history

Amatsu therapy is a blend of modern research and ancient Japanese natural movement orientated ‘hands on’ therapeutic techniques dating back over 2,000 years. The ‘feeling’ and principles taught today directly derive from Dr Hatsumi and the ancient school of Hichi Buku Goshin Jutsu Ryu. This is a school of the breathing and physical techniques of one of the ancient traditional healing arts of Japan. It translates as ‘The secret flower opening school for the defence of the self’.

The school’s ancient principles form the scrolls called the Tatara meaning ‘sky harbour’ or literally ‘divine residence and God's port’. These principles are a collaboration of martial arts, medicine, philosophy, strategy and religion that have been practised in Japan for over 2,000 years. Until recently, the knowledge and skills were shared with only a handful of people in each generation and have been passed down over the years in an unbroken chain. The present day head of the Tatara is Dr Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda City, Japan.

Amatsu’s breakthrough in the west began in 1986 when Dennis Bartram first discovered Dr Hatsumi’s work, and then in 1995 when Dennis, William Doolan and Christopher Roworth made history as the first non-Japanese therapists to be taught the ancient healing principles of the Tatara by Dr Hatsumi. They were all granted Menkyo Kaiden (full teaching rights) of the ancient school as a result of Dennis Bartram’s personal work and research. These teachings are now underpinned within a western scientific framework, and are available today as Amatsu therapy, which is taught by ATA approved schools. For further information on Dennis please see dennis bartram.