Heart, Faith and Steel » Budo, Reviews

Unarmed Fighting Techniques

Joe — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:00:07 +0000

Many people were shocked with the release of Unarmed Fighting Techniques in 2008. Upon review of the contents we see the listing of six Bujinkan traditions and their training structure. In many Bujinkan schools this book is referred to as “The densho” (tradition book). In the Bujinkan New York Dojo, I recommend senior students study it against their class lessons.

“When you become entangled, there can be no victory. By sacrificing yourself you have the chance to be saved. Heed this old poem and strive to train to the best of your abilities.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Japanese Sword Fighting

Joe — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:00:47 +0000

It was in 2005 that we saw Hatsumi-sensei‘s Japanese Sword Fighting at the bookstores. As far as I can recall, this is the first Bujinkan related work to focus on our sword style. The subtle format was visually impressive for those of us that have been reading Bujinkan books throughout the years.

With this book, there seemed to be a shift in the way Hatsumi-sensei is sharing information with the reader. Without doubt, this book is a must have item.

“It is taught that the foundation of Budo is to first understand taijutsu, through which you can fight even if you have no weapons. this means to persevere in the martial ways (bufu-ikkan), and to train consistently and with the utmost effort. Then you will grasp the secrets of muto dori (no-sword method). Succeeding in this, the mysteries of the secret sword (hiken) will be revealed, and no matter what you hold, your heart and your taijutsu with dance skillfully in the void (koku).” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Advanced Stick Fighting

Joe — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:31 +0000

In 2005 Hatsumi-sensei released his new book, Advanced Stick Fighting. Almost immediately, this book about the long staff was compared to his earlier book called Stick Fighting (publiched in the early-1970s) about short stick training. Both continue to be considered “must read” in the stick fighting community.

“I think it is good to push yourself to the extreme; to push your mind and body to the point of imminent death has a purpose during a time of war. The tradition of severe training in the martial arts aims to awaken inner power. However, when the time comes, change swiftly. This is tenkan, in other words, being able to control yourself.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Understand? Good. Play!

Joe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:00:53 +0000

With the private release of Ninpo: Wisdom for Life there seemed to be a renewed interest in Hatsumi-sensei‘s writings. Ben Cole, a Bujinkan member, had been writing down quotes from Hatsumi-sensei Japan classes visits for several years and sharing them.

This eventually transformed into Understand? Good. Play!, a book of Bujinkan quotes from Masaaki Hatsumi. A great success, this book has been out of print for too long.

“This [training] cannot be taught. It cannot be understood through mere words. It must be experienced personally. Books are for use after you know the techniques. It is the same for the densho. If you know the technique, and then read the words, it makes sense.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Ninpo: Wisdom for Life

Joe — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:00:44 +0000

In the 1980s, I met Hatsumi-sensei for the first time and found out that he had several books written in Japanese. Being an avid reader, I asked one of the Japanese-shihan about them. In a short while I was working on a translation of the first chapter of one book.

Eventually I began a project to translate one whole book from beginning to end. It was a challenge, but with Hatsumi-sensei‘s approval, updates and encouragement Ninpo: Wisdom for Life was published.

“Musha Shugyo [warrior errantry] was to go beyond the bounds of simple training. You must stretch beyond your personal limitations.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

BNYD twitter feed

Joe — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:30:54 +0000

If you enjoy reading quotes about martial arts training, you may want to check out or subscribe to the Bujinkan New York Dojo Twitter feed. You can check it out here:

http://twitter.com/bnyd

Heart of the Ronin

Joe — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:00:10 +0000

A few days ago, I mentioned that I was listening to the audiobook, Heart of the Ronin. I said that it was “fun.” The next day, the book got better! There is a great scene where the main character fights an oni! It was really well written (and read) and enjoyable.

Please give it a listen. Or buy the book at:
Heart of the Ronin.

Get a grip!

Joe — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:00:57 +0000

During one of our recent sword classes we discussed why proper grip is so important. But I know, that not everyone can visualize the reasoning for it or the consequences of improper grip. Here’s a neat video to illustrate the point:

Here are some books that I recommend for understanding swordplay:

[amtap book:isbn=4770021984]
[amtap book:isbn=1583941975]
[amtap book:isbn=4770028989]

Musashi's Book of Five Rings

Joe — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:15:32 +0000

The Book of Five Rings (Gorin No Sho) is a text on Japanese sword skills (kenjutsu) and, to some degree, the martial arts in general. Believed to be written by Miyamoto Musashi circa 1645, it is a classic book on warrior strategy (heiho).

There are at least a dozen different translations of this work… many focusing on a broader audience than just martial artists. In the 1980s and early 1990s it was an often quoted, must read, by business executives for adaptation to the workplace.

Since first reading a copy in the early 1980s, I have read several English editions, and portions of both Italian and Japanese versions. If you enjoy swordsmanship, swordplay or if you are a martial artist, I recommend this edition:

[amtap amazon:asin=0553351702]

We also have a free online version available at:
The book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

Here’s a great clip from the excellent movie Miyamoto Musashi (1967) starring Toshirô Mifune as the lead character:

If you think you might like to own the DVD:
[amtap amazon:asin=B0001UZZT0]

Dojo DVD Four Sale

Joe — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:11:53 +0000

Bujinkan Four Winds Seminar (2008 – DVD)
http://bnyd.com/dvd/

On December 14, 2008, the Bujinkan New York Dojo offered a wonderful event with four senior Bujinkan instructors:
Joe Maurantionio, shihan (training since 1983)
Glenn Catania, shidoshi (training since 1985)
Don Houle, shidoshi (training since 1986)
Fred Feddeck, shidoshi (training since 1993)

Attended by Bujinkan students from all over the Metro NY/NJ area, each of the instructors shared lessons to help everyone in attendance infuse their training with concepts of ninjutsu.

DVD copies are available! All purchases will be shipped out within 72 hours of payment. $29.95 plus $3 shipping!

Follow this link, watch a short video clip and buy the DVD:
http://bnyd.com/dvd/

Watch a video clip: