Kamaemail archive, issue four
Sorry for the delay, we have been training in Japan. The May issue will
be out by the 10th, send us articles and informations.
Kamaemail.
Kamaemail
April 2000 volume 1
kamaemail@wanadoo.fr
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~~~~~IN THIS ISSUE~~~~
* KAMAEMAIL
* WHAT'S NEW?
* NEXT SEMINARS
* SELF DEFENCE OR DEFENCE OF THE SELF? by Steve Byrne 10th dan
* DISTANCE & INTERVAL by Jack Hoban 12th dan
* KOPPO JUTSU by Arnaud Cousergue 12th dan
* GROWING TOGETHER by Paul Hume 6th dan
* LIVING LIKE A BABY by Carlos Morales 11th dan
* NINPO KOKORO ASSOCIATION by Oliver Muenstedt
* SHIKIN HARAMITSU DAIKOMYO by Anthony Brien
* FORUM
* TECHNICAL TIPS
* VIDEOS NEW TITLES
* BOOKS
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~~~~KAMAEMAIL~~~~
Send your personal contribution to kamaemail@wanadoo.fr it can be any
article, information or insight you have about the Bujinkan. Articles
can speak of anything linked to our art, to martial arts in general and
to Japan or Asia: technical tips, history of Japan. If you organize a
seminar please inform us. At the end of each article please put your name,
dan grade, country, email and website.
We will not accept any article or information criticizing or attacking
any individuals, whether they are members of the Bujinkan or not. The
existing "chatlists" on internet do that perfectly already.
For non speaking english people: please make sure your text is understandable.
We don't want to transform your initial idea. Have someone speaking english
correctly read it before you send it.
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~~~~WHAT'S NEW?~~~~
§ On the 18th of march 2000 the following persons were promoted to 12th
dan:
In Japan: Nagato Shihan, Noguchi Shihan, Oguri Shihan, Senno Shihan.
In the west: Sveneric Bogsater (Sweden), Arnaud Cousergue (France), Pedro
Fleitas (Spain), Jack Hoban (USA), Peter King (UK), Brin Morgan (UK) Francisco
Roldan (Spain).
The diplomas were given to them between december 1999 and march 2000 and
are all dated on the 18th of march, birthday of Takamatsu Sensei.
§ Did you ever wonder where on the net you could find the link to the
official site of the iga museum, well don't search any longer, here it
is: www.mpd.co.jp/net/ninja/english/menu.html - Daniel Camu, Shidoshi-ho,
Belgium, dcamu@actebis.be
§ An American Taikai will be organised in Atlanta in august this year
and will be hosted by Bud Malmstrom. More infos at http://www.winjutsu.com/seminars/taikaiatlanta/
§ There will be a Taikai in Paris in march 2001 hosted by Arnaud Cousergue
solkan@wanadoo.fr. Dates are not known yet.
§ There were so many people willing to attend the Holland Taikai that
the organizers refused more than 250 people! We will be 650 people to
attend this Taikai. Next time, try to register in time!
§ After Pedro Fleitas in February, Ed Martin, Richard Van Donk and Arnaud
Cousergue in March, Sveneric Bogsater and Mariette went to Japan at the
beginning of april. Many Shihans in Japan these days.
§ At the Honbu all techniques are done with all kind of weapon these days.
Sensei said that if you cannot do your movement with all kind of weapons
then it was not the real "Koppo jutsu".
§ You can find the past issues of Kamaemail at: Information and Newspapers:
http://www.ninjutsu.de/erlangen/ninpo/english/ewhatint.htm or over the
german pages http://www.ninjutsu.de/erlangen/ninpo/whatint.htm - Manfred
Meilner Ninpo@t-online.de
§ You can find the past issues of Kamaemail at: Information and Newspapers:
www.tatsujin.nl/kamaemail
A website by Sanne de Jong info@tatsujin.nl
§ Send your articles for Kamaemail 5 due to be published in may 2000.
Send your texts directly by email to kamaemail@wanadoo.fr . On top of
it write: "kamaemail 5 article" or "kamaemail 5 seminar info" or "kamaemail
5 news" or "kamaemail 5 Q&A" to ease our work. Have someone read it before
you send it so that the english is correct. We need your articles for
our next issue. Please participate.
§ Message from Martin Spring (switzerland): Abi will come to switzerland
with me after the Holland Tai Kai and then we will probably go down to
Paris (Arnaud). Please give my adress to all the peoples how like to train
in the snowy mountains (Switzerland). My name and adress: Bujinkan Dojo
Sihltal - Martin Spring - Im Späten 25 8906 Bonstetten - Switzerland -
E-Mail: springmartin@hotmail.com - Tel. 0041 1 700 42 68 - I have been
training maybe 12 years, I have been to japan about 8 times and I think
I have the rank of a 8th dan.
§ ERROR: to contact Martin Spring, do not use the other email given in
issue #3, use springmartin@hotmail.com (his boss will be happy). note
from Kamaemail
§ A group of 9 persons: 5 french, 2 english, 1 swedish, 1 romanian recorded
a video at the honbu Dojo at the end of april with Hatsumi sensei. The
theme of this video is Budo vs combat sports. The title will be "Budo
no Honshitsu" the essence of Budo. This new video should be available
with english subtitles in june at Solkan Europe solkan@wanadoo.fr
§ There are about 7-8 dojo in Romania for the moment, people are more
interested in real surviving then martial arts training, because to the
very low level of economy ( $ 50-60 / month ). They are few but most of
them are very serious and very dedicated to their art. We just had our
national seminar where the theme was Koto Ryu Koppo jutsu, Kihon Happo
with the Gikan feeling, Bikenjutsu. There were more then 50 budoka at
this seminar. A real success ! - Cristian Laiber, Romania, crisl@softhome.net
§ Hatsumi Sensei bought the field by his house in the countryside. He
is planning seriously to build a new Dojo there bigger than the Honbu
Dojo in Atago.
§ Murray Taylor presents his range of Bujinkan jewellery and artifacts
Please visit him on www.mtjeweller.co.uk/bujinkan
§ The theme this year includes the study of Ninjato. Hatsumi Sensei has
some Ninjato available for sale to the people going to Noda, ask him.
The blade is very nice and the sword well balanced.
§ After 3 issues of Kamaemail we are 419 readers. Spread the news! Send
it today to all your friends in the Bujinkan!
§ We are looking for people sending to Kamaemail, informations from their
area on a regular basis. If you wish to become an official source of information
for Kamaemail in your country or in your city, tell us. Please, tell who
you are: city, country, dan grade, length of training, job etc. Thank
you for your help.
§ If you read french, ask for your copy of "Bujinmail" another newsletter
in french at Bujinmail@wanadoo.fr
§ It is with great pleasure to announce of our new site location at www.bufuikan.com
and our new email at bufuikan@bufuikan.com Please update your files for
future reference and use. I hope you will find the site informative and
pleasurable. We would welcome any comments regarding the site. The old
site will stay active for interested people who are not aware of this
change yet. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to
contact us. Eddie Divantman Shidoshi Bujinkan Bufu Ikan Dojo Shibu Cho
bufuikan@interlog.com http://www.interlog.com/~bufuikan
§ LAST MESSAGE FROM THE HOLLAND TAIKAI ORGANIZERS
Please forward this to all your students, friends and maybe yourself.
If you have got a confirmation by mail or e-mail from me that your place
is secured, so don't take this personally but please pass this message
on. There are NO places left at the Holland Taikai. Until today I still
receive e-mails, letters and phone calls from many people, BUT there are
absolute NO places left for anybody undepending grade, country etc. etc.
I'm sorry for all of you who like to attend the Taikai. Please understand
and respect this, there are no possibilities to do anything for anyone
no more. Everybody have had the same info and changes, so please do not
use grades, circumstances or other excuses because there is not a single
place left. But there is one more Taikai this year in the States in August,
so please contact Bud and Bonnie Malmstrom or if you can't come this year;
there is a Taikai in Paris next year in march (contact Arnaud Cousergue).
Mariette van der Vliet.
§ I would like my website posted on your e-zine. It's url is: http://members.xoom.com/spiritual2me
Thank you, David K. Martin.
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~~~~NEXT SEMINARS~~~~
Send us informations about the seminars you organise, we will put the
information in this section. Please precise city and country.
§ MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - 22nd, 23rd & 24th april 2000 - SHI TENNO SEMINAR
with Pedro, Peter, Sven and Arnaud 11th dan. Theme: Koppo Jutsu. Cost:
550 FF for the three days. More details: Franįois Bideau mt2i@hotmail.com
or phone +33 4 67 52 00 28. Informations in english, spanish and french
at www.mt2i.com/bujinkan/index.html
§ FRANKFURT - GERMANY 29th 30th april 2000 - Seminar with Sveneric Bogsäter
- Taikai co-organizer Holland - in Dojo Dietzenbach/ Frankfurt Germany
sf-panda@t-online.de
§ April 29 & 30, 2000: The Kyo Rei Bujinkan Dojo is hosting a seminar
with master teacher BUD MALMSTROM. Seminar Highlights: Topic: Fundamentals
of correct movement and how it relates to combat. Lunch with Shidoshi
Malmstrom at seminar site on April 30. Cost: For both days; $80 in advance,
$95 at the door. For Saturday, April 29 (one training session) $35. For
Sunday April 30 (two training sessions) $70. Location: Alexander Hamilton
High School in Elmsford, New York. For any other information, please contact:
Warren B.Young, 20 South Lawrence Ave. Elmsford, NY 10523 - PHONE 914-345-3465
- FAX 914-592-0112 - E-MAIL: koku@ix.netcom.com
§ APRIL 30th. DALLAS. A full contact stick fighting seminar will be at
the Art of Combat Academy during the Kamiyama Ninpo Happo Biken Dojo class.
Class will conduct short and long stick combat fighting with little or
no protection or armor. The fighting class will cover standing and ground
fighting with these weapons. Must register by April 15th. Ralph Severe,
black belt, USA, info@artofcombat.com www.artofcombat.com
§ MAY THE 6th: The Birmingham Bujinkan Dojo is going to be hosting a seminar
with Wade Goodner, on May the 6th. Wade is a Shidoshi in the Bujinkan
Dojo. He has been training in this art for some sixteen years or so. He
was also fortunate enough to be able to live in Japan for five years so
he could study personaly with Hatsumi Soke and many of the Japanese Shihan
instructors. The theme will be on Koppojutsu. This seminar will be an
excellent opportunity to get a preview for what sort of things we may
see at the Tai Kai this year in Atlanta. For more information, please
contact me by e-mail, and I will be glad to pass on more information as
it becomes available. Lee Drew Birmingham Bujinkan Dojo.
§ MAY 2000, 6/7: BUJINKAN KOPPO JUTSU SEMINAR, by Carlos Morales (11 Dan)
in Barcelona. Price: 6.000 pts (for instructor class add 2.000 pts more)
Please for more information about special instructor prices and for registration
contact to Fernando Aixa - Fernando.Aixa@upc.es -
§ 28th May 2000: First time in the UK directly from Japan... Mark O'Brien
9th Dan. - Memorial Hall - Newmarket - 10 am to 5 pm. GBP 15. Contact
Wayne Waterlow on Ph: 01842 - 815622 for booking or details.
§ MAY 28th. DALLAS. A seminar will be given on knife skills standing and
ground combat methods at the Art of Combat Academy during the Kamiyama
Ninpo Happo Biken Dojo class on the 28th of May, 2000. Must register by
May 15th. Ralph Severe, black belt, USA, info@artofcombat.com www.artofcombat.com
§ 27 & 28 MAY. Brin Morgan has announced that he will be arriving here
for a seminar on his way back from Japan. The seminar will be on Sat and
Sun 27th and 28th May at the University of Newcastle ( 2 hrs north of
Sydney ). Anyone interested in attending can contact Mike Tattoli at Ninjutsuacademy@bigpond.com.au
§ MAY 30 Place: Badalona/Barcelona - Profesores/Teachers: Daniel Hernández(Argentina)
- Clase de 3 horas - Info: Francisco Roldán . Tel. 93 3994728
§ TAIKAI HOLLAND 1st, 2nd & 3rd JUNE 2000: There will be only one Taikai
this year so do not miss this opportunity to train with Soke Hatsumi.
For general information look at http://bujinkan.com or email at m.vliet@home.NL
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~~~~SELF DEFENCE OR DEFENCE OF THE SELF? ~~~~
Recently I was asked what was my understanding of Self Defense. In most
people's minds this conjures up the image of a physical reaction to a
possible violent confrontation. So they learn through an expert !!! or
someone else, in the short term how to deal with this situation. They
become competent and effective in physical defense techniques and skills.
But if they haven't addressed the real reason why they learnt this skill
in the first place, then all will be in vain. The most common reason why
people learn these skills are because they feel threatened, intimidated,
insecure, harassed or bullied in certain situations and / or environments.
For the moment I'll leave out having been physically assaulted.
The question one must ask oneself is, if after all this training, one
still feels the same way under the same conditions. And if one can only
respond in a physical manner, be it more efficiently, then there must
be something else. That something for me is the philosophy I term " Defence
of the Self " .
By that I mean- to be balanced, mentally, emotionally and physically,
through which PEACE OF MIND is possible, a quality we all strive for.
It's our thoughts, feelings or emotions that motivates us into physical
action. So if we can control what we think, we then have an influence
on our physical interactions.
I'm sure that you yourself know of people that are excellent fighters
(street fighters or self defense instructors) but if they have only one
way to handle things, the physical way or the threat of same., then what's
happens is physical . "What one thinks about comes about".
There are other strategies that one may apply to forestall an invasion
of the SELF.
BOUNDARY- SETTING
Your boundaries are the lines that when crossed create a feeling or discomfort
that you feel uncomfortable. For instance physical boundaries could be
someone standing too close, intruding into your personal space or touching
in an inappropriate manner. Invisible boundaries could be asking intrusive
questions, using offensive language, etc.
By establishing your personal boundaries it will enable you to handle
anyone who fails to treat you with respect, i.e. co-workers, difficult
date, nosey neighbor, life partner, bullies, or the manipulative predator,
in an appropriate manner.
What are your personal boundaries ? if you don't know them, then how will
others.
DE-ESCALATION SKILLS
Is about stopping a verbal confrontation from boiling over into a physical
one. So turn down the heat. Stay objective, remember your pride and ego
are your worst enemies here ?.
STAY CALM,
1. Maintain eye contact (Not as a challenge) 2. Check body language (assertive)
3. Keep hands free with palms open towards the other person. 4.Check the
distance (Personal space) 5. Refrain from antagonizing, threatening or
giving ultimatums.
LISTEN
1.To what they are saying. 2. What do they really want, 3. are they just
blowing off steam, 4. are they right. 5. Check the distance. 6. Watch
the danger signals, is the voice getting higher and talking quicker. 7.
Remain in control.
SHOW NO FEAR
1. Hold your ground. 2.Speak slowly and evenly. 3. Ensure body language
matches verbal tonality.
COMMUNICATE CLEARLY
1. Keep commands simple, make it clear what you do or do not want. 2.
Open with something like " I understand your concerns.(but close with
a definite statement).but step aside". 3. Ensure you use command tonality
(mean it). 4. Mind-set yourself for possible violent outcome. 5. Mentally
prepare for the worst.
VERBAL SKILLS
1. Are more effective when other people are around (in ear shot). 2. Use
short to the point commands, "stop"," back off", "get out". 3. Leave no
room for discussion or don't try to justify yourself. 4. Back up verbal
command with appropriate body language. 5. Keep repeating your verbal
command louder and stronger. 6. Mentally prepare for the worst.
INTUITION
1. Listen to your intuition i.e. gut feelings, suspicion, apprehension
or hunches and act on them. 2. Do not rationalize.
We know that to maintain physical health one must feed the body a nutritious
well balanced diet and take appropriate exercise. But what mental food
do we feed the MIND. Do we feed our fears and self imposed limitations,
fear of failure, success, rejection, change or injury. And by doing so
stay in the comfort zone. Remember "if you always do what you have always
done you'll be where you always were". If you want to change, move forward,
you must break the cycle. Our fears holds us back, what we focus on (think
about) we give energy, life and power.
In order to change this negative emotion in the subconscious, one must
replace it with a stronger positive one, perhaps one of love or desire.
By confronting our personal fears and with the aid of affirmations ("I
can do this", "I have health" etc), visualization techniques (seeing yourself
completing you goal) and focusing only on what you need or want you can
accomplish any positive goal you set for yourself. Our fears holds us
back in the status quo but it's our desires that drives us forward in
all we can be. Bear in mind again, what you think about, comes about.
PEACE OF MIND for me is to keep all aspects of life in balance, family,
work, budo, social and relationships. For if there is an imbalance in
one (too much or not enough) through choice, demand, neglect or ignorance,
(A disturbance in the force so to speak), there will be a detrimental
domino effect on the rest, which in turn comes full circle to effect your
chosen goal.
In today's fast paced life style do you run your life or does everyday
life run you!!. We are all part of the human race. But we can participate
in the human RACE at our own pace and become a human "being", rather that
a human "doing"
I will leave you with some quotes as food for the mind.Mr Henry Ford (automobiles)
once said something to the effect "If you think you can or think you can't,
you are right".
When Hatsumi Sensei spoke of his work in medicine he said " the highest
form of healing is to raise the spirit of the person".
My friend Jack Hoban from USA sometime ago gave me a card titled "A Warriors
Creed" by Dr Robert L. Humphrey, it reads:
Wherever I go, everyone is a little bit safer.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
I also ask you read or reread Hatsumi Sensei's preface in his book titled
"Ninjutsu, History and tradition (ISBN 0-86568-027-2) fist published in
1981 by Unique Publications were he speaks of jihi no kokoro (benevolent
heart). And in the same book on page 3 Sensei's teacher the late Toshitsugu
Takamatsu's essay on the essence of Ninjutsu.
So Nurture and protect your heart and mental integrity.
Steve Byrne, 10th dan, Dublin, Ireland - skibyrne@indigo.ie
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~~~~DISTANCE & INTERVAL ~~~~
I am really grateful to Hatsumi Sensei for all that he has given me over
the years, because, as bad a student as I am, I think the training is
finally starting to pay off for me. I have had some insights recently
that have truly allowed the budo to become even more inspiring and useful
(and fun).
And I am very happy that Hatsumi Sensei has cared enough to bear with
me for so long. I have been thinking a lot about how he has been teaching
us and realize that I haven't been listening very well. Now I know what
he means about a dojo being a place for penance. It is not only to ask
forgiveness for the bad things we have done in general, but to ask for
forgiveness, specifically, of our teacher to whom we never listen well
enough.
The bottom line is that this year I have had to change my entire view
about taijutsu from one of "technique" to one of "distance and interval."
But of course this secret was before my eyes all the time. Hatsumi Sensei
even
named the Quest video series "The Art of Distance." But I didn't listen.
But I am starting to. Truly, technique (the thing many of us worry the
most about in martial arts) is really not supremely important. At least
in this sense: you can have perfect distance, but if you are in the wrong
place
at the wrong time, you still might fail. Yet, even with less than perfect
technique, a person with good distance can succeed.
And doesn't this principle seem to apply in other aspects of life, as
well?
Aren't there people who you should be closer to than you are? And, isn't
it possible to be too close to someone? Actually there is such a thing,
depending on the person and situation, as the "right" distance--not too
close, not to far. But it's hard to measure, it's not a "technique;" it's
a "feeling."
I think it can be a "three-dimensional" thing as well. It isn't right
to act too far "above" somebody, or be treated too far "below" someone
else. We talk about the fellow who is "too good to be true." He says and
does the
right thing, dresses right, has the right job, car and everything. Yet
he doesn't seem "authentic" somehow. We all have encountered that kind
of person, haven't we? And then there is the guy who might not do everything
quite right, but people like and respect him. Why? Because his "heart
is in the right place." Could that be the secret of martial arts? Having
your heart in the right place. Think about it.
And proper distancing is also a process--a very DYNAMIC process (always
changing). Actually, I have started to use the word "relationship." (Even
though people who have known me a long time are starting to giggle and
point at me). But relationships, marriages, for example, are VERY dynamic.
They are always changing and adjusting. Rarely is it smooth going for
very long without the need for realignment--or maybe even catastrophic
change! Can anybody think of a better word than "relationship" to describe
this?
People are thinking that I'm turning into a marriage counselor.
Last year I used as my personal training theme the word "commitment."
This year, let's make a commitment to work on our "relationships" so that
the "distances" between us are "just right." Let's call this year, the
Year of Relationships. Let's concentrate, particularly, on the relationships
between us, those ones that we are put on Earth to defend, and those who
would do harm. But, let's also reconsider all of our relationships.
One last thing about the training. Last year we worked on Kukishinden
Ryu. This year it looks like we will be studying the Koppojutsu of Gyokushin
Ryu Ninjutsu, Gikkan ryu, and Koto Ryu. But let's not forget the relationship
between these ryu and the Bujinkan. They are merely ingredients of the
martial art that is now Bujinkan. It is important to realize that in this
era, the whole is quite more than the sum of the parts. We are all
enrolled in a "doctorate program" in martial arts under a true Master.
Now is the time for us to start thinking like true professionals. We must
live the art, evolve with it. This is our destiny; and it is our good
fortune to be
born at this time and have the privilege to train under this teacher--Hatsumi.
By the way, many of you know that my mentor, Dr. Humphrey received a posthumous
10th dan in the Bujinkan. His name and grade are written on a little plaque
of wood that hangs on the rank board in the Hombu Dojo in
Noda. Humphrey's Life Values Theory and "Warrior Creed" are also officially
authorized for inclusion in Bujinkan instruction. When I was at the Hombu
Dojo in December, I noticed that somehow my little plaque of wood got
moved so that it hangs directly beneath Dr. Humphrey's. I am very comfortable
with that relationship. If you are not familiar with Dr. Humphrey, you
might want to check out the Life Values Institute Home Page and the Warrior
Creed It can be found at www.lifevalues.com.
Well, Buyu, let's have another great year, or should I say, century! Keep
going!
Jack Hoban, 12th dan, USA, jack@livingvalues.com
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~~~~KOPPO JUTSU~~~~
Each time I train at the Honbu I feel lost. This time was not different!
The theme of this year is Koppo Jutsu. For me Koppo Jutsu was the breaking
of bones with bare hands. Hatsumi Sensei changed that into something impossible
to transmit through words. I will use a few comparisons to have you understand
what I experienced while I was in Japan.
We all know about the Ten Chi Jin principles. If you accept that:
Ten is the body movements,
Chi is the techniques you can do when you are at the good distance,
Jin is the mix of body movement and techniques.
If you accept that:
Ten movements are used to break the distance
Chi techniques to break your Uke
Jin are the techniques from the different schools
Now if you take a technique like Batsugi (Koto Ryu). We know that this
technique is uke nagashi ura, uke nagashi ura + omote gyaku. The two uke
nagashi are Ten; the omote gyaku is Chi. The mix of these two parts is
Jin. Understand that by following the sequence you are not practicing
"Koppo jutsu", you are merely trying to do a pre-established set of mechanical
movements. But if you use the sequence as a starting point for making
your taijutsu alive then it becomes Koppo jutsu. The next step is to do
batsugi by changing the ura in omote and the omote gyaku in another basic
technique. If Uke grabs you instead of throwing the second fist then you
can throw instead of twisting the wrist or even apply a shime waza.
After exploring the various (and endless) possibilities of this movement
you begin to grab the essence of the movement. The idea hidden behind
the form, the natural aspect of batsugi. This is something beyond the
mechanics of your own body, something existing without any pre-conceived
thinking. The last step for reaching an even deeper understanding of Koppo
jutsu will be the use of all the weapons you can to make this batsugi
alive. you will use the different sizes to explore with your legs and
body all the angles and opportunity, whether it is against someone armed
or not.
One year, we studied the "soft" movements of Shinden Fudo Ryu; the year
after we studied the "hard" movements of Kukishinden Ryu this year we
had the "no-movement" state where Kyojitsu is the rule and adaptiveness
a reality.
Arnaud Cousergue, 12th Dan - Paris, France - solkan@wanadoo.fr
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~~~~GROWING TOGETHER ~~~~
This email was sent by Paul Hume from Texas to Arnaud Cousergue, after
the last article in kamaemail 3.
I know it has been a while since you last heard from me. The hospital
rounds and research has kept me busy. I was reading the Kamaemail...I
am so happy that this is in existence for all persons who are serious
about training.
I told all of my students that I HIGHLY recommended that they keep abreast
of the Bujinkan with the RIGHT information. It's not enough to have people
follow someone blindly. They need to get active, take their own initiative
and seek these answer from their own experience (i.e. training with Soke).
All of my devoted students (including myself) have sent money for the
Holland Tai Kai. We have our tickets. I'm so excited that they have taken
this step in their training. I feel personally that if a student hasn't
the drive to get to Japan to train, then it's a waist of time. Tai Kais
are good, but training in Japan with Hatsumi sensei is so vital! I appreciate
your wisdom and how candidly you express the true essence of the Bujinkan.
You wrote that you had a "bad time" your last trip. Of course, I know
that there is a very good thing in recognizing a "bad time". That's true
learning. I had the best time in Japan (even though I felt like trash
everytime I tried to imitate sensei). I had the great fortune to actually
get to know you. Even though we only met briefly at the Italian Tai Kai,
you made me feel so at home in your presence. And of course with Marie,
Siad, Francois, Fernando and Alex (excuse me if I spell these names wrong),
I truly felt like i was with family. I readily recognized that America
had been lagging behind in their development. Too much focus is being
placed on who is supposedly in charge of what territory and who is what
Dan grade.
But if everyone was listening to Sensei they wouldn't be confused about
this. They hear what they want to hear and this make confusion. Every
night during the Daikomyosai I would reflect on what Soke Hatsumi was
saying and what you would tell me. I knew you were correct...it shows
so clearly in your heart. I want so much for America to grow up. Not that
there aren't some mature and qualified instructors here. But the unity
and the heart...it needs growing.
I wish for everyone to be able to get together and feel like I felt when
I was in Japan this past december... Dan grades didn't matter. We were
training and growing TOGETHER. It makes the Bujinkan so much stronger
when we do what Sensei says (surprising?). Please feel free to post this
in Kamaemail.
your friend
Paul Hume, Galveston, TX. USA (6th Dan), pahume@utmb.edu
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~~~~LIVING LIKE A BABY~~~~
Babies, between 0 and 3 years of age, donīt know the concept of time and
distance.
A baby doesnīt know words like " tomorrow " or " behind". All in his mind
is in the same space, as if he (or she) was watching a movie in a theater.
It is for that reason, that when you take a baby in your arms, when he
sees the light on the ceiling he extends his arm, trying to touch it.
For him, the light was near his face.
Itīs the same when the baby has 3 years old, my little daughter ask me
one time: "Papa, when are we going to the beach?" I said " Tomorrow" and
she replied astonished "TOMORROW ?".
We, the supposed civilised world, have put measures to time and to space,
and with these measures, stress have come. We take measures with our ego,
for our instinct of possessing everything, includes all that we cannot
possess, the time and the space, at the end the life.
This is the reason why Soke's Budo is wonderful. With the free movement
of the body you discover again that the concept of time and distance disappear,
you feel like a baby, you are sanshin.
Why is free the movement of your body? because you move trying to protect
your life or the life of the people around, you are not thinking what
type of distance you must take or how many times you are going to use,
if you do this in a real time, maybe you are dead. You must be like a
baby star, flowing in space, using the nagare feeling, the feeling of
the water from the top of the mountain, going down to the sea.
In other words, you cannot discover this if you do not have before a clear
feeling of the distance and timing and in budo the best way for this is
across the training because you use the body and different weapons (short
and long).
This is like ying and yang, you must know all the different distances
and timings but donīt get caught by them, you must be like a baby (sanshin)
but live like an adult.
Take care, the martial arts are for protecting yourself of your own mistakes.
Carlos Morales, 11th dan, Lanzarote (spain) - tooryu@teleline.es
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~~~~NINPO KOKORO ASSOCIATION~~~~
Today I like to introduce you the Ninpo Kokoro Association, itīs purpose,
aim and goals. Otherwise it would not be done since Nona likes to stay
"undercover". Furthermore what now will be said here by me she never would
do about herself.
The idea was given birth by Nona Simakis on 01.02.2000 and it literally
rose like a phoenix from ash. The ash was the Ninpo Association founded
3 years ago by Nona also. Itīs main aim was to bring together the different
Dojos all over the world so their members could train in friendship and
get to know each other better. She organized many seminars with different
Shidoshi so to establish a regular training on highest level and to provide
a continues learning progress for the members of the Ninpo and other Bujinkan
fellows with a pure heart. The success speaks for itself since many reached
high level rankings due to this not to forget the deep friendships that
where being build over the time. Furthemore it should be ensured that
all members had access to all the knowledge that is available in the Bujinkan
and to make clear that there are no secrets in the Bujinkan. So the instructors
and members opened up their files and shared the knowldge and wisdom with
others.
The personal ego and power over others should be kicked out of the Bujinkan.
It is now time to join one big family ? the Bujinkan by Hatsumi sensei.
Hatsumi got an award as a high-class martial artist from the
japanese cultural ministry and we should show him respect for his passion
in teaching, knowledge and wisdom which he gives us like a present almost
everyday. The Bujinkan martial arts are one of the finest, purest and
most realistic which can be found on his planet. So we should start to
behave according to this and stop the fighting against each other only
making things worse.
The Ninpo Kokoro Association like to go one step further with helping
people on this planet who now need warriors who fight for them. Nona chose
the children in Brazil who are forced into prostitution and being criminals
simply because of being poor. Children in general are our future so we
have to think ahead and use our talents as ninjas to protect it. The help
mainly comes from financial aids of itīs members as well as other martial
artist as taekwondo etc. We even have non-martial artists as famous book
authors who devote some of their fees to this project to assist in help.
An other way are seminars with shidoshi who give charity seminars and
spend the training fees to secure first class help. We got some noble
shidoshi who are ready in assisting this. We like to adress you all out
there regardless of rank to think about how you could help. Maybe we can
have some more shidoshi or shihan giving seminars to spread the idea fast.
It is our future and our respect for Hatsumi sensei in doing this.
If you need more informations on the project or the Ninpo Kokoro Assocation
please do not hesitate to contact Nona Simakis under ninpodragon@t-online.de
Oliver Muenstedt / Berlin - oliver.muenstedt@brangs-heinrich.de
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~~~~SHIKIN HARAMITSU DAIKOMYO ~~~~
I did this a while ago now but it might be interesting for inclusion in
the newsletter - especially if someone else can add to it a bit more understanding
of the philosophy of the buddhist side of things:
Shikin Harimitsu Daikomyo - some background, care of a friend of mine
in NZ who teaches Japanese and was doing a Master's Degree in Comparitive
Religons of Japan (its from him and some of his texts).
Shikin - this is pure mundra - no literal meaning but said for the "power"
of the sound / word - to empower the prayer
Harimitsu - this is Japanese for the sanscrit work Paramitas and comes
from Mahayana buddism - more below
Daikomyo - lit. Big Sunlight Bright - shine upon - light up - etc etc
- the paramitas
Paramitas {pa(-)ramita(-)s}
The 6 paramitas are the 6 practises required of Mahayana bodhisattvas
in order to attain Buddhahood. The Sanskrit word paramita means "perfection"
or "having reached the opposite shore," that is, to cross from the shore
of delusion to the shore of enlightenment. The six paramitas are;
1) almsgiving which includes material almsgiving, the almsgiving of the
Law and the almsgiving of fearlessness;
2) keeping the precepts (more on these next time)
3) forbearance, or to bear up patiently under all opposition and hardships
that arises to obstruct one's practice;
4) assiduousness, or to ceaselessly practice the other five paramitas
with one's utmost physical and spiritual effort;
5) meditation, or to focus one's mind and contemplate the truth with a
tranquil heart; and
6) the obtaining of wisdom, which enables one to perceive the true nature
of all things.
Anthony Brien, Australia (living in Tokyo), abrien@gol.com
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~~~~TECHNICAL TIPS~~~~
§ TEPPAN: Hatsumi Sensei is teaching many techniques these days using
the Teppan. Teppan is a sort of non cuting squared Shuriken made of steel.
The size is about 10 cm. If you do not know how to build this new weapon,
the best is to go to your favorite bar and ask for a pack of these cardboard
they put under the glass. The size is good and it is very cheap as they
are given to bartenders by the brewers. You do not need to drink to get
these Teppan!
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~~~~FORUM~~~~
What does Ten Chi Jin mean for you in your daily training? in your life?"
In my opinion all martial arts and all martial attitudes are based in
a way or another on that Ten Chi Jin principle. You can find that in everything
but I will not try to explain that with words. The true meanings are always
above the simple words. We can say a lot of words but that may be enough
just for our intelect, and not for real feeling. Let's remember that Soke
always point out that Bujinkan Budo is " kokoro no budo ".
For me, TEN is the right hand and CHI is the left hand ...JIN is nothing
else then the sound made by clapping both hands.... JIN is much more than
just TEN and CHI...
Cristian Laiber, Shidoshi Ho, Bujinkan Romania - crisl@softhome.net -
http://bujinkan.xrs.net
Ten Chi Jin, who refer to the principles of Heaven, Earth and Man, have,
for me, many levels and varying layers of understanding. In terms of training
and of life, they give me clues on how to categorize and analyze particular
situations. If you look at them as an equation for example : Jin = Chi
+ Ten + x.
This is to say that Jin is always a combination of at least Chi and Ten.
Therefore, when you try to understand something (why your punch does not
make contact or why you are unable to get a person to understand a family
problem, or.), look for the possible Ten and Chi elements of the equation.
Sequence the problems, isolate the components.
We all know that Ten can mean height (eg Ten tobi) or upper body or vertical
axis, but we need to put things in perspective. It could very well be
applied to hierarchy. Think of Jonin, Chunin and Genin. The Genin is the
man for the job, and he better have his feet firmly on the ground. The
Jonin on the other hand is more concerned with global vision and riding
the winds (political and so on). The Chunin is in that sense a go-between
(not just ensuring the security of the Jonin). If you examine human relationships
in that way, then from the particular concerns or reactions of an individual,
you may learn to read that person. And without losing sight of the Ten
and Chi elements, try to understand the Jin. And only then work to define
the best compromise, or the most appropriate gesture or the proper wording,
or the proper time for asking a question..
Marc Dillembourg - Belgium - marchantal@freegates.be
Theme for next month: "Why is pain so present in our way of training?"
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~~~~VIDEOS~~~~
§ Bujinkan videos with Sveneric Bogsater available: Year of Kukishinden
ryu E 36.30, Kukishin ryu hanbojutsu and jojutsu E 29.50, knife and pistol
fighting E 29.50, Traditional weekend seminar Bochum 1998 E 19.97
more information at www.tatsujin.demon.nl or e-mail to sanne@tatsujin.demon.nl
§ Seminar with Jack Hoban and Mariette v/d Vliet E 29.50
more information at www.tatsujin.demon.nl or e-mail to sanne@tatsujin.demon.nl
§ NEW VIDEOS FROM JAPAN: DAIKOMYOSAI 99 Kukishinden Ryu by HATSUMI Sensei
With english translations. Three tapes: 259 FF/each. solkan@wanadoo.fr
§ Video discount Pack: 4 videos at a special price
Kihon Happo (french with A. Cousergue)
+ Advanced Kihon Happo (english with Hatsumi Sensei)
+ Torite Kihon (japanese with Hatsumi Sensei)
+ Kobudo no Kihon (english subtitles with Hatsumi Sensei)
Normal price: 956 FF >>>> discount price available until the end of april:
799 FF If you are interested contact Solkan Europe at solkan@wanadoo.fr
§ Daikomyosai 1998 Shinden Fudo Ryu by Hatsumi Sensei. Three tapes: 259
FF/each. solkan@wanadoo.fr
§ Save money, get your Quest videos from Solkan Europe, the official distributor
in Europe for Quest videos. Ask for your free Video catalog 2000 at solkan@wanadoo.fr
with more than 50 titles in Pal, Secam and Ntsc on Budo Taijutsu and other
martial arts.
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~~~~BOOKS~~~~
§ If you read french (?) you can get the Bujinkan France Technical Program:
PROTEK for 350 FF at solkan@wanadoo.fr
The PROTEK includes all the techniques of the Ten Chi Jin Ryaku no Maki
plus hundreds of pictures in B/W.
§ "Ninpo: Wisdom for Life" a wonderful book by Masaaki Hatsumi - Masaaki
Hatsumi, shares with the reader his philosophy of the martial arts. This
book was available only in the Japanese "Hiden Togakure Ryu Ninpo" and
is now available for the first time in English. Authorized by Hatsumi
sensei himself, these five chapters (185 pgs), full-color cover, paperback
(the color cover is similiar to 'Essence of Ninjutsu') will provide you
with many hours of reading and insight. John Lindsey of e-Budo fame, has
reviewed this wonderful book at: http://www.e-budo.com/wisdom.htm . If
you are interested in purchasing it, go to the web site and follow the
Special Offer link (for US residents only!). Ninpo: Wisdom for Life http://www.kihon.com/ninpo/
Joe Maurantonio (Editor).
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