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