Heart, Faith and Steel » maurantonio

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

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.”

Ninja Qualities

Joe — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:00:40 +0000

Every once in a while I am asked, “What were the most important qualities of the ninja?”

Years ago, Hatsumi-soke spoke about this years ago. He stated the three most important qualities of a ninja were honesty, desire to learn, and perseverance.

He further explained the ninja’s honesty was akin to the lessons of justice and integrity. This honesty was a form of enlightenment developed by judging right and wrong with one’s heart as a mirror.

Learning was the ninja’s greatest weapon and companion. The ninja took interest in learning everything… general knowledge and common sense would ultimately enable the ninja to make critical judgments with decisive certainty. This led to understanding of day-to-day affairs and eventually wisdom and spiritual refinement.

The perseverance of the ninja is perhaps the most legendary of all his abilities. The ninja could not be dissuaded from his chosen path once is was begun. He had levels of endurance cultivated over years of training and tempering.

Peter Reynolds Bujinkan Seminar

Joe — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:30:59 +0000

Pete Reynolds – Bujinkan NYC Seminar

Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, November 9 & 10, 2010

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm (both nights)

Location: Pearl Studios, NYC
500 Eighth Ave. (btw 35th/36th St.)
New York, NY

Cost: $30 for one night or $55 for both

Info: The Pete Reynolds Bujinkan NYC Seminar is jointly sponsored by: Jeff Christian (Muzosa Dojo), Christopher Chen (Tanjiki Dojo), Ben Cole (U?G.P! Dojo), Rob Flanagan (Muzosa Dojo), Joe Maurantonio (Bujinkan New York Dojo), Antonio Rodriguez (Bujinkan Gokui Doj) and several more dojo!