Tarrackin's Home Scroll (THS) 2007 - Bujinkan Jissen Dojo

The Warrior Creed by Dr. Robert L. Humphrey

The Warrior Creed

Wherever I go,
everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.

Wherever I am,
anyone in need has a friend.

Whenever I return home,
everyone is happy I am there.

Dr Robert L. Humphrey

(Iwo Jima Marine &
Bujinkan 10th Dan)

Introduction

Having been going to Bujinkan Dojo for a few months now, beginning back in May, thought it was defiantly time to find a place here on THS for my experiences. Or thought I am no new face to martial arts in general, and I had prior knowledge of the Bujinkan. This came most specifically through one Ryu Ha of the Bujinkan, Togakure Ryu Ninpo, and the fundamental techniques of Taijutsu which are the body techniques used throughout. Still, it took me the better part of 20 years to be in a position to begin any sort of formal training. And now that I am, its a great feeling and the experience has been far beyond my expectations. This from a person who envisioned training again "at some stage" but years kept passing by and, in the traditions of Bujinkan - it all kind of snuck up on me :)

My most significant formal training before this had been in Okinawa Goju Ryu, a form, indeed the first form of Japanese Karate. Ironically though, it came about through the invasion of the island nation by the Japanese, who happened to outlaw the use of weapons at the time. I spent the better part of three years, training twice a week. Additionally, I have been trained in bo, that being staff, Japanese style, learnt a little of western broadsword techniques, and quickly understood the strengths of a point sword opponent. Archery I've been doing off and on since I was wee digger, and I've picked up bits and pieces of everything from boxing, Aikido, Judo, and some military hand to hand. Its all been good and worthwhile experience and has helped to make me who I am today.

Though many martial arts (and thusly named) have entered the domain of sports, their historical significance and context should not be dismissed. We must always hope that our skills are not required to be used in self defence, much less on a battlefield. While some arts do that lineage directly from the battlefield, some, such as Judo, do not. Thus "the gentle way", but the gentle form of... Jujitsu which is a core element of modern military hand to hand combat, does come from times of war.

That being said, there are so many things gained from any number of martial arts, and Western styles should not be forgotten. They once were with the fascination with those arts from the East. Things are a little more balanced these days.

Wrestling, boxing, archery, fencing and so on are all examples of martial skills which produce the same sorts of benefits, given the right instruction.

Okay, so I know that my all time favourite martial art happens to be shotgunjutsu but, there are times when one is not armed thusly, and alternatives must be found. But do not despair, for even when one runs out of ammunition - a fine club do you have.

I am sure I have already said this, but... I did feel there was something missing from my life, for near on twenty years. It is a nice feeling to have found it again.

Train well my friends.

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Some Reflections

What follows comes mostly due to a email I recently received from a friend. It is based on my response.

What is this thing I am doing eh? Well, nope, it isn't Karate. Far from it, but in the general gist of things, it is often construed as such. Or more likely - as a Karateka asked of me the other week, "are you here for the Jujitusu?" I just said, yip, because I knew what she was getting at. Its often just the perception, and with the views Taijutsu has got in past years its often not a bad thing. Just misunderstandings. Essentially we are talking about a school of several Japanese warrior arts which date back several hundred years, with regards Bujinkan.

I am about to write something up on it generally and my time in Karate. So that will be up shortly.

Bujinkan is the term given to organisation which encompasses 9 different styles, of which the most well known is Togakure Ryu Ninpo.

The oldest of the schools go back 1000 years, rather than a hundred or so which is common with most other styles today; Karate, Judo etc. Its the old ways of training. You'll note my mention of pressure points, breakfalling, throws and techniques like that. Its really much like military hand to hand in so many ways. Karate has your offensive stuff, kicks and punches but doesn't teach these other techniques. That being said, in my years in Karate I did learn a few techniques outside the normal scope. A wee bit of Aikido :) Weapons are also an integral part, rather than something additional. Most sessions involve staff (bo or handbo), knife (tanto) or sword (katana, ninja-to) techniques using the wooden or bamboo equivalents.

This allows you to deal with universal issues of self protection, as it is on the battlefield. Many things have not changed much regardless of technology, and one of those things is hand to hand combat. I have found that Bujinkan is a lot less hard on the body, as Karate is, with intense impact etc. In addition, being that a common form of attack (or aggravation to a physical confrontation) occurs when some grabs you (like Aikido), if someone punches or kicks you, someone pushes you, taking a fall properly (like Judo - but different). Pressure points and holds, locks (like Aikido or Jujutsu), all these different potential issues are dealt with in an all-encompassing self protection system.

You don't use rigid stances and hard blocking techniques... its more like Aikido in that sense. Eg: someone has a concealed knife, you stuff up a block and you end up in a world of hurt. BUT that being said, any training is good, so long as its under good instruction. Discipline, fitness, coordination, self defence, confidence, awareness. With Bujinkan, you just realise how much you need to "unlearn". But for me I am glad to say, there is much I have learnt which applies and is either a) coming back, or I find thankfully b) is still there. And that makes me smile.

Once I learned different ways of dealing with situations, (though it was still physically good, good for self discipline, training, my brain etc) the Karate approach soon went to the wayside. So, nothing is ever wasted. Nothing. As a result though, I have never used it. Well, for example, I've never punched anyone before in my life :) which some people might find hard to believe... unless they know me properly. Pressure points and locks tend to get the message across with much less stress. In those few times things have got physical, it has usually resulted in me using these approaches. Plus, the other fellas can always kick harder, punch harder, and take the knocks better than you can give them. And of course, the older you get, the more likely this is indeed the case. You have to be smarter. Yes, I have to work at that too ;)

Recent training has reminded me of a few old tricks and also just how I shouldn't be punishing my body like I used to! Hearing the Karate guys and girls going hard out just before we start our training reminds me very well of those good old days.

We discussed the issues of school yard bullies. In recent months such things have been in the news rather more than we would like. Still, it has been going on for longer than most can remember and I for one was subjected to it in no light way.

The ironic thing is - for the hardest time of my life, going through High School, when I was training, best part of 3 years in Okinawa Goju Ryu - it was what prevented me from getting physical. That is old school and todays Dojos are often (though of course not all) quite different. Attitudes are different. You so often seem to be able to get a black belt in five minutes. Classes are not taken in Japanese and so on. This of course is all part of the discipline. And respect for the culture which is being imparted and becoming part of your life. As it very much did with me. The more you learn of the warrior arts, the less likely you are to need to use those physical skills have you have learned.

I went on to recommend Okinawa Goju Ryu, but not just because I did it, but also because it has the oldest tradition, coming about when the Japanese in the 1600s, decided to invade Okinawa and outlaw weapons. Thus the nunchaka came about, Sai, etc. Using farm implements as weapons. Nunchucka is a flail. Jump kicks were only ever used to take Samurai off their horses. It is a very defensive system. And, if you've ever seen Karate Kid, that is in fact what style is being taught but not said as such. Never learned the crane :(

And there is always a effective defence - getting out of the way.

And of discipline, issues of determination and self control, we all need it. The world is no more a safe place than it ever was. Ensuring that all things are focused upon; mind, body and spirit, we better serve ourselves and those we love and care about in the best possible way.

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On Hold

02 September 2007

Comments by juni0r

Training is going to be on hold until I can give it my full attention and can properly afford the fees. It has been good to be back into that side of things after so long away, and I realise more than ever now how vital it is to me on so many levels. But, unless you can give it the attention it deserves you don't do yourself, your training partners, your instructors any good. One thing at a time though, and all is not lost. I will continue to practice what I've learned, and in time, return to things full time, resuming the business of learning.

You'll see from my writings here that a great deal has been gained, achieved and shared. I fully endorse the Bujinkan and if you're at all interested in what it has to offer, or are looking to return to some sort of training, check them out.

I'll end this by passing on my sincerest gratitude to Shidoshi Humphris and all the guys at Bujinkan Jissen Dojo. My eyes have been opened once more to this very important and special world.

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The Basics

28 February 2007

Comments by juni0r

Practicing the basics and getting them right. That is what practice is about. Forcing the correct position until it becomes second (first) nature. Because it is a natural thing, all told. Simple, straight forward, and most of all logical. And oddly enough, our complex minds make it seem the opposite. So... putting the effort in reprograms things and allows us the best road to effective self protection. So critical to get the basic movements right.

And when you do it begins to feel right and natural as time passes. A bit of pain now saves a great deal more later. Thanks M for telling me about the nerves freeing up and blood flowing properly. I can already feel that happening. A long way to go yet but the improvements, beyond flexibility, are already making themselves known. One does not acquire a darkly coloured belt without knowing a worthwhile thing or two :)

If you gonna grab someone grab them like you mean it - wrap them up. It has to be difficult for them to do anything. Remember if they know what they're doing they can attack from anywhere - and unexpectedly. It is I think not such a bad thing that, when you do happen to really go bad on things the most senior is a watchin'. I went to grab my opponent, as the aggressor and found myself thinking I was the defender doing the defensive move in my head... thusly, it looked, I am sure, particularly ridiculous in view that I as supposed to be wrapping my opponent up and there I was with my arm reaching out to China... So, once more I learn to clear my head and think!

Don't bend over... better to go down on one knee and let your opponent naturally fall over it, then you leaning over as your opponent goes down. Another words, never make yourself vulnerable even when you think you've won the fight. Someone else can be coming up behind you, or your downed opponent could try a tricky maneuver making use of your already flawed centre of gravity. You make it too easy.

Let go when you hit the deck, don't try and hold on to your opponent. They'll just follow you down and put a knee in the chest or somewhere even more uncomfortable. Unless the technique means for you to grab and you're on the offensive using an ukemi for example, let go. Don't make it any easier for your opponent. Simply, silliness equals death.

The irony of one of this evening's many lessons is that I have written previously on this very thing. Those of you who have read my first novel know what happened to Shaun... and what happened to his adversary... Again, I know this stuff. One must learn to think, and think for one's self. It can not be stressed enough.

If you don't get things right, the least you can do is make sure you get out of the line of fire. Give yourself a second chance at life. I think, if I was a cat, this evening I would have used all nine of mine.

Turn the bo while turning it on the wielder's hand, back knee goes down, the bo is twisted like you're rowing in a canoe and that flowing movement along with your kneeing has your opponent where you want him... and soon you have yourself a big stick. Yet another fine example of the simplistic and natural nature of Ninjustsu.

Remember your distance, remember where you are aiming for and aim for that spot. No use intending on missing because your training partner doesn't benefit from being missed. You must force to have correct distance, correct evasion, they must get out of the way. I got a stick in the eye tonight, and a mate just about got a sore nose. We learned well from each other.

Hair can get in the way, too. But then, I don't have big dangly ear rings, don't wear a tie, tight clothing, or clanky sounding shoes so I guess everyone has something which can hinder or otherwise be a bother in such activities, training or otherwise.

Amazing how just one little bit of something a fellow student can do, a movement or a hold and when you see them do it, things just fall into place. Everyone you train with has something different to offer at different times.

Its late and I've got school in the morning... another quality way to work the brain, and keep it working. So better off to bed. Thank you guys. It means a great deal. Another night of taking something valuable away with me. It better stay put!

PS : If you think you're gonna loose, then you've already lost.

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21 February 2007

Comments by juni0r

Tonight a couple of the white belts took the class. Cheers to G and M. Very useful and, at times, entertaining tuition.I have to take my hat off to you two, once more tackling the complexities of kata with bo and bokken, that be stick vs. sword for those who aren't familiar with the Japanese terminology. One more I realised I have all this Western based stuff to deal to. Things are different here, and some of the stuff that has gone before simply gets in the way. The more I practice the ways of Bujinkan the less room there is for the stuff that isn't appropriate. Not like I spent months and months learning broadsword but it evidently had an impact.

We did Kata - patterns, form by which you can train in isolation. What I've been practicing hasn't been kata as much as part of one kata we went over tonight. Still, it all simulates actually attack and defence techniques. It helps you develop your body technique, hold your posture and reinforce the basics, while providing intuition to what different methods work well together. For those who have studied Karate, Kata will be a familiar element to regular training.

G reminded me in a way I could surely appreciate, to draw a weapon - you intent to use it. Like drawing a pistol... straight out and to the point. Remember that you are not there for a long, drawn out battle. You are there to do the job as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Most of us just don't have the physical endurance to go toe to toe with someone for more than a few minutes.

The daily stretching has certainly paid off. I can now touch my toes without effort. Well, not too much effort at least. A few comments on that has shown it to be true. Feels good. These basics are key to allowing you to permit the body to do the right things the right way as required. For each art, for each method there is a way of doing things which make it unique and it this which finds its foundation in the simple ability to move and hold yourself in a certain way. Its tough in the beginning but gets easier the more you do it. Like most things... Likewise, the practice is paying off.

The breakfalling was interesting. We partnered up both going down into ukemi - an amazing way to learn to do it right!

So different, back in the thing of learning such things, and yet there is a different sense. I am realising that I AM learning to relax. Sure it is a way to go but it is happening. Tension is not the way to be aware. Thinking someone is going to take you down... Something very special occurred to me after class tonight. It used to be that I trained for war, that I trained in different martial arts and this all amounted to me looking over my shoulder all the time. A few times I'd even come very close to doing friends harm when they appeared out of nowhere. Situational awareness is one thing, but stress is going to counter anything beneficial quite quickly. The difference now is, I have the perception, I have the capabilities I always had, but now I sense the change in that it is of being relaxed and aware. Not being on edge as it once was. Its a huge difference and means an awful lot.

Thanks T for showing me what I was doing wrong on the arm lock business. With that I feel more confident than ever with the technique. We'd done this one several times before and now I understand the footwork it should be a go every time now. I had the idea, knowing the theory, knowing of a technique but then not being fully confident in being able to pull it off in a real life threatening situation. Perhaps in this respect, this is one arrow I can now truly add to my quiver.

A very good evening, and as always an opportunity to reinforce the basics. Thanks guys.

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14 February 2007

Comments by juni0r

Was good to get back to the Dojo tonight, see friends after the Christmas New Year break. And on top of that having a little bit of confidence due my recent training over the past couple of weeks. It doesn't take too long to get back into the swing of things, especially when you've been putting in that daily practice required to gain the real benefits.

Warming up with ukemi is always a good start, gets the blood flowing and gets the heart pumping. The way the weather has been, sweating isn't a problem. At the centre of any good technique is the fundamentals, the kihon. And as much as I've been practicing them, the benefits came through.

There is more than one way to deal with someone who gets a grip on you. Once you go from a relaxed position then drawing yourself out of the line of fire, we went through several different approaches. So again the basics are always a foundation, upon which you apply these different methods.

I think that the idea is a simple one. Environments are different, situations are different, and people are different. So, you learn alternative methods, based on the same principles to deal with a given situation. It gives you options and you need these to survive, in real harmful or life threatening scenerios. A person's disposition, their physical make up, their surroundings, are all part of what makes these various options important. The one that works for you as an individual comes to mind more readily than others. And if you've only learnt one way and it doesn't suit then things could go very badly.

Pressure points help a lot as I've commented before. Tonight we had one applied to the throat while your opponent's arm is drawn back towards you to promote the pressure. Another angle is to get the point across by grinding bone against the arm, with your own arms and locking up your opponent were they are helped to the ground with a little pain. One take down involved a snap kick to the exposed knee, but for some reason (the nerve problem I believe) I kept pushing rather than putting in a proper kick... But asides from that, when I got things right, I realised it was easy, overall, for me to remember.

Once again tonight was the reinforced lesson of not worrying about perfection, keep the flow going. If you hesitate you lose. Losing is not winning. Not winning is not good. Sure, it is harder as you break it down but you've got to be able to apply things are they relate to the real world environment otherwise they cease to be useful in life threatening situations. It is all part of the discipline, more so than the simple thing of keeping your toes back when you're stretching your legs.

One technique we learnt tonight was a head twist to down an opponent. I remember a few techniques similar to this from way way back. They are highly effective for control, and of course can be lethal so, in training it is essential you're very careful. Depending on the situation it may well be the only way to quickly deal with an opponent, if you're helping someone else out, or having to deal with more than one person.
At session's end we discussed the need to be drinking more water. Without it, the brain most certainly starts to fade towards the end of a two hour mission of sweat and learning. You tend to loose concentration even faster as the heat becomes a constant. I certainly knew I'd been working well, and very thankful for the motivation, both of self and of others, to find myself back into a daily routine of training once more. It has been a long time since that has been a consistent thing in my life.

There was also talk of t-shirts and hoodies. Helps to raise a little money to keep things running. I just went into buy two black t-shirts for the express purpose of training. But even when I can shell out for a ghee, will still need one underneath, but I'd certainly rather it advertised the Dojo.

Yeah T, the Nin symbol is a good idea. Not only cool, it means a great deal too. I remember it being translated, the over all concept, a few years ago now, to something like... "Thought my enemy holds his sword above my heart, I shall endure and persevere". I took it to mean enduring the hardships and always focusing on success, to win no matter what you are put through, making it to the end.

Currently we are wanting to get the numbers up at the Dojo so I'll take this opportunity to provide contact details if you're interested in finding out what things are all about. Asides from contacting me, you can find the URL for the Wellington Bujinkan Jissen Dojo below.

http://www.bujinkan.co.nz

You may also email Shidoshi Mark Humphris directly on bujinkannz@hotmail.com

Hey G, they're 1.5 litre Coke bottles, not carpets :) Though I think they were carpets when I started. Think since they're getting smaller, must be a reflection of me slowly but surely learning to relax.

Good to see you all again lads. All the best in training, and in life, for 2007.

PS: ADDED an earlier entry, August and June 2006 which had yet to appear as it was on my Diary Page originally. 08 November is also finished and entered.

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13 December 2006

Comments by juni0r

Taking care of mates' place over the next few weeks so won't be in for the last training of the year. Makes this my last session for 2006. And what a year it has been.

Tonight there was some practical emphasis on practicing your naturally weak side first. Everyone has one and for many to practice it at all feels incredibly unnatural. This is a sure sign that wise words have been spoken. Remember you never know when you'll be injured, either prior to or during a life threatening encounter. Much like shooting on the modern battlefield. If you can't shoot at both shoulders then how can you expect to capitalise on (for example) right sided cover?

For me personally tonight there were two valuable lessons regarding the body. The first was sideways Ukemi. Having to throw your rear leg straight across behind you as you go down was, to use the word I used above, unnatural to say the least. This shouldn't be though. Things have degenerated in ways I'd not even been aware of. So, the simple answer is to practice this until it does become natural. It's the only way to get the flexibility back, to make me capable of moving the way I need to in order to best utalise on these methods of self protection.

And the second? This was weird. Almost bizarre. What you would think was a simple enough thing to do creating much pain. Well enough for me to make silly faces and become extremely frustrated. Sitting in seiza, that is the kneeling position, and lifting one's ankles so that your feet are no longer flat against the ground but there is an arc between your ankles and the floor. Yes, bizarre. And something I must evidently practice. Sure is a good way to learn there are things that must be done. Good? Perhaps convincing is a better word.

Third valuable lesson was one of opportunity, to learn things right, to take on board the essence of learning to think for one's self, the process of understanding something, the correct ways of things, rather than being told by another. You take things in one hundred fold better if you force yourself to work it out for yourself. Opps, so there was more than two? Always. You just need to be switched on and recognize them.

Shidoshi doesn't want to be mean, to sound forceful but he wishes us to understand this, to take in the once in a lifetime opportunity. Certainly too true, as a mate would say.

It may be hard he told me, but we will sort it out in 2007. I said, its the way it needs to be for me. Not because I don't listen though, but rather perhaps the way that, deep down, gets results. It certainly is beyond the physical.

Something struck me a few days after training, as I began to write, that the previous week Shidoshi Humphris had recommended that if it made it easier even to bring a notebook along, to recall things, record things. Then this week, he himself was referring to notes as we took on new things. And part of his instilling wisdom on our own progression in the arts of the Bujinkan was very much this thing of self discipline of the basics so that we could, more often, take on and practice new things which weren't a regular part of training.

In addition, tonight I realise that there is in fact some "unlearning" to do. From Karate, regarding stances mostly, even though it be so long ago, it sure did etch itself in there. And even from the swordsmanship which was not for a long time, but it demonstrates the quality of tuition I did recieve. This came about when we were doing the work with bokken. Was a good thing to realise why I wasn't doing stuff properly. One works when you're doing a particular style and taking on a particular type of opponent but here it'd get you killed.

Never mind, all part of the process of learning...

Farewell P. All the very best with the family. Thanks. I always learned something each time we paired up, and you are a good teacher. Certainly hope to see you from time to time when you are able to pop in, even if just for a quick hello. Kia Kaha mate and my gratitude for your being part of my Bujinkan experience.

And since this is my last entry for 2006, I will end it with the wisdom of a true master.

"Do or do not. There is no try."

Joda - Master Jedi

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07 December 2006

Comments by juni0r

The Ukemi was fine, even good, but yet to be what I would regard excellent. We did several take down techniques and 9 times out of 10 I did find my training partner down there on the floor with me at the appropriate time, and in a more compromising position than me, I might add. Things are getting through, things are benefiting from the training, the repetition. Getting it into the thick skull slowly but surely.

Distance, and using the advantage of reach. This is where it got a bit silly. Stuff that you intrinsically know and yet not being able to put it into plain practice. Something that still must be applied in the unarmed stuff every now and then. Well, quite often in fact, but when it came to the Bo tonight. Well... it isn't mister staff's fault that I have a good six foot of reach and its not being utilised. Shidoshi went over and over this with me until I started making use of the distance gifted me from the somewhat long stick, and not to mention hitting where I'm meant to hit.

And here again we have the skill of not letting your opponent, who by the way intends, if not to kill you, to do you grievous bodily harm, in on what you're up to. So, the forward most hand does not move, as you propel the Bo forward with your rear hand, into the exposed midsection. Taking a bit of practice to get the hang of. And yet again, it all makes perfect sense.

After getting corrective instruction in how I was handling the staff found the courage to offer to go up the front. Hey, well, no one else was confident enough, so I rolled on up. Low and behold I thought I was just going to be running through the aforementioned portion, not the complete movement we'd been shown. Well, I had a bit of a shock didn't I? No matter, it was a good lesson.

Making an idiot of one's self is par of the course every now and then.

I was told off again for using too much of the upper body strength and naked aggression sometime in the night. It was akin with;

"You're not in the Army now."

Ironically, this is one of the reasons, one of many, I find myself here, doing these things. You can take someone out of the military, sure, but it is common enough knowledge as to soldiers. I've spend many years working towards a new life, a different life. In that effort, university is also a part. This time around, a successful part.

And in some senses this further reinforces some stuff which must be drilled out of me. No pun intended. Its the old story of old stuff out, new stuff in. There is only so much room for stuff so yeah, you get the picture.

"There are no Rambos around here"

This one I let slide. I was trying to remain focused in what I was learning. My usual reply over the years to something like that has been "the difference between me and Rambo is... Rambo is a fictitious character" :) All basically though to tell me that its not about muscle, its about using your body properly. It isn't about aggression, but calculated confidence, which becomes your psychological advantage.

Man... I know this stuff.

Kenjitsu showed me just how muddled my brain is as I go left handed with the bokken.

You must make a concious effort to get each technique you do correct, but not at the expense of not seeing the technique through. Sometimes it is time to practice things as well as you might through repetition, other times the focus is on perfection. But regardless, always the best effort to solidify your knowledge and abilities.

Practice five good, exellent (no, maybe ten?) Ichi monji a day, one of the fundementals. There is the more advanced technique of which name escapes me, which Shidoshi took me through before we left for the evening. I can do that one so it will be the centre of attention for the coming weeks. ...no kame. Start in shizen... right...

Thanks guys.

Catch you next time. And all the best with your training.

And yes, one think I never did learn from the Army was "never volunteer for anything!" Still, if you take it in and don't shy away, its all the better for you in the learning process, and it reinforces what not to do to your compatriots in the audience.

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15 November 2006

Comments by juni0r

With Shidoshi Humphis away one of the students took the session tonight.

Much ikemi is great for warming up and considering these techniques are at the centre of self protection, very appropriate. I can now roll for longer periods without getting dizzy or disoriented which is a good sign. You always feel the sweat poring off you after even a short while. The circulation gets going and the muscles limber up and you gain confidence in being able to take a fall. And as always, to avoid injury, its all about relaxing and becoming one with your environment. This is the way it has to be if a training mat in practice becomes a field or a wooden floor in a real life situation.

And likewise, stretches are good to prevent injury. It helps to remind us how complex a machine is the human body and how we must take care of every part of it. This kind of conditioning, from a basic warm up to increasing flexibility over time is fundamental to our capacity to correctly preform the techniques of Taijutsu.

Tonight, though I understood this to be true many many years ago, something clicked inside me as to the importance of being encouraged and how much this assists in getting things right.You tend to put pressure on yourself to preform because of your own expectations. This is a double-edged thing in that to push too hard (like the old adage of "train don't strain" and over doing it generally) can be detrimental, but you must find that balance of permitting progress in everything you do. Others come in and press you on to go that little further, to do more than you yourself thought possible, to clarify techniques or even to look at you with that certain look to remind you that you should know better. That translates to a friend expecting more of you, and rightly so, than you are expecting of yourself. It is all part of the process of learning, and one I might suggest is one of the most important.

Tonight, along with another student (who had only been a about six times) we were reminded that we have only been doing this for a few months. The others have been doing it for two years or so and it was appreant we had done quite well to get where we had got to. Its very reassuring, deeming I want to be more confident than I feel. Expectations again.

As it has been constantly asserted, directly, but mostly indirectly, tonight we were also reminded that what we practice is not a sport. The history, the skills are ancient and largely unchanged from the ways of the battlefields of Japan over a millennia ago. With this comes great privilege to partake in such activities.

In so much as this is true, I remind myself not to pussy foot about. Strike as I mean to strike within the limits of training for the benefit of myself and my training partner. In recent weeks as I've gone up the front as the instructor would demonstrate techniques, it is when I'm thanked for remembering this that it helps him in his learning and applying of these things which may, in some time and place in the future, save our lives. If you're on the floor having been pinned, despite the pain applied to a pressure point, a joint, it does you or your training partner no good if you can somehow attempt a retaliation, an escape, yet do not. This is why we will always aim for three points of control on a downed opponent.

Speaking of this history and the evolution martial arts, we had discussed after the session how top people in the likes of Karate and Aikido and Judo have shied away from the moderisation of their respective arts as they became sports. I would suggest, for the marketing of these arts to the contemporary Western world, and even to the point relating to the popular misconception that modern warfare need not facilitate the skills of unarmed, or melee combat. Yet, prisoner handling, a weapon jam, or non-lethal force all immediately constitute the need for such skills.

G, you know plenty mate. But it is perhaps wise to claim to know nothing as you did at the lesson's conclusion. :) Thanks for your tuition. A great night of training.

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Prior Knowledge

Comments by juni0r

o8 November 2006

The benefits of having prior knowledge was demonstrated to me tonight. There are some things which some people pick up easily, others others do and do not. For me one example is the handbo technique, allowing you to trap an opponent's hand at the wrist when they attempt to grab you. I'd done this one before at the Dojo, but also similar techniques in the past so it works smoothly for me 90% of the time.
It is simple if you know it, but if not it can be a bit of a mess making the brain process what it is that needs to be done. Once you get over this, given a little practice, it becomes second nature and automatic, as it must be.

This all culminated into the good feeling you get when able to help out a fellow student. I am not able to do it for a lot of things, but I have the ability to do it in a few in regards the realms of unarmed and melee combat.

For a closing note, as I was leaving I was reminded that I've only two bits of homework so far and need to practice it.

A few days on was staying out at a mates for a couple of days and realised how useful it was to have a bit more space to move about - practice. And things were working! Just fifteen or twenty minutes after I got up and it felt really good. Now I just have to keep it up. And the next few months will allow me to do just that, with a little bit more free time than usual on my hands.

It's amazingly simple though, all this, in that it all amounts to personal discipline. Self discipline allowing yourself the time to do it, committing to something and then relaxing in the ability to do it right. A combination of just doing without thinking, and the effort to get it right. The concept behind this seems to be not to fill your mind with a whole lot of stuff. Sometimes - no - all the time, having too much information floating about is not a good thing.

At risk of repeating myself, in conclusion it is most definitely another night for reinforcing the basics, in the knowledge of - if you're struggling, you're doing it wrong.

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01 November 2006

Comments by juni0r

There were no new techniques tonight but the night reinforced the need to practice the basics, and those effective techniques which are often more difficult. As such it was an invaluable evening spent at the dojo.

We started out with some warmup Ikemi and then moved on to another variation, whereby we paired up and had one partner applying a handhold and applying pressure to invoke a roll from the other. It taught you that one must step through in the hold for it to be effective, rather than trying to apply additional pressure. This makes for ineffective use of force and finds you using your arms and strength when a simple step is what is required. For the other part of the equation, it teaches you to roll correctly and we were reminded the importance of keeping an eye on your opponent throughout the roll's execution. As I would say, one must must maintain tactical awareness.

We did a particular armlock from a elbow grab which finds you able to control your opponent and drop down on one knee, if necessary, in order to apply additional pressure. Sure enough, the first time I was subjected to the technique I came out hurting a bit, but, the second time no worries. I knew I'd relaxed because the consequences of my opponent's actions were no where near as severe. Also, a key point to the relaxation is, you allow yourself a chance to work at countering your opponent. If you are all tensed up, you'll end up with additional injuries (possibly in training) and you make it easier on your attacker to break things. Fighting is not good. And for me personally, it is a good lesson in the need to eradicate the aggressive tendencies I have when it comes to self protection. This comes, even so many years on, from the nature of the infantryman

So it can be seen just how important it is to protect your intentions. The key part of this is definitely to relax, to not react but to simply act. Yes, it is often harder than it sounds but it is key. Even taking a grab, one must be natural and not show anticipation, while at the same time protecting one's self from harm. And like anything, do it as you intend to do it for real, but suitably restrained, within reason for the purposes of training.

Everything you do can be taken in a given number of steps. You must not try and bite off more than you can chew and tonight, Shidoshi Humphris demonstrated this by having us practice just the first three parts of a previously learned technique allowing us to concentrate on that, rather than the whole seven steps. And, in truth, those first three have you well on the way to successful self-protection which is excellent if it came to a need to apply it for real.

Always remember to protect your groin. If your stance doesn't do it naturally then you're either not in the correct position, or your following hand needs to be there, while the other is up following the centre line of your face. Putting yourself in the correct position, eg: Ichi monji, then your vitals are likewise protected. This is a basic princple of hand to hand, where your organs, face, throat are all taken care of.

In defence I had a bit of difficulty with blocking, using too much force. This comes from the Karate days, and though it be near on 20 years ago, the period of training shows itself to still be present. Trying to hard when, in truth, the effort is not required. You cast the threat away pulling yourself out of harm's way using minimal strength.

The most amusing part of the night, apart from the seemingly uncharacteristic enjoyment M and G were getting out of one of the takedown techniques, rolling around the mat, was when the instructor took an opportune moment to step on my hair after he had downed me. It was spread across the floor... so hey, why not! Getting to my feet again I commented, "you've been waiting to do that for a while haven't you?" I sensed a smile but I didn't see it, as I teamed up again to take in my tutition.

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11 October 2006

Comments by juni0r

One of the white belts took class tonight - we must all learn to teach and teach to learn.

Ichi monji - very important in so many different techniques. One of the very basic principles of Taijutsu. Pulling you out of harm's way, protecting your vitals, while allowing you to that control of the situation and creating an opening, making your opponent more vulnerable - for example, encouraging their loss of balance. And frequently, your opponent, in an enthusiasm to do you harm will help you into a better position if you just flow with it.

Ukemi and the art of self protection - yes to breakfall away from harm is good, to be able to breakfall and use it as a method of controlling a situation is even better. Most adversaries aren't so accustomed to being on the ground, much less being put there deliberately by a confident defender. Ukemi is one way of making your body work for you, while building your confidence in training, and keeping you from harm in the real world.

One must always get as low as possible if you are using ukemi for breakfalling purposes, enabling a smoother ride throughout the movement, and avoiding throwing one's self into the technique. You don't fight it, don't fear the ground, flowing through and up to your feet again. And, of course... when no one was watching, as we finished up the ukemi practice I did the perfect roll. Murphy's law of Ninjustsu I believe?

Tonight we learned a counter to a sword strike, pulling yourself out of the danger zone, then either a trip and roll using ukemi, or using a pressure point on the facing hand of the sword wielding attacker and drawing sword hand up and behind, with a simple trip with find your adversary on the ground. As my shidoshi would say - "easy or what?" Usually it happens to be 'or what', but hey, that's what practice is all about. And of course, the reason for the alternative techniques is to fully utilise whatever advantage you may have deeming the side from which you find yourself confronting your opponent for the counter.

Tonight was the first time for me doing Kata. Meaning "form", those of you who have done Karate will be familiar with kata, as it is part of the grading system. Kata essentially allows you to practice a pattern of techniques, helping you to understand how different techniques work together.

Bo technique - same as last week. If you get it right, everything is protected and the strike for a sword slides down the staff, and does not feel like an axe hitting a piece of manuka the wrong way. Your opponent's weapon simply slights away into the void...

Thanks to G for the bo tuition. Quite different to the bojutsu I have learnt in the past, but as with many things I know there is common ground and perhaps in the future I will be able to go... I know that one!" And it makes it so much easier when you discover the commonality between techniques. Slightly changed depending on the weapon used as to how you move but other than that... Thanks S for a good session. You had the courage to do some of the trickier stuff with bo and katana which worked out well and helped to reinforce what we had previously learned. One can never go wrong with reinforcing. And at the conclusion of the evening...

"I hope there are no questions - because I don't have the answers." Ah, honesty, a true hallmark of the Bujinkan practitioner.

Remember "you will" be in the correct position when doing a given technique. The power of positive thinking is one of the best forms of backup to quality instruction.

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04 October 2006

Comments by juni0r

If there is no other thing that is universal throughout the martial arts, then understanding practicing the correct distancing between yourself and your opponents is perhaps it. From the ballistic skills of archery and firearms marksmanship which involves the additional complications of wind weather and understanding the weapon, to unarmed combat. This is something that was driven home tonight. Too far away and you can't possibly implement the techniques you intend. This can have dire consequences. If you have to adjust yourself beforehand, you leave yourself wide open for what could easily be devastating countermeasures.

One quality thing about taijutsu, showing its history and practical requirements of the battlefield, is that everything is the same in the regards of unarmed and armed combat. Whether it be a punch, when you strike with a sword, a staff, in defence and attack your movements follow the same identical principles. After all, you can't be learning a whole lot of different methodologies for every form of the fight. It would be doubtful that one could spend enough time in one's life to be efficient if it became necessary to learn a myriad of arts to cater for them all. To bring forward the fist is to bring forward the bo, is to bring forward the ninja to.

And in the kihon everything is done as one - not leg, then arm, but together. Don't allow your opponent an indication of your intention to move. Don't hesitate, just do. I struggle with this but its good when I actually get it right :) Betraying your intentions is a sure downfall, but as with all things it takes practice and an ability to release yourself from the thought processes of those intentions. It simply is and will be. If you have trouble with it, don't despair, just relax.

And while you are sending out your fist, remember to train as you mean to fight. Aim at your opponent. Know his vitals. If your mate doesn't get out of the way then he will practice at being hit. It is all experience. Speed comes with practice, so don't be inpatient. First correct basics then apply the speed gently. I know I get frustrated with the thought I should be more capable, but for the things that are new I have to acknowledge this and be more patient. So long as the effort is being put in. To remember things - it is all part of the disapline. Concentration. You can be shown something, told something, but you must take it in. Then, on top of that - practice. Practice right and practice well. What you do at home and in your own time is critical to making things easier when it comes time to learn again.

Tonight we did Ukemi taking in some basics, evading a strike and going to ground. You learn and absorb the skills of taking a fall probably while also seeing its practical application in self-protection, both from a fall (being pushed for example) and evading harm from a strike. Then you move up to using the breakfall to take you into a better tactical position to counter your opponent and take them down as necessary. Coming in from behind you can use their surprise at your using such a technique as ukemi to cease the advantage.

In the weapons session we drilled in Bo (staff) and Bokken (wooden sword) to deflect the blade - mess it up and you loss your fingers. But done right, you do not feel the impact of the weapon and the blade slides down the staff allowing you an effective counter attack.

When it came to using the bokken, it was amazing just how much the broadsword training I did several years ago kicked in. As little as I had done (yet practicing those basics over and over and over) it still returned and I had to tell myself off several times for using the techniques.

You always feel good, and there is a sense of relief, when you get something right. Then you plan on making every similar move just as right... without trying to think about it too much.

There is a great atmosphere, relaxed and encouraging. Yet you know when you've done things wrong and also when you should know better.

And, one skill a good instructor will always have is the ability to make good sword clanging sounds, like "shing" :)

Thanks guys for another good night of training.

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20 September 2006

Comments by juni0r

Like every other night, in addition to learning new applications and presenting different scenarios, it has been a reinforcing of the basics. More on that shortly.

There was a new fella turned up at the dojo tonight, down from Auckland. A brown belt, with some full length tabi. Was good to train with you mate. And yip, one must acquire the right footwear. During the war, the Japanese soldiers wore boots based off the tabi and were referred to by Kiwi troops as "sneaky beaky boots". I've always liked that term. How I love history, and Bujinkan is absolutely full of fascinating stuff.

There is a definite emphasis on quality over quantity Shidoshi Humphris said to me as the Karateka left the dojo and we were about to start the night's training. Yes, exactly what M said to me last week. Reinforced truths. I'd finally found a bit of free time to practice outside the regular hours. More must be found.

Focus focus focus on the fundamentals, the basics, the kihon. Upon that, everything else is based. So long as you concentrate hard on getting it right, it is better to be of short duration than long. And that's a good thing for the majority of us who have less spare time than we would prefer.

In connection with this, I overheard another comment at the end of the session in that the dojo is concerned more with getting things right and ensuring this as a fundamental principle, over the often pressed issue of gradings. I had already sensed this, and was one reason I was keen to make this dojo my home. This goes back to the days of Okinawa Goju Ryu, and in almost three years of training, I had only gone for one grading. 9 kyu. And by the time I left the region, I was practicing green belt kata, yet the focus had always been those basics. And I think with Bujinkan it is even more critical.

This was made evident yet again from breakfalling. You use your body, and drop, not using your arms to pull your opponent down. Once you do it enough times it becomes natural, but for me, someone who is naturally weak of leg and also has had a accident further reinforcing my application of natural upper body strength, well, its a hard one sometimes. But its coming through. Also, there is no application of the hips as in Judo. Rather than throwing an opponent in that way, most of the time it is a straight forward matter of putting your leg in the right place and putting your opponent down, who's centre of gravity will already be unsettled. Done right, your adversary will simply fall. And for someone like myself, the easier it is, the better :)

This is the same concept as with the blocking techniques. In the most part it is about fending, or guiding the opponent's punch, or weapon strike off in a safe direction. Not about a hard block. As was said on the very first night I trained at Bujinkan Jissen Dojo... like a snow flake falling. If it takes effort, you're doing it wrong.

And the basics were reinforced But, that being said, I am getting it right almost as many times as I'm getting it wrong now :) Yes, it is true that a bigger guy - hey G, and the likes of your instructors, can be intimidating but you must free your mind of inhibitions. Remembering that, in the real world when it comes to self protection, most often you will have no idea of your opponent's capabilities in a formal capacity. If you do it right then it won't matter at all.

If you need to work at it, then you're not doing it right... right? Correct. After all, when you're seventy and out there in the same, probably harder, big wide world, do you want to be working at it? After all, as I've said many a time to friends who have taken on my tutelage in things pertaining to self protection over the years - the other joker is always stronger, faster, fitter, more agile. You have to be smarter. And being puffed and worn out doesn't help.

As with hand to hand combat, Bujinkan teaches you the elements of correct distancing between you and your opponent, the requirements of protecting your vitals by profiling and of hiding your intentions.

We finished the evening with a bit of sword work. Our bokken, wooden sword, thankfully, stands in for the real MacCoy, Katana. Believe the Ninjutsu long sword is the ganatana??? Though I have trained in swordsmanship before, and can swing a blade with reasonable competence, I fear had it been life tonight, I would have lost a finger or two. Since we were doing the quick draw (like the sword equivalent of the Wild West, and my three tone deserts had no belt, I was an honorary black belt for the remainder. Itojutsu, to draw and strike in the same movement. There is the quick and the dead so, by that rationale, to draw and strike in this manner is a lifesaver. There is no wasted effort and of course, get it wrong and the price is death. The moral of the story... train, train... and train some more.

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Practice

13 September 2006

Comments by juni0r

Learn once, twice a week, then practice for the rest of the week, that was the lesson taken away this evening. The ongoing process... the journey. And that often involves much sweat. And speaking of that... I haven't had it pouring off me like that for a very long time. We spent most of the night breakfalling techniques, grapple takedowns etc. It is one sure way to warm up. And since it is a core element to the methods of Bujinkan, both defensively and offensively, it makes a lot of sense.

You start by just practicing the breakfalls free. Much like you would in Judo though the techniques are substantially different. Then you move on to using them to deal with an opponent grappling you. Most confrontations end up on the ground anyway so it helps you become comfortable with that idea, and teaches you that if you are going to end up down there, best be that you are in the better position, which of course means making your opponent vulnerable. Then, from the standing start, you can also use these techniques to out maneuver your opponent, bring yourself into a better tactical position, and this of course includes when your opponent is supposedly better armed, and / or has better reach as a result.

With one of my fellow Dojo members, right there even while others continued to practice the techniques demonstrated by the Shidoshi, we took a knee and discussed different styles, the histories and the realities of combatives. It helped a great deal to put things in perspective. At the same time it reminded me that much of what I have learned in the past is not wasted. Also, there are some things I must abandon, in practical terms, like a rat leaves a sinking ship. So yeah, there is that freedom and relaxed environment that you are in to learn and understand things, as it needs to be. It means a lot to me.

Thanks G. Good to talk to you, and remember how much I have learned and just how valuable it is. It all gives us awareness, given the right attitude and commitment. For us all, so many sizes and shapes and even more experiences in life, the journey has only just begun.

Feeling good, feeling things are beginning to sink in.

Correct way (about biomechanics etc), the right way, and the wrong way. Plenty of right ways depending on the individual. Plenty of wrong ways depending on how wrong you want to go. Only one correct way which is like... perfection.

In order to get yourself to a point of "correct" one must practice in the vain of quality over quantity. In this day and age there is little spare time, so rather than much sweat pertaining to the body, it is more profitable to make the brain sweat and ensure that your time is well spent. And the right attitude means that the outlook is not one of struggle, as it often seems to be in this modern world, but one of attaining perfection.

I was reminded to remember that, in the frustration of learning something new, I haven't been doing this since I was eight. For those we take our craft from centuries ago, it was part of the daily life in a practice ongoing way, where it was a matter of survival. This is quite different in the context of a modern world, though those of us who dedicate ourselves to it - it becomes a personal journey, ongoing. In this way it is the same. It becomes very much part of who we are, not simply something we do.

Additionally I remind myself that, in doing things slowly initially in learning a technique it is in fact harder than sped up as in a real situation needing the skills of self protection. And with my prior experience and the few times I've found myself doing things for real, I know the training does take over and things to flow and are effective. Such is the benefits of good tuition. This will always breed confidence. And quality tuition is something I have today.

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Bujinkan

23 August 2006

Comments by juni0r

Bit of food, emails. The stroll into town I feel necessary to get in a bit of exercise before training tonight.

Bit of pain but not from last week's training.

Am thinking about doing up a separate Dojo page. One to present thoughts, training and experiences.

At some stage one of my wee toes started leaking the red stuff so in order to stop it getting all over the mats, thought best to ask for a band aid. Think Tabi will be a good investment.

Good stretching session in there too, so kinda guessed there might be a bit of tumbling and possible pain ahead. Ah, the latter simply to find the easiest way to dissuade your opponent. And if you miss one pressure point, there is always another just down the road, as I learned tonight on one memorable occasion.

"To finish, something easy. So you can go home feeling confident." Yes, the techniques we were learning were not the simplest, but very effective. And as pointed out, it is a little harder when you go to do things slowed down in a training environment, as opposed moving at the realistic speed. That being said it helps you to get things right. And you need to, lest your opponent capitalises on fundamental errors.

Despite what I find to be a long winded process of learning the Kihon or fundemental techniques, even with these difficult take downs we were learning, one particular one was enough to tell me I was getting something right. Once you know to go one way and not the other, it works and you see where those elementary steps are applied in practical circumstances. Something is only awkward because you're not used to it. In time, it becomes second nature. Then it becomes first...

Was good tonight, or though I feel a bit frustrated at times as I try to remember the basics and struggle with a brain and body that doesn't always do what I want it to, there are times when it works and things work out better than expected. Have to acknowledge that its not a instantaneous process but one of dedication, concentration and commitment to a life long endevour.

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Facing the Past

14 June 2006

Comments by juni0r

Second time tonight I head to Bujinkan Jissen Dojo. The kihon or fundemental techiques are the only thing that comes close to the efficency and methodology of military hand to hand, where you can't be stuck to a given formula for a given situation, but without the associated (required) brutality of a battlefield, as opposed civil self-protection. Nice to have melee techniques integral to the style as well. Not like an add-on.

It is a really nice feeling to be made immediately welcome and part of the Dojo. I was chuffed when the Shidoshi used me to demonstrate and clarify a given technique a few times, to show the right way and the wrong way of doing things. I actually smiled when he sent me backwards towards the wall :)

It is taking a while for me to get back into swing of things. The old brain isn't what it once was. I know I have to break things down into the separate movements and do them each as I mean to do them in a real combatives situation. But at the same time through discussions with the instructor we were able to establish some of the reasons for the difficulties I'm having with getting a handle on things. Next stop, it looks like some acupuncture.

This, I think, is a serious case of my having to face up with my past. Things don't improve just because you shut them out. Being training again was a good start but it doesn't go far without dealing with the root causes of problems.

In closing I'd like to thank everyone for their support.

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Recalling Pressure Points

07 June 2006

Comments by juni0r

Ah, first time I've been in a Dojo for a long while. Different styles, different techniques. Some things are familiar to me, some things are new. Its just difficult to make the body do what you want it to sometimes.

Then there are definitely some things which must be unlearnt. A great crew, small class and very relaxed which is what I need. Relax... always had issues with relaxing. You know the best way to recall pressure points? Have them applied upon you :) My only concern is money, otherwise everything from a training, stylistic and enlightenment point of view is perfect. There is a serious need to get back into the swing of things. Far too long away.

Thank you to Shidoshi Humphris and members of Bujinkan.

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Links

Bujinkan Jissen Dojo

Guidelines for Participation - Soke Masaaki Hatsumi

Military Training Program American Combatives

Okinawa Goju Ryu - Karate

Renzo Kujiujitsu - Forsvar