To fully comprehend the tactics and strategy of the Bujinkan and discover what it can offer in terms of personal growth, means dedicating oneself to the study of Ninpo Taijutsu, or Budo Taijutsu as it is technically known today.

Literally meaning "skill with the body," Taijutsu forms the basis for all understanding in the Bujinkan. By developing natural responses with the body during initial training, physical lessons are created and used as models for psychological and tactical instruction in advanced studies. Taijutsu is made up of methods for:

          • STRIKING AND GRAPPLING
          • TUMBLING AND BREAKING FALLS
          • LEAPING AND CLIMBING
          • CONDITIONING THE BODY
          • MAINTAINING HEALTH
          • SPECIAL WAYS OF WALKING AND RUNNING

Some popular martial arts attempt to mold the student's reactions to fit a stylized set of predetermined movements. Taijutsu works in the opposite manner, naturalizing movement by stripping away awkward or unnatural tendencies. Taijutsu relies on the body's resiliency, opportunity of response, flexibility of movement, and an understanding of the principles of nature for successful results in self-protection. Techniques take advantage of efficient employment of body dynamics, so students need not imitate animals nor distort their structure. Taijutsu principles provide the foundation for weapons usage, where tactics and strategy are identical, whether fighting unarmed or with any number of martial tools. By attuning oneself with the natural world's principles, practitioners can adapt to the advances of any attacker, and always apply the appropriate response for any situation.

James Morganelli

James has participated in martial arts for more 25 years, studying Eastern as well as Western styles. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a major in philosophy, he moved to Japan in 1995 to study under Dr. Hatsumi and his Shihan - master teachers.

In 1998, James took and passed the Godan, fifth-degree black belt test, shortly before leaving Japan, becoming one of a select group to receive a Shidoshi, teacher's, license from the Bujinkan Dojo.

An aspiring screenwriter, James currently lives in Chicago, Illinois, USA, where he teaches through his Shingitai-Ichi Dojo.

Where, What, and When

Currently, James teaches three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, from 8:00-10:00 pm. Mondays are located in the northwest suburbs and Wednesday and Friday nights are held at two separate Chicago locations.

On Mondays, advanced topics are covered including the Bujinkan yearly training theme, which this year is Togakure Ryu Nin-po. A variety of weapons are studied in the movements, including sword and jo, four-foot staff. Wednesday nights are dedicated to Shikengata. Fridays include Kihon, fundamentals, including Sanshin no Kata, Kihon Happo, techniques from the "Bujinkan Bible" the Tenchijinryaku no Maki, and Hanbo, or 3-foot staff. All of which are the building blocks of structurally sound, substantive Taijutsu, the Bujinkan's core movement known as "body art." The cost for each session is $15.00.

If you are interested in training or would like to set up a time to visit, please email James a short biography of yourself along with your phone number or contact the Japanese Culture Center at (773)525-3141. Leave your name and number and tell them you are interested in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.