Punching in the Bujinkan Dojo.In general, I feel that there is a constant debate and doubt about the “classical” Bujinkan punch.
I think if people really tried to understand the training,what it can teach them and, it`s transference into more modern applications, there may be less discussion and more training in getting good at it.
First of all, we must remember that we are learning “Classical Japanese Martial Arts”.
So, I believe it imperative to closely follow the traditions as much as possible in the commencement of ones training. Up until 4th dan, students should train hard in blood,sweat and tears.
It is often commented that the Bujinkan is a “true fighting art”. This is true. However, if you just look at the forms with a shallow mind, you will see the attacks and defenses as being largely in-practical in todays environment. The problem to me, is that people just look with their eyes and do not consider the many teachings that “classical kata” transmit.
The Bujinkan is different than other classical martial arts schools. In the Bujinkan, we use the past to help us develop in the present and the future. We firstly learn the fundamentals of the Arts within the Bujinkan that form the basis of our art. This is very important. If we do not, we are creating our own martial art and, due to not spending enough time studying the classical aspects, our understanding and ability to transcend the kata and generate movement based on the principals will be very low. This martial art is a life time study. It is therefore important to go through stages of development so one can develop a deeper understanding of why the training is the way it is.
If we look at the development of the strikes and it`s basis of using taijutsu, we are in fact learning how to eventually strike from short, medium and, long range with the whole body,spirit, and with a variety of weapons.
In the beginning ( with many learned physical skills ) we learn with larger movements. We over exagerrate the movements to enable our mind and body to become more aware. This is to help unify our Shin Gi Tai or, in other words, to get in control of our bodies.
The “sanshin swing” in the chi no waza is in fact teaching you how to align the body and use the ankles,knees,hips,spine, and shoulders etc to deliver an upper cut punch!
People are in too much of a hurry to make training “street effective”. People nowadays in the Bujinkan do not want to do “kata” training at all. People listen to the words of Soke and take them too literally in my opinion. Remember, he is teaching to the highest ranking people, not just everyone. People loose sight of the traditions etc of the dojo. The martial art turns into some kind of ecclectic system that is often very poorly done or combine with a mixture of other arts. If you do not have the patience to pursue the martial arts for your life, do not begin training. the learning phases of Shu Ha Ri are essential elements to follow to ensure solid understanding and grounding in the ways of the martial arts. Only after we develop a “ masterful “ base, can we develop ourselves further. This is the same with any art form, being painting, music, dance, carpentry, etc.
If you think you understand the “lunge” punch of the Bujinkan, you probably don`t. This use of the lunge with an extension of the limbs is a very natural movement for human beings, regardless of if they are martial artists. Iv`e seen women,men and children knock down people twice their size with this action. And, this was not in the dojo. So, do not tell me that it is not an effective movement, even in todays society. It is effective in a multitude of ways. And, I feel, if people think it isn`t effective nowadays, they are just looking at the basic form and are not looking past it. Therefore, they are very simple minded martial artists ( even though they think they are not because they feel they see it`s weakness.) Everything has a weak point. But, to truly understand a weak point in something, you have to truly understand it`s strengths.
One reason why people leave their hand/arm out, is so the person training is given enough time to study the movements being taught in the dojo. It gives the student time to discover concepts and principles that are crucial for further development.
If the partner does not leave their arm extended and retracts every time, then you will find that trying to learn the fundamental bujinkan manner of training and it`s lessons,will be almost impossible. You either have to accept this or, in my opinion, do another martial art that suits your mind set or motivations.
In reality, unless it is a strategy, nobody would leave their arm extended. However, the majority of our training in the Bujinkan is learning particular set movements or kata ( just like any other martial art system. ) Even the Japanese still extend their arm don`t they in practice. Therefore, it is important to not get ahead of yourself. People try to change the training style to early. And most do it because they do not understand why we train the way we do. If you do not accept the way of training, then go and start your own style.
With the right timing, it is possible to get the opponent to over extend, in this moment, this is the chance to manipulate that arm/limb. We must take the time ( and generally through training experience ) to understand and appreciate these moments and possibilities.
We are often training slow to learn how to fight fast. We are learning to better control our body movements so they become instinctual. We must also remember that what many people are missing is, timing training. I will use the ichimonji no kamae kata as an example.
People punch and then leave their arm extended for the person to block. We do this to give the person time to learn. We both know this is not real, but we should also know that there is a process to learning and not rush things.
After the structure is learned, then they can train for the timing. Only with the right timing will the jodan uke be truly effective and disrupt his balance. If you strike after he has based himself, it will be difficult to move him and thus dangerous to enter for the shuto as he is still balanced.
The timing is as uke lands and adds tension to the punch, the tori does the same with jodan uke at the same time. With the correct angle,distance and timing, this will create a bounce effect and throw ukes body back. In this instant of loss of balance and spirit disruption yuo can enter with the shuto. If this does not happen, then you are walking into fight fire with fire or, the second punch or attack.
This takes time to learn and get skill full at, It also takes focus as we have to feel for the uke and their timing so we can disrupt it. If we train too softly, we cannot do this. We need to find a balance between hard and soft. We need to train with focused energy and not necessarlily aggressive or fast energetic movements.
Think again about the punch and ask yourself, do i really understand it? Can i actually transcend the form to understand it`s usage? Have i learned its application of judging distance and keeping oneself at a safe distance as a result. Ahve i understood its trnasition into the use of weapons both traditonal and modern?
And much much more.
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