Year: 2014

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael Glenn

Michael Glenn and Chris Chilton

Ever since I started this blog in 2009, or launched my Rojodojo website for my Bujinkan videos , or even writing to my private Bujinkan email list, people from all over the world have connected with me. This is always something I loved about our art. It is truly international and one big family.

This week I was lucky to meet Police Officer Chris Chilton from Columbus, OH. He had originally connected with me more than a year ago. And now he decided to take a break from the cold and snow in Ohio to come train with me in person.

I don't think the fact that we have 70 degree temperatures and a beach down the street had anything to do with it.

I convinced him to speak a little about some of his experiences this last week. He was very kind to share his perspective:


http://youtu.be/iykmPki5kO8

I had a great time meeting him and sharing lessons I've studied with Hatsumi Sensei. He got along wonderfully with everyone in my classes. And I find it very impressive that he dedicates himself so much to his own training that he would fly across the U.S. in search of quality Bujinkan study.

Chris it was great meeting you and I hope to throw you around again soon!

Chris fit right in with Bujinkan Santa Monica

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From paart budo buki by buki stolar

Dear Budo friends, 

in front of you is another a rare tool.
Some sources say that is Konpei, Soke Hatsumi in his book also use that name, one other name which I also find is Konbyo, but is not verified and does not need to be true.

Although there is another version seen in the Soke's collection, I decided to do this version for practical reasons. 
I must say that this is just a prototype, and the image only shows the final shape of tool, but the next one will be even better in order to improve the strength of some parts to be unbreakable and safe for hard training.

Metal version will also be available.

All of you who are interested in this tool  feel free to contact me can e-mail.






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From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael Glenn

電柱 Denchuu in front of Bujinkan Hombu. photo by Michael Glenn

Hatsumi Sensei spent all class trying to teach us muto dori. This is not unusual. He mentions muto dori in almost every class. He has been doing so for years. It makes sense, if you are not there when the attack arrives, then you have successfully defended yourself.

We were lucky tonight. Soke was teaching us how to use our legs and footwork for muto dori. People sometimes think Hatsumi Sensei is talking about psychology, or he is using metaphor to talk about esoteric ideas about disappearing or being invisible. Well right now he just wanted us to move our feet, dammit!

But move them in a special way.

He said to step "浮舟のごとし"  ukifune no gotoshi. This means to step like you are stepping onto a floating boat or pontoon. How does one step from the stable dock onto a boat?

If it is a small boat, raft, or canoe… you step carefully. Any big or unbalanced movements will rock the boat or tip it over. If you are in a fight, the boat is your opponent and his intent on attacking you.

You must step by subtly shifting the balance from the stable, dry, safe land where you stand before being attacked… to the unstable, rocking, dangerous boat of the fight. Then you will be on board.

When you step like this onto an actual boat, the boat barely moves. You transition and become part of it. Its motions in the water are now your motions. Anyone who has been in a canoe or kayak knows what I mean.

Some people step off the land like doing a cannonball. They disturb everything and make a big splash. But they also make a big target. They will have to fight hard to stay above water or not get killed by the attacker.

Practice stepping onto a boat. Or a skateboard. Or a balance bar. Onto ice. Onto rice paper.

Shift your weight through the knees and joints. Then shift your consciousness to be on board and floating with danger. Take the ride like the little duck I wrote about here: Fudōshin 不動心 or Fudōshin 浮動心 Floating Heart?

And then step back to safety and stability. How does it feel? … Read More