These are the principles upon which this Fellowship is founded. Only teachers who act in accordance with these principles will be admitted into the ASF.

1. Shidoshi-kai membership under Hatsumi Soke. ALL teachers must be members of the Shidoshi-kai teachers guild. (By this we are not referring to the ASF, but the international organization of teachers which is centered around the Hombu Dojo in Japan.)

2. Compliance with the Rules of the Bujinkan.

3. Teaching in accordance with basics as outlined in the Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki, specifically using Ukemi, Sanshin no Kata and Kihon Happo as the basis for teaching new students.  The Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki (Book of Heaven, Earth and Man) is a training manual written by Hatsumi Soke. The members of the ASF feel that lack of training in Ukemi, Sanshin and Kihon has resulted in less than adequate black belt level students.  When administering the fifth degree black belt test, Hatsumi Soke relies on the shidoshi, or senior teachers, to put qualified applicants in front of him.

The 'Godai theory', or using the elements of earth, wind, water, fire and void as a model on which to base one's physical combative strategies, is not recognized by the ASF as being representative of the Bujinkan Dojo. While we feel that everyone has a right to practice in a way that they prefer, this 'elemental modality' does not reflect the martial art of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, and therefore we cannot endorse it.

There is a misconception that the ASF is attempting to 'STANDARDIZE' the teaching in the U.S. This is untrue. We would like to see that there is accurate teaching of the Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki (the existing standard) by all teachers, and we are working toward that end.

4. Students should be ranked in proper time.  It is recommended by Soke that the black belt should be acquired in no less that two (2) years, and it is further recommended that dan ranks should take a minimum of two years between promotions.  Under these guidelines, a candidate for the godan test will have been training for a minimum of ten years. This is a minimum. This country is plagued by a sickness of over-rapid promotions, and a tendency to create teachers prematurely. We are interested in the preservation of this art with the highest possible fidelity. Therefore, we urge shidoshi to promote students into the teacher levels only after rigorous and extensive training, meeting the proper time requirements, to ensure an adequate level of understanding.

5. In general, shidoshi should follow the course and direction which is being shown by Soke in Japan.  All shidoshi should be traveling to Japan to train with Soke directly.  If this is not possible, shidoshi must attend Tai Kai. Becoming isolated results in degradation of abilities.

6. In accordance with Hatsumi Sensei's stated wishes, do not train with anyone in either the Genbukan Organization, or the Jinenkan Organization.