What is Aikido Hatenkai?

You may be hearing the name Aikido Hatenkai for the first time.
While it is not widely known among the general public, within the martial arts community it is recognized as one of the aikido schools highly regarded for its practicality.

Unlike many aikido styles that do not hold competitions, Hatenkai’s headmaster, Tenkei Fujisaki, has achieved numerous championships and high placements in various tournaments. He also holds a total of 18 dan ranks across multiple martial arts.

At the age of 19, Fujisaki won his first championship title, and went on to achieve repeated victories and podium finishes in domestic competitions.
In 2006, he founded Aikido Hatenkai as an independent school.

The defining principle of Hatenkai is:
“Practical Aikido = Self-Defense.”

This is not about fighting or violence—it is a practical self-defense system designed to help people protect their everyday lives with safety and confidence. Rooted in the samurai spirit studied in the historic city of Kamakura and in the etiquette of Japanese culture, Hatenkai fosters both physical and mental strength while cultivating the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Technical Excellence

The headmaster of Aikido Hatenkai is Shihan Tenkei Fujisaki, Hanshi 8th Dan.
He is a three-time champion of the Practical Real Aikido World Championship Tournament, hosted by the International Practical Aikido Federation.

In these tournaments, he defeated formidable opponents such as national full-contact karate champions, multi-dan martial artists, and even a 182 cm, 108 kg powerhouse renowned for his aikido competition skills.

Fujisaki began training in traditional aikido in the second grade of elementary school. During his university years, he shifted to practical aikido, and by 19 he won his first championship and opened his own dojo with full instructor qualifications. His students went on to achieve titles in the main tournament, intermediate divisions, and even newcomer competitions. At 23, he established his own school—Hatenkai, a style of full-contact aikido.

Beyond his role as headmaster, Fujisaki has appeared in media, teaching aikido and self-defense to actresses and entertainers, showcasing the broad scope of his activities.

The Samurai Spirit Learned in Kamakura

Hatenkai’s philosophy is deeply rooted in its founder’s spirit of exploration. At one point, Shihan Fujisaki journeyed to Kamakura—the ancient capital and birthplace of samurai culture—to seek the origins of aikido. There he trained for six months in jujutsu, a martial art that also influenced Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido.

Through this experience, he directly absorbed the aesthetic of utility honed by the samurai, as well as their spirit that valued real combat. This encounter enriched Hatenkai’s martial philosophy. Fujisaki often reflects that the air of Kamakura—its samurai heritage and its natural beauty—strengthened not only his techniques but also his spirit.

“Revere the old to understand the new.” This journey became the firm foundation for Hatenkai’s pursuit of both strength and grace.

Rational and Practical Training

Hatenkai incorporates both kata (form practice) and, for those who wish, sparring and striking practice—a rarity in aikido. Training does not begin with hard contact. First, students learn traditional aikido fundamentals and kata.

After mastering the basics, they gradually move into applied practice: strikes, drills, sparring with aikido techniques, and even tournament-style training—all to maximize aikido’s effectiveness as self-defense.

Welcoming Beginners of All Ages

Hatenkai is open not only to adults, but also to children and family classes, making it accessible to complete beginners.

Since aikido training is based on circular and spherical movements, age and gender are no obstacle. Even members in their 70s actively train at Hatenkai.

Some people may imagine that “practical aikido” means training only with tough, muscular fighters. In reality, many join for health, fitness, or even weight loss. Others simply want a fulfilling hobby or to strengthen their mind and body while learning effective self-defense.

Exchanges with Other Martial Arts

Hatenkai actively engages with martial artists from other disciplines, including world-class champions.

For example:

Hirotaka Fukuyama, world champion in Goju-ryu Karate kata and professional MMA fighter (ZST).
Ruga Kawahara, world champion in long-spear Sports Chanbara.
Isamu Hanaguruma, a four-time national champion in traditional karate kumite and runner-up in Seidokaikan’s 39th All-Japan Karate Championship (Full-Contact Plus Rule, -90kg), a top-level Japanese karateka.

These exchanges enrich Hatenkai’s practice and broaden its perspective.

Conclusion

Aikido Hatenkai is a school that preserves the philosophy of traditional aikido while pursuing practical techniques that are truly useful in modern society. Under expert guidance and in a well-rounded training environment, members can achieve remarkable growth—both physically and mentally.