Every year Hatsumi-Sensei chooses a theme to be studied over the coming year. These themes are taken created from the nine different schools of the Bujinkan.
Current Theme
There is currently no theme for 2022.
- 2019: Muto Dori (Unarmed defense against sword).
2018: Koto Ryu & Muto Dori (Unarmed defense against sword). - 2017: Kannin Doshi (Perseverance of mutual respect. Respect yourself and respect your opponent.).
- 2016: Katana
- 2015: Nagamaki
- 2014: Shin In Bu Do
- 2013: Ken, Muto Dori.
- 2012: Kaname (vital/pivot point, such as the pin which holds a Japanese folding fan together) and the weapon for the year is Katana.
- 2011 Kihon Happou 季翻初崩 Kihon Happou 季翻初崩
- 2010 Rokkon Shoujou (禄魂笑浄) Tachi (main weapon for 2010).
- 2009 No Theme / Focus on “Sainou Tamashii Utsuwa” – Ability/Talent, Soul/Spirit, Capacity/Container. Study Rope Sword
- 2008 Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu
- 2007 Kukishin Ryu
- 2006 Shinden Fudu Ryu Dakentaijutsu
- 2005 Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu (Bo and Tachi)
- 2004 Daishou JuitaiJutsu (Roppou-Kuji no Biken)
- 2003 Juppo Sessho
- 2002 Takagi Yoshin-ryu
- 2001 Gyokko-ryu
- 2000 Koppo-jutsu
- 1999 Kukishinden-ryu
- 1998 Shinden Fudo-ryu
- 1997 Jo-jutsu
- 1995 Naginata / Daisho
- 1994 Yari / Kodachi
- 1993 Bo-jutsu
- 1996 Ken-jutsu
- Previous themes included Kusari-Fundo, Hanbo and Jutte