Author: Mats Hjelm "Bujinkan Toryu"

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by Mats Hjelm "Bujinkan Toryu"

I was translating another Hiden Magazine article for Bujinkan.online and came up on the following segment about Hatsumi Sōkes experience about his 1964 TV appearance om 忍術千一夜 NINJUTSU SENICHIYA (The Art of Ninja in 1001 Nights).

NINJUTSU SENICHIYA was a segment to the Toei Animation TV anime 少年忍者風のフジ丸 “Shōnen Ninja Kaze no Fujimaru” (Fujimaru of the Wind: The Childhood of a Ninja) aired from June 7, 1964, to August 31, 1965.

Hatsumi Sōke showcased and explained various aspects of Ninjutsu and ninja tools, particularly from the Togakure-ryū school. The segment was presented to actress 本間千代子 Honma Chiyoko.

From July issue of Hiden Magazine published in 2002…

Renewing the Image of the Ninja

The Enigmatic World of Ninjas: Reimagined 

Once, ninjas were enigmatic figures in storytelling and the Tachikawa Bunko, where they performed mystifying feats like disappearing in a puff of smoke or transforming into gigantic frogs or monsters. This fairytale-like image of ninja techniques, where they would bite scrolls, form seals, and chant spells, dominated the public consciousness.

In early ninja movies, this image prevailed. Films like “Kage no Eijimaru” starring a young Hiroshi Matsukata and Toei Animation’s “Shonen Sarutobi Sasuke” exemplified this. However, Masaaki Hatsumi Sōke actively participated in visual media like TV and movies, introducing the true nature of Ninjutsu to the public, transforming the existing image of ninjas.

A turning point was the movie “Shinobi no Mono” directed by Satsuo Yamamoto. Here, Hatsumi Sōke, along with the then-living Takamatsu Sōke, provided Ninjutsu guidance, creating a realistic ninja portrayal on screen. Techniques from the Togakure-ryu could be seen throughout the movie, including rust-plate and stick techniques, body movements, and ninja walking.

Additionally, in Toei Animation’s TV anime “Shonen Ninja Kaze no Fujimaru,” a segment called “Ninpo Sen’ichiya” was included, where Hatsumi Sōke explained and demonstrated Ninjutsu and ninja tools. This unprecedented project likely introduced Togakure-ryu and Hatsumi Sōke to many.

“It was only a 3-minute segment, but the shooting took about an hour and a half. The studio lights were so hot back then that the studio flowers would wilt in about 20 minutes, so we had to replace them several times during shooting. The Ninjutsu demonstration took about 7 hours,” Hatsumi Sōke recalls.

Hatsumi Sōke continued to provide guidance in several movies, TV shows, and stage performances. Notable works include Teruo Ishii’s “Direct Hit! Hell Fist,” Lewis Gilbert’s “You Only Live Twice,” and Kado Hanado’s “Sengoku Mayou Monogatari.” He also appeared in numerous programs, contributing to the creation of a realistic ninja image and establishing Ninjutsu as a martial art. However, the sensationalist public perception of Ninjutsu and ninjas has always been a significant barrier for Hatsumi Sōke, likely posing challenges to this day.

忍術千一夜 NINJUTSU SENICHIYA 19 Episodes

NINJUTSU SENICHIYA EPISODE LIST:

01. SENBAN-SHURIKEN
02. BŌ-SHURIKEN
03. TENMON, KETSU-IN MAKIMONO
04. NINJA SHOZOKU, NINJATŌ
05. SHINOBI BUKI
06. TETSUBUSHI, METSUBUSHI, KASUNAI
07. GETA, ARUKI
08. SUITON NO JUTSU
09. KATON NO JUTSU, KAYAKUJUTSU
10. KOPPŌJUTSU
11. NINJATŌ, KENPŌ
12. KAYAKUJUTSU, TEPPŌJUTSU, HŌJUTSU
13. KAMAYARI
14. CHITON, SUITON NO JUTSU
15. BŌJUTSU
16. TOGAKURE-RYŪ BIKENJUTSU, YOROI
17. SHIKOMI, HENSOJUTSU
18. KUSARIGAMA, KYŌKETSUSHOGE
19. TOBIDOGU, SHURIKEN, FUKIYA

The post 忍術千一夜 NINJUTSU SENICHIYA (The Art of Ninja in 1001 Nights) appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by Mats Hjelm "Bujinkan Toryu"

Kūkan: Mastering Distance and Timing in Bujinkan Dōjō Budō-taijutsu. 空間 (Kūkan), meaning “space” or “dimension” in Japanese. Holds profound significance in the realm of Japanese martial arts. 

Understanding the correct distance and timing within combat is essential for martial artists to attain mastery in their craft. This essay explores the vital role of Kūkan and its implications for martial artists, emphasizing the importance of learning and applying the principles of distance and timing.

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“If one’s heart is attached to anything, one will surely fall. On the battlefield, even if one’s head is cut off, he should be able to do battle for one more day. Such is the spirit of the samurai.” -Hagakure

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The Essence of Kūkan in Martial Arts

Within the realm of martial arts, Kūkan encompasses the spatial relationship between opponents, emphasizing the significance of distance, timing, and spatial awareness.

• Martial artists must develop a deep understanding of the dynamic Kūkan between themselves and their opponents.
• Mastering Kūkan involves perceiving and controlling the available space to gain an advantageous position.

The Sanshin of Kūkan

Maai (間合い): The Art of Distance

• Maai refers to the specific distance between opponents, considering both physical and psychological factors.
• By grasping the optimal maai, martial artists can exploit vulnerabilities and create opportunities for attack or defense.
• The mastery of maai enhances the martial artist’s ability to read their opponent’s movements and intentions.

Sensen no Sen (先鋒の先): Seizing the Initiative

• Sensen no Sen emphasizes proactive action by taking the initiative in combat.
• Through an acute understanding of Kūkan, martial artists can capitalize on timing and distance to launch preemptive strikes.
• Seizing the initiative disrupts the opponent’s rhythm, enabling control over the flow of the battle.

Zanshin (残心): Unwavering Awareness

• Zanshin denotes maintaining heightened awareness and presence throughout a martial encounter.
• It involves being fully attuned to Kūkan during and after executing techniques.
• Zanshin enables martial artists to anticipate and respond effectively to counterattacks or unexpected developments.

Integrating Kūkan into Martial Training

• Martial artists must train diligently to develop a deep understanding of Kūkan.
• Footwork, body positioning, and spatial awareness exercises are essential for honing the ability to control and utilize Kūkan.
• Practicing kata (prearranged forms) helps internalize the principles of distance and timing in various combat scenarios.

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“The Way of the warrior does not include other ways, such as Confucianism or Buddhism. The Way lays down strategy as it guides you. This is the true meaning of martial arts. The Way of the warrior embraces a kūkan where you must control the enemy’s strategy and create your own.” -Musashi

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Conclusion:

Mastering the correct distance and timing within combat is indispensable for martial artists, and the concept of Kūkan lies at the core of this pursuit. 

By understanding and applying the principles of Kūkan, martial artists gain a strategic advantage over their opponents, ensuring precise and effective execution of techniques. 

Embracing the essence of Kūkan empowers martial artists to navigate the intricacies of combat with grace, control, and unwavering awareness.

Miyamoto Musashi emphasized the significance of perceiving and controlling the spatial relationship between oneself and the opponent. He emphasized the importance of maintaining awareness of the opponent’s position, movements, and timing. And using that knowledge to exploit openings and gain a strategic advantage. 

Musashi’s teachings highlight the crucial role of Kūkan in martial arts and the importance of utilizing spatial awareness to achieve success in combat.

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“The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” -Sun Tzu

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Footnotes:

• Kūkan (空間): The term Kūkan represents the concept of “space” or “dimension.” It encompasses the spatial relationship between objects or individuals.
• Maai (間合い): Maai refers to the optimal distance between opponents in combat. It considers physical and psychological factors to gain an advantageous position.
• Sensen no Sen (先鋒の先): Sensen no Sen emphasizes preemptive action in combat, seizing control of timing and distance to gain the initiative.
• Zanshin (残心): Zanshin signifies maintaining heightened awareness and presence before, during, and after executing techniques, ensuring readiness for any potential

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