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Shizen Shigoku no Kata: Cultivating Natural Movement and Spontaneity in Shindenfudō-Ryū Daken-Taijutsu

adminJune 12, 2023

The Essence Unveiled: Shizen Shigoku no Kata and the Art of Natural Movement

Understanding Shizen Shigoku no Kata: Embodying Natural Perfection

Shizen Shigoku no Kata, the pinnacle of Shindenfudō-Ryū Daken-Taijutsu, represents the ultimate expression of mastery in this ancient martial art form.

It goes beyond the physical techniques and delves into the realm of natural movement and spontaneity.

By exploring the key principles and philosophies behind Shizen Shigoku no Kata. Practitioners can unlock a deeper understanding of how to embody natural perfection in their practice.

Nature’s path we tread,
Techniques merge with the wind,
Soul and nature blend.

The Pursuit of Naturalness: Unveiling the Essence of Shizen Shigoku no Kata

Shizen Shigoku no Kata centers around the pursuit of naturalness in movement. The term “Shizen” embodies the concept of aligning with one’s true nature and embracing the innate flow of existence. In the context of Shindenfudō-Ryū Daken-Taijutsu, this means moving in a way that feels organic, effortless, and harmonious.

The essay explores how Shizen Shigoku no Kata guides practitioners on a transformative journey toward discovering and expressing their natural essence.

Takamatsu Sensei using the Tessen on Hatsumi Sensei

Moving with Spontaneity: Enhancing Fluidity within Shizen Shigoku no Kata

Spontaneity is a vital element in Shizen Shigoku no Kata. While kata typically follow a predefined sequence of movements. Practitioners strive to infuse their execution with a sense of natural spontaneity. This requires attunement to the present moment, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the underlying principles of the art.

By exploring various methodologies and training approaches. Practitioners can enhance their fluidity and cultivate an intuitive, spontaneous expression within the structure of the kata.

“The Way of the Samurai is one of immediacy,
and it is best to dash in headlong.” – Hagakure

Training Natural Movement: Exploring Methodologies and Approaches

Motor Learning Principles: Developing Efficiency and Natural Body Movement

Motor learning principles offer valuable insights into training natural movement. By understanding how the body acquires and refines motor skills, practitioners can optimize their training methods. Deliberate practice, focused attention, and repetition play crucial roles in developing efficient movement patterns.

By breaking down complex skills into smaller components and gradually integrating them. Practitioners can enhance their motor skills and movement efficiency, leading to a more natural and fluid expression in their practice.

Mindfulness and Body Awareness: Deepening the Connection with Movement

Mindfulness and body awareness practices provide a gateway to deepening the connection between the mind, body, and movement.

By cultivating present-moment awareness, practitioners develop a heightened sense of body awareness, attuning to subtle sensations and nuances within their movements. This level of awareness allows for a more intuitive and natural expression in the Kata.

By integrating mindfulness and body awareness exercises into their training, practitioners can further enhance their connection with natural movement and spontaneity.

“Do nothing that is of no use.” – Miyamoto Musashi

Fostering Spontaneity: Embracing Creativity and Adaptability

Dynamic Systems Theory: Harmonizing with the Environment

Dynamic Systems Theory offers valuable insights into fostering spontaneity and natural movement. It emphasizes the interaction between multiple systems, including the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and environment.

According to this theory, natural movement arises from self-organization, with the body adapting to changing constraints and conditions. Practitioners of Shindenfudō-ryū can apply this theory by training in various contexts and environments.

By exposing themselves to different challenges and adapting to diverse conditions, they develop the ability to respond spontaneously and naturally to the ever-changing external influences. This integration of the environment into their practice enhances their overall fluidity, adaptability, and harmonious movement.

Playful Exploration: Cultivating Spontaneity within Shizen Shigoku no Kata

Playfulness and improvisation play a significant role in cultivating spontaneity within Shizen Shigoku no Kata. Just as engaging in play and improvisation fosters creativity and spontaneity in other domains, practitioners of this school can embrace a similar approach. By adopting a mindset of exploration, experimentation, and joyful expression, they can discover new dimensions within the kata.

This playful attitude allows for the expression of natural movement without constraints, further cultivating spontaneity and creativity within the structure of the form.

Conclusion:

Harmony in Motion: Unleashing Natural Movement and Spontaneity through Shizen Shigoku no Kata

Shizen Shigoku no Kata represents the pinnacle of mastery in Shindenfudō-Ryū Daken-Taijutsu. Delving beyond technical proficiency into the realm of natural movement and spontaneity.

By embodying the principles of Shizen Shigoku no Kata. Practitioners strive to move with effortless grace, aligning with their true nature and embracing the innate flow of existence.

Through training methodologies such as motor learning principles, mindfulness, and body awareness. They develop a deep connection with their movement, enhancing their ability to express naturalness and fluidity.

Fostering spontaneity within the Kata involves harmonizing with the environment and cultivating a playful mindset.

Dynamic Systems Theory highlights the importance of adaptability and responsiveness to the ever-changing conditions. Allowing for a spontaneous and natural expression of movement. By integrating playfulness and improvisation, practitioners can explore new dimensions within the kata. Unlocking their innate creativity and enhancing their ability to move with spontaneity and authenticity.

In the pursuit of Shizen Shigoku no Kata, practitioners embark on a transformative journey. They uncover the essence of natural perfection, unveiling the beauty of harmonious, effortless movement.

As they embody naturalness and spontaneity within their practice, they become living embodiments of the profound connection between martial arts and the human spirit. The Kata serves as a powerful path to unleash the harmony in motion, enabling practitioners to embrace the full potential of their martial arts journey.

Training with Mats Hjelm summer of 2023

This will be my training theme for the summer of 2023. I will also be teaching the Rokushakubō and Bokken in preparation for the Noguchi Taikai in August.

I will be teaching, training and exploring all these 12 Kihon techniques plus the 24 Urawaza techniques at Kaigozan Dojo the following dates.

June 13, 20, 22, 29
July 11, 18, 20, 27

Keiko no Shudai – August 5’th
We will summarise and train on the Shizen Shigoku no Kata.

自然至極の型 SHIZEN SHIGOKU NO KATA

体流 (TAINAGASHI)
拳流 (KOBUSHINAGASHI)
不抜 (FUBATSU)
両手掛 (RYOTEGAKE)
鵲 (KASASAGI)
鈴落 (SUZUOTOSHI)
霞落 (KASUMIOTOSHI)
狼倒 (RŌTŌ)
不動 (FUDŌ)
鶉刈 (UGARI)
不諱 (FUKAN)
自然 (SHIZEN)

Footnotes:

自然 (Shizen): The combination of the characters 自 (self) and 然 (natural) represents aligning with one’s true nature and embracing the natural way of existence.
至極 (Shigoku): Comprising the characters 至 (ultimate) and 極 (extreme), this term signifies reaching the highest level of mastery and accomplishment.
感性 (Kansei): The term 感性 combines the characters 感 (sensation) and 性 (nature) to refer to one’s sensitivity or responsiveness to their surroundings. In the context of Shizen Shigoku no Kata, it highlights the importance of developing a heightened sense of awareness and adaptability to the environment.
創造性 (Sōzōsei): The term 創造性 combines the characters 創造 (creation) and 性 (nature) to signify creativity or the ability to create something new. Cultivating 創造性 within Shizen Shigoku no Kata encourages practitioners to explore different interpretations and variations of the form, allowing for spontaneous expression and individualized movements.

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

adminApril 29, 2023

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by admin

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!

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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.

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