Kamaemail archive, issue six
KAMAEMAIL
April 2001 issue 6 volume 2
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~~~~~IN THIS ISSUE~~~~
a.. KAMAEMAIL ISSUE 7
b.. WHAT'S NEW?
c.. NEXT SEMINARS
d.. LET YOUR BRAIN OUTSIDE by Cavin PIETZSCH
e.. CHAOS/DISORDER by Pete REYNOLDS
f.. NATURE DOES NOT THINK by Arnaud COUSERGUE
g.. BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY WINTER SESSION by Eric COLLINET
h.. THE 6th BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY by Ruairi QUINN
i.. NEWS FROM HONBU by Pete REYNOLDS
j.. MARTIAL THOUGHT by Peter KING
k.. TAIKAI NORWAY 2002 by Elias KRZYWACKI
l.. PERSONAL INSIGHT by P-H STEYT
m.. VIDEOS AND BOOKS
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~~~~KAMAEMAIL issue 7~~~~
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).
i
deaskamae@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?~~~~
§ 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! On October the 12th of 1492 mankind discovered that the world was
round... 500 years later Hatsumi Sensei will show you that there are so
many things still to discover... Year 2001. The 21st century begins by
sharing with Soke Hatsumi, the experience of a more than 1200 year old
tradition: THE ART OF KOSSHI JUTSU. Don't miss the opportunity to witness
the blending of two traditions: the "Old Europe" one and that one of the
land of the "Raising Sun". Two civilizations linked by a common bond:
BUJINKAN DOJO MARTIAL ARTS.
Taikai hosted by Jesús Eguía, Virgen de Navahonda, 8; 29600 Marbella Malaga;
Spain. Reservation on receipt of 50 % of total. Do not forget to put your
name on transfer or deposit. Last day for registration: july 25, 2001.
More info:
Tel. (+34)629 284 200 mobil phone (10.00 to 24.00 spanish time) - Tel.(+34)952
866 021 (15.00 to 16.30 / 22.00 to 24.00 spanish time)
Fax.(+34)95 277 33 64 - e-mail. Eguiakbk@teleline.es - http://taikaimadrid.eguiakbk.com/Bienvenido2.htm
§ "the 15 dan grades in the bujinkan represent the 3 cycles of Ten, Chi
and Jin. This is another Sanshin no Kata" Hatsumi sensei to Arnaud Cousergue
arnaud@budomart.com
§ Bujinkan Dojo Brussels recently launched its new website (http://brussels.dojo.bujinkan.cx)
- in the process, our e-mail address changed as well : you may now reach
us at bujinkan.brussels@pi.be.
§ 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
§ Nagato Sensei recently repeated that Kihon Happo were very important
in the Bujinkan and that they should be studied at every training session.
§ 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.
§ "There is a possible link between the Kukishinden Ryu and Babylon!"
Hatsumi sensei.
§ 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
§ "The theme for the year 2002 will be Jutaijutsu from all the schools".
Hatsumi Sensei.
§ Luis Bernal from Bujinkan Dojo de El Salvador sent a message recently
saying that after four earthquakes he was able to communicate with his
friends in the Bujinkan. His computer was trapped into the building. He
would like to receive news from his Buyu from all over the world. Please
send an email to support him to luisrbernal@yahoo.com. A. Cousergue
§ Did some interesting sword stuff with Someya, he explained that it isn't
easy to cut someone with a sword - it can bounce off! Which increases
your chance of doing mutodori. by Alex Meehan alexm@iol.ie
§ Our instructor (under Shihan Pedro Fleitas) Rafael Franco received his
GO DAN!! He passed the Sakki Test last February in Japan and was excellent!
Please if you can put a congratulation to him in your next Newsletter
this will be appreciated! In name of his students in Caracas, Venezuela.
Colmenares Dávila Zulay Virginia zuvicoda@cantv.net
§ Last month we ask for Tim's email. He is now teaching Bujinkan techniques
in Tokyo timbath@gol.com
§ New telephone number of DOJO SANTA CATARINA BRASIL: 47 3265942
SHIDOSHI HO FABRICIO VEGINI - 02 - DAN - BLUMENAU /SC - BRASIL - Rua Paulo
Simeão Silva Nr 46 - Velha - Blumenau / SC
CEP: 89041 - 340 - 47 99919307 / 3265942 - fvegini@zaz.com.br
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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.
§ 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 8th - WALES - David Evans 9th Dan Shihan & Alfredo Castan 7th
Dan Shidoshi NINPO TAIJUTSU Sunday 8th April 2001 12 am - 5 pm Ruthin
Dance Studio (opposite to Citroen Garage) Well St Ruthin, North Wales
- Contact Alfredo 07971 748 361 or e-mail - http://web.ukonline.co.uk/goldenshield/INDEX.htm
§ APRIL 12 &13 DENMARK - NYKØBING FALSTER - BUYU KAI DENMARK - 13 INSTRUCTORS
TEACHING - More info http://home19.inet.tele.dk/bujinkan - Michael Schjerling:
fudoshin@events.dk
§ APRIL 20th to 22nd - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE - YARI & KEN
- More info arnoyari@budomart.com
§ APRIL 26th 28th 29th PEDRO GOMEZ SEMINAR 10th Dan Shihan One Week training
Tuesday: Boys Scout Hall, Church St. Sandbach. Thursday: Coppenhall Sports
Centre Crewe. Saturday & Sunday NINPO TAIJUTSU - REIKI TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Levels 1 & 2 (optional) After 4pm. At Sandbach Boys Scouts Hall, Chapel
St, Sandbach, Cheshire. Please advise us ASAP of your intentions to attend
so that we can reserve your place for the buffet, arrange accommodation
details and Reiki if necessary. Contact Alfredo 07971 748 361 or e-mail
- http://web.ukonline.co.uk/goldenshield/INDEX.htm
§ MAY 5 & 6 GERMANY - LEIPZIG - KOSTAS KANAKIS - Theme: Gyokko Ryu Jo
Ryaku no Maki. Info: Nico Richter rinic@web.de
§ MAY 12th & 13th - IRELAND - DUBLIN - JACK HOBAN - Bujinkan Ireland and
Shidoshi Steve Byrne are proud to present Shihan Jack Hoban for a two
day seminar on May 12th/13th 2001 in Dublin. As of now, the venue is not
confirmed, but further information will be made available on the Bujinkan
Ireland website at www.bujinkan.ie
§ MAY 12 &13 - SLOVENIA - LJUBLJANA - SVENERIC BOGSÄTER 13. DAN - Theme:
GYOKKO RYU KOSHIJUTSU & DAISHO SABAKI. More info at andrej.budoarts@siol.net
web:http://www.infonet.si/ostali/Luka/ninpo.htm Dojo cho ANDREJ JASENC
Shidoshi Ho
Bujinkan Ninpo Dojo Slovenija http://www.infonet.si/ostali/Luka/ninpo.htm
§ MAY 12, 13 & 14 - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE - Theme: JAPAN 2001
TECHNIQUES (3 days) - More info arnojapan@budomart.com
§ MAY, 19.-20. GERMANY - MUNICH - Juan Manuel SERRANO - Gyokku Ryu Kosshijutsu,
Shishinbo. More info: http://www.bujinkan-dojo.de/html/seminare.html -
roberterhardt@bujinkan-dojo.de
§ MAY 26 & 27 - DENMARK - COPENHAGEN - SVENERIC BOGSATER, 13. DAN - Theme:
Kosshijutsu and Daisho - More info http://home19.inet.tele.dk/bujinkan
- Michael Schjerling: fudoshin@events.dk
§ JUNE 23rd & 24th - FRANCE - BRIN & NATASCHA MORGAN - The seminar is
at Les Houches, Chamonix Mont Blanc, FRANCE. Theme Gyokku Ryu with all
weapons. Organiser: Francesco FERRARO, 17 rue de Bellevue, Les Trabets,
74310 Les Houches. FRANCE.
Tel & fax +33 (0)4 50 54 51 90 - E-mail f_ferraro@hotmail.com
§ JUNE 24 & 25. GERMANY - Falkenhain - KOSTAS KANAKIS, 3 day camp. Info:
kanakis@bkd-budokai.org
Theme: Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Happo Biken, Ryu-ha Waza, Ninja Buki, and
many more
§ JULY 12th to 16th - FRANCE - PARIS - Arnaud COUSERGUE & Peter KING -
7th BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY (summer session). More info: SBU2001@budomart.com
§ JULY, 21.-22. GERMANY - MUNICH - Pedro FLEITAS. More info: http://www.bujinkan-dojo.de/html/seminare.html
- roberterhardt@bujinkan-dojo.de
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~~~~LET YOUR BRAIN OUTSIDE~~~~
This was the sentence Sveneric Bogsater opened his last the two day in
Bayreuth/Germany.
Nearly 80 friends of the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu from Germany, Austria
and Switzerland visited Bayreuth to attend one of the few seminars in
these country with Sveneric.
Following the Bujinkan topic of the year (Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu an Daisho
Sabaki) Sveneric started the first day with some important explanations
about Sanshin no Kata. Again he described us the direct connection between
Koppojutsu and Kosshijutsu, as two basic principles that in one unit combined
result in a very successful way. In the beginning we tried to move in
a natural way, focused on the connection of all parts of the body and
without thinking about techniques.
There, while we trained the origin basic forms and a lot of different
Henka of the five elements of the Sanshin no Kata Sveneric taught us getting
conscious the very important relationship between studying the details
without loosing the mind for the whole.
We've learned a lot about the different feelings of chi, sui, ka, fu and
ku and we tried to combine these motions with the feeling of Jiryoku (see
the "Fusui" -article in the last kamaemail), which can be described as
a kind of magnetic force between Tori and Uke. Many of us got the first
time approximately a conception or idea, where the secret in Sanshin no
Kata (and therefore in the Gyokko Ryu and the Bujinkan system) could be
situated. In a next step we tried to use the feelings by practising our
Kihon Happo.
After the intensive first day most of us used the chance meet one another
during a nice party with music which was interpreted by Wolfgang. The
second day were used to train some techniques of Jo Ryaku no Maki, Chu
Ryaku no Maki and Ge Ryaku no Maki from Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu. The focal
point was located with the principle of the Ten Chi In Jo no Kamae, which
is indicated through a very balanced motion in body and mind.
During the whole seminar and especially at the end of the Sunday training
Sveneric explained again and again the meaning of "training in the right
way". "It is not important how often you train (so long it is not less
then two times a week), but how you train" were his words, which one he
finished the course.
After the seminar all attendees were very pleased about the deep and particularly
new views, which were given by Sveneric. That's why: Thanks again to Sveneric
as well as to all that helped organising the seminar and thanks to all
that enabled such a harmonious seminar with their coming.
By Cavin Pietzsch, 2nd Dan - Senftenberg/Germany - cavin.pietzsch@envia.de
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~~~~CHAOS/DISORDER ~~~~
Friday night after training at the Hombu, as we were putting our "street
clothes" back on, Hatsumi Sensei was walking into his small changing room/office
when he looked down and noticed my backpack. What caught his eye was a
kanji placed on the backside between the two straps. As soon as he noticed
it, he quickly looked around and called over the nearest Japanese to look
at it. As they studied it, Hatsumi Sensei said, "Kakkoi-ne?" or "Cool,
isn't it?" Then as quickly as he noticed it he was again on his way. What
was the kanji you may be wondering? The kanji was "ran" (pronounced much
like the man's name Ron) which means chaos and disorder.
What makes this relevant is that we frequently hear complaints from those
who think that there's no rhyme or reason to the ranking structure in
the Bujinkan or that the 9 ryu-ha aren't clearly separated and categorized
or that there are poor/bad teachers allowed to teach within the organization.
The list of criticisms goes on and on. Generally, the complaints revolve
around the perceived lack of structure and order in the Bujinkan and the
concern over how those outside the Bujinkan will view us.
Please, brace yourself for this revelation. Maybe the Bujinkan is the
way it is because Hatsumi Sensei wants it that way. Are you still there?
O.K. this bears repeating. Maybe the Bujinkan is the way it is because
Soke wants it that way! Now here's the million dollar question, "Why would
Soke want it this way?" It's very unstructured, it's not very orderly,
why would he want it like that?
Possibly this disorder, this chaos, is part of the training. If everything
were laid out nice, neat and orderly, we wouldn't really have to use our
brains would we? We could just sort of blindly trust and accept everything
at its face value. If all 8th Dans, for example, were exactly at the same
level, and they were all really good, we wouldn't have to use our own
judgment to determine whether or not they were worth training with or
not. If all the ryu-ha were presented in a nice, neat and structured curriculum,
then we would be missing an important training tool in the Bujinkan, chaos!
Chaos serves an important function. While of course, structure and order
serve a purpose also, the overwhelming need for it is a weakness. Outside
the dojo the world can be chaotic and all is not always what it seems.
Hatsumi Sensei is training us to deal with and excel in these real world
often chaotic conditions. That is "Nin" isn't it? Enduring and persevering
through that which others can't or won't. How many of us have seen people
go by the wayside because someone else got a higher rank or because there
isn't an official Bujinkan curriculum or guide to the 9 ryu-ha? It's foolish
isn't it? You either, trust and respect Hatsumi or you don't! It's pretty
black and white.
If you do have this trust and respect, you know you are gaining life enhancing
skills and insights and you can appreciate the chaos and know that it
doesn't matter what anyone else's rank or status is. By the way, in case
you're still concerned about those bad teachers, that's where the bad
students go!
Pete Reynolds - pete@sta.att.ne.jp
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~~~~NATURE DOES NOT THINK~~~~
Earth does not think,
Water does not think,
Fire does not think,
Wind does not think,
Emptiness does not think.
So why are you still trying to think your movements?
Thinking is what we learn to do in our lifetime, sometimes with success
sometimes without. But fighting is different. When you fight for real
there is no time to think. This is what the Bujinkan is teaching us.
Some will oppose that with a good strategy one can win, even when outnumbered.
Others will say that a good tactician will always find the weaknesses
of his opponent. They are right! But this does not change the fact that
thinking is an antinomy to what I just said.
Strategy is what you prepare in advance. You have to think a lot to find
the "what to do" and the "how to do". But strategy is not fighting.
Tactics are what you do when adapting your strategies on the field, taking
into account new parameters you could not know before. You think fast
to adapt the plan to reality. But once again you are not fighting.
During the fight you follow only the openings given by your opponent.
You do not think the movement you want to do, you simply react to the
information given by the attacker. This concept of "listening" to the
information given by Uke is what is important. When training in the Dojo
try to "listen". His body is "asking" your movement. This is not something
you can get right away. To have this possibility you have to train, train
and train again.
Did you ever ask yourself why Sensei was always saying: "keep going"?
He is giving the answer to what we are seeking in the Bujinkan but it
is so obvious that nobody listen to him. Keep going: train hard. Keep
going: repeat your basics. Keep going: forget the thinking. Keep going:
be yourself. This requires a lot of commitment that not many practitioners
possess today in the Bujinkan. I am not writing that to be presumptuous,
I often think I do not train enough but at least I can read or listen
to my opponent.
After training for 32 years now in the martial arts, it is logical that
one day you begin to move a little better than the others. But I also
know that the path has no end, I have to "keep going". This is why I go
twice a year to train under Hatsumi Sensei.
Unfortunately, nothing of value on earth can be yours without time and
effort. To be a good technician means to be a hard practitioner. Through
the repetition -at each class- of the Kihon Happo, of the Sanshin no Kata,
of the Kamae and of the Ukemi you come to an inner understanding of the
natural movement. Through developping the Omote Waza you enter the Ura
Waza and once you have both (inyo or yin yang?) then the natural movement
appears "naturally".
I keep telling my students to study the basics everyday because this is
where the truth is lying, and remember, do not think, simply react. Reacting
is the first step to listening.
Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Emptiness do not think, they are.
Man does think, but can he simply be?
Arnaud Cousergue - arnaud@budomart.com
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~~~~BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY Winter Session~~~~
I want to share with you my feelings about the Bujinkan France Winter's
University that was held in Paris last week (march 23rd to 27th). It is
not an easy task to do so shortly after the seminar. Many feelings and
words are still rushing into my head and confusing me. It seems even more
difficult to do that when you aren't used to express your feelings and
when you know you have not understood everything... .
Of course a five day seminar is excellent to improve your techniques and
your knowledge in the Bujinkan matters, it gives the opportunity to practice
with other people who have another vision of the art.
What was fantastic was the human atmosphere and to me, this is a very
important thing in the Bujinkan. There was no rivalry between the participants,
we did not need to prove anything to others but only to ourselves and
to our teachers. We just try to improve ourselves and to help the others
to improve themselves.
We tried to better what we were without trying to better our partners.
During this five days of training and sleeping at the dojo, we got very
tired, but at no time there was any anger between us.
All the seminars I have done in Paris, were always a good opportunity
to meet people from all over Europe and to make new friends. Looking to
that, we can view the Bujinkan as a kind of brotherhood that spreads its
aura all over the world... .
What about the seminar to a technical point of view? Even if it is too
early to make a deep analysis -especially at my current level- I can say
that during five days I punched, kicked; I was punched and was kicked
many times. But the bigger benefit I took out of this University is that
I have learned to move with my body as a whole (body is one); forward,
backwards . and in all directions.
This seminar was also the first opportunity I had to see and work with
Peter King who has (according to me) a completely different way of practicing.
What is the difference? Of course one is really French as the other is
really English. But more seriously, I felt that Peter has a way of practicing
more based on kicks and punches, a kind of "boxing Taijutsu". Arnaud on
the other hand, works more with "larger" Tai Sabaki and throws. And I
had try to work these two ways to build step by step my own Taijutsu.
Practicing our art during five days is one the best ways to improve one's
Taijutsu. Of course, before the beginning I was afraid that five days
would be too long, or that I would perhaps, be bored after three days.
This was not the case!
When we want to improve our abilities, we often have "to kick our asses".
We have to take the decision to do the things, without thinking about
our little comfort or about our fears (really there is no reason to be
scared).
We only have to commit ourselves to the things we have to do to build
our own Taijutsu.
As a conclusion let me tell you that I will definitely attend the next
Bujinkan University this summer!
Eric COLLINET, 7th Kyu - Bujinkan Brussels ericcollinet@hotmail.com
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~~~~THE 6th BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY~~~~
Twice every year Shihan Arnaud Cousergue (13th dan) hosts five-day seminars
for those who wish to come and train intensively with him in his Paris
dojo. This year, from the 23rd to 28th of March, was the sixth Winter
'University' session, and for the first time Shihan Peter King (13th dan)
of the U.K came to share teaching on the last three days. Over the five
days participants trained through the morning and evening on Gyokko-ryu
and Daisho Gatana, the themes for training in 2001.
Students from many countries attended- Greece, Italy, Ireland, Belgium,
Yugoslavia and of course France. Arnaud also permitted foreign students
to sleep in the dojo, which I feel helped us to immerse ourselves even
more in training.
>From the beginning it was emphasised that students would have to try
and put aside their normal style of training and attempt to get the 'feeling'
of the new paradigm that Arnaud and Peter were trying to transmit to us.
Every day, as we began work on Kamae, Sanshin no kata and Kihon Happp
Arnaud would tell us "don't do it as you always do" but instead to try
and use the ideas of the Gyokko-Ryu which were being taught. Whereas last
year Koto-Ryu involved early blocks, Gyokko-ryu emphasises 'sucking the
opponent in', using late blocks and staying close to Uke. Inryoku and
Jiryoku, or magnetic repulsion and attraction, was an underlying theme
over the course of the University. This involved using timing, distance,
momentum and the natural weight of Uke's body against him.
One of the interesting factors in the teaching was that Arnaud and Peter
both had different interpretations of Gyokko-Ryu Kamae and moved in different
ways. They said that there was no 'correct' way to move, only what was
natural for particular bodies and individuals. Arnaud described Taijutsu
as being composed of different tools taken from as many different teachers
as necessary, discarding some material, keeping the useful. This concept
of 'no fixed truth' was also carried over to our practice of Gyokko-Ryu
Kata. Often students would be split into small groups and given a limited
time to interpret the written descriptions of techniques such as Danshu
and Renyo, and then had to demonstrate. Each pair of students usually
had a different understanding, and Peter said that the Densho had no 'true
form' and could be taken in many different ways or adapted as was necessary.
The training was rigorous, and on the third day of the seminar Arnaud
said that now that we were "tired, stiff and sore" the real training could
begin. Because we were no longer able to process and rationalise too much
the techniques that we were doing our bodies had to try as best they could
to move naturally and grasp what was going on. Arnaud told us not to think
a lot about what we were doing- "too much thinking is bad for a human
being".
In conclusion, I think that the Winter University was worthwhile from
two perspectives- Firstly, it offered a chance to dive into training and
concentrate on getting rid of bad habits and absorbing new ways of training
for five days. Secondly, where almost everyone present had been a stranger
to me at the outset of the University, it was gratifying to be able to
look around on the last night and be able to put names to faces of so
many friendly practitioners from many cultures.
Ruairi Quinn - Bujinkan Yonkyu - Dublin quinnr@tcd.ie
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~~~~NEWS FROM HONBU~~~~
January was quite cold. Hatsumi Sensei quickly jumped into Gyokko Ryu,
Daisho and Fuusui(see article for additional info). During the month of
January we only did the technique Koku and henka of Koku. Bill Atkins
was here for a short stay.
In February we continued with Koku. It wasn't till the second week of
February that Soke had us start on the 2nd technique from Gyokko Ryu,
Renyo. We were visited by a group of about 8-10 Argentineans led, Christian
Petroccello. On this trip Christian was promoted to Judan. Congratulations!!
In addition to the Argies, Pedro Fleitas was accompanied by a group of
about 40 people from both mainland Spain and the Gran Canaries. Toward
the end of the month we also began the technique Danshu. Tuesday the 27th
saw the departure of the Spanish and the arrival of about 30 Israelis.
Lubos Pokorny, 11th Dan from Czech Republic, arrived here again and will
be staying for about 20 days. If you haven't met or don't know Lubos yet,
do yourself a favor and get to know him.
March saw, in addition to cold temperatures, Hatsumi Sensei continue his
focus on the Gyokko Ryu techniques, Koku, Renyo and Danshu. Soke continued
demonstrating variations of these techniques illustrating the use/priciples
of jiryoku(magnetism) and inryoku(attraction). Soke emphasized amongst
other things, sticking to the opponent and when facing multiple attackers,
sticking them together.
Hatsumi Sensei has talked about Gyokko Ryu, Gassho no kamae, finger and
hand positioning and their relationship to religion and spirituality.
It's been quite fascinating. I'm currently working on an article to pass
along more of what he's been saying about it.
Inyo was another prevalent theme throughout March. Many know it as ying-yang,
but it's much more than just opposites, plus/minus, light/dark, male/female,
etc.. I'm also working on an article covering this topic as well. Please,
be patient. This stuff is difficult to put down on paper.
Lubos Pokorny, of the Czech republic, left here on the 19th of the month
after about a 20 day visit and is likely to be here again over the summer.
March also saw a 10-12 day visit by Sean Askew who was accompanied by
Matt Hildreth, Jeff Velten and approximately 10 others. Ed Martin and
a group of about 12 were here for about 10 days towards the end of the
month as was Chuck Cory and Cathy Lewis. Pol Macfion of Yamagata by way
of Ireland, or is it vice versa, also made it down for a weekend.
The much anticipated and revered, cherry blossoms made their appearance
in the last week of the month. They're usually on the trees for about
10-14 days.
That's all for now.
Best wishes and keep training,
Pete Reynolds pete@sta.att.ne.jp
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~~~~MARTIAL THOUGHT~~~~
Budo is comprised of two characters the first is 'Bu' meaning martial,
however the original Chinese picture gram ('Wu' in Chinese) signified
to stop a spear, thus the deeper meaning is to prevent violence. The second
character 'Do' (also pronounced 'Michi') refers to a way or higher path
in life. Hatsumi Soke (Grandmaster of the Bujinkan) has often spoken of
the aim of the Bujinkan being to foster world peace.
Taijutsu is also comprised of two characters, the first being 'Tai' meaning
body (remember that the body and mind are not separated in the east as
they are in the west) and the second character 'Jutsu', refers to an art
or skill. Thus Budo Taijutsu can be seen as 'the art of making ones body
skilfully, by following the martial way (of peace)'.
The Bujinkan Dojo takes it's name from Bujin 'Divine Warrior', that being
the pen name of the late Takamatsu Soke (the previous Grandmaster) and
'Kan' refers to the place (or training hall in this case). Dojo means
quite simply 'a place for leaning the way'.
Hatsumi Soke has spoken of 'Bufu Ikkan' - 'a primary inspiration that
is drawn from the martial wind, that blows across the world connecting
'Buyu' martial friends'.
Martial arts should thus be viewed as a means of stopping violence, rather
than adding to it. To use an analogy, we are the ecologist trying to enhance
the quality of life, rather than polluters. Should we have to use martial
arts skills, then we should do so, in the manner of putting a fire out,
rather than making it burn fiercer. The true aim of Budo is the higher
development of human qualities and a compassionate heart.
Peter King - 13th Dan U.K. peterking@bujinkan35.freeserve.co.uk
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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
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!
Bujinkan Dojo Norway www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com
P.S. Feel free to use Taikai-logo and -links for your own webpage.
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~~~~ PERSONAL INSIGHTS ~~~~
Why is pain so present in our way of training?
Since our training deals with excessively "pragmatic" techniques (read
: truly efficient), one of the benefits derived from pain could be that
we feel in our joints and limbs how painful some actions may prove, so
we can adapt our own techniques and "fine tune" them according to the
context and to our uke's or our opponent's physical and mental state.
Pain may also be considered as a message NOT being processed by the mind,
but directly printing itself into the body - allowing one to learn on
a deeper level.
Experiencing and gradually accepting pain may also reduce the fear of
getting hurt, and help to free the mind (and the movements), be it on
the training grounds or in case of actual conflict.
Pain inflicted by a benevolent partner is in fact some sort of gift, providing
the recipient is in an appropriate frame of mind.
Pain may also be a reminder of the martial nature of our training. And
of course, let's not mistake pain for injury !
Lastly, physical pain and mental suffering are sometimes difficult to
tell from one another...
"pain is a path to consciousness" Bouddha
Pierre-Henri Steyt, Bujinkan Dojo Brussels Sandan Shidoshi-Ho http://brussels.dojo.bujinkan.cx
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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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