What is the Amatsu Tatara?

This ancient system is not very well known, even inside of Japan. Traditionally Amatsu Tatara was taught only to high level priests and grandmasters.

Amatsu Tatara is the source of martial arts training within the Genbukan organization. Its teachings include martial arts techniques and spiritual training, known respectively as Bumon and Shumon.

Bumon, literally meaning 'Martial Gate', teaches methods to protect ourselves and others. Shumon, or 'Spiritual Gate', teaches us to reflect upon our actions, and improving society by taking responsibility for the betterment of those actions. By doing this we improve not just our homes, but also our community, society, and even the world.

To be a complete martial artist we strive to not only train our body, but also our heart.

Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura is the 58th Generation Grandmaster of this tradition, and the only living Master in the world. The Amatsu Tatara lineage goes back 2,700 years.

2009 Amatsu Tatara Taikai in Ireland

Grandmaster Tanemura feels now that its time has come to be presented for the benefit of society. The teachings can often be seen in the underlying spirituality and cultures around the world from Japan to Egypt and Ireland.

Within the Genbukan, the Amatsu Tatara is taught to senior students directly by the Grandmaster. In 2009, Grandmaster Tanemura gave the first ever seminar on Amatsu Tatara in Ireland.