Real reason name changed to budo taijutsu
I just finished browsing through the new issue of Budo International, and in an article about the resurgence of Koga ryu, the absolutely true reason Hatsumi sensei changed the name to budo taijutsu was revealed. Apparently disillusioned with the way ninjutsu was being presented in the West, and appalled at the high rank given to Western practitioners the Iga and Koga families got together and put forth four rules that must be followed to use the term ninjutsu. Hatsumi sensei couldn't meet the requirements so he bowed to the pressure and changed the name.
I think we owe all the Koga ryu ninja our thanks for finally setting we misguided souls straight.
Nicholas Steele
Any errors or omissions are strictly the responsibility of those from whom I've plagerised.