Origins & Lineage of
Amatsu Therapy
Why Lineage Matters
In a world of ever-evolving wellness trends, lineage brings integrity. It means the methods used at Amatsu Therapy Mayo aren’t invented or diluted — they are part of a living tradition honed over centuries. They are rooted in principles that have stood the test of time, passed through the hands of master practitioners who understood the body as a unified system — physical, emotional, energetic.
Amatsu is more than therapy. It is a philosophy of balance, a return to natural order and a practice of healing that continues to evolve while staying true to its source.
A Healing Art Rooted in Ancient Japan
Amatsu Therapy originates from one of the oldest known Japanese healing traditions, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. These practices were preserved and passed down through the ancient schools of Japanese martial arts and natural medicine, originally used by the samurai not just for survival and combat, but for injury recovery, longevity and whole-body balance.
Amatsu Therapy evolved from the teachings of Hichi Buku Goshin Jutsu Ryu, an ancient Japanese school dedicated to natural healing, protection of the self, and alignment with nature. The name translates as:
"Preservation of the self through the hidden secrets of the opening flower."
This body of wisdom was held within the Togakure-ryu, one of the oldest ninjutsu schools in Japan. Its teachings weren’t merely about fighting techniques, but about understanding life force, structural balance, and the subtle movements of energy through the body. Healing was an integral part of the system — a way to keep the body aligned with nature.
The last Grandmaster of this lineage, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, became the 34th Soke (head) of the Togakure-ryu. A physician, martial artist and spiritual teacher, Dr. Hatsumi held the responsibility of carrying and preserving the ancient teachings — which included powerful healing techniques passed only from master to student.
In a historic moment of cross-cultural exchange, Dr. Hatsumi opened access to this wisdom to a select few Western students. This marked the first time in history that these teachings were shared beyond Japan.
The Western Emergence of Amatsu
In 1986, Dennis Bartram became one of the first Westerners to engage deeply with Dr. Hatsumi’s teachings. By 1995, he, along with William Doolan and Christopher Roworth, were officially recognised as the first non-Japanese therapists authorised to teach these principles — integrating them with modern research in anatomy, biomechanics, and neurology.
This evolution became known as Amatsu Orthopathic Therapy — an approach that honours the original feeling of the ancient techniques while grounding it in scientific understanding. Today, it is taught by ATA-approved schools across Ireland and the UK.
Meanwhile, one of the first Westerners to be accepted into this lineage was Paul Hand. Trained directly by Dr. Hatsumi, Paul was among the original group tasked with understanding, preserving and adapting Amatsu for use outside Japan.
Paul Hand brought these teachings back to the UK and Ireland, where he helped establish the foundations of what is now known as Amatsu Therapy — a synthesis of traditional Japanese principles with a modern understanding of anatomy, neurology and biomechanics. His work ensured that the heart of the tradition remained intact, while making it accessible and relevant to people seeking relief from pain, injury, stress or misalignment.
A Living Lineage in Mayo
At Amatsu Therapy Mayo, we proudly carry this living tradition. Gearóid was trained directly by Paul Hand, a senior practitioner from the Yorkshire Amatsu School who himself was taught by Dr. Hatsumi.
We are also connected to the wider Irish lineage through William Doolan, one of the original Western students of Dr. Hatsumi and now President of the Amatsu Association of Ireland.
This is the lineage we honour — ancient in origin, tested in time,and deeply alive in every session we offer.
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