American Ninjutsu

History of American Ninjutsu
& Its Legacy at Fort Worth Combatives

American Ninjutsu is a modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese martial art historically associated with the skills and strategies of the shinobi (ninja). Unlike many popularized myths, ninjutsu historically encompassed a wide array of skills—unarmed combat, weapon handling, escape and evasion, environmental awareness, and survival principles—developed over centuries in feudal Japan. In the West, various instructors adapted those principles into structured systems that blended traditional techniques with practical self-defense methodologies, often placing a strong emphasis on fluid movement, timing, and adaptability.

At Fort Worth Combatives, American Ninjutsu represented the foundation of our earliest training offerings when the academy opened in 2010 as Fort Worth Ninjutsu. Under the guidance of instructors connected to the Arlington American Ninjutsu school, we began teaching students grounded striking, grappling basics, weapon awareness, and physical movement patterns that emphasized responsive defense and control under pressure.

American Ninjutsu's roots go back to Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu. Mr. Robert Bussey pioneered Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu in 1979, being one of the first two men to bring the art to the United States from Japan.

Under the tutelage of Shihan Toshiro Nagato, Mr. Robert Bussey received his instructor license from Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th successor to the Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu tradition.

Upon his return, Robert Bussey was an American pioneer of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu and taught Togakure Ryu directly under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. In the United States, Mr Bussey taught and awarded Dan (Black-belt) rankings in Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu under the endorsement of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi for nearly a decade.

During this time, Robert Bussey focused his Ninjutsu training on the practical and realistic, while downplaying the antiquated and esoteric aspects of Ninjutsu. Mr. Bussey's modernized Togakure-Ryu Ninjutsu was taught at training branches around the world.

Robert Bussey disassociated himself from traditional Bujinkan Ninjutsu in 1988 and started Robert Bussey's Warrior International (RBWI).

Robert Bussey left traditional Bujinkan Ninjutsu for two reasons:

Because of its foundation in eastern religious beliefs, rather than Christianity.
Some of the traditional movements were impractical for a reality based martial art

In June of 1997, Robert Bussey retired and disbanded his organization. Robert Bussey is currently teaching modern combative skills as a consultant to corporations, military personnel and police tactical units. As well Mr. Bussey teaches seminars and clinics with various groups through out the United States.

In July of 1997, American Ninjutsu began being taught under the Personal Protection Concepts (PPC) organization. This new organization was founded by former RBWI sanctioned instructors who wanted to keep their ties with each other current, continue teaching practical self defense martial arts within biblical values, and continue to grow and pass on their knowledge.

Personal Protection Concepts is managed by a Board of Instructors who are currently leading multiple schools across Texas, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

More historic information can be found at RobertBussey.com

Personal Protection Concepts / American Ninjutsu

In July of 1997 this new organization was founded by former RBWI instructors who wanted to maintain their ties with each other, continue teaching practical self defense martial arts within biblical values, and continue to grow and pass along their knowledge. These instructors named their organization Personal Protection Concepts and their system American Ninjutsu.

Since 1997 PPC has grown beyond American Ninjutsu. Instructors with backgrounds in other arts and fighting systems have brought a wealth of new techniques and training to the organization. Once screened for "fatal tendencies" and tested in the crucible of force-on-force combat, new material has been integrated into the curriculum.

Today PPC is an alliance of members who work together towards helping each other achieve competence in all aspects of personal defense and survival.

Where American Ninjutsu Fit Into Our Evolution

As the academy grew, instructors and students alike expanded their study into complementary systems that emphasized structured progression, real-world application, and clear skill transfer. Over time, the school’s curriculum shifted toward systems that offered stronger organized lesson plans, measurable progression, and greater real-world retention. As a result, American Ninjutsu was gradually phased out of the regular class rotation in favor of programs that deliver similar outcomes—pressure-tested skills, situational awareness, and committed partner drilling—within a more structured framework.

Where to Train Similar Skills Today

If you’re here because you’re interested in practical self-defense, timing under pressure, evasive movement, or defensive combatives that build confidence and real retention, you’re in the right place. These are the current programs at Fort Worth Combatives that best carry forward the functional intent of American Ninjutsu:

Check out our current Schedule