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)

Wildfire Adventure Camp (Summer 2016)

Wildfire Adventure Camp

Bujinkan South London Dojo was invited to run self-defence and Japanese sword fighting sessions at the spectacular Wildfire Adventure camp June 2016. By day, Camp Wildfire was a bustling adventure camp full of expeditions, bushcraft, artistry, engineering, and adventure sports. There were 80 amazing activities. As darkness fell, the forest transformed into a glittering Wildfire of music and festivity. Here some photos...

We've trained with over 100 people on the 2 days and we've had lots of fun doing so. Have a look at the pictures below.

We've had so much fun at Wildfire, we're surely going to be back for 2017. We'll probably be adding a few more activities so stay tuned. To be sure to secure a space at this amazing adventure, get your tickets early. The spirit of Wildfire was pretty much captured with this quote.

"I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen”  

Winnie The Pooh

Martial Arts Principles

The big concepts in martial arts come down to a couple of things when put together can either ensure I am safe in a fight and not get (gravely) injured, ensuring survival or they can spell disaster, meaning irrecoverable injuries and even death. In no particular order, here some notes on the essentials that most martial arts are based on and then apply their own particular style.

Positions/ Positioning (Kamae)

·      A strong Kamae is one from which I can generate power

·    Use Kamae to go from one position to the next - in a safe way/ staying safe (can be tested to better understand it/ discover openings/ flaws)

·      Anticipating my opponents next move and positioning myself in such a way that I can deal with it (not get knocked down/ get injured), ideally using my Kamae in such a way that anticipates his next move and guards against that.

·      Can be used to shut his initial attack down/ staying out of harm’s way (e.g. a strong Kamae). Equally, I can assume an apparently weak Kamae to confuse my opponent

Shutting the attacker down/ stopping next move

A strong, safe position to attack/ defend from

Distance

·      The best (correct) distance is one from which I am safe and cannot easily be attacked, whilst being able to attack my opponent

·      The (correct) distance can be checked/ measured 

Timing 
     ·      Generally refers to the choice, judgement, or control of when something should be done

·      Is there such a thing as the “right time”?

·    For practice, maybe its better too late than too early, then work backwards to a better, safer timing

·     I don’t always have to attack/ defend the thing that comes at me, it’s often just as effective to attack something else (perception)

Movement

·      Controlling my opponent through movement and small steps as opposed to “doing techniques” (pulling/ pushing)

·      Be in between movements (do things half), allow for things to go wrong; being able to change my response (analogy of elements Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Ku)

·    Bounce from one movement onto the next one (shimmy stones over water), when the movement stops, the stone sinks. Resulting from that, always be moving, never stand still (death, analogy of the willow that got old and got broken by the wind)

·      Don’t resist, go with the flow. At the same time, don’t “put things on” as in don’t force things (use force), instead use movement (feet / spine / hands)

Done at the right time, the opponent commits and can be 'captured'

Environment/ Surroundings

·      Be aware of my surroundings, how can they aid / hinder my progress. Are there tools around me I can use? Are there features in the surroundings I can use?

·      Be in tune with surrounding, don’t try and stand out...

Gachiten Points (don't ask for correct spelling)

·      Gachiten Points are the points on my body where one body part is attached to the next, e.g.:

o   forearm, wrist

o   upper arm, elbow

o   elbow, forearm

·      Use these points to latch onto/ control the opponent in a safe way

·      Possibility to use my Gachiten points on his, to achieve a superior position (e.g. better control)

Gachiten (ball of the foot & behind the heel)

Controlling (behind the elbow)