Heart, Faith and Steel » kukishinden

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

rokushaku bo fix

Joe — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:00:52 +0000

Each summer, our class takes time to work on bojutsu training. Mostly we use padded rokushaku bo (6 ft staff), but from time to time we use the real thing (usually oak). Each year, I see a new influx of bo that make me cringe. Bought online or at a nearby martial arts store, the bo are made of a “mystery” wood that have a thick coat of varnish. Yuck!

In our Kukishin bojutsu training we hold the staff lightly allowing it to slide through our hands and gripping as it strikes. This sliding is near impossible with the “mystery wood” with varnish.

So, we encourage our students to remove the varnish, sandpaper the staff smooth and add several coats of Tung or Lemon oil and marvel at the work you have done.

If finished (yes, pun intended) correctly, the staff with slide through your hand and move like a true extension of your technique.

Four Winds 2008 – Infusing Ninjutsu

Joe — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:15:06 +0000

Joe, Glenn, Fred and Don training.

This past Sunday, the Bujinkan New York Dojo was proud to host the 3rd annual Bujinkan Four Winds Seminar. Instruction was lead by Glenn Catania (shidoshi), Fred Feddeck (shidoshi), Don Houle (shidoshi) and joe Maurantonio (judan shidoshi).

Attended by about 21 people from all over the Metro NY/NJ area, the event shared lessons that were to help all Infuse Ninjutsu into their training. Topics included Controlling the Distance, Beyond Fundamentals, Intensity of the Tiger and the Sword of the Dragon.

It was a great time and after the training we all stayed around for pizza and snacks. Thanks to the instructors and the students for making it such a wonderful and insightful time.