Welcome

Hello and welcome! You've decided to find out more about self-defence, be it to develop a mental and physical readiness for sticky situations, to learn more about your body and mind or simply because you're keen to try something new. You may even be interested in traditional Japanese Martial Arts as practised for hundreds of years in the land of the rising sun. 

Bujinkan Martial Arts
The Bujinkan (武神館) is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi. It is most commonly associated with Ninjutsu. The combat system comprises of nine separate ryūha, or schools, which are collectively referred to as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. However, Masaaki Hatsumi uses the term Budo (meaning Martial Way) as he says the ryūha are descended from historical samurai schools that teach samurai martial tactics and ninjutsu schools that teach ninja tactics. The core principle of our schools is that it is possible to survive attacks from larger, stronger, more aggressive and potentially armed attacker(s) without the use of physical strength or speed.

Bujinkan South London Dojo
The dojo formed in 2015 to offer self-defence training in the Bujinkan Martial Arts, here in South London. Our main trainer Dirk Bischof began his study of martial arts in 1998 in Germany at the Kuroi-Tora Dojo and continued from 2001 in London at the Bujinkan Central London Dojo, where he trains regularly. He has visited Japan every year since 2009 in order to train with the many amazing teachers there directly. He's not just going there to study martial arts but also to explore Japan's fascinating culture. 

Outdoor Training

The main aim of the Bujinkan South London Dojo is to offer self-defence and weapons training, both traditional Japanese weapons such as swords and regular weapons such as knives. London can be a dangerous place and we go through situations of being attacked and understand what options there are to defend yourself. 

What Can You Learn 

Defense from a wide variety of strikes

Escapes from chokes and holds

More advanced locks, chokes, throws, grips

How to fall safely on hard surfaces

Balance breaking and use of distance and space

Dealing with multiple opponents

Defence against weapons (stick, knife, sword)

Using weapons: Samurai Sword, short stick, long stick, knife

Beginners and Advanced Class
 
When: Tuesday from 7.30 - 9.30pm
 
Cost: £10/ session (£5 concessions available for unemployed, part-time, student)  

Format: The group is mixed with some people starting out and others already having done a few years of training. After a short warm-up (learning how to fall/ roll) we will have 45min of non-weapon self-defence work, usually in pairs. After a short 2-3min break we will then go into weapon's training for the remaining 45min, usually in pairs. There are a few things to do before you can train, please check them here.

Clothing: Comfortable trousers/ jogging bottoms or Gi (martial arts training uniform), t-shirt 

Location:
2nd Floor at NEON Performing Arts Studios
Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre
5 Glasshouse Walk, London SE11 5ES

How to get here:
Underground/ Train: Vauxhall Station (then 5min walk)
By Car: Car parking is available at the front (free of charge) 
Bike: Only street parking is available 

For questions, please contact
Dirk Bischof 
dirkb23 [at] gmail.com

See you soon, Dirk

In order to train you must follow the following Guidelines & Terms & Conditions

Bujinkan Guidelines

1.  The Bujinkan shall be open to only those who agree with and uphold the guidelines of the Bujinkan Dojo. Those not doing so shall not be allowed to join. Specifically: Only those who have read and agreed with these guidelines shall be allowed to participate. 

2.  Only those able to exercise true patience, self-control, and dedication shall be allowed to participate. A physician's examination report shall be required. Specifically, individuals with mental illness, drug addiction, or mental instability shall be barred from joining. The necessity of such a report concerns individuals who may present a danger to others, for example, those with infectious diseases or illnesses, individuals with clinically abnormal personalities or physiology, and individuals lacking self-control. 

3.  Individuals with criminal records shall be turned away. Trouble makers, those who commit crimes, and those living in Japan who break domestic laws shall be turned away. 

4.  Those not upholding the guidelines of the Bujinkan, either as practitioners or as members of society, by committing disgraceful or reproachable acts shall be expelled. Until now, the Bujinkan was open to large numbers of people who came to Japan. Among them, unfortunately, were those committing violent drunken acts, the mentally ill, and trouble makers who thought only of themselves and failed to see how their actions might adversely affect others. Through their actions, such people were discarding the traditional righteous heart of the Bujinkan. From this day forward, all such people shall be expelled. 

5.  Regarding accidents occurring during training (both inside and outside the dojo), one should not cause trouble to the Bujinkan. This is an extremely important point. Those unwilling to take personal responsibility for accidents occurring during Bujinkan training shall not be admitted. Reiterating for clarity, the Bujinkan shall not take responsibility for any accidents happening in the course of training, regardless of the location. 

6.  All those joining the Bujinkan must get an annual membership card. This card not only preserves the honor of the Bujinkan members, it indicates you are part of a larger whole--one whose members come together with warrior hearts to better themselves through training and friendship. It evinces the glory of warrior virtue, and embodies both loyalty and brotherly love. 

7.  The tradition of the Bujinkan recognizes nature and the universality of all human life, and is aware of that which flows naturally between the two parts: 

1. "The secret principle of Taijutsu is to know the foundations of peace. 
2. To study is the path to the immovable heart (fudoshin)."

Recently, the Bujinkan has become truly international. Just as there are various time zones, so exist various taboos among the world's peoples and nations. We must respect each other, striving to avoid such taboos. We must put the heart of the warrior first, working together for self-improvement and for the betterment of the Bujinkan. 

Those not upholding the above-mentioned guidelines shall be forced out of the Bujinkan.

Masaaki Hatsumi - Soke

Legal Conditions

Before participating in any classes or practicing activities related to the martial art, you should have a certified adult martial arts instructor present, consult with a parent or guardian, consult your physician, ensure that you have appropriate and valid insurance and agree to be of legal age and competent to act and use responsibly. You should be aware that if you practice or study any martial arts or self defence indirectly or directly related to Bujinkan training, you are doing so entirely at your own risk which includes: any past, present or future physical, medical or psychological pain or injury whatsoever that you may incur or receive. When training you may receive pain and injury. 

By viewing or participating in the martial art or practising or viewing any of the material associated with it, it is agreed by you, in full, that the club, its instructors and its members are released of any and all liability, nor does the club, its instructors and its members assume any third party liability arising out of any legal actions you may be involved in as a result of the training you receive by engaging, participating or learning the martial art or any third party related to same. 

The club, its instructors and its members cannot be responsible for any instructors, clubs or groups' claims, instructional strategies, materials, training methods, or consequences that may arise by studying or purchasing their materials and can make no recommendations as to the quality or legal nature of their instructional programs or information presented. 

By training with the club, its instructors and its members, viewing any educational material or any similar communications from the club, its instructors and its members you agree not to misuse any materials shown and forever release the club, its instructors and its members, but not limited to, from now until the end of time should any loss or injury occur to yourself or any other party 

You also agree in full that self defence is to be used as a last resort, only to protect your life or another from being seriously injured or possibly killed. If you do not understand this legal notice and disclaimer releasing the club, its instructors and its members of "Any" and "All" liabilities, than you agree in full to contact the club secretary and/or instructors via www.bujinkanlondon.org or in person at a class for any questions or issues you may want clarified or resolved prior to training or viewing any of the materials provided to you. If you fail to do so, and any law suit occurs from you or any other party, you agree to pay "All" of the club, its instructors or any of its members legal fees in full to include any other lawsuits directed against you or any other party brought by the club, its instructors or its members

2018 Japan Trip

This year's Japan trip was somewhat special. It's been 20 years since starting training and also been my 8th trip too and if you turn 8 onto its side it becomes infinity. As I couldn't possibly stay an infinite number of days in Japan, I made sure to stay as long as I could possibly stay. That was 2 months.

Training back with the senior teachers, especially Nagato sensei, was a great opportunity to also get a deeper understanding of some of the basics. During his 'budo chats' emphasised walking into better positions and not necessarily doing (wide) stances. I asked specifically about the 'kihon' wide stances and he said "I'm not doing them", "Soke isn't doing them", "I copy Soke, he's not doing them" and "they are useful for stretching" but "Im not doing them".

Nagato Sensei's movement and that of everyone has evolved over the last decades and it now looks like what we see. However, there are lots of videos from the 1990's where everyone is doing wider stances. As usual, there is no right or wrong answer and the situation will determine the response. But it will be good to practice walking and smaller stances to complement wider and more static stances.

In addition to training with Nagato and experimenting with wider stances, was practice with Furuta Sensei and getting to understand his 6-hands concept. Whilst we generally are accustomed to our 2 hands, we should include our elbows and shoulders too, as secondary and tertiary hands. By doing so, we can use our primary 'weapons' as and when needed and for more important things. Practicing using shoulders and elbows more requires understanding different positions and timing too. Someone is a lot closer to me and my elbows and even more so using my shoulders than if I can reach them with my hands. 

There will be lots of things to go through over coming weeks and months. We've started already since November, experimenting with the 6-hands concept and also shorter, more mobile stances. In addition with practicing kyoketsu shoge, especially practicing getting it to loop so we can capture an opponent. Whilst it may not be something I'll use on a day-ti day basis, getting to understand the rope and how to throw it was great fun and required a couple of hours before really getting it and getting it to work every time. 

2018 Year of the Earth Dog

Happy New Year to all.

The Earth Dog year may be a year to invite time for fairness and equality. Integrity and honesty are the values that lead to success under Dog’s watchful and just influence. We shall display loyalty to those around us, especially those that may come under fire or those who need us. In 2018 we benefit by following our instincts and becoming good listeners. We have nothing to fear in moving forward when our gut confirms it's the right direction. We can be sentimental, thinking of the past, what worked and what lessons we learned. We can incorporate that knowledge and our connection to continue to pursue our goals.

I don't think any official theme for the year has been revealed by Hatsumi Sensei, but some are guessing it will be around Ninkyō 任侠 (Chivalry), placing high value on honour, kindness and courage. It feels to be naturally aligned with that of the Earth Dog. We'll see

What will be happening at Bujinkan South London Dojo you may ask? Well, one thing is for sure - TRAINING - It's our mediation, our therapy, our protection and guidance. We hope to continue training under the guidance of those that we look up to, be they here in the UK, in Japan or elsewhere. Hatsumi Sensei says we should network, be sociable with each other [and build a supportive community]. To me, this can mean supporting people, other dojos who invite foreign instructors here to London (Mikey from Holland, Rob from Japan) or it can be getting together for big weapons or outdoor training in Richmond Park with Dunc.


This year we will focus on training that is effective and efficient, one that uses natural movement and will hold-up in realistic situations. There is still a lot of material to go through from the 2017 Japan trip and we will continue to run split sessions focusing on unarmed and armed combat (short stick, knife, sword). We will definitely continue to work on Muto Dori, furthering our basics: Kihon Happo, Sanshin/ Gogyo, Ten Chi Chin.



Atago Shrine, Nodashi, Japan

Japan 2017 (November)

Big Principles/ Secrets of Ninjutsu 2017 [Soke]

• Muto Dori
• Sanshin from Muto Dori
• Kihon Happo from Sanshin no kata (Gogyo)
• One Finger test of Kihon
• Networking with each other

5 rules of Budo 五 じよう(to be figured out)

1. Eternal offering
2. Stay on the straight path
3. Natural perseverance
4. Natural transcending
5. Light of enlightenment

Always be moving

• Always moving will allow the techniques to come forward whilst I position my body through small adjustments, which will also ‘force’ Uke to make small adjustments
• We need to be free and keep on moving to ‘create openings’ and move into advantageous positions (Kamae).
• We must check if that purpose is aligned with the Gods and with life itself. Ask God for permission to move, don’t use my own ego or nature to move.
• Its important to have a strong flow when moving and don’t interrupt the flow (e.g. doing 1, 2, 3) and keep the connection with the opponent
• Going 60% gives the chance to observe the opponent and myself. With more information on both, I can then amend my strategy and can respond accordingly

The main focus was still Muto Dori as was all of 2017, usually done against attacks, both armed and unarmed. Focus was on not avoiding the attack, but to really give Uke the feeling he is actually going to get me. Soke demonstrated time and time again how to do his Muto Dori, explaining that he cannot teach it to us. He is an artist, like da Vinci. We have to do our own practice and study. Maybe one day we become artists too! Great training with Furuta Sensei, Nagato Sensei, Noguchi Sensei and Rob Sensei. Thank you for the amazing support, advice and guidance

Skoke's Painting: Kyo Jitsu Ten Kan (Truth & Falsehood - being able to discern when to use what) (虚実転換→虚実天観)

Japan 2016 (November)

It has become an annual adventure to go to Japan and to experience training at the source. This year was somewhat different. Soke Hatsumi Masaaki (picture below) had been taken to hospital to be treated for an ailment. He was off sick for about 2 weeks but the vacuum could be felt. Not having him around is something that the Bujinkan will have to get used to. He is 85 and whilst generally in good health & spirits, he is not getting any younger. Who will fit his rather big shoes (socks really)?

It was Senno Sensei who taught in Soke's stead on the various training days. As a foreigner, I am happy to train with the Dai-Shihan and people here who're regulars. Their wisdom, insights and skills are unparalleled and each offers a different view point to Hatsumi Sensei's martial art. Here's the October schedule, Soke still Missing but he returned in full swing first week of November

 

Japan wouldn't be Japan for me if it wasn't also an opportunity to eat healthy (Ramen) and to see old friends. I feel very lucky to go out and meet new people and using Air B'nB for example is an excellent way to get to know local people who are happy to share a few things with you, such as their favourite Ramen places, Onsen (public baths) or their friends!  

The most important lessons this year came from Nagato Sensei + Rob Renner Sensei. Whilst I am sure these points were repeated and taught time and time again, only this year did they make more applied sense. The first is around Gachiten (don't ask for correct spelling). They are the connecting points between my elbow and forearm, from shoulder to arm etc. Generally, one tries to control here, to establish a stronger position over the opponent.

The other was Totoku, moving in such a way that I am not only shutting down the most immediate threat (say a punch) but that I'm also moving in such a way that I'm controlling the next logical attack/ threat. This was really well demonstrated again and again by Nagato Sensei but only brought to live by Rob, in his class in Mabashi. For more info, come along to training.

Slightly upsetting fact of Japan 2016 trip was being awarded 10th Dan from Nagato Sensei despite many days of protest. He said I should accept it as we do not know what comes in future (me protesting that I'd rather have it next year). He also said that its being given in advance, so I can get to grow into it... I'll certainly give it my best. 

...ganbatte kudasai (good luck)