Heart, Faith and SteelHeart, Faith and Steel

Sui no kata

Joe — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:30:24 +0000

Chi no kata

Joe — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:00:21 +0000

In the San shin no kata we learn posture, footwork and distancing. In the photographs, below we see the basic form of Chi No kata being demonstrated.

Knight out

Joe — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:30:49 +0000

Husband and Wife Gun Disarm

Onikudaki

Joe — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 11:00:14 +0000

We demonstrated a basic version of onikudaki at class last week (shown above). There are lots of variations one can practice.

Run. Hide. Fight.

Joe — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:25:55 +0000

Run. Hide. Fight.

Quotes & Proverbs

Joe — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:00:02 +0000

Saru mo ki kara ochiru. “Even monkeys fall from trees.” – Japanese proverb

The first priority to the ninja was to win without fighting, and that remains the way. — Toshitsugu Takamatsu

When the student is ready, the master appears. — Buddhist proverb

The first step in Ninpo training is that of physical endurance. — Masaaki Hatsumi

Ishi no ue ni san nen. “Three years on a rock.” – Japanese proverb

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