Where the thunderous spirit of the war horse meets the unshakable clarity of the Zen mind.
Zen War Horse is a living tradition — a bridge between ancient Japanese warrior arts and real, awakened modern practice. We don’t perform history. We live it.
The Lineage
Zen War Horse and the school Musashi Shibata-ryu Heiho Shiroh-Ha Bajutsu Oyobi Hoyojutsu were founded with the direct support of Diayho Suzak Kiyomi Shibata, 19th head of the Musashi Clan, who entrusted leadership of this lineage to Nikki Wulfe through Menkyo, declaring her Soke (headmaster).
Nikki brings rare depth to this role: Kanrei and 6th Dan of the Ninshidan, certified Okashira of the Musashi Clan Shibata-ryu, and recipient of 9th Dan in Shibata-ryu Koyojutsu — backed by over 20 years of operational experience training mounted units in anti-poaching, military, and riot police contexts worldwide.
Zen War Horse is proudly affiliated with the National Karate Jujutsu Federation (NKJF) under Kaicho Steven E. Johnson, with Nikki serving as Senior Advisory Council Member. Senior instructors Hanshi Marco Wulfe 9th Dan and Hanshi Joachim Büchau 8th Dan (our German representative) uphold this tradition to the highest standard.
The Practice
The horse is not a tool here — it is a partner and a teacher. We train without harsh bits, spurs, or whips. Through Bajutsu, liberty training, Horse Aikido principles, Hoyojutsu, and Takagari (falconry), we cultivate something rare: technical mastery and genuine connection in the same breath.
Every ride is a meditation. Every interaction a lesson in authentic leadership. Not domination — true partnership. Not force — awakened flow.
What We Offer
Bajutsu & Mounted Arts — Classical and practical horsemanship rooted in the Musashi Shibata-ryu tradition
Takagari (Falconry) — Sharpening timing, focus, and interspecies trust alongside horsemanship
Warrior Mindset Training — Presence, adaptive power, situational awareness, and inner fortitude
Global Community — An international herd of practitioners held to real standards of skill and ethics
The Call
Whether you’re a martial artist, equestrian, falconer, or simply answering something you can’t quite name — this is your arena.
The revolution begins within. The herd is calling.
Ride with power. Flow with presence. Awaken the warrior within.
Welcome to Zen War Horse.
— Nikki Wulfe, Soke
Hanshi Marco Wulfe 9th Dan | Hanshi Joachim Büchau 8th Dan