Banzenkan Aiki Ninjutsu is a martial art with one ultimate goal: that all students live in harmony with the people, environment and the universe around them.  The methods of this martial way, or “Budo,” are not only designed for self-perfection, but they are also a practical system for self-protection.
 
The word Banzenkan is comprised of three kanji:

万     Ban - Ten thousand
全     Zen - All; complete; entire; fulfill; whole
館     Kan - Hall or building

The term Banzenkan means Hall of Perfection or Flawlessness.  This is the goal of the Aiki Ninjutsu warrior, to become a "Tatsujin" or actualized human being.  It is a philosophy of always striving to be the best you can be so that you can achieve what you want in the world and at the same time making it a better place.

Our motto is Honor - Integrity - Mastery.  This is more than just a saying on the wall it is a code that we believe in and do our best to live by.  There are many martial arts who say the same thing but do little more than pay lip service to these ideals.
 
Classical Japanese Samurai sword arts translate directly into the technique and strategy of the unarmed methods of the Banzen warrior.  These sword principles harmoniously mirror the unarmed principles of “Jujutsu” and “Jutaijutsu.”  The character “Ju” translates as meaning gentle, subtle or flexible.  True power lies in flexibility because it is ultimately a more harmonious response to an aggressor’s attack.  Guiding principles in this action of nonresistance would be:  “when pushed - pull and turn; when pulled - push and turn.”

The Banzen method truly uses the momentum and force of the opponent’s attack to create opportunity for the warrior to gain a tactical advantage and eventual victory.  Victory is desirable, yet the ultimate goal of Banzenkan Aiki Ninjutsu is the improvement of the quality of peoples’ lives.  This is studied through the pursuit of personal perfection through form. Every activity in the dojo is a practice in mindfulness.  This type of mindfulness or “awareness of self” cultivates and refines the human spirit.  In our martial art this introspection is intended to refine the warrior within each of us.

An important part of study is “Musubi,” or connection and harmonious interaction.  To study Banzenkan Aiki Ninjutsu is to explore this harmony.  We must establish a connection mentally and physically without conflict.  To connect with our training partner in practice is an illustration of the bonds we create with the people and world we live in.  The warrior seeks to accept or receive this connection with reverence and harmony without attempting to negate the natural flow of movement.  This is not just a philosophical principle, but a physical one as well.  The practitioners must apply this to all the techniques of Banzenkan Aiki Ninjutsu.

Banzenkan Aiki-Ninjutsu practitioners attend regular classes that teach:

• Strikes
• Throws
• Joints locks
• Take downs
• Ground Fighting
• Swords (Katana, Wakizashi and Ninja-To)
• Tanto (Knife)
• Kusari Fundo (chain and flexible objects)
• Staff Bo (6ft.) and Hanbo (3ft.)
• Shuriken (throwing stars)
• Firearms

 
Banzenkan Aiki Ninjutsu creates a system where the warrior is well rounded in realistic self protection for today’s world. 

Special Warrior Training 

One way to test the warrior’s spirit is “Shugyō,” or repetitive austere training. These special training opportunities are designed to push the warrior’s body and mind in 12-hour training sessions.  This “Gyō,” or repetition, is not intended to defeat the warrior.  It is designed to strengthen the spirit, cultivating the courageous fortitude to continue on in times of adversity. 

This training philosophy integrates the principle of “Nin” from “Ninjutsu,” and is the Japanese character for perseverance.  The modern day Aiki Ninjutsu warrior must persevere in today’s society, battling idleness, ignorance and intolerance.  A wise man once said “modern man can drift through life never knowing if he is a coward or not.” Modern life is comfortable, causing a weakening of spirit.  Shugyō gives the warrior a glimpse at his or her potential.  It is one philosophy of the Banzenkan that Shugyō training will help unleash the potential that lays dormant in the deepest recesses of our being.

Locations

Banzenkan Aiki Ninjutsu Hombu Dojo
790 Royal Saint George, Ste. 106
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 416-1946

Head Instructor: Michael Jutoshi Eichenberg

928 Ashland Road
Mansfield, OH 44905
(419) 589-1234

Head Instructor: Mike Messner

Website

8502 Skansie Avenue
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 509-7077

Head Instructor: Karri Rahkonen

Website