It’s not form or technique, it’s the koppo. It’s the whole body. It’s the power of zero. Don’t hit or strike. Play in the space. — Hatsumi-soke

Recently, a friend asked me to voice my thoughts on the quote above. here’s what I wrote back:

We always think of “koppo” in terms of bone attacks but a few years ago, Hatsumi-soke explained that koppo has a deeper meaning. My simple understanding of Koppo is knack (“skillful means”). So, koppo is letting go of the form and intent; moving naturally to effect others within “their” movements.

For me a really “cool” non-martial way of explaining this is:
“A boozer looking for a fight walks into a bar. His attitude is plastered all over his face and body… Jackie [Chan], sitting in a chair, turns the chair and the boozer goes flipping over Jackie’s leg smacking his head on a table and falling unconscious.”

But as another friend of mine used to say, “Of course, I might have it all wrong.”

Like many of my buyu, I am eagerly awaiting the latest release of Quest Video’s Bujinkan DVD line: Daikomyosai 2009. Having been there during the filming, I know from experience that it’s a must have for all Bujinkan shidoshi.

Follow this link to watch a clip on YouTube.

There is often a moment in a pleasant conversation, in which all sound ceases and you realize your partner is waiting for you to speak. Often, it’s subtle and other times there is a gentle nudge of, “And how about you?”

For me, speaking of my rank or years training is often akin to someone bragging about their greatness or skillfulness. For the most part, my rank is my own. It’s a measure of my journey for me… On the rare occasion I do speak of it, I almost never mention the actual level but prefer to be vague. And the more I see the new generation of students openly bragging of their rank, the more I cringe. It seems apparent to me that humility is quite lost today. I’m sorry, I digress.

So the moment was there, hanging before us. I remember opening my mouth and saying, “In the Bujinkan I have been training a little longer than you’ve been…” then thought about that number 24 (his age plus his years training), and said, “… alive.” Which made him smile and me say, “That’s not what I meant.” We laughed.

It is odd for me to think about these past 25 years of training. Has it really passed so fast? I can still remember my first meeting with Hatsumi-soke (1986) like it was yesterday.

Are you wondering how I’ve done it? How did I succeed at training over twenty-five years? And not missing a single week! Training where ever I was; whatever part of the world I was in. How?

My answer is simple. The first character of the word ninja stands for “nin” or “shinobu.” This is a concept that means perseverance. So, years ago I chose a path and it’s been an enriching one that has offered me many lessons and hardships.

My taijutsu journey began one day; I continued it one day at a time. I joined the Bujinkan, met Hatsumi-soke, became a shidoshi (1991). Some years have passed, but I still look forward to tomorrow’s lessons.

As a friend of mine wrote in his book, The Shadow Warrior: “Treasure Your Training!”

Buy this book:
The Shadow Warrior

[flv:/joeflash/jan29_2009.flv 320 240]

In our dojo, we train together to grow in the budo taijutsu (ninjutsu) and in the way we live. To that end, I find that a positive environment of mutual respect, commitment and humor blend well to keep us on the right path.

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.

So, each week George kept bringing new modifications. We’d fling them about and after some testing give our thoughts on the design. Updating his original design morphed from plain leather to painted black to varnished tips – until they were a lethal weapon. Meaning, of course, that he’d gone a bit overboard. But George kept at it until they were just right.

It was really great watching George bring the new designs in each week, showing his pride in their development. Moreso, I’ve noticed the same passion that he had for refining his design, going into the refining of his training. Which says a lot for a guy who has a full life and works crazy hours. But I digress, his Leather Shuriken are some of the best I’ve seen (and I have seen many different kinds of training shuriken in my 25 Bujinkan years).

Take a peek:

Gyokko ryu kosshi jutsu kujo o kataku kakushu suru koto kaku yaku su -
The following nine items are firmly rules of gyokko ryu kosshi jutsu:

1. Nin no ichiji ete kun koko ni shisuru -
Using perseverance serve your country
[Embody perseverance for your country]

2. Onoreto iumono jogaishite, nintai seo onorei shio ete gonichi no omoe o nokosazu – Eliminate your thoughts and be patient as you die and don’t regret the future beyond your death
[Eliminate ego, be patient and do not regret death]

3. Iyo iyo, kiken ga, semaru toki, nani goto mo iwazu issai no ugon o nokosazu-
At last, gradually danger comes toward you, be silent and leave no words (die brave and don’t say anything)
[Be silent in the midst of life-threatening danger]

4. Kyoteki ga kurututomo fudoshin o shirei -
If a strong enemy comes towards you, don’t forget to have a still mind
[If a strong enemy attacks, keep an immovable spirit]

5. Shi ya oya ni taishite wagami o mote tsukusu -
Towards your teachers and parents show respect from the entire body
[Serve and honor your parents and teachers]

6. Iroyoku ni oboreru mono wa jutsu ryoku o ushina u osore ari -
A person drowned by lust may lose the ability(skill of fighting)
[Obsessive desires dissipate fighting skill]

7. Sake ni oboreru mono jutsu ryoku ga kika na ku naru -
A person drowned by sake will surely use the ability(skill of fighting)
[Alcoholism dissipates fighting skill]

8. Teki ni taishite wa sentoryoku o uba i, inochi o uba wa naikoto -
Toward enemy, get rid of his fighting power but not his life
[Dispatch the enemy's fighting power, but spare his life]

9. Urusu nakushite tanin o urusazu -
Forgiving others is a virtue
[Forgiveness is a virtue]

Migi no kujo kakushu o shika e -
Follow the nine rules written to the right [above].

I hope that you will take a moment to read the Peter Crocoll Seminar Flyer and consider attending. It will definitely be an event to remember.