The History of Amatsu

 

 

Amatsu 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 scientific research of Dennis Bartram.

The school’s ancient principles come from 2,000 year old scrolls called the Tatara, meaning ‘sky harbour’ or literally ‘divine residence and God's port’ and held by Dr Hatsumi. These principles are a collaboration of martial arts, medicine, philosophy, strategy and religion .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.

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 Ltd approved schools.

(For more detailed information on the levels of Amatsu and about training to become an Amatsu practitioner see the ATA website.)

Amatsu is registered with the BRCM (The British Register of Complementary Medicine) and the ICNM (Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine).