Since 1988 Hatsumi Sensei’s teaching has focused on a particular theme each year. This typically means that a specific ry?, or a certain set of techniques from specific ry? will be taught. Hatsumi Sensei announces the years theme, or focus, each year at the Daikomyosai. Depending on what years a student has studied in Japan, they may find that their focus reflects the themes or schools taught during their time. This is one reason that there are often noticeable differences in techniques from different teachers inside the Bujinkan. Although Ninpo Taijutsu is an overall theme of the Bujinkan, 2008 marks the first time that a Ninpo Taijutsu Ry? was the focus of the year. However, prior to founding the Bujinkan organization and teaching the nine Ry? collectively (with particular yearly focus), Hatsumi Sensei awarded his students rank certificates in individual Ry?.
- Theme of 2012 – Katana
- Theme of 2011 – Kihon Happo (same sound, different meaning)
- Theme of 2010 – Rokkon Shoujou
- Theme of 2009 – Mu – No theme
- Theme of 2008 – Togakure-ry? Ninp? Taijutsu
- Theme of 2007 – Kukishin Ryu
- Theme of 2006 – Shinden Fudo Ryu
- Theme of 2005 – Gyokko-ry? Kosshijutsu (Bo and Tachi)
- Theme of 2004 – Daishou Juutaijutsu (Roppo-Kuji-no Biken)
- Theme of 2003 – Juppo Sessho
- Theme of 2002 – Jutaijutsu (Takagi Yoshin Ryu)
- Theme of 2001 – Kosshijutsu (Gyokko Ryu)
- Theme of 2000 – Koppojutsu (Koto Ryu)
- Theme of 1999 – Kukishinden Ryu
- Theme of 1998 – Shinden Fudo Ryu
- Theme of 1997 – Jojutsu
- Theme of 1996 – Bokken
- Theme of 1995 – Naginata
- Theme of 1994 – Yari
- Theme of 1993 – Rokushakubojutsu
- Theme of 1992 – Taijutsu Power
- Theme of 1991 – Sword and Jutte
- Theme of 1990 – Hanbo
- Theme of 1989 – Taijutsu and Weapons
- Theme of 1988 – Taijutsu
As of yet, no focus has been announced for 2009, though Hatsumi talked about 3 things which are important for a martial artist, these 3 things may be thought of as a kind of Sanshin. He said that these things were going to become a bit of a theme for next year.[citation needed]
They are:
- Sainou (Ability/talent)
- Kokoro (Heart)
- Utsuwa (Capacity)
The main meaning of the word ‘utsuwa’, its first definition in the dictionary, is ‘container/receptacle/vessel’. A secondary meaning, however, is concerning a person’s capacity or potential. Examples of ‘utsuwa’ in Japanese sentences include: “Utsuwa no ookii.” (a person of high caliber). “Daitouryou ni naru utsuwa dewa nai.” (He [doesn't have what it takes / isn't cut out] to be president. / He is not of presidential caliber [stature]) So utsuwa can mean ‘caliber’, to have ‘potential’, basically to have the ‘right stuff’.[citation needed]
Yet the basic meaning implied by the word ‘container’ may hold another aspect. Fish, plants etc. will only grow to the size of the container which they are in. Their growth is limited by the size of their container. Humans too have a ‘limit’ to their potential. If their utsuwa is small, they can never grow bigger than its limits. Such is another possible suggestion of Hatsumi.
Soon after the theme as herein described was announced, it was proposed by Hatsumi that the second aspect, Kokoro (Heart), be replaced by Tamashii (Soul). His reasoning was that the heart is in a constant state of change, whereas the soul is permanent and unchanging, and therefore is “essential to the person”.
