Having studied classical Jujutsu for several years and having joined the Bujinkan a couple years ago, it is clear to me that Hatsumi-sensei is an extraordinary budoka. Seeing his incredible movement and reading some of the books he has written tells me that this is a living legend. To me he is as great an artist and innovator as Morihei Ueshiba was. I'm sure most of us in the Bujinkan will agree. I'm curious about whether he is very well-known in Japan itself and whether he has received the "national treasure" status that Ueshiba did?
I know he has received plenty of awards from organisations in the West, but is he as greatly-respected by other Japanese masters? Or does the Japanese martial arts community view him as only one of many great artists?
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Braden Nicols