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Train Large And Slow

From Shiro Kuma's Blog by kumablog

Many wonder why we train slowly in the Bujinkan. They criticize it, saying that real Martial Arts (understand Sports martial arts here) are better because they have fights. They love the fact that there is always a winner and a loser. “It makes it easier to know who is good and who is not”, they say.

They are right! Sport is a fantastic pedagogical tool, it is a perfect system to develop your body, your reflexes and you should do sports until the end, that is until you are too old to compete.

And at what age is that? I would say around thirty. That’s nice but what do you do for the rest of your life? You quit? No. You train real martial arts.

This age problem didn’t exist in the past. First, you would hardly live past fifty. Actual combat was making sure of that.

Second in Feudal Japan, there was no sport (it was the same in Europe). Sport as we know it, is a modern thing created after WWII. Before, it was reserved to the nobles. Why? because they didn’t have to work six or seven days a week to eat. Getting bored, they developed the concept of sport. The Marquess of Queensbury defined some rules that are still valid today, the Baron of Coubertin reinstaured the Olympics. But that was only at the end of the 19th century. Before that sport is non-existent. 

In sport martial arts, the champions of today lose the world title one year, and get it back on the next year. This was not the case in actual battle, you always died when you lost the encounter. 

What we train in the Bujinkan is based on History. It is the result of actual battlefield combat. The winners being able to transmit what worked, the nine fighting systems taught in the Bujinkan are regrouping only techniques that were tested in real fight. To learn these techniques, you need to do it in a special way. You have to repeat them slowly.

When training in Japan with Nagato sensei, you can often hear him say: “train slowly, only stupid people train fast.”

Training slowly allows the body and the brain to create specific conexions that upgrade our standard “human survival kit” with which we are born. To develop these new abilities, it is also important to use large movements. Doing large movements helps to learn correctness. 

Because of the adrenalin rushing in our body, because of the impossibility to think or plan anything while caught in the middle of the battle, only your reflexes can save you. If you developed new reflexes by training large and slow, there is a chance that you can react adequately, and surpass your attacker.

Maybe it’s time to change the training habits. 

Reminder Paris Taikai registration is open 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1816827501976627/?ti=cl


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A Pattern 荒む Growing Wild: Bujinkan Strategies of control Part 5

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael

Nezu Bamboo. photo by Michael Glenn
Have you ever leaned against a tree and felt the wind blowing the whole trunk? It is an interesting feeling because the trunk feels so solid, yet it sways in the wind. Even a small breeze can shift the whole thing.

One Tuesday night in the Bujinkan Honbu Dojo I felt this from Hatsumi Sensei. It was so soft and subtle that it would be easy to miss. And at this point, Soke said,
“Don't do too much. Whether it's in contact or not, you're moving away. But you're not trying to do it. 力を感じさせない chikara o kanji sasenai.”
Chikara o kanji sasenai. This means you don’t let the opponent feel your power.  You don’t let him feel any technique from you. Or any force, or power. You may use force and power, but you want to use it in a way that he cannot feel it! Then when it affects him, he has no idea where it comes from or how to counter it.

That afternoon I had spent some time in a bamboo grove near 関さんの森 Seki-san no mori. The breeze was quite strong. I stared in wonder at the movement of the very tall bamboo as they swayed and squeaked against each other in the sky above me. I placed my hand on one of the culms. I felt it move my palm softly.

In this way you do not telegraph or give away your intent. This is a fascinating way of using taijutsu. You are responsive to your opponent, but not fighting.

Hatsumi Sensei showed this again when his opponent grabbed his wrist. He told us,
 “He will have the tendency (勝ち gachi) to relax his grab so you wait for that. Then you move with 雅致 gachi (artistry or grace) to control with your feet. Study this connection.”
He then told us we should float the opponent in the kukan. What does that mean? Well, imagine a heavy object like a bundle of bamboo. It would be hard to push around with one finger. But if it were floating as a raft in the water, you could push and turn it through the water with very little force. Even if someone were sitting on it, you could still move it easily.

This is what happens to your opponent when you float him in the kukan. Hatsumi Sensei said that one of the themes for the Jugodans in this type of training was to be able to apply a technique without really doing it. He told us to not use any technique, yet have it happen anyway.

He described it as 荒むのパターン susamu no pataan. This is a pattern of wildness. There's no pattern but it's all connected.

This is challenging to get your mind around. If you think of a technique like omote gyaku, or ganseki nage, these are techniques that you normally have to do yourself. And we train hard to learn to apply them correctly. But for us Jugodans, we have to have these techniques happen without actually doing them ourselves.

One clue for how to do this was when Soke told us to break the balance in the space. You do this by becoming the kukan yourself. If you become the kukan, there is no pattern and you can be free. This is the kind of control he wants us to embody.

UP NEXT: Bujinkan Strategies of Control Part 6: 神経 Shinkei

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Muto Dori With Marishiten

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael

Michael Glenn 

at 摩利支天 徳大寺 Marishiten tokudaiji


The other night in Hatsumi Sensei's class I ran to grab a bokken from the weapon rack. When I returned, my training partner was waiting for my attack so he could try the muto Dori technique that Soke had just demonstrated.

When I cut down I had a great surprise. Hatsumi Sensei appeared from behind my training partner. He pushed my training partner aside so that I was cutting at Soke instead!

I thought that I hit something but Soke was beside me laughing. Somehow I missed. He said that I should learn this feeling.

This year one of the main themes of the training in Japan is Muto Dori. Anyone who has cut at Soke will tell you that he disappears or even splits in two. 

That was what I experienced this time. It was like there were two of him. I hit one but that was an illusion. 

I've often struggled to understand the reality behind this. Even though I can sometimes do this with my own students, the act remains elusive from any explanation.

But today I was lucky. Hatsumi Sensei gave us a big clue later on in the class. He showed a knife evasion and he said to move like the heat wave from  摩利支天 Marishiten. He said this as an aside to his uke and then he moved on. 

Marishiten is a goddess I have some familiarity with. One of the very first shrines I visited in Japan was  摩利支天徳大寺 Marishiten tokudaiji in Tokyo. This place is a bit hidden in the middle of a very urban market.

Marishiten is very important for warriors and for ninja. She protects because she uses illusion to help us disappear from our enemies. In Mikkyō (esoteric Buddhism), there are mantra and mudra which are said to make a warrior invisible.

Marishiten appears like a ray of light or mirage. Her image is like a shimmering heat that bends light. Under her protection, anyone who attacks us would be blinded by illusion.

The illusion comes in rays of shimmering light. When you look, it is like staring into the sun, and Marishiten charges from within this brilliance. 

When Soke said this a subtle light went off in my brain. This ineffable feeling he wanted me to understand was now more than just an odd experience I feel when I attack him.  You have to see more than the illusion.

Maybe my training is to grasp the nature of the mirage and illusion that arises from Marishiten. This is one aspect of Hatsumi Sensei's lesson to me. But an odd side effect of this knowledge it is that I can now learn to counter this. 

The mirage of Marishiten is a type of blindness. Once you can see and pierce through this veil, what lies beyond it grows clearer. I do not know what surprises Soke has waiting for me when I see past this layer, but I suspect it will open like the lotus blossom.

Marishiten is often depicted standing on a lotus. But her more angry form is shown standing on the back of a wild boar. Hopefully I will see flowers instead of beasts!
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Otakaraya Antique store in Yokohama

From Kasumi An Study Center 　霞庵 スタディセンター by カスミアン

Otakaraya Antique store in Yokohama posted by Tomoe

Paul and I like to look around antique stores to find  good  old Japanese stuff. It is a truely joy to decorate our Kasumi An Study Center with old Japanese antiques. We have a few favorite antique stores, but we think this place is the best.

They sell western cups and arts on 1st floor. But upstairs they sell really ancient swords, scrolls, and other antiques. Every time we go there, we talk with the guy at shop(I forgot his name).  He gives very useful information about the swords and other antiques. We like this shop not only because their selection is so good, but also because he is such a nice guy.  His knowledge is deep and wide .He has more than 300 katana in his personal collection and he told us he must clean a few swords every day one by one just for maintenance!  Chatting with him is so much fun. Unfortunately he does not speak much English, if you can understand a little bit of Japanese, you will enjoy this shop very much!

map

http://antique.otakaraya.net/en/

Here is the photos from this store.

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Otakaraya Antique store in Yokohama

From Kasumi An Study Center 　霞庵 スタディセンター by Kasumi An Study Center

Otakaraya Antique store in Yokohama posted by Tomoe

Paul and I like to look around antique stores to find  good  old Japanese stuff. It is a truely joy to decorate our Kasumi An Study Center with old Japanese antiques. We have a few favorite antique stores, but we think this place is the best.

They sell western cups and arts on 1st floor. But upstairs they sell really ancient swords, scrolls, and other antiques. Every time we go there, we talk with the guy at shop(I forgot his name).  He gives very useful information about the swords and other antiques. We like this shop not only because their selection is so good, but also because he is such a nice guy.  His knowledge is deep and wide .He has more than 300 katana in his personal collection and he told us he must clean a few swords every day one by one just for maintenance!  Chatting with him is so much fun. Unfortunately he does not speak much English, if you can understand a little bit of Japanese, you will enjoy this shop very much!

map

http://antique.otakaraya.net/en/

Here is the photos from this store.

…

Sonkei: Respectus

From Shiro Kuma's Blog by kumablog

kannin-dokuson-1

Kannin Dokuson, the new theme for 2017 is only about “respect”.

After Sensei’s explanation, I see it as a Sanshin:

  • Mutual respect
  • Respect the enemy
  • Respect yourself

Each movement should include those three aspects. But what does “Respect” really mean?

Everyone uses the word, but how many are aware of its complex meanings and implications? The infinitive “Respicere” gives “Respectus” in Latin, it is used a lot, and convey many interesting conceptual schemes that we are going to review.

Respect comes from Latin. When I was studying Latin more than thirty years ago (sic), the word was used a lot. Respect is one of the first 1000 words used the most. It derives from the infinitive “Respicere” and gives “Respectus”.

The word conveys some interesting conceptual schemes that shed light on its depth. “Respectus” means “to care for”, “to provide for”, “to consider”, “to gaze at”.

The actual meaning of Respectus is “to look back at”, this is the original sense and “Respect” in modern language, is the noun deriving from the verb. (1)

I understand it as “assuming” or “holding the position”. Therefore, it allows you to “look back at” your actions, and to learn. That is the self-respect taught by sensei. And this is the original sense.

Now, if you pay attention to the five meanings above, “Respectus” is a verb and not a noun. And “Respect” in modern language, is the noun deriving from the verb. This noun for me has two main interpretations: esteem and deference. Both convey this idea of mutual respect, and of respecting the enemy. (2)

The Japanese use the noun “Sonkei” (3) and my favourite interpretation is “exalted respect”. Exalted gives the same understanding of superiority, esteem, and deference. Both the Japanese and the Latin languages understand the noun as Omote -the enemy, and Ura -myself. When Omote and Ura are one, then “mutual respect” -inyō, is achieved.

As a practitioner, respect your training and respect your partner, this is for your mutual benefit. This way, your practice will bring you more. Remember training Budō is training for your Life. Persevere, and you will succeed.

Kannin Dokuson (4)

reminder: Kan (貴) and Son (尊) have the exact same meaning

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  1. The modern meaning of Respect dates back from the 16th century.
    Re = back + specere = look at. Example “spectacles.”
  2. The dictionary gives the following:

    respect = noun
    2.1. a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. “the director had a lot of respect for Douglas as an actor.”

    synonyms: esteem, regard, high regard, high opinion, acclaim, admiration, approbation, approval, appreciation, estimation, favour, popularity, recognition, veneration, awe, reverence, deference, honour, praise, homage. “the respect due to a great artist.”

    2.2. due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others. “young people’s lack of respect for their parents.”

    synonyms: due regard, consideration, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, politeness, courtesy, civility, deference. “he speaks to the old lady with respect.”

  3. 尊敬 Sonkei, this is the “son-” of Kannin Dokuson, theme 2017; revered, valuable, precious, noble, exalted. “-kei” awe, respect, honour, revere
  4. 貫忍 独尊
    貫KAN, 一貫/ikkan/consistency; coherence; integration|one kan (approx. 3.75 kg, 8.3 lb)|one piece of sushi. 貫/kan/pieces of sushi
    忍 NIN, 忍/nin/endurance; forbearance; patience; self-restraint
    独DOKU, 独り/history/one person|alone; solitary
    尊SON, 尊ぶ/tattobu/to value; to prize; to esteem; to respect or 貴ぶ/tattobu/to value; to prize; to esteem; to respect

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Complete GYOKKO-RYU KOSSHIJUTSU with MATS HJELM

From Budoshop by BUDOSHOP.SE

  $24.99

Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu

  $24.99

All 51 Gyokko-ryu techniques on 4 files in HD quality, total playing time is 48 minutes. 2.3 Gb (H.264, AAC, 1280x720p)

This was filmed at the Bujinkan Kaigozan Dojo during the late fall of 2016 and early 2017. The theme was Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu.

There is no verbal instructions on this film. Each technique is demonstrated several times from all angles. For more information about this ryu-ha click here! Please notice there is several sub-pages to this page with more information, also including an errata for the Densho book published by Hatsumi Soke.

Techniques is demonstrated from several angles including slowmotion speed. There is no verbal instructions, we highly suggest you get the Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai book (what I call the Densho Book by Hatsumi Soke). This book have all Taijutsu techniques from all the Bujinkan ryu-ha described, it is a must have for all studying the Bujinkan arts.

玉虎流 骨指術
GYOKKŌ-RYŪ KOSSHIJUTSU

0. 基本型 KIHON KATA (23 techniques) Duration: 11:03 min / 597,7 MB on disk

1. 上略の巻 JŌ RYAKU NO MAKI (12 techniques) Duration: 13:36 min / 703 MB on disk
2. 中略の巻 CHŪ RYAKU NO MAKI (8 techniques) Duration: 13:55 min / 720 MB on disk
3. 下略の巻 GE RYAKU NO MAKI (8 techniques) Duration: 09:41 min / 303,6 MB on disk

Each file contains chapter markers for all the techniques for easy skipping to the technique you want to study. You can import the files to your iTunes library and sync it to your iPhone or iPad, or stream to the AppleTV. You can import it to any other library that supports the mp4 format and put it on your Android phone or tablet. Or you can play it directly from your hard drive, streaming to your TV etc.

Title: Complete Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu with Mats Hjelm
Instructors: Mats Hjelm
Theme: Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu Kihon kata, Jo Ryaku, Chu Ryaku, Ge Ryaku
Recorded: Recorded in Kaigozan Dojo, Stockholm February 2017

Kind: Apple MPEG-4 movie
Size: 2,3 GB on disk
Dimensions: 1280×720
Codecs: 3GPP Text, H.264, AAC, Photo – JPEG
Duration: 48 min…

Ninja True: The Takagi House

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael

高木 Takagi. photo by Michael Glenn
Based on a lucky tip from one of my favorite blogs, Japan This!, I explore deep into Tokyo’s history from when the Samurai held the high ground of the yamanote in old Edo. What I found was surprise for me and for any Bujinkan student.




https://youtu.be/Dy0Y2MGVbCs

I got off the at the right train stop and started walking through the neighborhood. But my map and these shadowed early morning streets didn’t make me very confident I was on the right path. I was about to enter a konbini to ask for directions, when a police officer on a bicycle rode up.

He parked outside the 7-11 and went inside. I followed. My Japanese is not awesome, but I have had good luck with getting directions from Japanese police in the past. So while he was browsing the potato chips, I approached him like the dumb tourist I was.

He seemed a bit bothered, but gave me the “chotto matte,” so he could finish his shopping. He seemed to be buying drinks and snacks for a few people. I went outside next to his bike.

He put everything in the handlebar basket and motioned for me to follow him. We walked a couple of blocks to the kouban. There were about 5-6 police bustling around the street corner. My cop took me up to a map on the wall.

Suddenly, we had an audience. ALL of the officers were very curious to see what we were looking for. As he tried to find something on the map, each one interrupted with their own attempt to help. It was a combination of testing their English on me (which was not good) and trying to explain to him where he should look on the map.

As I stood in the huddle of six cops, I was embarrassed and amused by all the trouble my inquiry had created. A crowd was gathering on the street corner, and most of the locals were staring at me. Then the boss arrived.

An officer that was much older came out of the kouban and all of the others stopped talking. He calmly looked at the address I held in my hand. He punched a finger like a dart into the map and handed the address back to me. He told me that I could not go inside the place. I said I knew that, and I just wanted to take a photo of the outside.

Then a funny thing happened. He started scolding the original officer for not knowing what this place was. I mean, it has been there for more than 400 years and all. Like I said, my Japanese is not great, but I could hear the dressing down in any language.

I thanked them, and started walking. But the senior officer would not allow me to go. He continued scolding as the original cop was unloading the groceries from his bike basket. He pointed down the street and was giving him directions. And orders to escort me, apparently.

Now I walked beside the officer. And he walked his bike. I apologized to him. He waved it off.

That was a long 15 minute walk. There was the language barrier. But maybe just a bit of touch of annoyed policeman. It has a different flavor than annoyed police in America.

He dropped me off at the historic site with one more admonition that I could not go inside. Then he got on his bicycle and pedaled away to leave me alone in the quiet neighborhood.  I spent a little time observing the old architecture of this Samurai house.

On the main gate was the name plate of Takagi.  This had really driven my visit. You may know that one of the main schools of our Bujinkan study is 高木揚心流 Takagi Yoshin Ryū. And the fact that this was an old Samurai house made me dream of a connection.


The Takagi family has been living in this residence for more than 400 years! I know that Takagi is a common name in Japan. But I can dream. Anyhow I took some pics and walked around the old gate.

Then came a surprise! And old man called to me from the other side of the gate. He peered through the slot and motioned me to a smaller, side gate. He unlatched it and slid it open and beckoned me inside!

This old man, maybe a member of the Takagi family, made it clear I could give myself a tour of the property. He told me to let myself out when I was done. Then he went back inside the house.

I am always blown away by the generosity of the Japanese people. So I spent about 30 minutes quietly taking pictures and admiring the architecture. It seemed like there were a number of families living on the property, so I didn’t want to overstay my welcome or intrude too much.

I tried to imagine what old Edo must’ve felt like inside and outside these walls hundreds of years ago. I let myself back out the side gate. And wandered back into the streets of modern Tokyo.

I must thank the police. It occurred to me later that the older policeman who seemed very familiar with this property might have even called ahead to let the family know I was coming over. That may be why I was allowed to enter. I also must thank Japan This! for finding this, and for all of the other wonderful reports on the blog.…

Evade Without Evading: Bujinkan Strategies of Control Part 4

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael

五條天神社で、お焚き上げ otakiage preparations at Gojoten jinja. photo Michael Glenn
Last time I attacked Hatsumi Sensei, he disappeared. It left me very confused. But Hatsumi Sensei described it this way,
“This is a way to control. You’ve got to be a shadow. He won’t believe that I’m avoiding.“
The next day I ran some errands in Tokyo. The local shrines were already beginning their new year’s preparations. I stopped and stared at a pile of wood that was made ready for the お焚き上げ otakiage bonfire. Fire can purify and burn away problems from the previous year.

 I kept thinking about what happened in yesterday’s class with Soke. How did he disappear? That was what I was stuck on.

I thought, next time I get that chance, I am going to really try to hit him and see what happens. If anything goes wrong, the year is almost over and I can throw myself into the fire.

In Hatsumi Sensei’s next class, he asked me to punch at him. I decided this time I would go for it! I really tried and he disappeared. Then I was kind of hanging there in space. I felt a finger (I think it was his thumb) very light on the back of my hand. And somehow this threw me. He said,
“This muto dori feeling is very important. One finger. Just kind of pass by. This way of moving through the kukan is important.”
What Hatsumi Sensei was teaching was how to control. I discovered much later that this type of control arises neither by evading or NOT evading. It is hidden in between.

Hatsumi Sensei told us over and over, “Yokeru yokenai!” This is getting out of the way without getting out of the way. Not evading while evading.

This is hard to understand. Obviously you don’t want to get hit by your opponent. If you can’t evade or stand still, then what?

Hatsumi Sensei gave us a clue when he said “人間の意識からない ningen no ishiki kara nai.” Don’t do it with your own human intention.

That is the problem with evading. The human intention or thought takes too long. Soke said, “I'm not avoiding. Not thinking.”

This creates a special kind of distance that is connected to nature. It is not something that you came up with yourself. If you're trying to get out of the way, then you won't be able to control anything because you are preoccupied.

You don’t want to get hit, or cut by the weapon. But if you try to evade, or try NOT to evade, you will fail. No matter how good you are. There is always someone better, faster, sneakier. So the answer lies in between evading and not evading.

What is in between? Connection and zero. This has long been how Soke describes his budo,
“You control him like this. This is the theme. Connect these ideas. It becomes zero. Connecting zero.”
You can find the middle way between evading and not evading by merging with this universal space (Hatsumi Sensei said shizento and uchuuto). Then he called it a 玉 gyoku or egg ( I don’t know what that means, but if you do, please contact me).

Your whole body becomes like the mist. I wouldn’t believe any of this, except I tried to hit Soke and that is what happened. I have been holding onto that feeling ever since.

In my own training I have discovered that in the moment you evade, you break the connection and become trapped in your efforts to evade. You escape this through play. Play sets you free. Hatsumi Sensei described it,
“This is the idea of freedom. This is the strength of freedom. The power of freedom. Because it's very wide, it's very vast (宇宙 uchuu). You want to go up into space.”
The flames from the bonfire rise above the shrine, sending sparks past the 鳥居 torii, and up among the stars. I would burn with them. There I learn the freedom of this distance.

UP NEXT:  A Pattern 荒む Growing Wild: Bujinkan Strategies of control Part 5…

Human Bonsai!

From Kasumi An Study Center 　霞庵 スタディセンター by カスミアン

bonsai1Over the last twenty three years here in Japan, I often have the pleasure and honor to translate for my teacher Masaaki Hatsumi Soke. Often a student has a question that he would like to ask. It is a always a delight to be able to help facilitate communication between teacher and student. So many questions and so many unexpected answers! One episode comes to mind.

A student asks, “Why are some people friendly to your face but then are hurtful and mean behind your back?”.

Sensei replies nonchalantly, “that is just how people are made.”. As I translate, I can see the look of confusion cross the students` faces. I too am at a bit of a loss. So the question is asked again and once again the answer is the same,”that is just how people are made.”.  Then Sensei looks up into space and asks me, “Paul, have you ever seen a bonsai?”. (small miniature Japanese art trees)I nod my head “yes”. In fact, I had just taken some friends to a bonsai garden the day before so I was a bit surprised by the sudden question about bonsai. He continues, “it is like a bonsai, people are made. You can make a person any way. But it is not natural. You would not go to a forest and find a bonsai. It is not a natural state. But you can twist a bonsai into any shape you want. People are the same.”

How true! Just the prior day I was remarking on the branches of the bonsai. Each branch wrapped with wire and forced to go this way or that way. Every branch! bonsai3Each branch wrapped in wire and forced to take a seemingly natural posture or kamae. And how unnatural it really is. We, too, as humans, each being wrapped in the culture, politics, education, religions and beliefs of those around us and society. Some people wrapped as capitalists, some marxists, some Christians, some Muslim. But all are being bound by the conditioning of the environment and society. Then what you think are your own thoughts can betray you.  In a tragic conclusion, we often we take a kamae or stance for or against another wrapped up in a different shape. Both unaware of the wires that trap them in this position.

Unwrapping these wires and constraints is an important step in the practice of Ninjustu. A true ninja will become free and his tree will grow strong and pure into a natural state in accordance with the natural state of his existence. A Ninja is able to explore his true essence in infinite space. That is why in the Go Jou or Five Precepts as taught by my teacher, a constant diligence and watchfulness to your true path is essential. First become aware of where you are now. What shape are you now? When your shape become visible, start unwrapping!…