The American Shidoshi Kai (or “Shidoshi Kai“) was founded in 1997 by a group of shidoshi in the USA who were committed to promoting and protecting the Bujinkan martial arts of Hatsumi Masaaki (初見 良昭). As soke (headmaster) of nine martial arts schools, Hatsumi-sensei founded the Bujinkan (武神館) organization in Noda, Japan as a means by which to honor the legacy of his teacher, Takamatsu Toshitsugu (高松 寿嗣).
A shidoshi (士道師; teacher of the warrior way) is entitled to instruct training and grade students up to fourth dan.
Hatsumi-sensei (1931- ) inherited these schools from Takamatsu-sensei (1889-1972): Togakure ryu (戸隠流), Gyokko ryu (玉虎流), Kukishin ryu (九鬼神伝 流 ), Koto ryu (虎倒流), Shinden Fudo ryu (神伝不動流), Takagi Yoshin ryu (高木揚心流), Gikan ryu (義鑑流), Gyokushin ryu (玉心流) and Kumogakure ryu (雲隠流).
The Shidoshi Kai strives to be a friendly, like-minded community with a desire to empower fellow members while promoting the lessons and insights we have learned through training in the Bujinkan. Membership is limited to individuals with Bujinkan clubs and schools who wish to participate in our community and have received their Shidoshi certification through the International Bujinkan Dojo in Noda, Japan.
Mission Statement:
To promote Bujinkan training by following the teachings of Hatsumi-sensei as outlined in the Rules Of The Bujinkan and Curriculum Overview.
Since its formation in 1997, the Shidoshi Kai has respectfully worked to assist and mentor individual practitioners, clubs, groups and instructors who seek guidance in their Bujinkan journey.