Heart, Faith and Steel » Budo

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

Way of the Ninja

Joe — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:00:44 +0000

The Way of the Ninja was released in 2004 and it was a instant hit. During a phone conversation with the publisher’s representative I was informed the first edition sold out so fast that it was totally unexpected. It had been well publicized, anticipated and received. The Japanese text was placed as an appendix in the second or third edition.

“One never knows when a fight might start.That is why in budo one keeps prepared, so that should a fight arise, one can settle it as quickly as possible. In a dangerous situation, you act swiftly, without any hesitation. That is the secret of winning.” –Masaaki Hatsumi

The Read Ahead

Joe — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:00:56 +0000

When I first joined the Bujinkan, there were precious few books on authentic ninjutsu. Those of us training at the time would read, discuss and reread them. There were notes to be taken and sections to memorize.

Today, there are many good books to be found. Most of them are by Hatsumi-sensei with a few by teachers from all over the world.

I’ve decided my next few articles will be quotes from some of my favorite Bujinkan related books.

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

Dojo Rules of Conflict

Joe — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:00:35 +0000

1. Distance or “Run away.”

2. Guard or “A good face is worth protecting.”

3. Strategy or “Strategy is everything and Everything is strategy.”

Dark Knight Returns

Joe — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:00:31 +0000

I’m re-reading Batman: The Dark Knight Returns graphic novel by Frank Miller.

When I was a kid, I watched the TV shows; but Batman wasn’t one my usual reads. In this comic, Frank Miller’s take on the character was refresh and gritty. Miller knew Batman. And that is why “Dark Knight” was one of the BEST comic books released in the 1980s.

To be honest, I think it is one of the top 10 graphic novels around today. Pick it up, read it and remember who told you about it.