Every year Hatsumi-sensei chooses a theme to be studied over the next 12 months.This theme is usually a particular school or weapon which is given special attention during the year in addition to normal training.
With nine different schools of martial arts to study, having a theme like this helps ensure a common thread in the training around the world.
The yearly theme is a good opportunity to look at one aspect of the Bujinkan in detail and is often the topic of weekend seminars held throughout the year.
- 2014: Shin In Bu Do
- Shin = god, deity; mind, soul.
- In = rhyme; elegance; tone.
- Bu = military affairs, military arts, chivalry, military glory, military power, arms.
- Do = leading, guide, lead, conduct, usher.
- 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.
- Kaname is often interpreted as meaning the vital/pivot point of the technique being applied, but perhaps this is a misinterpretation. It may actually refer to the vital point within ourselves when we are applying the technique.
- 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/Ninja-to
- 1999 Kukishinden-ryu
- 1998 Shinden Fudo-ryu
- 1997 Jo-jutsu
- 1996 Ken-jutsu
- 1995 Naginata/Daisho sabaki
- 1994 Yari/Kodachi
- 1993 Bo-jutsu
- Previous themes included Kusari-Fundo, Hanbo and Jutte