The Bujinkan is only open to those who agree and approve the Bujinkan Dojo guidelines. Those who don't can't join. Only those who have read and agree to these guidelines may participate in the training sessions.
- Only those who can exercise true patience, self-control and dedication can join. A medical examination and a certificate to this effect are required. Persons suffering from mental illness, drug addicts or mentally unstable persons must be prevented from joining. A medical certificate is required for persons who may pose a danger to others, such as those suffering from an infectious disease, clinically abnormal personality or physiology, and those who lack self-control.
- Persons with a criminal record must be rejected. Troublemakers, criminals and those living in Japan who break the laws of their country are also to be rejected.
- Those who do not follow the guidelines of the Bujinkan and commit shameful or dishonorable acts either as practitioners or as members of society must be expelled. Until now, the Bujinkan was open to many people who traveled to Japan. Unfortunately, there were those who committed violent acts while intoxicated; they are mentally ill and troublemakers who think only of themselves and do not care that their actions may adversely affect others. Through their activities, these people have left the traditional true heart of the Bujinkan. From this day forward, all such people will be disqualified.
- Those who do not want to take personal responsibility for accidents that occur during Bujinkan training cannot be members. Therefore, Bujinkan is not responsible for accidents that occur during practice, regardless of their location.
- Everyone who joins Bujinkan must redeem an annual membership card. This card not only preserves the honor of Bujinkan members, but also signifies that you are part of a larger unit whose members come together with a warrior's heart to improve themselves through practice and friendship. It displays the glory of warrior virtue and embodies both loyalty and brotherly love.
- The Bujinkan tradition acknowledges nature and the universality of all human life, and is aware of what naturally flows between the two parts: "The secret principle of Taijutsu is knowing the foundations of peace." "Learning is the way to an unshakable heart (fudoshin)." More recently, Bujinkan has truly gone international. Just as there are different time zones, there are also different taboos among the people and nations of the world. We must respect each other and try to avoid such taboos.
We must put the warrior's heart forward, working together for self-improvement and the betterment of Bujinkan. Those who do not adhere to the above-mentioned guidelines will be expelled from the Bujinkan.
Hatsumi Masaaki – Sôke
Translated by László Shihan Livo
