature and religious texts. These tales, although mysterious and unclear, remain part of the prestigious traditions surrounding Amatsu. Central to Amatsu is its development emerged from traditional Japanese martial arts, linked to the Ninja and Samurai casts, today held within the Bujinkan. These include Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術), Gyokko Ryū Kosshi jutsu (玉虎流骨指術), Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法), Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法), Kotō Ryū Koppō jutsu (虎倒流骨法術), Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術), Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentai jutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術), Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu (高木揚心流柔体術), and Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu (義鑑流骨法術). In particular, the branch of Amatsu derived from the Ninja school Gyokko Ryu (玉虎流骨指術), named Amatsu Tatara Hichibuku Goshinjutsu (天津 蹈鞴 秘致武九護身術), holds significance in the principles of ‘defending the self’ and the harmonisation of human nature through the cryptic ‘flower of life’ concept among the various interpretations within the Japanese language. Throughout the centuries, Amatsu has been secretly transmitted within a concealed lineage of Grandmasters, who have diligently safeguarded its invaluable principles and authenticity due to its sacred nature. While principles of Amatsu were briefly imparted to select samurai and ninja castes of Japan in a bygone era, its exposure has largely been driven underground to preserve its authenticity in the face of changing rules and beliefs that have adversely impacted other ancient medical systems. Nevertheless, its lineage has consistently maintained a prominent presence within Japanese castes. In fact, Amatsu's unique heritage has been intricately linked to Japan's Imperial family, certain Japanese Buddhist sects, and the esteemed military castes of Japan. The famous Japanese Shōgun (political leader) Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康), renowned architect of Japan's unification during the Tokugawa era (1603-1868), orchestrated a monumental transfer of Japan's capital from Kyoto to Tokyo in part also thanks to Amatsu. Harnessing the expertise of ninja operatives, most notably the esteemed Ninja Master Hattori Hanzo (who flourished in the 16th century), Ieyasu assimilated fundamental tenets of Amatsu to fortify his wellbeing and strategic acumen, thereby fulfilling his grand vision for Japan. Through the meticulous record-keeping of the Japanese, these invaluable pieces of information were carefully amassed and effectively shielded from the dangers of modernisation. Particularly during the Meiji period, an era marked by the Westernisation of Japan between 1868 and 1912, ancient practices were prohibited as they were perceived to hinder the country's modernisation. Consequently, numerous forms of traditional Japanese knowledge were abolished, causing Amatsu to retreat into obscurity. The knowledge of Amatsu contained in its ancient scrolls serves as mere reminders of its essence, but these principles must always undertake ongoing research and expansion, and understanding the changes in society and in the evolution of times is crucial. Great Grandmaster Toda Sensei (1900-1958), once granted freedom in medical practice, witnessed the gradual erosion of his methods as Japan's political landscape evolved. Great Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei (1889-1972), inheritor of Toda Sensei's lineage, navigated through shifting tides, facing the near eradication of his medicinal practices amidst the rise of Western medical ideologies. Interestingly, historical parallels, such as Chinese leader Mao T’se Tung’s (1893-1976) expulsion of esteemed doctors followed by the revival of Chinese Medicine, speak to the adaptability of healing paradigms.
3 | Why Amatsu Matters
Amatsu is relevant in multiple ways, both for those committed to the path of Bujinkan and for anyone seeking to enhance their life and well-being. Firstly, for the martial artist, as we have discussed, it completes the human being. Yet even if your goal is not to become a practitioner who heals others, Amatsu has immense practical value for everyday life. It teaches you how to care for yourself and your family, helping you avoid unnecessary medications or unnatural interventions. It provides guidance on nutrition, herbal remedies, and lifestyle choices—practices that touch every day, every moment. Breathing, for example, is a deceptively simple yet foundational principle. While it may seem unusual to some, modern awareness increasingly confirms the importance of mastering the breath. Hatsumi Sensei emphasized in his Ten Chi Jin teachings that the very first foundation of training is proper breathing, followed by nutrition, and only then can physical practice begin. Yet it is common, even today, to see students skip these essential steps and rush straight to physical techniques. At Dharma Dojo in Wimbledon, we take great care to ensure that beginners and experienced practitioners alike learn these fundamentals thoroughly, laying a solid foundation for everything that follows. Amatsu also empowers the non-practitioner to understand their own body, to relieve everyday aches and tensions, and to prevent minor issues from becoming chronic problems. Beyond the self, it enables you to assist loved ones, providing tools to maintain their health and potentially avoid complex medical interventions. In this way, Amatsu is both practical and profoundly humane. From a purely martial perspective, Amatsu is essential for truly understanding Taijutsu and Bujinkan body movement. Taijutsu is the art of natural movement, executed with balance, timing, and spatial awareness. Yet many practitioners approach it through mechanical breakdowns, logical techniques, and rationalized bio-architecture—systems that are, paradoxically, far from “natural.” Without a deep understanding of nature itself, one cannot fully appreciate or embody the essence of natural movement. Through the study of Amatsu within the framework of Ten, Chi, and Jin, we see that these three elements are not separate but interdependent: they complete one another, allowing the practitioner to access a more authentic, empowered expression of human nature—beyond the ordinary experience shaped by modern lifestyles. At our Amatsu School in London (https://amatsu.uk/learn), we teach a three-level system that cultivates a unique sensitivity called shinden, or “heart feeling.” This is not intellectual or mechanical; it is a profound, intuitive awareness that connects the practitioner to the natural state of another person. Through shinden, a practitioner develops a symbiotic, empathetic connection that transcends conventional logic and physical mechanics, elevating body movement and interpersonal interaction to a transcendent level. In Taijutsu enriched by shinden, there are no rigid techniques or mechanical breakdowns; movement emerges naturally from the heart. This awareness transforms martial practice from a purely combative skill into a compassionate art, allowing the practitioner to act with wisdom, sensitivity, and harmony rather than destruction. Pragmatically, Amatsu can address a wide spectrum of conditions, from simple everyday complaints to complex physiological imbalances. Its holistic principles provide both preventive and therapeutic benefits, making it a powerful tool for those committed to martial arts or simply seeking a healthier, more conscious life. For more information about our Amatsu training, please visit our school’s website at amatsu.uk. For martial artists, and particularly Bujinkan practitioners in London, Amatsu is not optional—it is a fundamental component of complete training. In our Bujinkan classes, we integrate Amatsu principles wherever relevant, ensuring students experience its influence even within the framework of martial practice. While full Amatsu study requires dedicated practice, our approach ensures that every practitioner receives its foundational benefits as part of their Ninjutsu journey, enriching their physical, spiritual, and relational understanding. In embracing Amatsu, you open your life to a practice that is at once deeply practical, profoundly humane, and transformative for the martial artist. It nurtures self-awareness, empathy, and natural movement while cultivating the capacity to connect meaningfully with others—an indispensable element of true mastery in Bujinkan.
The lineage of Dr. Hatsumi traces back to Takamatsu Sensei, whose family legacy intertwined martial arts with bone setting and herbal remedies. Notably, Takamatsu Sensei's encounters unveil nature's inherent healing prowess. For instance, in tending to a child near the Chinese and Mongolian borders, Takamatsu Sensei invoked nature's elements, igniting a match to catalyse the child's recovery—a poignant testament to Amatsu's efficacy in unconventional settings. Takamatsu Sensei's narratives further underscore his sagacity and wit. From subduing bandits to deftly resetting fractured bones, his expertise seamlessly melded martial prowess with therapeutic intervention. His fondness for overlooked edibles and herbal infusions underscores a holistic approach to wellbeing, a tradition passed down from Hanzo Hatori himself, the storied Ninja associated with Togakure Ryu (one of three main schools of ninjutsu) . NHK's documentation of Hanzo Hatori's tutelage to the first Shogun illuminates Amatsu's fusion with strategic military principles, underscoring its historical resonance.Such anecdotes echo the multi-faceted legacy of Amatsu, interweaving martial arts, healing arts, and strategic wisdom across generations. However, the steadfast grandmasters in charge, resolutely preserved Amatsu's authenticity, awaiting the opportune moment to re-introduce it to the world. In the span of our last two generations of grandmasters, from Toshitsugu Takamatsu to his disciple Masaaki Hatsumi, Amatsu has finally re-surfaced, once again basking in the light of day, radiating its splendour and authentic principles to redefine the essence of medicine. Several decades ago, Dr. Hatsumi unveiled this profound knowledge.He imparted Amatsu's wisdom to three British Bujinkan practitioners: Christopher Roworth, Dennis Bartram, and William Doolan, followed by Peter King, entrusting them with his 'feeling' and 'principles' to carry forth for the benefit of future generations and the betterment of humanity. Today, Andrea Martini continues this noble legacy, having practiced Bujinkan and studied Amatsu under the guidance of Peter King, Christopher Roworth, and Dennis Bartram for approaching 15 years.Additionally, he served as an assistant and teacher at Christopher Roworth's school for over 10 years, and humbly contributed teachings at the honourable Dennis Bartram's clinic. After receiving the title of "Teacher" from Christopher Roworth, and with encouragement to teach from Dennis Bartram, Andrea Martini continues today to humbly uphold the legacy of Amatsu medicine, remaining committed to preserving and advancing its noble authenticity.
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