Kamaemail archive, issue five
KAMAEMAIL
March 2001 issue 5 volume 2
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Dear Kameamail readers,
After nearly one year of silence, it took me some time to be able to send
Kamaemail again. As you know Kamaemail is free but is very time consuming.
I will do my best in the future to have an issue every one or two months.
Kamaemail exists because you send us articles, news or seminar information.
So please do not stop sending us material!
Have a nice time reading it.
Arnaud Cousergue
Kamaemail Editor
arnaud@budomart.com
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~~~~~IN THIS ISSUE~~~~
a.. KAMAEMAIL ISSUE 6
b.. WHAT'S NEW?
c.. NEXT SEMINARS
d.. DAIKOMYOSAI 2000 by Ruairi QUINN
e.. JUPI SEMINAR by Pierre-henri STEYT
f.. FUSUI - WIND &WATER by Pete REYNOLDS
g.. SHI TENNO IN DUBLIN by Ruairi QUINN
h.. SEKININKAN: THE WAY OF RESPONSIBILITY by Arnaud COUSERGUE
i.. THE RHYTHM OF NATURE by Benjamin BOESLER
j.. AMATSU TATARA SCHOOL by Chris ROWORTH
k.. SELF-DEFENSE FOR GIRLS transmitted by Jeff Smith
l.. TAIKAI NORWAY 2002 by Elias Krzywacki
m.. VIDEOS AND BOOKS
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~~~~KAMAEMAIL issue 6~~~~
Send your personal contribution to:
articlekamae@budomart.com for articles speaking of anything linked to
our art, to martial arts in general and to Japan or Asia: technical tips,
history of Japan. At the end put your name, Dan grade, country, email
(and website).
seminarkamae@budomart.com if you organize a seminar. At the end put your
name, Dan grade, country, email (and website). newskamae@budomart.com
for the news about the Bujinkan in the world (promotions, trips, etc).
ideaskamae@budomart.com for any ideas to improve your newsletter.
We will not accept any article or information criticizing or attacking
any individuals, whether they are members of the Bujinkan or not. As we
don't want to transform your articles, have someone speaking English correctly
read it before you send it.
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~~~~WHAT'S NEW?~~~~
§ For those waking up just now, the theme of the year is Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu
and Daisho Gatana. :-)
§ Marie-valerie Saumon from France has been promoted to 10th Dan during
Daikomyosai 2000. Another woman in the Shihan's club. Congratulations!
§ The Paris Taikai in march 2001 and the Helsinki Taikai in July 2001
have been cancelled by Hatsumi Sensei as he received a new award form
the emperor and will be very busy until august 2001.
§ The Madrid Taikai in October 2001 will be the only Taikai in Europe
for 2001. Book your reservation now if you do not want to be left at the
door!
§ Tim Bathurst has started a small dojo in Tokyo. Do you have his email?
§ For those in Australia and New Zealand (and the Oceania region), here
is a comprehensive list of instructors and dojos http://bujinkanbrisbane.freeyellow.com/dojolist.html
§ Get your Hatsumi videos online at http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
(more than 50 titles). The "What's martial arts?" video by Hatsumi Sensei
is available there. This is the last one available with English subtitles.
§ Hatsumi sensei is preparing a series of videos on the other martial
arts. The first title should be "What's Judo and jujutsu?" the other s
will cover Karate, Aikido etc.
§ On march 3rd 2001 Some high rank students have been promoted to 13th
Dan. The Menkyo was given during Daikomyosai by Hatsumi sensei but the
validity begins on the 3rd day of the 3rd month of 2001 which is the anniversary
of the date where Takamatsu Sensei gave Sokeship of the Togakure Ryu to
Hatsumi Sensei. Arnaud Cousergue - arnaud@budomart.com
§ Ben Cole has left Japan to go back to America and attend graduate school.
Thanks to Ben for all the translation work he has been doing whilst here
(8 years) and also to those others who translate (Doug Wilson, Mark Lithgow,
Kenji, Richard Neal, Andrew Young, Mark O'Brien to mention a few). These
are also the people who may be able to assist you when visiting Japan
to talk with Soke or other Japanese Sensei )another often asked question.
§ Nakadai Sensei's Dojo in Omotesando has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
For those that don't know he now has a 1 year old daughter.
§ In the last Shi Tenno Seminar in Dublin organized by Steve Byrne skibyrne@indigo.ie,
more than 80 people from six countries gathered to train together. Thank
you Steve! Peter king, Sveneric Bogsater and Arnaud Cousergue taught many
techniques of the Gyokko Ryu.
§ "Gyokushin Ryu and Kumogakure do not have any Densho in writing!" >From
a discussion between Hatsumi Sensei and Arnaud Cousergue in Noda.
§ All Shihans travelling to Japan to train with Hatsumi sensei can use
the Honbu and give classes when Sensei is not teaching. Ask sensei for
t he keys.
§ Tip on the Gikan Ryu. When you move (attacking or defending) try to
keep your feet pointing in the opposite direction on one line. This will
put you off balance at the beginning but little by little you get more
balanced. It is very efficient once you have it! arnaud@budomart.com
§ Sveneric Bogsater is writing a new book on Budo Taijutsu. No publishing
dates so far. We are sure the new book will be as informative as his "first
book" was.
§ Bujinkan group in Greece, url is: http://www.bda-ninpo.com/ - Nikos
Kalantzis
§ Peter King will teach some classes during the Winter Bujinkan University
a seminar organized by arnaud Cousergue to replace the cancelled Taikai.
This 5 day seminar will take place next march in Paris.
§ Soke has mentioned that people who would like to be considered for grading
when they visit Japan should mention it to him upon their arrival so that
he has opportunity to see and judge during their visit. Anthony Brien
abrien@optusnet.com.au
§ Oguri sensei has started teaching on a regular basis at Honbu on Monday
nights.
§ If you come to Paris, you are welcome to train at the Bujinkan France
dojo with Arnaud Cousergue. We train on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday. Ctc Bruno Vicaire bujinkan.france@wanadoo.fr
§ Pedro Fleitas will return soon from Japan where he stayed with a big
group of Spanish and south American students.
§ We inform you of a "Teacher's class" in Brazil from march 3rd to October
7th. A total of 150 hours of training! More info: Fabricio Vegini fvegini@zaz.com.br
§ "Kosshi" is related to the use of fingertips in the techniques but is
also related to the backbone. Then your Gyokko Ryu techniques should emphasizes
the use of your spine flexibility. arnaud@budomart.com
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~~~~NEXT SEMINARS~~~~
Send us information about the seminars you organize, we will put the information
in this section. Please precise city and country.
§ MARCH 10 & 11 DENMARK - BRIN MORGAN - Gyokko Ryu Seminar - More info
http://home.inet.tele.dk/bujinkan - Michael Schjerling mjms@post.tele.dk
§ MARCH 10 & 11 GERMANY - BOCHUM - KOSTAS KANAKIS 9th Dan - Bujinkan Budo
seminar in Bochum. Theme Kosshijutsu & Koppojutsu.
BKD-Budokai (Germany & Greece). More info seminare@bkd-budokai.org - http://www.bkd-budokai.org
- kanakis@bkd-budokai.org
§ MARCH 17 & 18 HUNGARY - SZEGED - DEAN ROSTOHAR 10th Dan - Theme: Taijutsu,
Tanto, Hanbo, Bo. More info rosny@freemail.hu
§ MARCH 23rd to 27th - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE & PETER KING
- WINTER BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY (5 days)- More info wbu2001@budomart.com
§ MARCH 17& 18 ENGLAND - WREXHAM - PETER KING: Seminar hosted by the Bujinkan
Tengu Hiryu Dojo in Wrexham, featuring 13th Dan Shihan Peter King. For
any further inquiries please contact goldenshield@ukonline.co.uk 07971
748 361/ 07870 512 833
§ APRIL 7 & 8 GERMANY - CHEMNITZ - KOSTAS KANAKIS - Seminar Theme: Kosshijutsu,
Bojutsu in Chemnitz / Germany. Info: Andre Kahl, Tel.: 03727-613623 or
0172-4423919
§ APRIL 7 & 8 ENGLAND - LINCOLN - ALEX MORDINE 10th Dan - More info poryu@hotmail.com
§ APRIL 20th to 22nd - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE - YARI & KEN
- More info arnoyari@budomart.com .
§ MAY 5 & 6 GERMANY - LEIPZIG - KOSTAS KANAKIS - Theme: Gyokko Ryu Jo
Ryaku no Maki. Info: Nico Richter rinic@web.de
§ MAY 12, 13 & 14 - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE - Theme: JAPAN 2001
TECHNIQUES (3 days) - More info arnojapan@budomart.com
§ MAY 26 & 27 - DENMARK - COPENHAGEN - SVENERIC BOGSATER - Theme: Kosshijutsu
and Daisho - More info http://home19.inet.tele.dk/bujinkan Michael Schjerling
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~~~~DAIKOMYO SAI 2000~~~~
Eleven Irish Bujinkan practitioners recently made the 5,000 mile journey
to Japan with Irish chief instructor Steve Byrne to train under the Grandmaster
of the Bujinkan Dojo, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi.
The group stayed in Noda city outside Tokyo and trained at the Bujinden
Dojo, the international headquarters of the Bujinkan Dojo. Hatsumi Sensei
founded the Bujinkan, which translates as 'Divine Warrior Hall,' in honor
of his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu Sensei.
The highlight of the course was the three day Daikomyosai training festival,
timed to coincide with Grandmaster Hatsumi's birthday. Held in Tokyo's
famous Budokan martial arts center, this year's seminar attracted close
to 200 participants from around the world and focused on Hatsumi Sensei's
theme for 2000, Koppojutsu from the Koto, Gikan and Gyokushin traditions.
"Koppojutsu is often translated as bone breaking methods, and is usually
a very hard form of martial arts, but in Japan Hatsumi Sensei emphasised
an alternative interpretation, saying that it is more important to take
the balance and break the spirit of the opponent than to break their bones,"
said Shidoshi Steve Byrne.
Koppojutsu is one of several different styles of martial techniques studied
within the Bujinkan's nine schools. These arts were developed on the ancient
battlefields of Japan; six are old samurai schools, the remaining three
are schools of Ninjutsu. These historical roots provide a mine of rich
teachings that are equally applicable to modern situations.
The Japanese way of teaching is different to that usually found in the
West. Each of the Shihan first demonstrated traditional Koppojutsu Kata
from the schools, offering guidance and ensuring that everyone understood
the core of the technique before moving on to work on variations and to
explore the principles found in the Kat.
Hatsumi Sensei also taught the importance of understanding the principles
of underlying strategies, not just the mechanics, because this is what
counts in the flurry of a real fight.
This practicality is the Bujinkan's biggest draw for thousands of practitioners
around the world, many of whom are involved with law enforcement, military
and personal security.
While the Irish group was there, it was announced that Hatsumi Sensei
had been presented with his second prestigious award in a year on behalf
by the Japanese Emperor. The World Cultural Grand Prize was given to the
Grandmaster in recognition of his work spreading Japanese culture around
the world. He is the first martial artist to receive this prestigious
award.
"Hatsumi Sensei himself often says that learning his martial arts is a
lifelong process and to really understand what he is doing you must visit
Japan and see the Bujinkan in its natural habitat," said Shidoshi Byrne.
Other teachers the group studied with during their trip included Nagato
Sensei, Noguchi Sensei, Oguri Sensei, Someya Sensei, Shiraishi Sensei
and visiting westerners Peter King, Sven Eric Bogsater, Jack Hoban, Bill
Atkins and Arnaud Cousergue.
On the first day of the Daikomyosai, Bujinkan Ireland fourth Dan Alex
Meehan, successfully passed the Sakki test, and was graded to fifth Dan
(Shidoshi). In this test, the candidate kneels with their eyes closed,
while Hatsumi Sensei stands behind them with a bamboo sword.
To pass, the candidate must successfully sense Hatsumi Sensei's Sakki,
or killer intention, and avoid a lightening fast downward cut from behind.
"I'd been told that the only way to pass is to trust yourself and not
try to actually do anything," said Alex Meehan.
"It's not a test of physical strength or stamina. You can't prepare yourself
for it by doing extra press-ups or running set distances. It's about whether
you've reached a certain level in your training. It's more a new beginning
then an achievement, " he said.
When it is conducted by the Grandmaster outside Japan, the fifth Dan test
is normally done only in the presence of Shihan, but all 200 participants
of the Tokyo course witnessed on this occasion.
Other people graded during the trip included Shidoshi Alan Hughes to 6th
Dan, Shidoshi-ho Marcus Dwyer to 4th Dan, Mark Cleary to 4th Dan, Jackie
Mooney to 4th Dan, Henry Walsh to 3rd Dan, Pol MacFionmhacain to 2nd Dan,
Tom Clements to Shodan and Alacoque Meehan to 6th Kyu.
In a great end to the visit, Irishman Pol MacFionmhacain was invited to
play the traditional Irish Oileann pipes in the Hombu dojo at the party
to celebrate Hatsumi Sensei's birthday. MacFionmhacain is currently living
in Japan, teaching English and studying at the Hombu Dojo.
By Ruairi Quinn, Bujinkan Yonkyu - Dublin Dojo
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~~~~JUPI SEMINAR~~~~
Well... I'm exposed to a real challenge, having to write a small report
on the last Jupi without using any of the superlatives which come first
to mind !
For those who don't know, Jupi seminars are annual special summer events
designed, hosted and conducted by Arnaud Cousergue, aimed at student truly
willing to progress in their Taijutsu - and in their overall understanding
of what Budo Taijutsu has to offer to all of us... To my knowledge, those
seminars are absolutely unique - and such was certainly the last edition.
While pointing out that "what is really of significance surely lies in
what is NOT put into words" (a quote from Charles Daniels after Soke asked
him to put his impressions on writing after he successfully passed his
godan test), I'll do my very best to deliver some personal impressions
of general interest (or so do I hope !).
What could be remembered of last edition is that WORK and PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT
surely pay off in the end. It is really amazing to finally realize that
what Arnaud had repeatedly outlined year after year...just happens to
be so simple and utterly true. How could we have ignored what Arnaud kept
on telling us for so long ? How deaf and blind were we, really... It was
right in front of us all the time - but maybe were we not ready yet for
such a simple and fundamental acknowledgement ?
I know you really aren't fishing for compliments, Arnaud, but honestly
I'd like to thank you again for keeping faith in what the Way could -
can - make out of us...
Here's an attempt at summing it up : "Just do it"... Get rid of your ego,
get rid of the technique, get rid of the failure complex... and just go
for it. The really "funny" thing is that... it works !
Another decisive turn was the new and rather fresh look we now have on
the "written thing" - or even on the "shown thing" by the way. While Densho
and manuals of all sorts certainly serve as an excellent basis for training,
they are not to be considered as absolute anymore (they may be inaccurate...
and even downright inexact to some extend) but merely as hints as how
a certain technique was executed at a certain occasion. We all "know"
of course that the spirit and feeling of a technique are much more important
than the mechanical ways to achieve it - but to deeply feel and understand
it in one's body and mind is truly enlightening. Yet if having felt it
is already a major step taken towards a more detached and natural Taijutsu,
only hard work and training will keep that bright but tiny light alive
and further nourish and develop it...
On a more personal level, I think I came to a better understanding of
the term "Jissen" - real fight / real life - in the sense that I think
I now more closely relate what happens on the mat and in the "real" life...
That very seminar, Arnaud, was a major experience for all the participants.
Thank you for having allowed us to be there - and many thanks also to
the group, for I believe that each one of us decisively contributed to
the undisputed success of this summer's edition of the Jupi...
Pierre-Henri Steyt
Bujinkan Dojo Brussels Yondan Shidoshi-Ho
bujinkan.brussels@pi.be
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~~~~FUSUI - WIND & WATER~~~~
We've gotten off to a whirlwind pace here in 2001! Hatsumi Sensei thus
far has been primarily focusing on Gyokko Ryu and Daisho (long and short
sword). That's been the physical foundation on which he has been building
the feeling and understanding of Fusui, written with the kanji for air
and water. Fusui like Gyokko Ryu has its origins strongly entrenched in
China.
Fusui is more commonly known in the west as Feung Shui. Most westerners
have a limited idea of Feung Shui, specifically as it pertains to properly
placing furniture and using appropriate colors to have a harmonious flow
of energy through your home or office, and the average Japanese is likely
to think it's fortune telling. These misconceptions give but a limited
insight into the full meaning of Fusui.
Fusui is the understanding and awareness of the natural flow of energy
and the forces of nature, both on a tangible and intangible level. Hatsumi
Sensei has given a number of examples to help us gain insight into it.
One example given was the cycle of precipitation. Water falls from the
clouds in the form of rain or snow and eventually finds its way back to
the sea. Water falls from the sky and flows downhill due to the force
of gravity. Once in the sea, water rises in the form of vapor overcoming
gravity via evaporation. As it rises, it forms clouds that are then driven
by the wind back over land where the process starts all over again. This
cycle involves Fu(wind), Sui(water) and the natural forces and energies
of gravity and heat.
That is all fine and well but how does it relate to my Budo training you
may ask. This is where some of Hatsumi Sensei's other examples help us
gain a measure of understanding. It's all about being aware of and using
these natural forces at the appropriate times. His first example was using
Juryoku or gravity. He referenced Sir Isaac Newton and the apple falling
on Newton's head and demonstrated how to use the weight of your body or
the weight your weapon in a natural and advantageous way.
Hatsumi Sensei has also been saying that we really shouldn't try to avoid
the attack, we should move like Kaze or a cool breeze. To shed more light
on this concept he referenced what the Japanese call Jiryoku. Jiryoku,
notice the difference in spelling from Juryoku(gravity), is an attracting
or repelling magnetic force. Here we should look at the way two magnets
clang together when the north and south are brought near each other. This
is a clashing that we should generally avoid. Instead, visualize passing
two north ends or two south ends of a bar magnet past each other. Almost
magically, they glide by each other, each one subtly repelling the other.
We've all experienced this, haven't we, if not go out and try it immediately.
This is the feeling we should have in our movement!
This is only meant to be a brief introduction to Fusui and hopefully it
has shed a little light on the subject. It certainly isn't an easy concept
to fully grasp, but as Soke divulges more, be assured additional articles
will follow. So until then in the words of Hatsumi Sensei, "Gambatte kudasai"
which means work hard please and keep going!
By Pete Reynolds 5th Dan - Florida (living in Japan) - pete@sta.att.ne.jp
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~~~~SHI TENNO IN DUBLIN~~~~
The Bujinkan Byrne Dojo recently played host to the 4th annual Shi Tenno,
or four kings, seminar in Trinity College, Dublin, focusing on Hatsumi
Sensei's theme for 2001 - Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.
Spread over two days, the training was guided by three of the most highly
ranked Bujinkan teachers outside Japan, English Shihan Peter King, French
Shihan Arnaud Cousergue and Swedish Shihan Sveneric Bogsater. With over
100 participants on the mat, this year's seminar had the largest attendance
ever, with Bujinkan members from as far away as Finland and the United
States.
Kicking off on day one with the three basic Kamae (stances) of Gyokko
Ryu (Tradition of the Jeweled Tiger), each of the three teachers showed
their interpretation of the characteristics of each stance.
Starting with the basic Ichimonji stance, Peter King demonstrated how
slightly turning the lead foot enables the body to protect itself against
an attack to the groin. Sven Eric Bogsater, commenting on the same stance,
warned against a 'hanging knee'- that is, to ensure that weight was not
distributed on the rear leg in a way which might eventually lead to injury.
One of the superb things about the Shi Tenno seminar was the fact that
the teachers circulated through the crowd during training, correcting
mistakes and answering questions. My training partner and I were able
to ask Sveneric about how he had altered basic stances to suit his Taijutsu
more closely. He also demonstrated up close his method for kicking more
effectively from hicho no Kamae. Arnaud Cousergue subsequently demonstrated
how the transition from the Ichimonji stance to the Jumonji stance requires
only a small movement of the body.
Next, the training moved on to the basic Kata, or training patterns, of
Gyokko Ryu. Kata in the Bujinkan are usually performed by two people and
teach a specific principal instead of the more usual one-man kata found
in modern martial arts, such as karate.
As these kata are recorded in text format only, there is ample room for
different interpretations. This became apparent as each of the Shihan
emphasised different ways of using the body according to their individual
style of Taijutsu.
In one technique Arnaud Cousergue used his conditioned thumbnail to good
effect, throwing his Uke, or training partner, by his ear. Peter King
performed a technique where he trapped his Uke's punching arm and kicking
leg before using these as handy levers to lift and drop his attacker from
shoulder height.
A kata dealing with grabs and attacks from behind was practiced both in
unarmed format and against an opponent armed with a Tanto, or knife. Arnaud
Cousergue, commenting on this kata emphasised that in feudal Japan a weapon
(such as a katana) would usually have been worn on the left hip, but in
a modern application of the technique this would obviously not be the
case.
When training officially ended on Sunday evening, there was a general
consensus of satisfaction that a lot of ground had been covered, and host
Shihan Steve Byrne finished by thanking all for attending and, of course,
the guest instructors.
Despite the bruises, what can only be described as a carnival atmosphere
prevailed among participants. Irish and foreign participants exchanged
e-mail addresses and there was a great deal of discussion, training related
and otherwise. Dissecting the weekend's training offered new insights
into the future training and the coming year.
One foreign Shidoshi, or teacher, commented to me that this was what he
really enjoyed about this sort of seminar: meeting Buyu (martial friends)
and reinforcing links between all the people training in the Bujinkan.
People of different age, background, profession and grade circulated and
interacted freely- a lot of them vowing to be back for next year's Shi
Tenno seminar.
Pictures from this event are available for viewing at www.bujinkan.ie
By Ruairi Quinn, Bujinkan Yonkyu Dublin Dojo
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~~~~SEKININKAN: THE WAY OF RESPONSIBILITY~~~~
Recently I have been thinking about the real meaning of responsibility.
Being a high rank student of Hatsumi Sensei implies a lot of responsibilities
toward him, toward the others and toward yourself.
It is obvious to everybody that parents have a responsibility toward their
own children. But how are we responsible outside of the family? What does
the word "responsibility" means? If you look in the dictionary (Oxford
University Press) it says that "Responsibility is to be accountable".
To be responsible : "involves the obligation to make decisions for others
and bear the blame for their mistakes". It also : "involves the obligation
to make your own decisions and bear the blame for your mistakes. This
is crystal clear.
Now when we look at how the Society develops we are surprised to see the
contrary. Our lives become more and more irresponsible. As we grow, we
learn to protect ourselves behind laws, illusions, dogmas etc. Whatever
we do it is never our fault; we find excuses for everything; we did not
mean to do it, the others made us do it etc. At home, young people stay
longer with their parents. It is common to see people aged 25 or more
still living with their parents. Instead of creating their lives they
prefer the security of the family cocoon where everything is given. They
do not fight for their own evolution, they wait to receive an already
pre-lived life. No risk, no sweat, no pain.
In fact, without us noticing it our world is changing dramatically, Society
little by little develops in our brains the habit of being irresponsible.
"True Reality" (TR) disappears and a new, more common, easier to live
"Virtual Reality" (VR) takes over.
Ok, you ask yourself where the hell is he going to? I want you to take
your own lives into account, I want you to be responsible of your acts
and be ready to bear the consequences of your decisions. As you are familiar
with Japanese culture, I am sure you all know about "Giri": duty, obligation.
It comes from "Gimu" and "Gimu" has nearly the same meaning as "Sekimu"
(obligation, duty) that leads to "Sekinin" (responsibility), "Sekininkan"
(sense of responsibility) and to "Sekininsha" (a responsible person).
Now back to our art. When you are Tori you are supposed to win. I write
"supposed" because in a real fight both opponents are "Tori". The guy
attacking you does not think he is going to lose. He thinks he is going
to get you. Mentally HE is Tori. On the other hand, you do not want to
be defeated. From your perspective, the attacker is a potential Uke and
YOU are Tori!
On the mats, sometimes you are in the same situation: two Tori are fighting.
This gives two solutions: you lose or you win. If you lose, YOU were Uke.
If YOU win, you were Tori. If you train a lot, if you train hard then
sometimes your attacker in the Dojo gets you. When this occurs do not
feel angry against him, feel angry against you. This is your fault if
you moved badly. Footwork is the key to our art, if you do not "play"
100% when you train then you will be hit. And if you are, this is your
own mistake. Often this situation occurs when you think, or when you underestimate
the speed of your opponent, or his willingness to get you. If you are
not committed to what you are doing then you have to pay the price. And
the price is always pain, mentally or physically.
This is why many practitioners in the Bujinkan stay in the VR. They do
not attack strongly (attacking strongly is not attacking with violence)
so that their partner can do the movement softly. When they change they
expect their partner to be as nice to them as they were to him. This is
a lie! You are lying to yourself and to your partner. You give yourself
a sense of power you do not really have. You are in the VR of efficiency
and this can have negative consequences on your life if you have to fight
for survival.
One day in Japan I trained with an 8th Dan. I do not remember the technique
but I tried to be realistic in my attacks so that he could reacts properly
and in my defending moves. After a few moments he stopped me and said:
"arnaud don't hit so hard, I am here for a month and I don't want to be
injured". The next day a 6th Dan had approximately the same comment. This
made me wonder if I was training properly so I went to Sensei's house
and told him what happened. I asked him if it was wrong to train the way
I was training. His answer was clear: "Bujinkan is not about dancing,
it is about fighting. Don't injure them but don't listen to them, please
continue to train the way you do".
If you want to be a real practitioner, try to be a true Uke (i.e Tori
when you attack) and a true Tori. This will improve your technical skills.
In the Bujinkan you learn techniques, you learn weapons but above all
if you are real, you develop an increasing sense of responsibility. In
a way we can say that true training teaches you the mechanisms of adulthood.
Each person is a mix of three persons: the one perceived by the others,
the one you want the others to see and the one you are in reality. By
being responsible on the mats you become responsible of your behaviors
in life (TR). The masks (VR) you are wearing fade little by little and
you become one with your Self. Thanks to the Bujinkan arts and to Hatsumi
Sensei you have a chance to grow rapidly to become a Tatsujin, a skilled
human being. Please accept the consequences of your behaviors whether
they are positive or negative. This capability of choice and of accepting
the result of your choices is the main difference between man and animal.
So stop being animals and try to become real human beings, real Sekininsha!
Arnaud Cousergue - 13th Dan - France - arnaud@budomart.com
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~~~~THE RHYTHM OF NATURE~~~~
A few weeks ago I red an article about the history of the Togakure Ryu.
The words said, that the very origin of this school (and of the other
Bujinkan Ryu too) lies in nature. All the Bujinkan Ryu tried to live close
to nature because they used nature for living, for defending, for loving,
for being...
Six years ago I wrote a letter to Hatsumi sensei, asking him why the studies
of the real martial arts makes people feel happy and their lives become
more comfortable and peaceful. (We do train fighting techniques!).
Why do people like so many Buyu (and Soke of course) always walk with
this smile through life? Sensei sent back a photo on which was written
a Japanese character. A friend told me it should be something like "Keep
going!" I did not understand. But I kept going. I have never thought about
my question again. Now I think it is time to tell my feelings and thinking
to others.
Practicing this martial art (for Bujinkan it is better so say "Living
art" instead of "Martial art") we learn to live close to nature - with
nature and in nature, with all of its aspects. And this is one of my (the)
keys to happiness, the peaceful life and "the smile". We feel comfortable
when we respect the rhythm of nature, when we live according to this rhythm.
If you do not live exactly this type of rhythm and timing you feel sad
and your worries will grow. The closer you live to nature, the less problems
will appear. You will find life much more easier. If there is no difference
in timing and rhythm between you and your environment you will feel the
smile in your face, you will be able to feel the power of happiness in
your heart. If you do not respect nature (nature means: environment, people,
feelings, worries, regrets etc.), if you absolutely do not live in this
rhythm, you will not be able to live a happy and peaceful life.
Today I ask myself "What you wanted to hear from sensei to this question?"
- today I know that there is no answer - everyone has to experience and
live his life because there are so many timings and rhythms of nature
like places in the world. Timing means to realize the time you live in.
It is not only the year 2001, it is more. You are surrounded by many things
in daily life, working in different times, they are in different stages
of their development. You have to deal with all these.
Basically rhythm in the USA is so different to the rhythm in Germany.
Two towns, same country - different rhythm. Two persons, same area - different
rhythm of nature. But one principle - Keep going! This is the way. Thanks
so much to all the people I was able to meet - shining for me (still shining).
Everyone has his/her own personal individual rhythm. The way to this rhythm
is Budo with so many wonderful lights shining for all of us. We are all
scouts on our way to the rhythm of
nature - the way to happiness.
Find the rhythm and timing - respect nature and then live nature (naturally).
To all lights: keep shining.
To all scouts: keep going.
To everybody: keep shining while you keep going.
Benjamin Boesler - Shidoshi-ho 3. Dan - Bujinkan Budo Dojo - Schwaebisch
Hall - Germany
www.wdh.net/bujinkan - bujinkan@wdh.net
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~~~~AMATSU TATARA SCHOOL~~~~
Perhaps we have met or trained together over the years. Like you I have
a GREAT INTEREST in the Bujinkan and have had the privilege of Training
with our Soke in Japan since 1985, whilst there I had the privilege of
being treated by Professor Hatsumi, with traditional Japanese Amatsu medicine.
Since this time I have received numerous treatments and education in his
medicine. In 1995 along with two other people (Dennis Bartram and William
Doolan) I received Menkyo Kaiden in Amatsu medicine (Medicine from the
Bujinkan schools) and Menkyo Kaiden in The Hichi Buko Goshinjutsu Ryu,
(Said to be the foundation tradition of martial arts and natural medicine).
In recent years we have taught these methods to people throughout the
world and continue to receive countless enquiries on these two traditions
connected with the Bujinkan dojo.
Recently James Gough (5th Dan Shidoshi Bujinkan and Okuden in Amatsu medicine)
and I have opened a Dojo in Estepona Spain. This Dojo is the Honbu Dojo
of the Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu and is dedicated to Bujinkan martial
Ryu, the Hichi Buko and the Amatsu Tatara. Covering 250 square meters,
it consists of a Dojo, changing rooms and lecture areas, with two clinic
rooms.
On February 3rd and 4th 2001, we held a successful seminar on the nine
schools of the Bujinkan, with demonstrations on Amatsu Medicine and the
Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu. This was a special 'Fiesta seminar' for Bujinkan
people, with an introduction to Amatsu medicine and the Hichi Buko Goshin
Jutsu Ryu.
We welcome all fellow Bujinkan members to experience Amatsu medicine along
with the Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu. Estepona is a Coastal town located
on the Costa de Sol, with beautiful beaches and plenty of night life!
Interested? contact us in writing either by letter to C/ Valladolid. 12.
Estepona 29680 Malaga Spain or by E-Mail Amatsu-tatara@excite.com
Live life to the full
Chris Roworth Bujinkan Shihan 11th Dan (Menkyo Kaiden)
Menkyo Kaiden in Amatsu medicine
Menkyo Kaiden in Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu
James Gough 5th Dan Shidoshi
Okuden Amatsu Medicine
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~~~~SELF-DEFENSE FOR GIRLS~~~~
A friend of mine sent this and I thought it was interesting.... , not
much of an advocate of the school she is describing but seems like good
info! ANGIE
"I just finished taking the most amazing self-defense class, sponsored
by Shandwick, and I wanted to share some really valuable info with you
before it goes out of my head.
The guy who taught the class has a female friend who was attacked last
year in the parking garage at Westport Plaza in St. Louis one night after
work and taken to an abandoned house and raped. He started a women's group
and began teaching these classes soon after. This guy is a black belt
in karate and trains twice a year with Steven Segall. He and the others
in this group interviewed a bunch of rapists and date rapists in prison
on what they look for and here's some interesting facts:
The #1 thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are
most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle
that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with
long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.
The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women whose
clothing is easy to remove quickly. The #1 outfit they look for is overalls
because many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing and on overalls
the straps can be easily cut. They also look for women on their cell phones,
searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking
because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.
The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the
early morning, between 5 and 8:30 a.m. The number one place women are
abducted from/attacked at is grocery store parking lots. Number two is
office parking lots/garages. Number three is public restrooms.
The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and
quickly move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about
getting caught. Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries
a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years. If you put
up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes
a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it
because it will be time-consuming. These men said they will not pick on
women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from
distance, in their hands. Keys are not a deterrent because you have to
get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea
is to convince these guys you're not worth it.
Several defense mechanisms he taught us are:
* If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with
you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a
question, like what time is it, or make general small talk, I can't believe
it is so cold out here, we're in for a bad winter. Now you've seen their
face and could identify them in a lineup, you lose appeal as a target.
* If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you
and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said
they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not
be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target. If
you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and
carries it with him wherever he goes), yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and
holding it out will be a deterrent.
* If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can
by outsmarting them. If they grab your wrist, pull your wrist back so
your hand is in waving position (palm facing forward) and twist it toward
yourself and pull your arm away. It is hard to hold onto wrist bones that
are moving in that way. They stumble toward you and you stumble back,
so you can use that momentum to bring the same out and backhand them with
your knuckles in the forehead, nose or teeth.
* If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker
either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner
thigh. HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the
underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset
she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed
stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand
it. It hurts.
* After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly
unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's balls (sorry to be graphic)
it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll piss the guy off
and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our
instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble.
Start causing trouble and he's out of there.
* When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and
bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on
them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure
and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles racked audibly.
Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your
surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd
behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel a little
silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really
was trouble."
Transmitted by Jeff Smith jefsmi@hometel.com
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~~~~TAIKAI NORWAY 2002~~~~
Finally, we have the great pleasure of inviting you to Norway Taikai 2002.
This is Norway's first Taikai, and it is being held in Stavanger the 5.
- 7. July.
For this honorable occasion we have made a website to help spread this
information. Both the invitation and the website have been translated
into English, German and Spanish.
-English website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-English.html
-German website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-German.html
-Spanish website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-Spanish.html
-Norwegian website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002.html
On the website you can also download an MS Word-version of the invitation,
which can be handed out in your dojo. (Advice: Print 2-sided).
-English invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-English.doc
-German invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-German.doc
-Spanish invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-Spanish.doc
-Norwegian invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-Norwegian.doc
Please help us inviting the whole world of Bujinkan, by forwarding this
e-mail to all your friends (chain-letter-style).
If you are not on the mailing list and want to receive further Taikai-information,
please send an e-mail to NorwayTaikai2002@mail.com .
Information about prices will follow.
To register please e-mail Elias Krzywacki on Bujinkan@online.no , and
then join the list http://bujinkan.whispereddreams.com/Taikai/TaikaiPeople.php
.
We look forward to meet you at Norway Taikai 2002. So start saving money
now!
Best regards,
Bujinkan Dojo Norway www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com
P.S. Feel free to use Taikai-logo and -links for your own webpage.
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~~~~VIDEOS & BOOKS~~~~
§ Save at least 20% up to 40% on your Hatsumi Sensei videos made by Quest
videos in Japan. Solkan Europe is the official distributor in Europe for
Quest videos in Europe. All our videos available in Pal, Secam and Ntsc
and concern Budo Taijutsu and other martial arts. Visit our Website http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
§ The Bujinkan France Memento leads you from 9th Kyu to Shodan. It is
a helpful tool that goes with the ProTek. Available in French only. Price
80 FF. More info at: http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
§ You can buy your belt with Japanese embroideries at: http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
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