From 自然行雲流水 by 自然行雲流水

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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From Paart Budo Buki by buki stolar

Here is last project, I make naginata from Cold Steel Warrior Series Nodachi
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From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael

Tokyo Tachikawa, Cinema City / CINEMA TWO. photo by Dick Thomas Johnson

If you have taken the Godan test this may sound familiar, if not you have something to look forward to. If you think you know this stuff already, I suggest you consider it again at a deeper level.

These two lessons are: the meaning of training itself and embracing fear. I will explain what the Godan test teaches about these things, but first why do we need to be taught these lessons at all?

The Godan test is an instant in time, but it echoes forward and backward. All the days leading up to that instant and all the training after. Which is longer? These two challenges will continue to confront us before and after. So what has changed?

For the first lesson, let's look at a common problem for both pre and post Godan students:

People lose their passion for training. If you have trained for a long time, you probably have achieved some of the goals you originally set out to achieve. Maybe one of those goals was passing Godan. If you achieve your goals you are left with only questions like:

So now what? Do you keep going to class? What if everything you're being taught feels repetitive or you've already seen it?  Maybe class feels like a chore. Training used to be fun, now it's become boring.

But training hasn't really changed... your dreams have. And your dreams are now too small.

Another serious problem for both pre and post Godan is fear:

Fear leading up to Godan is maybe about the test itself. But actually fear shows up long before that. Fear is a dream killer. It is the silent inner voice that pushes away our passions to seek safety that doesn't exist. Your goals for training are overcome by doubt and you never have the chance to get bored in class because you stop going!

Many people never make it to Godan because they were overcome by fear of this type. 

And after Godan? Well, the same insecurities and doubt may be strengthened by a feeling that test was no big deal or was fake somehow. You forget what really happened in that moment. It is very easy to re-frame an instant in time when you have the rest of your life to reflect on it.

So what does the Godan teach us about these two things? The test is like a mirror. If you don't already know, training is often a good mirror for life… so I can pretend to be your life coach for a moment. Don't worry, I won't take advantage of my self appointed authority.

Leading up to the Godan and right after is a great time to reassess training in general. If your goals are too small, training becomes boring. Why are you training? If you don't know now, you knew why when you started. But the goals you started with are too small. You have grown and changed. You need bigger dreams.

The way to get bigger dreams is to ask again, "Why are you training right NOW? If you don't know, or can't answer…  you can look at your life. What problems in your life does training help you with? What do you think it could help you with?

The Godan contains infinity in that moment. If you can't find big dreams there, then you must revisit that instant.

You can find in that instant of the Godan a new reason to go to class. And your attention in class will change to reflect this new focus. A strange thing will then happen: a blast of new ideas and secrets from training will appear. You will sheepishly realize they were always there, you just could not see them.

Training will be fresh and new again.

Embracing fear is another lesson connected to the Godan. You must shine a light on your fear. Look at it directly. If you don't it feels much bigger. Give fear permission to have it's way with you. (you might want to do this in private). Fear passes quickly when you allow it passage. This is the secret: open yourself to fear.

After it is gone, notice what it did to you. Are you still intact? This is an odd feeling from the Godan test. When it is over you are left only with yourself. For some people this echoes on for a while… If that happens you probably need that time with yourself.

Bonus Secret:

Here is one lesson from the Godan that can take you far beyond Godan: Thoughts have speed; passing the test requires no thoughts.

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From 自然行雲流水 by 自然行雲流水

要

“ If you get the essential point, you don`t have to control everything.”
- Soke Hatsumi.

This year in the Hombu Dojo, Soke is raising our awareness to the Kaname or " essential element, essence, or pivot point " of the moment. Kaname is not something that is fixed or set. It is forever changing with the opponent and the environment. There a many ways one can look or try to grasp a better working knowledge of this. 
If we take Chess for example, the aim is to place the opponent in check-mate. That is, no matter where he moves, he is captured within the space. He has been given freedom to move, but this freedom is kyojutsu and, is not really freedom. Often it is like a game of Cat and Mouse ( neko no myojutsu ).
The opponent may move, but he is always pressured and captured by the presence of the other. The opponent may become frustrate and develop the feeling he/she is being “played with “ and relinquish their fighting spirit. This can be likened to the Gokui no uta where one holds the bee in between the hands, but it can not sting. The bee is free to move, but it`s power is rendered useless.
To train to "feel" the Kaname, we need to train slowly. We are often admonished in Nagato Sensei`s dojo to  Move, Stop, and Think. And, to look at training as a study of logic.
We are searching for the correct place to move. In budo, the correct place is the safest place. To find this place, we must train slowly. We must first move, then stop, and then think about where we are, where our opponent is, have we taken his balance, is our own balance ok, what are possible next attacks, can we see his weapons, are we aware of our environment, can we use our weapon, can he take it from us and, can we take our opponents weapon, etc. There is much to be learned. And, we can only learn to be aware of these things to a point of complete naturalness by firstly, training slowly and correctly. This should be common sense. 
As with any art form, there are fundamental practices that must be studied over and over again to further develop correctly before one can truly express oneself free from the constructs of form, etc.
This is also the natural process of Shu Ha Ri .
By training is this way, we are constantly searching for the best point. We are searching for the ultimate point to control the opponent. This is nothing new really. If people are training correctly, this has been the base of our training since the beginning. It is about refining our movement so we always move to the "essential point" to maintain control of the situation. Soke is plainly making us more aware of this now.
In the beginning, we start to learn this through kata. We study the kamae and the various distances that each control and, how they can be made stronger with weapons as an extension. The kata teach us about Taijutsu - the art of the body. Through correct kamae, we learn about balance. We then learn how to move in the kamae while maintaining balance and distance ( ashi sabaki ). We then learn to incorporate our upper limbs to apply locks, strikes, blocks, etc ( te sabaki ) in conjunction with whole body movement ( tai sabaki ).
Within these aspects we begin to become aware of the principals ( distance, angles, timing ) and their importance of in regards to maintaining freedom of movement while moving to the safest areas possible to maintain life. The principals enlighten us to the Kukan ( life space ). And, from there we are able to always move accordingly, to safely protect ourselves, and control our opponent - The Kaname.
Only through correct study and naturally pursuing the process of Shu Ha Ri, will we come to a skill level where we can become aware of and appreciate this. 
It is therefore important for everyone to remember that Soke is teaching to the highest ranks in the Bujinkan Dojo. It should also be noted that just because hundred of people have received the highest rank in the Bujinkan, it does not necessarily say that they have the actual skill level achieved to understand Sokes teachings. As ranks are sakizuke, the ju-godans must maintain complete honesty with themselves and train according to their actual ability and not what they think the rank they hold stands for. Sincerity is the key. People recieve a new rank and feel they have to “step up”and fulfill what they think the role entails. Stepping up because you think you should is not the way in my opinion. You step up naturally when the time is right. It is not a conscious decision. If it is, it is something based on your desire and what you think is right. To step up is something that happens as a result of just continuing with Bufu Ikkan. You just keep going and keep a level head about your rank. If you think your rank means something, you will try to make something of it and then you will fail. Move naturally. Don`t try to push the process. It is not yours to push. People that do just become nuisances in the dojo.
Everyone believes they are training correctly. But, what is more important is to have the goal to always want to improve. Relying on ones rank is not good enough. One has to earn their rank. It is important to understand that just because you are given a rank, it does not mean you have earned it or even deserve it. 
Upon recieving a rank, the student is reminded to remain humble and that the training is the most important thing. It is easy to see the people that are "really training", and not just "teaching". 
This aspect is also noting the essential point ( kaname ) of the martial heart: Sincerity.

Kaname is universal. We are all on the search for the correct path. The road to heaven, etc. But, this road ( as we know ) is not fixed and it is forever changing. The one constant in life is "change." If we cannot change, we will struggle and find it difficult to live a fruitful and enjoyable life. The kaname is also forever changing. 
In training, our partner will move. We aim to move naturally to the essential point or, the point that determines the outcome. This point is also the point where one is covered and free of openings. But, to get there, we must move using the principals of taijutsu and in kamae. Once that point has been established, we must wait for the response of our opponent, either from pain or loss of balance. With this change of movement, the kaname will change. We must therefore not stop and move to find the essential point again. We do this until we reach a point where the opponent can no longer move.
We observe Soke and the Japanese Shihan move precisely with naturalness and a feeling of conviction and unwavering spirit. They move with minimum effort, but with absolute precision. Often we feel trapped right from the first attack. When we move, they move with us. And then, we feel even more trapped. And, so on it goes. Their natural and precise movement is with structure. Their movements have no openings. This is from training correctly in the kihon etc.
They understand the Kaname. In fact, this is often what they are looking for in people when they perform a technique. The essential point of each movement. Often we see the Japanese training on the wooden floor in the honbu. They are training with minimum movement. Why? They are trying to find the essence or " main point " of Sokes technique. They are not trying to replicate everything he did. Not like everyone else on the tatami. Without searching and coming to understand the Kaname, the rest of the technique is based on nothing. In saying this, we see people doing wonderful looking demonstrations in classes but, do they know or are even aware of what the " essence " of the movement is? Or, are they just going through the motions and making it look like they know? 
Really, it comes down to experience and ones own Shugyo. Everyone learns and becomes aware of things at different times and through different triggers etc. It is important to accept and respect this.

Well, it has only been two months into the theme of the year in Sokes Dojo. I by no means understand this concept and will never profess to do so. This would be pure arrogance. What one can only do ( and this is the role of the shidoshi in my eyes ) is continually express ones experiences and thoughts based on continual exposure to training over the years. This is transmitting ones Shin Gi Tai and the lessons one has learned. Transmitting through the heart, technique and body is the way to truly express the "feeling" of the arts. This is why Soke says " only those that feel it can understand."

If you researching yourself, you will notice that Kaname has a variety of meanings. However, it is in general noted as being the most " important point ". 
To try and live lives simply, we must always try to look for the most important point. This is the art of discernment. We need to pin point the essential point for our lives and change with it constantly. 
The mark of a master is someone that can see through to the essence, the gokui of the what it is that stands before them. Soke has said it is the goal to live a simple people. And he says that this is ni fact quite difficult to do. Only if we come to know the kaname, can we possibly live plainly and as simple, natural people.
The concepts of Rokkon Shojou and Sainou Kon Ki have relevance here in the process of attaining this skill. However, I feel it is probably something "god given" and beyond human understanding that really allows people to achieve the "mind and eyes of god". 
This is a beautiful mystery and has been the search of mankind for since?. 

We are searching the way to live life where we always move in the right direction and to the right position. For many people, they would see those with this talent as lucky! And, protected/liked by the Gods.
Therefore, we need to live a just and righteous life to the best of our ability. In this way we will please the gods and move with nature.
Budo is a spiritual path. If you only consider the physical aspects, it is not budo.
This path is ( for me ) about coming to live in the moment. This moment is the "essence" or the Kaname of why I study Bujinkan Budo.

南虎

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From 自然行雲流水 by 自然行雲流水

The Bujinkan Dojo is a new entity, yet holds within it the cultural treasures and traditions since the dawn of Amaterasu. Soke has said that he is worried that the Japanese culture is moving in a direction where "traditions" are being forgotten. The role of the Bujinkan Dojo is to preserve the essence of the traditions through the martial arts.If people care not about the traditional aspects of budo, we are in a sence " killing " the art or saying that tradition is not important any more. The Bujinkan is a holistic art form.  We must learn from the past to assist with the development of the future. To do this, we must first study the past. In the Bujinkan, we do this from kata. Kata helps us appreciate the history, traditions and culture of the martial arts of Japan. We also come to experience how culture and people have evolved in both mind, body and spirit. This is in a way a practical or " hands on " sociological or anthropological study of not only the Japanese culture but the cultures of the world. In a very natural sence through the study of budo, the practitioners of the martial arts become Anthropologists and Philosophers. Budo requires individuals to come together and physically enter movements of combatative study. For many, this is an extremely challenging step. The dojo holds within it a great chance for each individual to truly develop a working knowledge of their humanity and place in the world. The dojo is a sanctioned area by Kami ( god ) to learn through hardship, the purpose and correct manner in which to connect with others to minimise violence. It is quite a dichotomy really. However, it is the only way to truly learn to value human life.  
Violence is to be avoided at all costs, yet the martial artist without the mind for peace, may rush into violence. Often it is said that all a good man has to do to defeat evil is to do nothing. Many people will see this comment as pacifist in nature. But to me, it is not. I have watched and listened to Soke, and I believe he follows the path of natural justice. I have thought about his manner of dealing with various issues and seen the results of this path way lead by Soke. i now try to build a greater capacity to trust in it as well.It is in fact strategy of the highest nature and maturity. It is allowing the Universe to uphold natural justice. To relinquish ones own desires and allow the power of nature to take it`s course is knowing the "mind and eyes of god". Those that need to be in control are in their own ego. The release of the ego is to understand Mushin. To move from a state of nothingness or zero is, to move as dictated by nature and not your own selfish desires. The martial arts is about relinquishing oneself to a higher power. It is often a very difficult thing to do because we cannot see this power. As a result, we cannot trust in it and hold onto what we know and believe with our own consciousness.  A step to trusting this power is the godan test. This test for both the giver and reciever is a move toward acknowledging and trusting in a greater power than ones own. In regards to the godan test, it is often discussed that the giver must emit a killer intention. This killer intention ( as described once to me ) is actually an act of compassion. It is also a test of the givers unification of shin gi tai. The ultimate goal of the martial artist is to win without entering the fight. The emission of sakki and making the reciever move is one way of testing this. We must consider why sakki is emitted. Any professional would try to hide this "killer intention" as he does not want his adversary to move or have the chance to defend himself. So, the emission of Sakki is for a variety of reasons.  
 
These things come to mind through the experience of training. The mind cannot understand these things alone. You have to learn from the body. This is patience. If you do not have patience to learn this way, there will be the desire to ask questions.  There are those who ask questions and want to know the answers to things that are too advanced for their actual ability and understanding. They may be given the answers but, they still do not know the real truth. Why? Because of their lack of training.
Even during training, it is important to learn to "feel" for yourself and "trust" your feelings. Often I am asked by a partner,
They say " Did I take your balance?"
I say " What do you feel?"
They say "No."
I say " There`s your answer!"
Often we all know the answers. If we just quieten our minds and take the time to be patient and feel a little more, we will come to understand this more and more. And, with this, self confidence can be born.
It is the same with the Densho. It matters not who sees the densho, even if they are translated in all languages. The fact is, very few people have received the training to understand the depth of the waza and schools. For me personally, I would only look to the older Japanese Shihan in this regard.
I was once approached by a person at a seminar after I mentioned a "secret teaching" from a specific school.
They said, " Why are you giving away secrets?"
I said, " Did you understand what I said?"
They said, "No."
I said, " Well, it`s still a secret then!"
 
 
南虎…