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Shu Ha Ri: The Japanese Concept of Learning for Martial Artists

adminApril 29, 2023

Shu Ha Ri is a Japanese concept that describes the process of learning and mastering a skill. It is widely used in martial arts and has been adopted by many other fields, including business, education, and technology. This concept emphasizes the importance of active engagement, spaced repetition, feedback, self-explanation, and personalization to achieve mastery.

*I have a heart that is like the wild flowers of the meadow. And yet as straight and true as the bamboo. Not even ten thousand enemies can cause me fear.*
(Takamatsu Sensei – 33’rd Sōke of Togakure-ryū)

守 Shu: Learn the Fundamentals

The first stage of Shu Ha Ri is Shu, which means “protect” or “obey.” In this stage, you learn the fundamentals of your martial art. You follow the rules and techniques established by your teacher or master, and you practice them diligently.

To fully engage in Shu, you need to be actively involved in your learning. You cannot simply go through the motions and expect to improve. Instead, you must focus on each technique, paying attention to the details and making adjustments as needed. By doing so, you build a solid foundation for your martial arts practice.

"The wise warrior avoids the battle" - Sun Tzu believed in avoiding unnecessary battles and instead focusing on preparation and strategy. Similarly, in the first stage of Shu Ha Ri, one should focus on actively learning and paying attention to details to avoid mistakes and unnecessary battles.

破 Ha: Break Free and Explore

The second stage of Shu Ha Ri is Ha, which means “detach” or “break away.” In this stage, you begin to explore beyond the fundamentals you learned in Shu. You experiment with different techniques and approaches, and you start to develop your own style.

To be successful in Ha, you need to incorporate spaced repetition into your learning. This means that you practice techniques repeatedly over a period of time, with breaks in between. By doing so, you reinforce your learning and allow your brain to process and consolidate the new information.

"All warfare is based on deception" - Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of being unpredictable in warfare. Similarly, in the second stage of Shu Ha Ri, one should break away from the fundamentals and experiment with different techniques and approaches to be unpredictable.

離 Ri: Innovate and Create

The final stage of Shu Ha Ri is Ri, which means “leave” or “separate.” In this stage, you have mastered the fundamentals and have developed your own style. You are now free to innovate and create, using your skills and knowledge in new and creative ways.

To fully embrace Ri, you need to incorporate feedback and self-explanation into your learning. This means that you seek out feedback from your peers and teachers, and you take the time to reflect on your own performance. By doing so, you can identify areas for improvement and refine your techniques.

Personalization is also important in Ri. You need to adapt your techniques and style to your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the demands of the situation. By doing so, you can maximize your effectiveness as a martial artist.

One quote from The Art of War that aligns with the idea of personalization in Ri is: "Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories" - Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself, which includes understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge is critical in adapting one's techniques and style to maximize effectiveness in battle.

In conclusion, Shu Ha Ri is a powerful concept for martial artists who want to improve their skills and knowledge. By emphasizing active engagement, spaced repetition, feedback, self-explanation, and personalization, Shu Ha Ri can help you become a better martial artist, no matter what level you are currently at.

Shu (守): the kanji is composed of the radical 宀, which means roof or protection, and the radical 戍, which means army or defense. It symbolizes the act of guarding, keeping, and preserving.
Ha (破): the kanji is composed of the radical 石, which means stone or rock, and the radical 覇, which means conquer or dominate. It symbolizes the act of breaking, detaching, and surpassing.
Ri (離): the kanji is composed of the radical 雨, which means rain or dew, and the radical 离, which means separation or divorce. It symbolizes the act of departing, transcending, and liberating.

Yudansha – Bujinkan Black Belt Guide

Yudansha Book by Mats Hjelm — **The YUDANSHA Book by Mats Hjelm is available in different formats at Lulu.com.**

Welcome to the world of Bujinkan Budō-taijutsu! In this book, Mats Hjelm, a seasoned practitioner and teacher of Bujinkan Budo-taijutsu, presents a comprehensive guide to the first stage of learning Budo.

Mats has been working on this project for 35 years. With 184 pages richly illustrated with pictures and illustrations, this English perfect-bound paperback is a must-have for black belts and teachers of Bujinkan system. The book is a collection of techniques that Mats believes every black belt should be familiar with, and every teacher should know by heart.

This book is not a self-study course, and it is necessary to have a qualified instructor to help you with your progress. However, it can be used as a tool to enhance your learning, and you will learn names and principles from this book.

If you are serious about mastering Taijutsu and progressing to higher levels of learning, then this book is for you. It is Mats’ legacy to his students and friends from many nationalities that bought his videos, attended his seminars, and showed interest in his way of teaching over the years. Get your copy today and start your journey towards mastering the art of Bujinkan Budo-taijutsu!

The post Shu Ha Ri: The Japanese Concept of Learning for Martial Artists appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

Ten-Chi-Jin: A Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophies

adminApril 17, 2023

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by admin

The Japanese concept of Ten–Chi–Jin is a fundamental principle in martial arts that represents the interconnectedness of heaven, earth, and man. In this article, we will explore the origins of Ten, Chi, Jin in Hinduism and its comparison with Western philosophies like the Christian trinity.

Ten-Chi-Jin: Origins and Meaning

Ten, Chi, Jin is a concept that originated in Japan but has its roots in Hinduism. In Hinduism, the Trimurti represents the three aspects of the divine: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). Similarly, Ten, Chi, Jin represents the three dimensions of existence: 天 Ten (heaven), 地 Chi (earth), and 人 Jin (man).

Ten represents the divine or spiritual realm, while Chi represents the physical or material world. Jin represents humanity and the connection between the spiritual and physical realms. The concept of Ten, Chi, Jin emphasizes the interdependence and harmony between these three aspects of existence.

Ten-Chi-Jin and Western Philosophies

While Ten, Chi, Jin has its roots in Hinduism, there are similarities between this concept and Western philosophies like the Christian trinity. The Christian trinity represents the belief in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Similarly, Ten, Chi, Jin recognizes the interconnectedness of three distinct entities. In both concepts, there is an emphasis on the importance of the balance and harmony between these entities.

However, there are also differences between these concepts. The Christian trinity emphasizes the unity of the three persons, while Ten, Chi, Jin recognizes the individuality of each element.

Ten-Chi-Jin in Martial Arts

In martial arts, the concept of Ten, Chi, Jin is fundamental. Martial artists use this principle to understand the interconnectedness between their physical techniques, their mental focus, and their spiritual development.

For example, a punch can be seen as a manifestation of Jin, as it is a physical expression of the power that comes from both heaven (Ten) and earth (Chi). By understanding this concept, martial artists can learn to balance their physical techniques with their mental and spiritual development, leading to a more holistic approach to their practice.

The Importance of Balance and Harmony

One of the key aspects of Ten, Chi, Jin is the emphasis on balance and harmony. Martial artists who understand this concept can learn to balance their physical techniques with their mental and spiritual development. By doing so, they can become more effective practitioners, not just in their physical techniques but also in their overall approach to martial arts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ten, Chi, Jin is a fundamental concept in Japanese martial arts that represents the interconnectedness of heaven, earth, and man. While it has its roots in Hinduism, there are similarities between this concept and Western philosophies like the Christian trinity. By understanding this concept, martial artists can learn to balance their physical techniques with their mental and spiritual development, leading to a more holistic approach to their practice. The key to success in martial arts lies in achieving balance and harmony between these three aspects of existence.

Yudansha – Bujinkan Black Belt Guide

Discover the essential techniques of Bujinkan Dojo with Mats Hjelm’s “Yudansha.” This comprehensive manual is based on the Japanese concept of Ten, Chi, Jin, providing a practical and holistic approach to mastering this ancient martial art.

With detailed descriptions and accompanying photographs, “Yudansha” offers a step-by-step guide to striking, throwing, grappling, and weapons techniques. But it’s more than just a technique manual – it’s a guide to personal growth and spiritual development.

By applying the Ten, Chi, Jin principle to your training, you’ll not only become a more skilled martial artist but also a more balanced and harmonious person. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, “Yudansha” is an essential addition to your library. Order your copy today and take the first step on your journey to mastery.

The YUDANSHA Book by Mats Hjelm is available in different formats at Lulu.com.

The post Ten-Chi-Jin: A Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophies appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

Martial Arts and the Neuroscience of Free Will

adminApril 3, 2023

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by admin

Introduction

I will try to explain Japanese martial arts and the Neuroscience of Free Will in this article. The three approaches of Go no sen, sen no sen, and sen sen no sen have been used for centuries to develop effective strategies for both offensive and defensive manoeuvres.

However, the scientific study of human behaviour has challenged our traditional understanding of free will and decision-making, calling into question how much control we have over our actions. In recent years, advances in neuroscience have shed new light on the nature of free will and how these martial arts concepts may relate to it.

The Three Timings in Japanese Martial Arts

Let’s start with the three timings.

後の先 Go no sen is a reactive strategy, where the practitioner waits for the opponent to initiate the attack before countering.

先の先 Sen no sen is a more proactive approach, where the practitioner responds to the opponent’s attack as it is happening.

先先の先 Sen sen no sen is the most proactive strategy, where the practitioner initiates the attack before the opponent has a chance to act.

All three of these strategies require different levels of skill, awareness, and timing. The choice of strategy can depend on a variety of factors, such as the practitioner’s level of experience, the nature of the opponent’s attack, and the context of the situation.

Bereitschaftspotential: Martial Arts and the Neuroscience of Free Will

Neuroscience and Free Will

The question of free will has been a topic of debate among philosophers and scientists for centuries. According to traditional views, we have the ability to make decisions freely, without being determined by outside forces. However, recent research in neuroscience has suggested that our decisions may not be as freely made as we previously thought.

One of the key findings in this field is the Bereitschaftspotential, a phenomenon discovered by Hans Helmut Kornhuber and Lüder Deecke in the 1960s. This term refers to the readiness potential that occurs in the brain before a voluntary movement is made. In other words. The brain shows activity related to a movement before the person is aware of having made a decision to move.

The Relationship Between the Three Timings and Free Will

The concepts of free will and neuroscience may have a relationship with the three timings in Japanese martial arts. One possibility is that the timing choice reflects a decision-making process in the brain. For instance, the decision to use a reactive strategy like go no sen may involve a different neural process than the decision to use a proactive strategy like sen sen no sen. These distinct neural processes might be reflected in the Bereitschaftspotential or other neural signals associated with decision-making.

Another possibility is that the martial arts concepts of timing are not related to free will in the traditional sense. Instead, they reflect a different kind of agency or control over one’s actions. For example, a skilled practitioner using all three timings might respond to an attack in a manner not predetermined by unconscious processes in the brain. They could instead choose a timing that is best for the situation, based on their training and experience.

Personal Experiences

We have all witnessed Hatsumi Soke’s ability to move swiftly when attacked. Without an understanding of the Bereitschaftspotential as described earlier, it may appear as though the opponent is assisting him. Personally, I have also experienced similar situations with Hatsumi Soke and others, wherein I had already made the decision to attack but the person I intended to attack had already begun moving. At that point, it was too late for me to change my plans.

On one occasion, Noguchi Sensei stopped my movement three times in a row by ‘flinching’ at the exact moment when I made the decision to attack. I couldn’t help but stop and freeze in my tracks. He laughed at my frustration, and that was a very valuable lesson.

Conclusion

To conclude, the three timings in Japanese martial arts and the neuroscience of free will are both captivating subjects that offer a glimpse into the human behaviour. Though the relationship between them remains incompletely comprehended, further exploration may help elucidate how our actions are determined and how we can cultivate effective decision-making strategies in various situations.

The post Martial Arts and the Neuroscience of Free Will appeared first on 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu.…

SORPRENDENTE

Unryu BlogMarch 26, 2023

From Gassho by Unryu Blog

Yanagita Kunio escribió en una de sus obras sobre los mitos populares de Japón: “ En Yamada, en la zona costera, tiene lugar cada año un espejismo. Se dice que por lo general puede verse la imagen de un país extranjero. Es como una capital desconocida… resulta, en verdad, sorprendente…”

La cotidianidad está repleta de espejismos y algunos son realmente sorprendentes. Se repite incesantemente esa expresión japonesa ”banpen fukyo” que significa “ni 10.000 cambios te sorprenderán” para expresar que la magnitud de lo que ocurre “fuera de tu control” no debiera sorprenderte, a veces se repite muy vehemente.

¿Por qué digo esto? Es muy sencillo. Creo que dejarse sorprender también es una actitud hermosa ante lo cotidiano. Incluso dejarse sorprender de lo que ya no te sorprende. Esa actitud mantenida mediante el entrenamiento de la misma te hace vivir la vida experimentándola con simpleza a la vez que con grandeza.

Estos dos puntos que parecen contrariados y opuestos en el texto, ¿tienen razón por la que enfrentarse uno al otro? ¡Para nada!

Por un lado flota el concepto de “ ni 10.000 cambios te sorprenderán” y por otro lado “ hay que dejarse sorprender cada día”. Parecen a simple vista opuestos y realmente son complementarios.

La vida desde la sorpresa y la vida desde la no sorpresa. Que entonación tan potente de graves y agudos. La sinergia del misterio cotidiano.

Estoy aprendiendo a soltar el control, cada día. Cuando pensaba que ya lo soltaba y no lo tenía, una tenue caricia del sol me ofrece la oportunidad de sentir con transparencia que “se puede soltar aún más”.

Toda una vida llena de control y control. De todo tipo: auto control, control de la vida de los demás, control de la situaciones y largo y vasto control del propio control. Toca “soltar”, es un nuevo ejercicio.

Hay que ejercitarse como en cualquier desarrollo de nuevas habilidades, como en cualquier rutina figurativa. Para soltar hay que hacer cambios, modificaciones en la forma de sentir, pensar y actuar y todo en sincronía y sinergia.

¿Cómo puedo entrenarlo?

Primero a nivel superficial, segundo a nivel intenso y tercero muy intenso.

Hoy propongo explorar “el dejarse sorprender soltando” y evitar el control del sorprenderte. Tanto control desde el minuto cero de nuestra vida parece poco saludable y eso se aprecia con el paso del tiempo y cuando haces una parada para que una voz cálida te murmure al oído: “ Es innecesarioque todo esté bajo control”.

Esto primero te destroza, segundo te derrota y tercero y finalmente te alivia y sana profundamente el alma.

Para finalizar me gustaría recordar las cuatro nobles verdades del budismo y que se denominan así porque las consideran las causas del sufrimiento físico y emocional y quizás sea útil para quien lea este texto.

1. LA NOBLE VERDAD DEL SUFRIMIENTO

Buddha dijo lo siguiente en el primero discurso a la primera verdad: “ Ésta es la Noble Verdad del Sufrimiento. El nacimiento es sufrimiento, la vejez es sufrimiento, la enfermedad es sufrimiento, la muerte es sufrimiento, asociarse con lo que no se quiere es sufrimiento, separarse de lo que se quiere es sufrimiento, no alcanzar lo que se desea es sufrimiento “

(Mi comentario personal a la primera noble verdad):Mi opinión al respecto de este texto, aunque a veces muchas personas suelen denominar al budismo como poco optimista, es en este caso justamente se hace algo muy importante y es colocar sobre la mesa una realidad y no negarla. Es decir, esto conlleva la aceptación para luego poder cambiar y avanzar.

2. LA NOBLE VERDAD DEL ORIGEN DEL SUFRIMIENTO

Esta segunda noble verdad es el deseo, es decir poseer un desorbitado deseo por cualquier cosa. Solo como comentario explicativo; el deseo de acuerdo con el budismo es una fuerza tremenda que tiene la potencialidad de producir renacimientos una y otra vez.

Más sencillamente explicado sería: “ cuando uno tiene apego a algo o a alguien y lo pierde, uno sufre. El sufrimiento que uno experimenta no es debido a la pérdida sino al apego que uno tiene hacia este algo o alguien”.

(Mi Comentario personal ES): Esta segunda noble verdad hace hincapié sobre el sufrimiento al que nos sometemos por ejemplo ante cualquier cambio que tenemos que realizar aún si es ínfimo y es realmente fácil. Es estar apegado a lo antiguo, a lo que consideramos que es razonable según nuestra perspectiva y nuestra incapacidad de poder navegar por mares más allá de los que podemos ver con nuestros ojos, es decir apreciable a simple vista. Ir más allá como opción para romper lo que parece indestructible: el apego.

3. LA NOBLE VERDAD DE LA CESACIÓN DEL SUFRIMIENTO

La cesación del sufrimiento es la erradicación de las impurezas mentales. Solo cuando se ha puesto fin a las impurezas de la mente uno ha puesto fin al sufrimiento. Buddha dijo: “ Es la total extinción y cesación de ese mismo deseo, su abandono, su descarte, liberarse a si mismo, su no dependencia”.

(Mi comentario personal es): Viéndolo con el sentir de mi experiencia y cambios actuales, desde una visión con gafas sin cristales empañados esta purificación no es agradable aunque dure poco pero si es la única vía para poder trascender hacia la otra realidad, el reencuentro con tu verdadero ser. Con cambios de estilos de vidas en múltiples áreas al mismo tiempo, se produce este milagro aunque muchas personas prefieren “la medicinas químicas” como único solucionador de esta situación y es más eso es lo que le hacen creer en sus situaciones de vulnerabilidad. Estas personas consideran esta afirmación como una verdad inamovible y obviamente se convierte en una creencia limitante. Hay opciones.

4. LA NOBLE VERDAD DEL SENDERO QUE CONDUCE A LA CESACIÓN DEL SUFRIMIENTO

Esta se denomina también el camino medio y es la práctica que uno debe conseguir para cesar el sufrimiento. Esto conlleva ocho vías básicas para la cesación del sufrimiento: recto entendimiento, recto pensamiento, recto lenguaje, recta acción, recta vida, recto esfuerzo, recta atención completa y recta concentración.

(Mi comentario es): Esto podría llevar miles de páginas de expresión así que en próximos artículos profundizaré al respecto. Solo comentar que estas ocho vías, también llamadas el óctuplo noble sendero es algo que debe ser realizado desde el sentir y no desde la palabra o pensamiento. Lo cierto es que esto lo he aprendido hoy mismo.

¡Que sean felices!

Pedro Fleitas Gonzàlez

…

Complete SHINDENFUDO-RYU DAKENTAIJUTSU

BUDOSHOP.SEMarch 20, 2023July 10, 2023

From Budoshop.se by BUDOSHOP.SE

Complete SHINDENFUDO-RYU DAKENTAIJUTSU with MATS HJELM was filmed at the Bujinkan Kaigozan Dojo during early to the late fall of 2023. The theme was Shindenfudo-ryu Dakentaijutsu. 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. Techniques is demonstrated from several angles. 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.

$9.99 Part 1

HD quality, total playing time is 21minutes. 477 Mb (H.264, AAC, 1280x720p)

Right now you can download the first part only (part 2 & 3 coming later this year).

神傳不動流打拳体術 SHINDENFUDŌ-RYŪ DAKEN TAIJUTSU

All 84 techniques (28 Kihon +56 Urawaza) from the book “Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai” by Masaaki Hatsumi is demonstrated. Each technique is showed from different angles. There is no exact way to do any technique in the Bujinkan Dojo, there is wrong ways of doing the technique and there is several ways of doing the techniques correctly. You need to be aware of how the opponent is reacting and adjust accordingly. Bujinkan Dojo Budo Taijutsu and all the Ryuha is far from dogmatic and rigid systems. This is why every single time the technique is demonstrated it is a little different. This video was recorded from the beginning until the end of 2023 during our normal classes at Kaigozan Dojo. There is three levels and three video files (next two levels will be released later this year), Part 1 – TEN NO KATA (24 techniques (8 Kihon + 26 Urawaza)) 21 min Also known as Ikken Hassō. Standing techniques against throwing and striking attacks. Recorded at Kaigozan Dojo in March 11’th 2023. Part 2 – CHI NO KATA (24 techniques (8 Kihon + 26 Urawaza)) Also known as Biken Isshun. Will be recorded later this year. Part 3 – SHIZEN SHIGOKU NO KATA (36 techniques (12 Kihon + 24 Urawaza)) 10 min Will be recorded later this year.

Check out the following links for more about Mats Hjelm and Kaigozan Dojo.

Budoshop.se (our download videos)
Kaigozan.se (Kaigozan Dojo, please visit us if you are in town)
Toryu.se (Mats Hjelm’s personal web site)
Bujinkan.tv (stream our free video clips)
NinZine.com (read hundreds of good articles and essays)
Bujinkan.me (advertise and see upcoming seminars around the world)

Happy Training! マツイエルマ Mats Hjelm (a.k.a. 兜龍 Toryū) Bujinkan 15’th Dan, Dai-Shihan … Read More

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Category: Contributors

Shu Ha Ri: The Japanese Concept of Learning for Martial Artists

守 Shu: Learn the Fundamentals

破 Ha: Break Free and Explore

離 Ri: Innovate and Create

Yudansha – Bujinkan Black Belt Guide

Ten-Chi-Jin: A Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophies

Ten-Chi-Jin: Origins and Meaning

Ten-Chi-Jin and Western Philosophies

Ten-Chi-Jin in Martial Arts

The Importance of Balance and Harmony

Conclusion

Yudansha – Bujinkan Black Belt Guide

Martial Arts and the Neuroscience of Free Will

Introduction

The Three Timings in Japanese Martial Arts

Neuroscience and Free Will

The Relationship Between the Three Timings and Free Will

Personal Experiences

Conclusion

SORPRENDENTE

Complete SHINDENFUDO-RYU DAKENTAIJUTSU

$9.99 Part 1

神傳不動流打拳体術 SHINDENFUDŌ-RYŪ DAKEN TAIJUTSU