“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

“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

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!

1. Explanation and demonstration of Bojutsu reiho. Standing and seated versions.

2. Description of the length and type of wood used in crafting a real rokushakubo (six foot staff). Also, detailed explanation on how to craft a padded training rokushakubo, jo (tsue) and hanbo. Recommendation that all students craft their own training version so they can have it available at class from May through September.

3.How to grip the staff: the floating grip, sliding the staff along the hips and allowing it to “snake out” at the opponent.

4. Moving the staff from posture or twirl to position for striking.

5. Shiho furi gata. All directional twirl. Practice this regularly for a few weeks so you get the knack of it.

6. Understand that our art physically emphasizes Taijutsu (circa 40%), Kenjutsu (20%), Bojutsu (20%) and all other weapons (20%). Additioanlly, much of our early years of training should stress 80% physical and 20% mental while after about 20 years that changes to something like 40% physical and 60% mental.

7. Proper hand positioning and movement while thrusting (tsuki) the staff.

8. Understanding and applying a sinking motion (bending of the knees) to create a strong foundation for the strike.

9. Recommendation of a book to read: Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams.

10. Waza. Rokushaku Bo Shiho furi gata to tsuki. Tori to understanding the transition and making it seemless so as not to allow openings for the opponent to attack. Uke practices how to use his sword to invite attack, then deflect or guard against the staff thrust.

11. Sempai – Kohai relationship and how it applies to dojo, learning and fostering a positive training enviroment.

12. Waza. Uke begins in Daijodan no kamae and then cuts shomen giri.
Tori (person receiving the attack) begins in Seigan no kamae while creating an opening for the Uke. You step left foot to left side as left elbow raises slightly to begin uke nagashi. His cut is guarded and deflected toward your right as you continue your flow to deliver a left kote strike to his outer right arm. Continue to move on your forward left diagonal as you cut across his torso. (kotsu: lower your center of gravity when striking, keep proper distance, move in proper timing and keep a guard).

13. Waza. Uke right punch.
Tori begins in Ichimonji no kamae and receives attack with Jodan Uke Nagashi. Migite shuto to his inner right wrist as you left step to your left diagonal. Study: Timing, Distance, Angling and Flow.

14. Waza. Uke right punch.
Tori begins in Ichimonji no kamae and receives attack with Jodan Uke (guard, not striking). Migite clasp hand… as left leg steps on diagonal, right hand uses timing to apply omote gyaku with your body motion rather than strength. Study: Timing, Distance, Angling and Flow.

15. Discussed a variety of topics during our after workshop chat (local seminars, current movies, books and DVDs by Hatsumi-soke, and the nature of the many “ninja” people advertising on the internet.

The Lyrics to Landslide:

I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
‘Til the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life

Well, I’ve been afraid of changing
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder, even children get older
And I’m getting older too

Oh, take my love, take it down
Aha, climb a mountain and turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down

And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down

The Dixie Chicks:

Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Mac