A Reporter Experiences a Day of Ninjutsu
The following is a faithful translation of a Japanese magazine article about Hatsumi Sensei. I do not believe this violates Sensei’s wishes against unauthorized translations of his Japanese works because: a) he sent it to me himself in its original Japanese form, and b) it is not one of his works.
This article originally appeared in the magazine “Light of Home” on page 160. The issue number and author’s name did not appear on my copy. — Ken Harding, Missouri Bujinkan Dojo.
THE KIND NINJA OF THE HEISEI ERA (modern era)
“Suiton no jutsu”, “Bunshin no jutsu,” etc. The mysterious ninja fascinate us to
the present day. What kind of people are ninja, who have such extraordinary mind control,
stamina and intelligence?
NINJA IN EMBRYO
When I came to the office, I found a business card on my desk. Unfamiliar titles were
listed on it. The 34th Master of Togakure Ryu, the 28th Master of Kukishinden Happo Hiken.
“Don’t start thinking of yourself. Go and get some Ninjutsu training.” That was the order from my editor. Maybe he thinks I, who am slightly built, need the exercise.
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, 65, is well known as an expert in ancient martial arts among those who practice. He is a Ninja of the Heisei Era who has inherited nine schools of Ninpo, including Togakure Ryu. I am filled with awe when I think that I am about to ask such a great master to teach me.
Speaking of the Ninja, a TV cartoon called “Nintama Rantaro” has become popular recently. In the past, “Ninja Hattori-kun” and “Aka-kage” have won high audience ratings. However, is it really possible that one walks on water with “mizu-gumo”, or disappears into a cloud of smoke? The true nature of the ninja is not really known.
The day came with my fear when I set out to become the pupil of Hatsumi Sensei. I arrived in Noda City, in Chiba, where old buildings still stand. All I had to say was “To Hatsumi Sensei’s house,” and the taxi driver understood.
“Tanomo (is anybody here?)” I wanted to open the door with this brave phrase, but
all that popped out of my mouth was a feeble “Excuse me...” Hatsumi Sensei in his black
training attire looks so powerful and dignified. His bearing convinces me that he is indeed the
premier living ninja.
“In foreign countries, you are always exposed to danger. Accordingly, true budo is
required. I am very impressed that they come to Japan even when the yen is so strong,” he
said. He is master not only of Japan but also of the world.
ONLY ONE WAZA IN LIFE
We began training, surrounding Hatsumi Sensei. Each of the pupils demonstrate their own “waza”.
I am fascinated by their powerful and agile waza. Hatsumi Sensei watches them, sitting down right
on the floor.
“Don’t watch only your enemies. When fighting, watch well all around you. Prepare to
fight according to the circumstances.”
It is necessary to watch every inch of the dojo. Training is starting to get exciting.
All of a sudden, I am called forward. My partners are Andrew and Mark. Mark, whose chest
looks twice as big as mine, told me by gesture to punch his stomach. I struck his stomach,
wondering if he will be O.K. Another one. Both rebound.
“Punch as hard as you can,” Sensei scolds me. I strike the stomach of Mark, who is
smiling, as hard as I can. Nevertheless, his controlled and disciplined body won’t move even
an inch. Quite the opposite, his muscles push back my fist. “Strike as you like.”
O.K., I aim a kick at his neck with my right leg. Oh-oh, he instantly catches my leg, holds my
body, and turns me around to throw me onto the floor.
Not wanting to give up, I face Andrew this time. I kick at this 6 foot, 3 inch body
helplessly. Again my leg is caught by big arms. I am now riding piggyback, with my right leg
hanging on his shoulder. In the end, my body is handed over to Mark, who settles on a waza
that involves strangling from behind. A series of waza are finished so smoothly that it makes
even me feel good.
Then I am challenged by “Bo-nuke”. While sitting, I am surrounded by four persons,
each of whom put a 6 foot staff on my shoulders, trapping my neck on all four sides. While I
am wondering what they are going to do to me, they pick me up by my head with the staffs. I am
suspended in the air with my legs off the floor. By instinct, I twist my neck in one move and
manage to escape danger. From this, my performance at the demonstration later is designed.
SAVED BY A CELESTIAL VOICE
“Because they have the capacity to, they can perform comical waza. Having flexibility is
always an indication of having reserve power.” Hatsumi Sensei explains the quintessence of
ninjutsu. “Even if you show an enemy that you are off guard, you should not show your
real strength. In a natural way, you have to manage tools as if you have perfect command.”
I wait for my turn to come, hoping I don’t make any mistakes in front of the two hundred
people that made up the audience. After Sensei plugs “Light of Home”, the
magazine I am working for, my turn has finally arrived.
I feel tense as they trap my neck with the four staffs. My body is held up off the
floor. Oh-no, they squeeze me much tighter this time. I cannot escape easily.
I am getting upset. Just then, I hear a celestial voice. “Get out of here!” it
booms. Suddenly, I can see a secret way out. In fact, someone made a little room between the
staffs for me to escape.
Although one of the lessons at the dojo is “Know first that patience is only
a short time,” I felt the time was very long.
Afterwards, I said to one of them that is was much tighter than at rehearsal. “Oh,
I’m sorry. In front of audiences, I exert more force than at practice, in spite of
myself.” He said this as if he didn’t care much, which made me forget the feeling
that my neck had gotten longer.
The last waza was “Shinken (real sword) shiraha-dori” performed by Hatsumi
Sensei. Sensei positioned himself with calmness and dignity. His eyes, watching his opponents,
are sharp and even overwhelming. He never meets his sword wielding enemies from the front.
Avoiding and outwitting them, each in turn, he grabs each sword, reverses it, and cuts them down.
The children who were watching in the front row clap cheerfully, as if they are watching a
costume play. But this is far from child’s play. When we exit, shouting a voice of
victory, even I, who performed poorly, felt somehow brave.
KIND AND STRONG
Andrew is interested in Japanese history, especially in the age of wars when ninja
played an active role. This was the start of his interest in ninjutsu. He said he had to
overcome asthma and become healthier. Now he is an eighth dan. I thought the question might
be impolite, but I asked him if he ever feels like using the skills he has learned in real life.
“It never happens to me because first I think how I can avoid fighting. Fighting is
only the lowest level. I am seeking the next level.” The next level means winning
without fighting. This is a primary law of ninjutsu.
There is a kunoichi (female ninja) who moved to Noda City to be able to attend the dojo.
Her name is Ms. Nobuko Kubo.
“Just like breathing, I want to be able to do techniques without consciousness. Through ninjutsu,
I want to learn how to overcome difficulties, whatever may happen, without losing my inner balance.
I wish I could live as peacefully, cheerfully and happily as I am right now.”
I saw Ms. Kubo perform with a naginata. Just seeing it makes me a bit fearful of ninjutsu.
I must feel that way because I have no talent for it. I told this thought to Hatsumi Sensei.
“Everyone feels afraid. Even if you practice a lot, that doesn’t change much.
Feeling fear, in a natural way, leads you to natural self protection. This is an important part
of ninjutsu.”
Ninja, as a group, seem difficult to approach if you see them only on the surface of physical
martial arts. After listening to Sensei, however, I came to think that ninja are those people who
can practice the methods of ninjutsu in ordinary life, in a natural way, and who can carry them
out honestly. This is not what I expected.
After I realized this, I came to see Hatsumi Sensei as a very kind person. I still can see
the expression that he sometimes shows his pupils; an expression which is very mild and gentle.
When Sensei talks in his cheerful voice and laughs gently, I sense that there is a deep relationship
of trust between him and his pupils.
Although my experience lasted only one day, I know I could enjoy the world of the ninja. However,
more than that, I became interested in the ninja of the Heisei Era, who still to this day
observe the teachings of ninpo and practice it faithfully. Their kindness and pureness is fresh
to me. Recalling today’s experience will be, more than anything else, the most valuable training.
Author unknown.
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The Japan Report: January 1996
Greetings again from Noda City, where the crisp days of winter are upon us again. The
leaves are off the trees and it is fairly chilly. No snow yet and very little rain,
so far. The days have been clear, in fact you can often see Mt Fuji from the river,
in the early morning or at sunset. Because it’s been so clear the nights are quite cold,
especially if the wind is howling through, which is a good bit of the time.
Some of the locals say that north wind comes down across Siberia before it comes over
the sea to blow down the length of Japan. If you ever feel it as it cuts through you to
the bone, it is easy to believe that to be true.
When last I wrote it was O-Bon season, towards the ends of summer. I’d like to go back
a few months to that time. Another festival I wanted to tell you about is the Bon-Odori
festival. This festival is related to O-Bon in that it is another way the Japanese people
remember and honor their ancestors. Bon-Odori roughly means “Dance of the Dead.“
This festival is usually held at the shrines locally, but sometimes in a park or even a
vacant lot. They build a two-story tower; this is where the musicians, usually drums and
sometimes a flute, play from. Nowadays, the music is recorded and played over loudspeakers
in some places.
The people from the neighborhood dance around this tower. The dance is a simple set of
hand and leg movements that are repeated over and over as the people circle the tower. Every
area has its own style of dance, but it is always simple and easy to learn so everyone can
participate, especially the children (or even visiting foreigners).
The standard dress for this festival, as well as other summertime activities, is the
“yukata.” A yukata is a light kimono with a belt or obi, usually worn with sandals or
wooden geta. The younger women and children usually wear designs of bright colors and patterns, or
floral patterns splashed across a darker background. Traditionally, men wore simple patterns
of navy and white, but these days most men just wear shorts or modern beach wear.
Another accessory is the fan — not the folding kind everybody knows, but a round,
flat one with a long handle. Traditionally these were made from paper and wood or bamboo,
now most are paper on a plastic frame. This is used while dancing to augment your hand
movements, or to cool yourself after. When not in use it is carried tucked into your obi.
Sometimes you will see old men or very young boys wearing a “jimbei.” This is
another traditional outfit for summer. It is a short pajama-like tunic and shorts;
at the seams where the sleeves meet the body there are large spaces for ventilation.
The atmosphere at most festivals is very carnival-like, often with games and vendors. There
are several foods common to Japan in summertime: shaved ice, watermelon, BBQ corn on the cob,
yakisoba, and octopus or squid on a stick. These types of things are available from the vendors.
Another thing that is common to Japan in summer is fireworks. They are available all summer
long. There are often big fireworks displays on the weekends. From the river you can see
pretty far in all directions, so you see fireworks almost every weekend during the summer.
OK, let’s get back to the present.
Concerning the Bujinkan, the biggest event of the year was held here just a few weeks ago,
the Daikomyosai. As I’ve said before, this is a party to celebrate Hatsumi-Sensei’s birthday,
and includes three days of training much like a Tai Kai. This year’s event was attended
by over one hundred people from different countries around the world, who came to learn from
and pay their respects to Sensei.
The subjects of this year’s training were Naginata and Daisho Sabaki and their relationships
to Budo Taijutsu. This was shown repeatedly over the three days, as Japanese instructors would
demonstrate basic waza, then Hatsumi-Sensei would do countless variations off of those. Of course,
his taijutsu looked effortless.
As usual the training was recorded and will come out as a video in the Quest series. It will
probably not be available for a few months yet. If you were lucky enough to be here it will be an
excellent reminder of all the techniques that were practiced but you’ve forgotten. For those of
you who weren’t able to make it, I’m sure it will be the next best thing to actually being here.
Hatsumi-Sensei gave the godan test to six people at various times throughout the training. He said
just as in real life, you never know what’s coming next; this is why he gave the test without
warning. All six passed at different times. Another high point was the awarding of new 10th dans.
America received some more, as well as another new one for England.
The godan machine has been working overtime, as five more people have since passed at the end of
regular classes recently. This brings the total of people who have passed 5th dan to 334 worldwide in
the Bujinkan. Most of these are people who live and train outside of Japan.
As one might guess, Hatsumi-Sensei had quite a bit to say to this representative audience of the Bujinkan
worldwide. I’d like to relate to you some of his conversations from before, during, and after the
actual event.
At one of the special classes held on a Saturday morning at Noguchi Dojo, Hatsumi-Sensei talked
about the coming year and about SanMyaku. 1996 is the Year of the Rat (according to the Chinese
calendar; its use is also prevalent here). Because the rat is known to have lots of offspring,
Hatsumi-Sensei feels it’s possible that next year could show considerable growth in the
Bujinkan. This year is also the year he figures to complete the establishment of the idea of
Budo Taijutsu.
Concerning SanMyaku, Sensei reminded everyone that it isn’t something you should read
once and put away. You should re-read it periodically. As you grow and your experience and
perception changes, the next time you read it your understanding of it will be different.
It makes a lot of sense when you think this way. Sensei stresses that SanMyaku should be
considered by Bujinkan members as similar to the letters that he received from Takamatsu-Sensei,
which he still reads and learns from.
(Incidentally, the last issue of SanMyaku to come out over here was #9; it had several pages
devoted to a letter that Sensei received from Takamatsu-Sensei. This is something for
those of you who subscribe to look forward to. For those of you who don’t, what are
you waiting for? Sensei wants every member of the Bujinkan to purchase and read his magazine.
How many times do you have to be told?)
During the Daikomyosai the level of training was very high and Sensei was quick to remind everyone
that when you train with him, he is teaching to the level of 5th dan and above. He mentioned that
how one trains up to 4th dan is different: below 4th dan your training should emphasize proper
form and correct basics. After 5th dan you work on catching the feeling and flow, while form
is not so important anymore. After you know the form and each step of the technique correctly,
then you break the form and begin to leave it. You start to work on things unseen.
Continuing this same theme, Sensei mentioned at a recent evening class that the feeling is something
you catch with your body and it remembers. He compared it to learning to swim or ride a bicycle:
once you learn, your body always remembers how. Hatsumi-Sensei said that his art is movement,
natural movement. When you combine that with the feeling, in a real situation this is more
valuable than trying to remember how to do a technique.
Another subject he commented on was politics and why so many people in the Bujinkan can’t
get along. Sensei said that up until now there have been too many promoters, merchants, and
politicians in the Bujinkan. It has reached a time of maturity and we need people who have
real skill as martial artists. Sensei feels that if everyone would train together, share with,
and learn from each other, we would all progress that much faster. He went on to say that if
people just trained and didn’t worry about who is number one, right or wrong, weak or strong,
but just strive to improve their own taijutsu, there would not be these problems. Most of these
problems come from people who would rather talk, build a business, an empire, or their own egos
than train. The Bujinkan does not need these people.
Of course, just training on your own is not enough; you can still go down a strange path. For
people above 5th dan and anyone who is teaching this art, Sensei stressed that they need to come to
Japan and learn directly from him as much as possible; at the very least, once a year. He explained
that this martial art can only be taught personally “man to man.” Sensei went on to
say in his class rank means nothing, shodan is the same as 10th dan — he is just hoping
someone will understand what he’s really teaching. The important thing is to be there,
so you have a chance to catch the lesson. He talked about instructors who have high rank and
feel because of that, they understand the art, but don’t come to Sensei’s classes
any more. He included 10th dans, both foreign and Japanese, in this group. Sensei said that because
he and his art are always growing and changing, people who don’t study with him are like
expired goods, they just don’t realize they’ve gone sour. They are practicing and
teaching from old news or out-of-date ideas. If they came to his class they would be
exposed to the Budo Taijutsu Sensei’s teaching now, as well as the direction he’s
taking the Bujinkan from here.
Another point Hatsumi-Sensei brought up was that, especially for those who teach, it is more
important to always be a student. When you stop learning you stagnate or die.
He also commented on another group of people he calls “collectors.” These are people
who have lists of technique names from different ryu, and because they’ve seen or
practiced a waza to match the name, they figure they know those techniques. Sensei reminded
everyone that just like the Kihon Happo, where you have to be able to do 8 variations
off of each technique, then 8 more from each of those, and so forth, these people don’t
really “know” any of those techniques. It would be better to have a “blank scroll.•
Don’t try to be number one, try to be zero.
At one of the morning classes just after the Daikomyosai, held at Noguchi Dojo, Sensei asked the
new English 10th dan what he’d like to see. He requested Gyokko ryu, so Sensei said “OK•.
We worked from a Koto ryu technique, Hoteki, but he said we would do it using the feeling of Gyokko
ryu. Part way into class, Sensei began to talk about how his Budo Taijutsu is different from other
martial arts. He brought up the fact that real fights nowadays are, and especially on the
battlefield of old were, very rarely one against one. He pointed out that memorization and
practice of form, as done in most other arts, will not prepare you for this situation. You have
to have the feeling to be able to vary the technique to handle more than one attacker. You have
to be aware of everything around you and how to use one person against another, as well as the
surrounding environment. We spend about half that class training with Hoteki from that situation,
and working from those ideas.
At a recent class in Ayase, Hatsumi-Sensei told everyone that the theme for 1996 will be
“the movement of the sword.” He said the weapons we will be working with will be ken,
katana, and tachi. He decided to give us a taste of what it will be like, as we spent the
remainder of that class doing counters to the Daisho Sabaki waza we had been practicing. Most
of these involved basic taijutsu ideas such as moving with, dropping under, kicking, striking,
or off-balancing the opponent, so that even though he was trying to prevent it, you were still
able to cut him in the end.
Other Bujinkan related news for 1996. The online bulletin board service that originates from
Japan will be operational in January. More information will be available when it goes on-line.
Manaka-Shihan is just now finishing up the last of the upper level of Kukishinden ryu. The emphasis
with this ryu has been the special movement that accompanies the wearing of armor, which is one
of the conditions that this style was developed from. At this level the techniques are very complicated.
No, actually the techniques are basically simple, what’s hard is trying to fit them in with
everything else that’s happening. In 1996, he will begin working on Densho techniques from Shinden
Fudo ryu.
The video of the latest Daikomyosai will be out sometime this year. Remember that forms are available
for ordering videos directly from Hatsumi-Sensei through the dojo hombu in Japan.
The forms include a complete list of titles and prices. To receive these forms, send your
request, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, to Joe Maurantonio c/o Heart,
Faith & Steel, P.O. Box 146, Yonkers, New York 10710.
With the start of another year, if you haven’t already, it’s time to renew your
Bujinkan membership. [See Japan Report #2, or email Joe Maurantonio at
Mark O’Brien is a Shidoshi living in Japan since about 1986. He trains with Hatsumi
Sensei and the various Shihan regularly. THE JAPAN REPORT is Mark’s attempt to help
Bujinkan practitioners living outside of Japan. It can be found in each issue of Heart,
Faith & Steel (see below). Heart, Faith & Steel: Insights to Martial Training;
P.O. Box 146, Yonkers, NY 10710. Contact: alk13@columbia.edu
The Evolution of European Ninpo
This article will tell you the story of how ninjutsu found its way to Sweden in the
first place and Europe in the second place. It started with the book by Andy Adams,
NINJA, THE INVISIBLE ASSASSIN, first published 1970.
LOOKING FOR THE WAY
My first visit to a dojo was frightening. It was in the beginning of the sixties. A man
from Holland, the late Mr. Gerhard Gosen, had introduced Judo, Jujitsu Tai Chi and Karate to
Stockholm. In Goteborg another person from mid-Europe, Bruno Adler had introduced Judo. I was
entering Mr. Gosen’s dojo during a Judo session which was led by himself. One of his
students met me in the hall and we talked a lot &$150 until he showed me some strangulation techniques.
At that moment I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start my training in a club. Everything went
black for me. I still think it is because Mr. Gosen came into the hall and “saved my life”
that I went on with my studies.
Finally I started to train in Judo and Jujitsu in a club, and the training was as I
had expected — tough physical training, sometimes mixed with mysterious stories. I had
the feeling that there must be something more, something around the next corner, something
else waiting to be explored. Most of the training was about competition and since my personal
view of training never had been into any sort of competition, I felt that I had to look for
something different. At that time I didn’t know, however, what to look for. I had heard
about a book called “Zen-combat”, and when I got the book I found a lot of Martial Arts
that I never before heard of before. One of the arts was about the magician, the ninja-training,
Ninjutsu. At that time, when I saw the book, I didn’t “get the message”. My sensei
in Judo and Jujitsu told me a lot about the mental side of the Martial Arts. A side that
I found more and more interesting and wanted to explore. My chances at that time to go to
Japan and visit the masters, were zero. No money, no contacts, no nothing... I had to explore
the inner side of the arts through other ways, and using books was one such way.
The change came in 1973 with my black belt grading in Judo. As a gift from my students (I
had a small dojo already at that time) for passing the test to shodan, I got Adams’ book,
NINJA, THE INVISIBLE ASSASSIN. That book gave me another insight into the ancient way of the
Japanese warrior, called the ninja. I read the book with a feeling of that this was what I
had been searching for. A total way of the warrior, with philosophy, martial arts techniques
and above all, a living master of the art. Maybe, a person to find. At the same time I had
gotten the book, STICK FIGHTING, by Masaaki Hatsumi and Quentin Chambers. The same master in both books.
NINJA NO FUCHI
The name of the place I moved to was translated into English language since I was trying to find
a suitable name for my dojo. I found that the meaning of Trollboocken was “Hobgoblin
brook” &$150 in Japanese it turned out to be “ninja no fuchi”. I felt that it must be
a meaning with this — my karma was going in a way I could not at that moment realize the
strength of. In the spring of the same year, I wrote to Kodansha International who published
the “Stick Fighting” book and asked them for Hatsumi Sensei’s address — I had
their answer on April 28, 1975.
A new letter, this time to Japan and Hatsumi sensei, telling him about my interest in the art
called Ninjutsu and that my homeplace was called “ninja-no-fuchi•. No answer — a new
letter asking if he had got my first letter
June 12 1975! A postcard came from Tetsuji Ishizuka, one of Hatsumi Sensei’s shihans,
and the start of something that all people in Europe who train in this art now share —
ninpo taijutsu (or budo taijutsu as it is called today). The postcard is still kept in my
storybook about ninjutsu development, as well as the letter from Kodansha.
NINJA VISITS SWEDEN
A week of “cloud nine“ followed. I don’t know if one can get bruises being on
cloud nine, but bruises I got, many of them. This first week gave me the insight in the
true Martial Art — ninpo. It also gave me a brother for life — a brother and friend
and mentor who gave willingly from his enormous knowledge. Ishizuka sensei came back to Sweden
in 1977, on his honeymoon, for one more week training.
JAPAN 1976, THE FIRST MEETING WITH A LIVING LEGEND
My first meeting with the grandmaster is still in my memory — fresh as it was
when it happened. At that time Hatsumi Sensei’s dojo was in his home. The first meeting
was, as it often still is, over a cup of tea. We talked about different things in Sweden. I
was the first one from Sweden, so it was interesting for Sensei to hear about the land where
polar bears were running around on the streets in the winter!!!!
The meeting was very nice, but the charismatic aura from the ninja grandmaster was frightening.
He showed me some different techniques and invited me to the training later on that day.
The dojo was at that time in his home — 16 square meters, with three cats, a parrot,
a lizard somewhere and at least ten people training very hard techniques. I remember,
Ishizuka sensei’s laughter, since Manaka sensei very often was trying to rip my
chestcage to pieces, maybe rebuilding it to a fruit basket. Hatsumi Sensei’s training
was astonishing. I do not think I remember anything of the techniques we did from that time.
More meetings with the grandmaster, exchanging presents and listening to the stories that
now most westerners know of.
I went back to Sweden after those two weeks with my head full of impressions and a shodan in
Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu. I was very proud and was already planning to find a chance to go back to
Japan. But, it was not until seven years later that I was going to have a chance to go back.
MEETING WITH AMERICAN NINJA
Twice that year I went to him — for training and talking about the development of ninjutsu.
At that time I still didn’t know what was going to happen in Europe. Steve was well known,
highly graded and well-established on the Martial Arts scene already at that time. It was
very inspiring to talk and train with him.
NINJA BOOM
Now the ninja were being explored on the bookshelves by Lustbader’s book, “The Ninja”,
and Chuck Norris’ movie, “The Octagon.” Articles, movies, radio programs and
books were overflowing the market in the world.
In Sweden things went in a specific way too. I had found a place on the eastside of Stockholm
(the “fine” area). It was in a basement — an old potato cellar! — about 200 square
meters big. People said I was crazy to try to make a dojo of it. I thought so too, but my friend
who had found the place for me, he believed in it. After six months of hard work, we opened
the Ninja Center in Stockholm on October 11, 1982. The place was fully booked before we even started our
training — 200 people enrolled and the ninja boom was becoming a fact in Sweden too.
Exactly one year after the opening of the Ninja Center Eastside Dojo I opened the Southside Ninja
Center in Stockholm. That place was almost double the size. Slowly ninjutsu started to grow
in Sweden. People contacted me from different parts of the country and pretty soon there were
15 clubs in Sweden and about 1500 people training. In my southside dojo alone there were
450 people training in 1985. Things were going very well and I really misunderstood all of it, as
I can see now.
JAPAN AGAIN
Steve was right. Something had happened with Sensei. He was the same person, but not the
same anyway. He was very kind, gentle and his training was in a way worse than before. The
pain in 1976 was fast and devastating. This time the pain was another way; I found myself lying
on the mat, laughing my head off because of the pain in the techniques. (I couldn’t
cry, could I.......?!)
THE EUROPEAN CONNECTION
After the introduction in the UK, Holland and other countries, such as Greece, Spain, Germany,
Norway and Finland followed.
During one of my visits to Japan in 1984, Hatsumi sensei said that he wanted me to organize the
training in Europe. I tried as hard as I could, from my point of view, to do so and sorry to say,
bad things started to happen. In all big organizations the political side will grow. So it did
even here, with many bad things came up. Many of them were my own fault, and some was others.
BUJINKAN - A WORLDWIDE ORGANIZATION
My meeting with my old Japanese teachers and friends, especially Hatsumi sensei and my brother,
Ishizuka sensei, gave my a kick forward. I am not a part of the official ninjutsu training anymore.
I am training probably even more intensive than ever. My training the first 20 years was obviously
on the outside - the omote. I was going on the surface all the way and since ninjutsu is much more
than that it took me many years to find the right way. Now I have found the deeper meaning of life,
and my study and training has changed a lot. Philosophy, finding inner strength and physical training
is one for me now.
I really hope that the Bujinkan will go on forever, or as Sensei wrote to me on the
first kanji, Ninpo Ikkan — forever!
Bo Munthe is now teaching in his own dojo outside Stockholm, Bujinkan Bo Dojo,
Kuro Yama Kai, Ibsengatan 9, S-161 59 Sweden. Tel/fax 46 8 877 420. The training
in the dojo is Bujinkan budo taijutsu and ninpo goshinjitsu. He is working as a
teacher in mental development, conflict-stress management and self-protection.
He can be reached via e-mail at: bo.munthe@mailbox.swipnet.se
Safety on the Street
Is there any large city in America where one can walk alone at night and not get
the heebie-jeebies at least once? Well, you all know the answer to that question.
It’s no secret that our streets are pretty spooky to roam and there are plenty bad
guys out there who plan on keeping up their hard work.
We are also busier nowadays than ever before and the computer generation has given
us more time to do even more work! So what do we do, stay at the office and shelter
ourselves from the evil-doers that lurk out our front doors? It’s not a bad idea
but it is a little impractical. For those who brave the city nights, I offer these
suggestions that may aid you in making it home from the office safely.
Plan your route before you leave. This can be as simple as visualizing the streets you’ll
walk before you leave, or as elaborate as mapping out your route on paper to avoid unnecessary
stops along the way.
Call your destination before you leave. Make people aware you will be in transit and what
time you expect to arrive.
Leave work or travel in pairs. Statistics show that bad guys don’t like
a challenge. Two minds working together are also better than one.
If you have mace carry it in your hand. In an emergency situation, there is no time
to dig it out of your pocket or purse. Also, carry a mace that emits a spray versus a
slim stream. Targeting the slim stream in a high stress situation is difficult.
Walk in well lit portion of street. Also avoid alleys and gangways. (Even if
they are the quicker route!)
View the insides of parked cars as you approach. Many people are abducted in this way. If
you must pass a parked car with people inside, pass on the driver side. Most people are
grabbed by the passenger while the driver prepares the getaway.
Be aware when passing wooded areas, high shrubs, etc. Remember the criminal relies on
the element of surprise.
While passing people on the street, make eye contact. Criminals do not like being noticed
nor do they like an aware, confident person as a victim. However, be careful. A long,
lingering stare may be taken as a threat. Only make enough eye contact to say
“Hello, how are you, I know you’re there.”
Invest in a fanny pack. If you don’t mind leaving your 400 lbs. of “necessary”
items from your purse at home! Fanny packs offer a low profile, hard to snatch means of transporting
personal items. If you really need those 400 lbs., though, wear your purse strap across your chest.
Save the headphones for the gym... (and the sunglasses for the daytime, Mr. Cruise)
Do not interfere with your sense abilities to perceive danger.
Do not clutch valuables. If transporting items of value, do so in simple bags and do not
squeeze them to your body. This only draws attention to you and your package.
Keep jewelry and expensive clothing items to a minimum. Remember you want to keep a
low profile and not be singled out as a target.
As you approach your vehicle, have your keys in hand. People are frequently attacked while
entering a car. Having your keys ready will cut down on you “entry” time.
Lock doors immediately upon entry into your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to do
a visual check of your backseat before entering the vehicle.
If stopped at a traffic light, leave ample space between you and the car ahead of you. If
you think you might be a target for a carjack or “smash and grab” you need enough space
to escape. However, if the criminal is already upon you I suggest cooperation. Possessions are
not worth your life — although I’d probably pay them to take my car!
Always maintain view of surroundings with aid of auto mirrors. Keep an eye on what is
around you when stopped in your car.
When parking cars outdoors, put “The Club” on your steering wheel. No,
I’m not “The Club” spokesman. It is hard to pick them and the criminal is
likely to pass yours up for a less secured vehicle. They are a good visual deterrent.
Remember, the criminal does not like a challenge.
I hope these simple, some obvious, some maybe not so obvious suggestions will aid
you in your approach to personal safety and get you home to those you love.
Jeffery P.O’Connor is a Deputy Sheriff with the Cook County Sheriff Department in
Chicago. He has been studying Ninpo for two years under Wayne Bearstler at
the Illinois Martial Arts Academy in Schaumburg, IL. When not at the dojo, he enjoys
doing the things “husbands are supposed do” by the order of his new,
lovely wife, Tiffany! Jeff may be reached via e-mail at: JPO
216@aol.com
Cultivating a Deeper Understanding
A particular phone conversation with my friend and mentor Ed Sones inspired a few thoughts within
me. It seems to me that the martial art we practice is like a lump of cold, wet clay that we
have been given. It is shapeless and ready to be molded by our hands. It is nothing much
to look at until we shape it and give it form. We all have a desire to create something artistic
and useful, so we go to pottery class to learn what to do with it. We study the techniques and
craftsmanship and soon we are making pots and vases and so forth. Like children we look at
what the person next to us has made and possibly make fun of it, thinking the labor of their
hands is of little value. We all think ours is the most like the teacher showed us. It’s
human nature to be judgmental of others; but the teacher is telling us: “It doesn’t really
matter if your vase is beautiful or ugly! Enjoy creating it!” In the end, Hatsumi Sensei
says, it doesn’t matter if you are weak or strong, a good martial artist or a poor one.
What matters is to live the right kind of life, and if you can survive, that is enough.
There has been much criticism on the Internet recently about the quality of martial
artists in the Bujinkan. It has been along the lines of calling people “wimps”.
Unfortunately, the observation is not incorrect. Those who have followed my writings know
that I have been saying something similar for years; not with the intention of name-calling
or putting people down, but with the challenge to “buyu” to raise the level of
seriousness and intensity in their training. If you practice martial arts as a hobby,
that is fine. However, a student with that kind of attitude should not be raised to the
upper black belt levels. There are Bujinkan teachers who look like they are right out
of high school. Some are technique collectors and what Hatsumi Sensei calls
“martial arts scholars.” We all have seen teachers who seem to get a boost from
having a lot of high level students under them, and pump out yondans like they are an
endangered species, regardless of actual ability. It doesn’t matter to me personally
if people can’t realistically use this art in everyday situations. I’m sure
they are benefiting in some other way. The situation does, however, affect the way the
public views our art, and determines the kind of respect you will receive from the martial
arts community. This doesn’t really matter either, unless you have an ego and care
what other people think. This has, surprisingly, driven some people out of the Bujinkan,
but I think that is too extreme a measure. If you can’t help being judgmental, then judge
people on their seriousness in studying the art and the goodness of their heart. If
you don’t think they are “tough enough,” then just smile and wish them
well. Go and work on yourself.
Now back to the clay metaphor. So here we sit with our vases in front of us, and
some of us think we have finished the project, and do nothing more. They can show
you their good looking vase. Yet the most important thing has yet to be done. The vessel
needs to be filled. Some people have empty vases, and think the vase itself is what
they set out to create. I hope you can see the point of this parable. You can prepare
the vessel all you want, but until it is filled with the feeling it has not realized
its true purpose. It shouldn’t just be something to look at. The forms are not enough;
they are just what we see on the outside. Some people see nothing but the forms. They
are just the empty vase, waiting to be filled. Hatsumi Sensei has said the three things that
are vital in Taijutsu training are 1) form, 2) to correct the form, and 3) the feeling.
Don’t stop at 1 or 2. If you don’t understand what 3 is, just keep going and maybe
you will. It’s not enough to have good looking forms.
One last thing about when Hatsumi Sensei says: “It doesn’t matter if you are
strong or weak,” or “It doesn’t matter if you are a good technician or a poor
one.” This phrase is not an excuse for being a low-quality martial artist. It
is not intended to be a mental crutch for those who don’t feel they “have it”.
The meaning was put to me very well by one of my good friends in Japan. “If someone wants
to kill you, they will,” he said. This is true. If someone was intent on killing you,
eventually they would succeed, no matter how strong of a martial artist you are. I’m
talking about someone who has no concern of the possible consequences to themselves. They
don’t care if they get killed or caught in the process. They would obsess on the
act, watch you daily, maybe become your friend and wait until your back was turned; or maybe
shoot you from a hundred yards with a high powered rifle.
This is not to say that you should throw up your hands in exasperation and quit your
training. Quite the contrary, train harder with the intent of surviving. I think
what Hatsumi Sensei means is that you should not become obsessive about strength and
technique. If you spend all your time in these areas, you may miss the important moments
in life. When your time is up, it is up — and you will wish that you had spent that time
differently. This realization is important and it is part of budo. I think this is what
he means by budo means living.
There is no real strength without softness. Without softness you have only an imitation of
strength. (Tension is a common word for this.) This may be enough for you to possibly prevail
against the unskilled fighter, but it will not fool everyone. The higher level martial artist
will see through this flaw and confound your technique. It is important to see that true power
has two sides. It is this kind of dual edged strength that appears mysterious to the beginning
student. When you feel this dualistic power, you can obviously feel that there is strength being
applied against you, but you can’t really feel where it is coming from, and therefore you
can’t counter or fight against it. This is why the techniques of the Bujinkan are so powerful.
If you don’t think there is power or realism in the methods of the Bujinkan, you should
re-evaluate how you are doing things. Consider that it is not the art that is weak,
but the person practicing the art. You might seek new teachers and experiences until you discover
the real feeling.
Portions of this article appear in the book “Shadow Words” by Ken Harding.
Shidoshi Ken Harding, 6th Dan, heads the Missouri Bujinkan Dojo in St. Louis. He began
Taijutsu training in 1984, travels every year to Japan to study directly under Hatsumi Sensei,
and studies Japanese language, Yoga, shiatsu, and herbology. He may be contacted via E-mail:
Shadowswrd@aol.com
Christianity and Ninpo
Matthew, Chapter 8 (23-27): Jesus and the apostles were in a boat. Suddenly a
violent storm came upon the sea. The apostles became frightened and they woke up
Jesus who was sleeping. He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of
little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.
Wow!!!, he knew Kuji 8.
An article appeared in the January issue of Ura and Omote titled “Christ and the
(right) Cross”. The article stated that our art contains upper occult teachings which
the author felt caused a conflict with his Christian beliefs.
My experiences as a Christian practicing this art have led me to just the opposite
conclusion. I see no conflict with the mind-body sciences taught by Stephen Hayes and my
Christian beliefs. The word occult simply means “hidden.” It does not
mean evil or bad as most people would think. To have occult powers is to have hidden
knowledge — knowledge generally not known or revealed to the majority.
Jesus possessed many miraculous powers. His apostles possessed similar miraculous powers
and so did the large majority of Catholic saints. Like the 20th century monk Padre Pio,
who bore the five wounds of Christ and was best known for his bilocation ability (being
in two places at one time) and his healing powers. The Buddha also possessed such miraculous
powers and said that these powers were only a by-product of his enlightened state. Jesus
did not teach these miraculous powers openly. He kept the knowledge hidden and only transmitted
it to those who were spiritually advanced enough to learn it. Should we label this hidden
knowledge used to perform these mysterious good works under the broad term “occult”
or just call it Christian good doing and Buddhist nice stuff? Or are these miraculous
powers hidden in all of us waiting to be discovered as we move closer to our full
human potential? Jesus told us we can do what he has done and even greater works.
In Matthew, Chapter 12 (22-30) the crowd asked Jesus how they could be sure his miracles
were not the work of demons done only to fool and trick them. He told them that evil cannot
produce good — it can only produce evil. This is a simple truth: darkness cannot produce
light, light cannot produce darkness and a sword cannot cut itself. Therefore, anything that
brings peace and harmony into my life does not conflict with my Christian beliefs. On the
contrary, it bring me closer to the Christos within.
The nine levels of development is a method to bring peace and harmony to an individual. It
is a method to help individuals develop their full human potential. This mind body science
is just that: a scientific approach to self-actualization, and not a religion or a study
of occult beliefs. It is a method to bring peace to the lives of all who study it. While
Stephen Hayes is a Buddhist Priest, and you can study and learn Buddhism from him, this is
optional. The curriculum doesn’t requite you to take Buddhist vows or study the teachings
of the Buddha. If anything, studying this mind-body science had lead to an increase in my
Christian faith and not brought me further from it. it also has improved my concentration,
calmed my mind, helped me find my weaknesses and provided remedies for them. Over all, it
has resulted in a more balanced mental, emotional and physical state, which in turn has improved
my taijutsu, as well as, greatly improved the overall quality of my life.
This is why I do not condemn the Kuji part of our training as evil or anti-Christian. I welcome
it with open arms. I believe that valuable lessons and truths can be learned from both
Christians and non Christians. When I look at Stephen Hayes, I do not see a Buddhist priest
or a Ninja master; I see my brother, and when I look deeply into his heart, I see myself.
No religious dogma binds me; my heat is open and ready to receive all the knowledge that
enables me to move further and further into a state of wholeness.
I am not suggesting that anyone should or shouldn’t study the Nine Gates mind-body sciences.
These studies are not for everyone. This is a personal choice and in my case, these studies have
been a positive force in my life.
Here are some books to read if you wish to explore the subject a little further: Esoteric
Christianity, Anne Besant, Theosophical Publishing House, 1970. The Pipe and Christ: A
Christian-Sioux Dialogue, Father William Stolzman, Tipi Press, 1995. Living Buddha, Living Christ,
Thich Nhat Hanh, Riverhead Books, 1995.
Frank Luce is an instructor at New York Budo. He may be reached through the editor
at Ashidome@aol.com
American Archetypes for the Taizokai Mandala
At the “Living the Dual Mandalas“ seminar in 1987, Shidoshi Hayes gave
us the names and attributes of the figures in the central lotus of the Taizokai mandala. The great
problem for an American using these archetypes as “heroes” to emulate, however,
is that they are distinctly Japanese in character. Sure you can look up Amida Nyorai in
some book or another, but your experience of Amida will usually remain something exotic,
something “outside” of you. Shidoshi Hayes mentioned that he would like to find
similar “heroes” from American folklore so that we could understand them just as
the average Japanese understands the characters that make up the mandalas: as an emotional part
of our own culture. This article is, therefore, my humble attempt to put the Taizokai
“heroes” in a recognizable cultural perspective.
Paul Bunyan symbolizes the power of the earth mode to calmly solve any problem in the physical
world with invention and humor.
I know what you could be thinking: this is too simple and childish to be of any use to me.
You must, however, understand that you are trying to communicate with your sub-conscious mind,
and the sub-conscious speaks in symbols of the simplest kind. Remember Jesus’
advice about becoming like a little child; don’t take this so seriously!
HUCKLEBERRY FINN AS AN ARCHETYPE OF WATER
“Miss Watson told me all about the bad place, and I said that I wished I was there.
She got mad then, but I didn’t mean no harm. All I wanted was to go somewheres; all I
wanted was a change. I warn’t particular. She said it was wicked to say what I said;
said she wouldn’t say it for the whole world; she was going to live so as to go
to the good place. Well, I couldn’t see no advantage in going where she was going, so
I made up my mind I wouldn’t try for it.”
Huck Finn symbolizes the quality of the water mode to withdraw, figure out a course of action,
and rush back with a solution to the problem.
DAVY CROCKETT AS AN ARCHETYPE OF FIRE
“I reached into the hollow log and put my hand into something as soft as a featherbed
and heard an awful growling. But it was only an old b’ar I woke out of his winter nap, and
I took out my knife Butcher to see which were the best man. But the critter was clean amazed
and made a bolt to get out of the scrape, most cowardly. “Hollo, stranger!”
says I. “We don’t part company without having a fair shake for a fight.”
And so, saving your presence, I clenched hold both ’is posterities.”
Anyone who grabs a bear by the “posterities” must need to be aggressive! Davy
Crockett symbolizes the quality of the fire mode to approach a problem with enthusiasm and energy.
JOHNNY APPLESEED AS AN ARCHETYPE OF AIR
With his knowledge of the vegetable kingdom, he was often sought out by all as an herbal healer.
A preacher once said, “Where now is there a man who, like the primitive Christians, is traveling
to Heaven barefooted and clad in coarse rainment?” Up walked Johnny Appleseed,
who pointed with his thumb at his coffee-sack shirt.
The Indians saw his eccentric behavior and thought he was “touched by God” and
therefore did not molest him. When the War of 1812 caused the Indians to go on the warpath for
the British, Johnny Appleseed warned the American settlements of the Indians’movements.
Johnny Appleseed symbolizes the quality of the air mod to use benevolence to nurture others.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AS AN ARCHETYPE OF THE VOID
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right,
as God give us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind
up the nation’s wounds; to care wor him who shall have borne the battle, and for
his widow, and his orphan - to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace
among ourselves, and with all nations.”
Can you think of a better philosophy for a spiritual warrior?
In conclusion, I wish to point out that this is not the only possible set of archetypes that
could be used. Indeed, most cultures have similar archetypes attributable to the five
elements. What is important is that you use symbols that strike an emotional chord within you,
to lead you to a better understanding of yourself and your environment.
This article appeared in the March-April 1988 issue of Musubi and is reprinted with permission.
Denny Kinsella is a brown-belt student at the Illinois Martial Arts Academy, in Schaumburg,
Illinois. He may be reached via e-mail at: kinsella@mcs.net
Writing an Effective Press Release
In a previous article I laid out my thoughts on how to effectively deal with the media. Of
course that article left dangling the question of how to get the media’s attention in the
first place. The most common way of getting noticed is through a press release. Naturally, some
press releases are more effective than others. In this article I’ll lay out some of my ideas
about the differences between a release that gets read and acted upon, as opposed to one that
gets canned after a cursory glance.
To understand what makes a good press release you have to understand something about what drives
today’s news business. Quite simply, the people who put together newspapers, TV newscasts
and radio newscasts must fill more space and time with fewer resources than ever before. The
romantic view of the news business is that only the best news stories make into the paper or on
the air. The reality is that if every person who has an assignment comes back with a story,
no matter how weak, there is just enough material to “fill the show.”
The main burden of filling the show or the space falls on the person who makes the daily
assignments. In television, this person is known as either the assignment editor or the news
planner. In radio, the news director is most likely the person calling the shots. In newspapers,
each section of the paper has an editor or executive editor who calls the shots. For simplicity,
we’ll simply call that lucky person the assignment editor. Every day the assignment editor
starts off with an assortment of hard news stories that must get covered. (Court cases,
government meetings and “spot news“ such as traffic accidents and violent crimes.) Very
seldom is there enough hard news to meet the day’s news budget. Even on the most crowded news
days there is a need for lighter stories that help take the grim edge off the news. When
they get through sorting out the hard news the assignment editor has to find ways to meet
the rest of the day’s budget. That person can not afford to send out reporters on stories
that don’t turn into stories.
Every person who makes assignments goes through piles of press releases every day. In fact,
there are so many releases that the first thing they have to do is throw out ones that
don’t meet their needs for stories. The person writing a release has to remember that they
only get one shot at catching the assignment editor’s eye. That means several things when
you are putting together a release. First, the release must contain a “hook.”
The hook tells the assignment editor why they should be interested. For TV this means a
story with plenty of moving pictures. In radio, this means the opportunity for a reporter to
come back with audio, whether it’s provocative sound bites or exciting natural sound.
In print, this can mean interesting pictures or interesting facts that will make for an
interesting story.
In most cases, the hook is tied to a one shot event. This goes back to one of the basic
rules of journalism. If a dog bites a man that’s not news. If a man bites a dog,
that’s news! Think of it this way, a group of martial artists training diligently night
after night without incident probably isn’t news. However, a group of martial artists
training for one day with their grand master from Japan may be news.
As a brief training exercise, or kata if you prefer, try putting yourself in a TV assignment
editor’s place. Just imagine that you have a hole in your newscast. The news director is
looking for an offbeat, somewhat cheerful piece to close out the show. You look for ideas in
your stack of press releases. Will you take a chance on a scientific conference that offers
interesting facts, but nothing to video of except scientists sitting an auditorium being lectured
by other scientists? How about a planning task force that will release a study of how to prevent
your home town from being turned into one series of strip malls after another? Ah...here’s
something interesting. The world’s number one ninja is in town for a three day seminar. He
will demonstrate unarmed combat, traditional weapons and their application to today’s self
defense needs for men, women and children. There is a clear schedule of events on the release,
with the name and telephone number of a person to contact. Even better, there is an offer to
let any member of the media who so desires to take part and be photographed taking part. The
number one ninja will also make himself available for brief interviews at a specified time.
Best of all, there is a clear map to the seminar. There is even a picture of the number one
ninja copied from a national martial arts magazine cover.
You can probably guess which story has the best chance of being told. The last press release shows
that the person who wrote took the needs of the television medium into account. There will be
interesting pictures...maybe even a kid throwing a grown up around like a sack of flour. The
assignment editor has a dream situation. The show closer can be a brief segment of video with
the anchor person narrating, it could include a brief sound bite from someone involved with the
event or it could be a full blown story with a news person trying to learn how to be a ninja in
one easy lesson.
Always remember that press releases are written for people who may know nothing about your topic.
You must constantly ask yourself if your release makes it clear to the outsider why they should
be interested in what you have to offer. You should also limit your release to one page. Remember
time is at a premium. Multi page releases often get thrown away unread. Whether to include a picture
is a tougher call. A picture is wasted with a bad press release, but it can help a reporter or
photographer identify their subject quickly and efficiently.
In addition to the content of the press release there a few common sense tips for effectively getting
your word out. Have a list of addresses and contact persons for each media outlet you plan to contact.
This will save time and reduce the chances of your release getting delayed or thrown away because it
went to the wrong person. Also consider using a fax machine to send out your release. Almost every
serious news organization will have a fax machine and most welcome press releases via fax. Most
organizations readily give out their fax number. This can be quite a saving when it comes to postage.
One further word about dealing with the media: if you invite them, do not expect them to come
at any specified time. If there are things going on that you really do not want to have covered simply
schedule them for a time and place separate from the event you do want publicized. Journalists
are extremely busy and notorious for running behind schedule. Designate someone to act as a
media liaison. This person should be able to help the media gain access to the people they want
to speak to and should be allowed to act as spokesperson for your event. If all this seems like a lot
of trouble, keep in mind how valuable the exposure you receive can be. Advertisers pay thousands of
dollars for the briefest commercials and print advertisements. If inviting the media to cover an
event seems like too much trouble, think how valuable an opportunity to get positive exposure for
Ninjutsu is. The media are doing you a favor to cover your event, not the other way around.
Instructor Profile
Dale Seago
I trained in a variety of Japanese, Korean, and Okinawan martial arts commencing in 1967.
On being exposed to the Bujinkan in 1983, however, I dropped everything else to begin
learning. My first teacher was Jack Hoban, who at the time still lived in California, and
since 1986 my principal mentor in Japan has been Shiraishi sensei. I still have close ties with
Jack and his BuYu organization, as well as with Bill Atkins of Twain Harte, California and his
Tenchijin Dojo network. I passed the 5th dan test in 1989, becoming one of the first 20
Americans to reach this level; and in terms of the rank structure I am considered a
“shihan” (e.g., 7th dan and above).
The name of the dojo literally means “Happy Weasel”, though “meiro”
(properly written with a long-vowel sign over the “o”) also has overtones of
playful mischief. The name was picked in an effort to capture some sense of the
“feeling” of training here, and is derived from close observation of one of the
most wonderful of creatures, the ferret. For those unaware of the fact, ferrets
(which are mustelids or members of the weasel tribe) are incessantly playful; insatiably
curious; consummate infiltration & escape artists; untiring lovers; and appallingly ferocious
fighters when need is upon them.
Since I am employed full-time by one of California’s largest banks, I am not able to
teach throughout the week. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with
occasional weekend seminars; and groups of students also get together regularly outside the
formal class periods to work on material from the classes. The Tuesday and Thursday classes
are quite different - sort of “ura and omote“ sides of the same thing. Tuesday
is essentially taijutsu, with some of the shorter weapons included, and is held in a
gymnastics gymnasium north of San Francisco. The Thursday class is a weapons class,
focusing essentially on battlefield weapons: long & short swords, staff, spear, & halberd.
This one is held outdoors in a tiny park in San Francisco - in the dark, the wind,
the cold, the fog, on the ground.
There is no option for new students to sign up for one or the other: it’s both or
nothing, as the contrast in training tools and environments is an important part of
the training process.
In teaching, I place no emphasis on “metaphysical” disciplines such as
meditation or mikkyo. I am by no means unfamiliar with such things, as years ago I was
heavily involved in such disciplines myself. Hatsumi sensei insists very emphatically that such
things are unnecessary to the study and mastery of ninpo, and my own experience/observation
indicates that, until one gets a thorough grounding in the physicality of our arts, such things are
more often a distraction from training than an enhancement. (Some people are remarkably reluctant
to understand that ALL forms of meditation are nothing more - or less - than ways of focusing
or directing one’s attention and intention. The physical training itself, PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD,
gives the same results. Perhaps I’ll expand on that idea in a future article.)
On the other hand, if someone does want esoteric spiritual training, the San Francisco Bay
area happens to be particularly rich in legitimate teachers from any number of authentic historic
lineages, and I encourage interested persons to seek them out on their own time. In the dojo
proper, however, I have more to teach about Bujinkan martial art than time available to teach it.
I do emphasize non-physical things which apply directly to understanding the CONTEXT of being a
warrior in contemporary society: things such as ethics and moral philosophy, law, and political
awareness. (It does one little good to learn to execute a perfect physical technique in a
self-defense situation, only to find after using it that one is now going to spend the next
few years in prison.) Continual intelligence gathering in the areas of politics and legislation
is also essential to understanding how the right to protect yourself and your loved ones from
physical violence is being whittled away day by day.
My perspective on training and teaching is strongly influenced by many years of military
experience (commencing with the Vietnam War and lasting through the 1991 Persian Gulf War)
in intelligence, law enforcement, and special operations work. I prefer that a martial art
have maximum physical applicability across the widest possible range of circumstances in a world
which, unfortunately, is still a very dangerous place; and I find feudal-era arts such as those
of the Bujinkan perfect in this regard. (If more practitioners of martial disciplines trained as
though they were really aware of the robberies, rapes, and murders going on all around them instead
of thinking about the next belt rank or the next tournament or how to improve a sparring strategy,
we might soon have a more civil society. But I digress.)
I appreciate the “timeless” nature of the feudal arts. The same methods taught originally to
resist/escape arrest or capture by agents or soldiers of a hostile government can be used against
would-be carjackers or kidnappers in today’s cities. Infiltration/exfiltration skills used by
feudal scouts, spies, and unconventional warfare operators can save your life if your car breaks
down at night in the wrong part of a city. If you know how to prevent someone from drawing a sword
to cut you down, you can recognize and neutralize someone trying to bring a concealed knife or
handgun into play. If you understand weapon disarming - and weapon retention - with swords, knives,
and polearms, knowing how to move to stay safe from edges and points, you can do the same with
firearms once you know how to use them. (Firearms proficiency is a requirement for first
dan in my dojo.) If you understand yoroi kumiuchi or armored fighting methods, you know how to
move effectively while wearing today’s antiballistic body armor, helmet, and duty belt or
load-bearing vest festooned with gear (as well as how to neutralize others who are so encumbered).
Given all the above, it may seem astonishing that for several years now I have also taught
self-defense workshops under contract for the (highly “politically correct•) University
of California at Berkeley. I regard these classes, which are mostly attended by women, as a
wonderful opportunity to inculcate a sense of self-reliance and personal responsibility in members of
a generation which (at least here on the Left Coast) is being taught that “the state
as nanny” is, and ought to be, supreme.
Dale welcomes commentary on his profile and may be reached at itachi@crl.com
The following is a portion of the "Ninjutsu A to Z" (available from the
Bujinkan Dojo Belgium WWW-Site.)
G
H
I
Film Review: Mortal Kombat
MORTAL KOMBAT
SYNOPSIS
AUTHENTICITY
Most of the action scenes are decent; a few of the characters lack actual
martial arts skills of any kind, but the producers cleverly cut and shot to minimize their
weaknesses. Robin Shou did a magnificent job of choreographing the fight scenes.
Don’t be looking for realistic combat moves in this movie; most of the fights are
pure eye candy, but worth watching for entertainment’s sake alone.
A special note: in a recent issue of Black Belt magazine, Robin Shou explained that the
film’s cinematography is based off of Hong Kong style camera work, as opposed to
American camerawork. What this translates to are more full-body, distance shots of
fight scenes (a la Jackie Chan) than close-up, blow-by-blow shots (a la Steven Seagal).
OPINION
The author, Christopher S. Penn, is a relatively poor college student and recent graduate of a
television production course at his college. He trains with a large tree in Buchanan Park,
Lancaster, and has rented Mortal Kombat innumerable times. He can be reached at
cs_penn@acad.fandm.edu and heartily welcomes comments
and especially corrections.
Observations on Punching
Here’s a bit of information that is not taijutsu based per se, but is
valuable nonetheless, and can certainly be incorporated into your training data banks.
It concerns punching. I could preface this little primer by saying that I am a renowned
boxer of World class status who has knocked out lesser mortals, that, to quote Mike
Tyson, “had some intention”, with one devastating punch. But,
I’m not. Suffice it to say that I have been around some very good boxers
and punchers who were Golden Glove, Amateur, Olympic and World Champs, as well as
some plain old goons. And, yes, they have thrown some punches at me with
“intention” - hopefully good, but you never know. I, myself, have
also thrown some “bad intention” at a person or two. A few things I learned
from these encounters are:
A good puncher can and will hit you from every angle. He will position himself so
that each punch puts him in a place that the next one will be better... at taking your
head off! While he may not consciously know it, his goal is to always be off the center
line and never off balance. Some people are taught this and get good at it, while
others have an inherent knack for doing this. Either way, this skill is one to
work on... often. It is an odd phenomena when target acquisition skills and drills are
not taught to students early and often. The reality is that more than 90 percent of the people
who walk into a “martial arts“ gym/dojo are there to learn to hit well and not get
hit by someone else. Those places that talk of meditation before physical skills are developed
are really off-base as far as a school that is teaching fighting skills is concerned. After
all, Kano, Ushiba, Takamatsu, Ali, Man and Funakoshi all were “formidable fighters”
BEFORE they became innovators and great thinkers of their chosen fighting systems.
Hit as straight as possible. Step in or rock forward toward your target when you punch.
Punching while moving away from a target/adversary can be used as a fairly effective defensive
strategy, but this type of punching maneuver is significantly weaker than moving forward.
Don’t telegraph your punch. People don’t realize that they can let their opponent
know what they are going to do by moving other body parts, flinching, blinking, staring and other
unrelated activities, prior to throwing a punch. A smart fighter will pick up on this and
capitalize on it. Check yourself out on video or with an observant partner.
Learn to “hold your fire” until you can hit your target. This doesn’t always
mean waiting until the fight is brought to you either. Don’t overshoot your target - this
is truly an indicator of an amateur. How many times have you seen a person hitting a heavy bag
or punching a mitt and he tries too hard or his control is so poor that he ends up blowing by
the target or getting crowded by it? Isn’t this lack of control and balanced movement the silly
stuff that most “martial artist/fighters” look to take advantage of?
Don’t waste your energy missing. Why do you think shadow boxing is so taxing? It’s actually
a great cardio-vascular workout; but when someone is swinging at your face, I think your
priorities are elsewhere at that point. Get in the habit of getting on guard. After hitting,
get back on guard, and especially if you miss, get back on guard. Fatigue can make your arms
feel like lead, but fatigue can also make your opponents fists feel like lead - lead pipes
against your face. Use your energy wisely.
Always end a series of punches with your lead hand. This is no koan, but the simple logic behind
this is often not apparent.
There are no wrists in punching. The forearm and fist should be kept in a straight line
and thought of as one solid tool, like a mace (not the spray! although a similar result is
desired). A boxer’s wrists are taped before being put in a glove and then the wrist of the
glove is also taped. This is mainly to keep the laces from being rubbed into someone’s eye
during the clinches (sneaky, sneaky), but it also serves to stabilize the wrist area.
If you are fighting bare-knuckled it is not a good idea to strike someone in the head with your
fist. In the face, yes, in the jaw, yes, but not the head. The bones in the hand can be easily
broken - and I emphasize EASILY - from striking the dense bones of the head. (Who’d have
thought that being a bonehead could be a good thing?) Remember, hitting the makiwara board is
one thing, but as Bruce Lee once said, “boards don’t hit back.” In this bit of
cinematic wisdom, Bruce was totally correct. Hitting a flat inanimate object teaches one lesson
while hitting an animate object, that has different densities and contours, is much trickier
and teaches an entirely different set of skills and approaches.
There are only three types of punches. Period. Call it a poison hand, a lights out tiger
fist, mace in your face, ba da bing, ba da boom, or whatever. There are only three - a
lead hand punch (jab), a rear hand punch (cross/reverse) and a rear hand that becomes a
lead hand (lunge). That’s it. This is no koan either, but someone who I respect highly
for their fighting skills and I had a good laugh about the numerous exotic names that are used
to make these simple things seem like more.
I would love to hear from other practitioners out there about training tips and insights. Hopefully,
this newsletter will continue to be the gift that it has been so far, without some of the mental
escapades that seem to want to trickle in.
The author of this article wishes to remain anonymous. The author does, however, wish to
receive commentary on his article and may be contacted through the editor at: Ashidome@aol.com
Some Thoughts on the Art of War
On openings and Technique:
On groups
David Lyle has trained in the Bujinkan Ninjutsu system since 1985. He
currently trains with the Washington D.C. group. He receives email at
david.lyle@feline.cais.com where he runs a computer bbs.
Iga Ryu Ninjutsu
The origin of IGA RYU NINJUTSU can best be understood by studying IGA as a
region in JAPAN. From the beginning IGA belonged to the ISE province, but they
was separated somewhere around the year 680. ISE was one of the more important regions of
JAPAN because of the long coast and the TOKAIDO road between KYOTO and EDO that passed through ISE.
The IGA province became a relatively isolated region, surrounded by mountains on
all sides, except on the north side close to the KOGA region in the south OMI province,
here is where the NINPO culture was developed. Both the IGA and KOGA regions was located in
a relatively safe place just southeast of KYOTO, the capital town of Japan and just south of
the TOKAIDO road. So these regions was central and played an important part to the rest of Japan
and its history.
To all these external conditions, add an catalyst as General IKAI, a refugee from China with a
wide knowledge of strategy and martial arts, and they had all opportunity for development of
their own independent RYUHA (martial arts systems). Both as a protection for their own existence
and a way to actively participate in the political development of Japan. As a parenthesis it can be
mentioned that in SADA (in IGA) there are places called TOJIN-IWA (The chinese rock) and KARADOBUCHI
(The door to china’s deep water) still reminding of the connection to China.
Close, just south east of IGA at the YOSHINO mountain is where one of the head leaders of the
SHUGENDO sect was located. And in south of IGA where the KUMANO mountain are located, is another holy place to the SHUGENDO sect. It is very probably that these YAMABUSHI’s (wandering mountain priests) exchanged philosophy and methods with the IGA people.
Within IGA RYU there was a lot of other different RYU’s with their
own specialties and traditions, but the origin to all IGA RYU martial
arts RYU are supposed to have come from IKAI who had fled to a cave at
mount Takeo in the IGA region from China. What he brought from China
was in first place his knowledge of KOSHIJUTSU that he taught to among
others GAMON DOSHI (DOSHI means Moralist). GAMON DOSHI’s and his
student GARYU DOSHI can be seen as foundation to most parts of the
tradition of martial art that developed in and around IGA.
There is one problem in the theory above. According to HATSUMI SENSEI
and other sources within the BUJINKAN, IKAI’s escape from China
was sometime between the year of 1040 and 1050. The reason for his
escape was that he had been fighting with the people of KITAN and XIA
against king JINSO (Song-dynasty in China), and been defeated.
According to history books, the state of Kitan and XIA was victorious
during this period of time and it was not until the emperor HUI ZONG
allied with AGUDA of the RUZHEN in 1123-1125 that they became strong
enough to crush the state of KITAN and XIA. So, either the dates of
HATSUMI have to be revaluated, or we have to research the connection
between YO GYOKKO and the fall of TANG dynasty some more to find out
who it was he who brought KOSHIJUTSU to Japan (this is one of the
basic theories known to most in the BUJINKAN). It may also be so that
YO GYOKKO brought the KOSHIJUTSU, and that IKAI brought the knowledge
about strategy and HICHO KAKUREGATA (statement by HATSUMI) and it was
those systems together that formed the foundation of the martial arts
in IGA.
To continue, GARYU DOSHI initiated HAKUUN RYU, a school that was
further developed and named by HAKUUN DOSHI. HACHIRYU NYUDO is another
name that ought to be mentioned, because it was probably he who
brought GARYU’s knowledge further on to TOZAWA HAKUUNSAI, the
first official grandmaster of GYOKKO RYU. GYOKKO RYU is in most cases
recognized as a KOSHIJUTSU school, but it’s also officially known
as a school of NINPO.
HAKUUN RYU was transferred to KAGAKURE DOSHI (a.k.a. KAIN DOSHI or
KUMOGAKURE DOSHI), and it was KAGAKURE who taught the system to
NISHINA DAISUKE. DAISUKE founded TOGAKURE RYU and TOGAKURE RYU is
together with GYOKKO RYU two of the oldest NINJUTSU traditions in IGA,
and they have both been a great influence to most of the other schools
in IGA.
In the book “Essence of Ninjutsu” by MASAAKI HATSUMI it is
mentioned that IGA HEINABE YASUKIYO, another student of GAMON DOJI.
Was given a piece of land, IGA HATTORI in the IGA region as thanks for
the help he gave MINAMOTO YORITOMO (1147-1198) in the fight against
the TAIRA clan. He is supposed to have built a castle, that became the
origin to IGA RYU. But since IGA HEINABE YASUKIYO was supposed to have
lived in the late 11th century and MINAMOTO YORITOMO in the late 12th
century, this story must be considered as doubtful. On the other hand,
IGA HEINABE YASUKIO seem to be the basis of the knowledge that IGA
HEINAI SAEMON NO JO IENAGA, his descendant in the 12:th generation,
used when he founded a school, also named IGA RYU, but which later had
its name changed to KUMOGAKURE RYU NINPO.
There is another story that states that ISE SABURO YOSHIMORU allied
with MINAMOTO YORITOMO’s brother YOSHITSUNE in the flight from
YORITOMO. This is more in line with the dates in history, even if
it’s not verified yet.
All the different IGA RYU had their own linage of SOKE (family head),
but IGA RYU as whole also had a lineage of persons that was in a
leading role, called JONIN. It is not unusual to find names that also
was a SOKE in other IGA RYU’s. Below is an approximate list of the
IGA RYU JONIN’s until the end of 16th century. The mentioned year
is not exact or the year they was grandmasters but the year they was
active.
Notice the difference between each RYU and the organisation around the
same sphere of interests, the IGA region as whole. For example GYOKKO
RYU, TOGAKURE RYU and HAKUUN RYU which was different systems of
specialities and methods, was only tools used to protect the IGA
region and the interest there as whole.
The different knowledge systems that belonged to IGA RYU was developed
and protected by a total of 45 families. These families that belonged
into the IGA NINJA RYU are listed by MASAAKI HATSUMI as...
Tozawa * Fujiwara * Minamoto * Taira * Kuriyama * Momochi * Ishitani *
Hattori * Izumo * Kimura * Ohkuni * Tsutsumi * Arima * Hata * Kazama *
Mizuhari * Hanbe * Shima * Togakure * Sugino * Ise * Sakagami * Narita
* Oda * Hisahara * Ooyama * Mori * Abe * Ueno * Suzuki * Otsuka *
Ibuki * Kaneko * Kotani * Kashiwabara * Shindo * Iida * Kataoka *
Kanbe * Fukii * Sawada * Kimata * Toyata * Toda * IGA
Some of these names are particularly interesting from the BUJINKAN
point off view. For example TOZAWA, (TOZAWA HAKUUNSAI who was the
first SOKE in GYOKKO RYU one of the nine RYU in the BUJINKAN system).
The TODA family is also interesting. Except for being SOKE’s of
KUMOGAKURE RYU, they also inherited TOGAKURE RYU in the 17th century
from the NATORI family who in turn inherited TOGAKURE RYU when the
headline of TODA FAMILY had all died. TODA who was one of the leading
families in IGA was also close connected to the TOZAWA family.
MOMOCHI was one of the most famous families and MOMOCHI SANDAYU was
without doubt the most famous NINJA leader, together with HANZO
HATTORI. MOMOCHI SANDAYU and three of his followers was in the 16th
century SOKE in both GYOKKO RYU and KOTO RYU. They had inherited the
schools from the SAKAGAMI family. In the 17th century GYOKKO RYU, KOTO
RYU, KUMOGAKURE RYU and TOGAKURE RYU would all become under the TODA
family by TODA SEIRYU NOBUTSUNA. Later also GYOKUSHIN RYU was brought
into the TODA family. Other names that have direct connection to
BUJINKAN is ISHITANI, IZUMO and IGA.
Here is a list of some of the RYU that have been part of the IGA RYU
and the IGA province’s traditions...
Hakuun ryu * Togakure ryu * Kumogakure ryu * Genjitsu ryu * Tenton
Happo ryu * Goton Juppo ryu * Kadone ryu * Kukishinden ryu * Gyokko
ryu * Koto ryu * Rikyoku ryu * Tsuji Ichimu ryu * Hattori ryu * Taki
ryu * Yoshimori ryu * Uchikawa ryu * Gikan ryu * Gyokushin ryu *
Takino ryu * Sawa ryu * Gen ryu * Momochi ryu * Ryumon ryu * IGA ryu
This is not a complete list, there was other RYUs that have
disappeared through history. Another interesting point worth a note is
that IGA RYU and KUMOGAKURE RYU who is listed among the single RYU, is
in principle the same RYU. Since IGA RYU changed its name to
KUMOGAKURE RYU. Both the GIKAN RYU and GYOKUSHIN RYU was developed
from GYOKKO RYU.
To write down exactly how a RYU have wandered through families through
history is nearly impossible. This is due to several reasons, for
example the history about the martial arts was often taught as KUDEN
(direct teaching mouth to mouth) and not written down. Another thing
that makes it difficult is that the SOKE often handed out more than
one MENKYO KAIDEN (Acknowledged as a master of the system and allowed
to pass the teachings) which made the RYU have a better chance to
survive. Other schools was only taught to one single person that would
be the next SOKE, and if he unexpectedly died so did the RYU.
THE DISCLAIMER & END NOTES
This is absolutely not to be taken as “true fact” since it is
quite impossible to prove the KUDEN. We would be happy for any kind of
creative and serious research that you have found out, so if you have
noticed some errors in this text or would like to point out something
else worth a note please let us know so we could update and make this
even more accurate. And if possible, please try to back up your claims
with some sort of verification or serious references.
A big problem when one do reserch about the history of ninja and
BUJINKAN is when one compare information in books about those subject
with general acknowledged history in history books. This means that
all information in circulation are to be considered as gossip until it
can be compared and proven against general history. This includes the
text above.
Some of the people we wish to thank for the sources are here listed in
no particular order.... Sveneric Bogsaeter * Perti Ruha * Stan Skrabut
* Mariette V. D. Vliet * Charles Daniels * Bernadette V. D. Vliet *
Stephen Turnbull * Ben Jones * Paul Richardson * HATSUMI Masaaki *
Gothenburg ninposaellskap (and possibly many others)
For more information like this get hooked to Internet and browse over
to www.
algonet.se/~helmet/BUJINKAN/ or phone ++46-8-985948 to MokoNoTora FidoNet BBS.
This translation is allowed to be posted electronically or printed as
long as it is left unedited or changed in any way. It is not allowed
to be reprinted in any way for commercial purposes without permission.
Wisdom of the Warriors
“Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in
peril.”
“When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your
chances of winning and losing are equal.”
“If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain
in every battle to be in peril.”
“Patience is the big sister to wisdom.”
“A traveler, fleeing a tiger who was chasing him, ran till he came
to the edge of a cliff. There he caught hold of a thick vine and
swung himself over the edge. Above him the tiger snarled. Below him
he heard another snarl, and behold, there was another tiger, peering
up at him. The vine suspended him midway between the two tigers.
Two mice, began to gnaw at the vine. He could see that they were
quickly eating through. Then in front of him on the cliff side he saw
a luscious bunch of grapes. Holding onto the vine with one hand, he
reached out and picked a grape with the other and remarked. . . how
delicious.”
- Buddha
“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.”
It has been said: “Fail to prepare, and you prepare to fail.”
End Notes
February’s here and as usual my mind turns to... chocolate! And
champagne, lacy undergarments and sicky sweet cards. After I spend a
few hours wallowing in self-pity (I’m still single!), my mind
inevitably turns towards my training. Training keeps me sane - and
stops my self-imposed misery. It forces me to be sharp, awake and
alive and the lessons I learn in taijutsu help me to handle life’s
little, and not so little, upsets. Taijutsu gives me “clear
sight” on some issues, and as I learn more each day, I become more
efficient in the way I move through and deal with the world.
Training also gives me something better to do than stuffing my face
full of chocolate on Valentine’s day or snarling at the happy
couples that pass me by. In my world, a little kyosetsu practice can
take care of anything.
My recommendation is for all of you to put some training into your
V-day. If you’re single, train in something that you really enjoy
and that gives you satisfaction. It will really help cheer you up if
you’re blue. If you’re attached, sneak a little training into
your fun on Valentine’s day. Practice a little hensojutsu
(disguise and impersonation) or work on your knot-tying and escaping.
Ground-fighting can also be fun, but keep it simple. Your
partner’s skill may surprise you!
Wishing all of you a happy Valentine’s day - whether you’re
single or not. As always, I’d like to thank all of the authors
for their wonderful contributions to the newsletter. Because of them,
we have great breadth and scope of experience and knowledge. Please
e-mail them and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.
BACKGROUND
HERE’S THE STANDARD DISCLAIMER
CORRECTION
Liz maryland is the editor of this newsletter. She is a graphic
designer by trade and an information gatherer by choice. She trains
under the guidance of Jean-Pierre Seibel at New York Budo, where she
has learned that many of life’s trials and tribulations can be
solved by doing Itame Nage to the right people. When she is not out
keeping the internet safe for ninjutsu, Liz knits baby sweaters and
booties for her expecting friends and co-workers. She may be contacted
via E-mail:Ashidome@aol.com.
Everyone arrives at the dojo. Today, fortunately (or unfortunately, for me), a demonstration
is scheduled at the banquet hall of the Noda Chamber of Commerce and Industry after the class.
At the party hall, the demonstration finally begins. Veteran students perform a variety of
waza with many kinds of tools: shuriken, nyoibo, yari, naginata. Other interesting examples were
a rope made of rubber, and umbrella, and disguises. The kinds are varied. Ninjutsu with humor
is more like art than martial art techniques.
After the demonstration, we headed for the dojo. We drink a toast with beer.
Everyone sits on the floor in a circle. I find all the students frank and kind. Their
occupations are various: Japan Airlines, translator, U.S. servicemen, marketing people, etc.
Each of them has a different feeling towards budo.
Missouri Ninja Center
8336 Watson Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 842-9373
1) it is UNALTERED, including this message,
2) you do not charge money for it.
by Mark O’Brien
by Bo Munthe
My study and training of Martial Arts began in 1958. Judo had just (1954-55) entered
the Swedish sport scene, and clubs were growing slowly in Stockholm and Goteborg. It
took some time however, before I dared to enter a dojo. At first I trained with friends
through self-defense books but since the instruction from the books, as it is even today,
didn’t give me the right feeling of the motions, I had to find the proper way, through
training at a dojo with instructors.
In the beginning of 1975 I moved to a place outside the south of Stockholm, called “Trollboocken”.
My training at that time had been in Judo, Jujitsu and Kenpo. My Kenpo teacher had lived in Japan
two years and trained five days a week — now, maybe, I thought, I am getting some chance to
find contacts in Japan?!
1975. Ishizuka sensei came to Sweden the first time on September 3rd, 1975. I still remember when
I was waiting at Arlanda airport for him. The feeling was hard to explain; I was going to meet
a real ninja. A person who was, hopefully, going to teach me some of the secrets from the books
I had been reading over and over again. Then he entered Swedish ground — I knew his looks from
the Stick Fighting book. I could hardly believe that the man who came to meet me was one of the
best ninjutsu teachers in the world. With a smile and a comment about the weather, “It’s
like Japan”, he greeted me. We had one of the hottest “Indian summers” ever at
that time. We went to my home in “ninja-no-fuchi” my head was spinning.
Between those two years, 1976 in July, I finally got the chance to go to the homeland of
the ninja, to Japan. I got a scholarship from a Swedish insurance company and I was going
to study cooperative insurance in Japan. I went for two weeks. Two weeks that were full of
impressions, insurance studies of course, but mostly it was about ninjutsu. I lived,
slept, walked and talked of nothing else other than ninjutsu.
My contacts with Japan and the Bujinkan had given me the address of another seeker of the art,
Mr. Stephen K. Hayes. In 1981 he had come back to the States after training some years in Japan
and since I was going to Texas to writing an article for a magazine in Sweden, I thought that this
would be a good chance to meet Steve. It was a very interesting meeting, talking about the Japanese
way of ninjutsu, how Sensei taught, and how he had changed from one person to another.
I felt I had to go back to Japan for training with Hatsumi sensei since things were becoming
very big. I went with mixed feelings. The last time I was there, 7 years ago, the grandmaster
was frightening and very tough in his training. Was I going to make it, or was it going to be
a flop? During my meeting with Steve he had told me about the total transformation Hatsumi sensei
had gone through. Something I would not believe until I saw it with my own eyes.
In the beginning of 1983, I received a letter from Mr. Brian McCarthy, of Ireland. Mr.
McCarthy wanted me to introduce ninjutsu in London, England and Dublin, Ireland. So it was,
and the introduction was made in October 1983 with about 115 people in London and about 50
in Dublin. The organizers, Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Jim Shortt had done a fantastic job. Many of
the people who attended that introduction are now very highly graded in Bujinkan.
Last year, in March, I went back to Japan to celebrate my 20 years in ninjutsu training and 20 years
of friendship with Ishizuka sensei. One Friday night I went to Hatsumi Sensei’s training in
Budokan Tokyo. I was astonished. 85 people, most of them gaijins, were training on the mat. It
was amazing to see how huge the growth of Bujinkan had become, especially compared to my first
training session in Japan, July 1976. I am very happy — for Sensei’s sake, and for the
spreading of a true Martial Art.
by Jeffery Connor
by Ken Harding
by Frank Luce
by Denny Kinsella
What better way to present the confidence and good nature of the realm of earth than with
this friendly giant? This story of the north woods tells us of a lumberjack so big that when
he dragged his ax, he inadvertently created the Grand Canyon. Because few things were powerful enough
to affect him, Paul was very slow to anger. His practicality is shown in the way he ran his camp.
If you have thousands of hungry loggers to feed, then you build a griddle so big that your kitchen
help puts sides of bacon on their feet so they can skate across the griddle to grease it!
The “water person” is expansive, sensual, ambitious and optimistic. These conditions are
evident in Huck to anyone who has read Twain’s text. In addition, Huck also exhibits the
negative water traits of manipulation and pride. Notice how he turns to their advantage the
situations which threaten to expose Jim as an escaped slave. His elusive quality can be seen
in the following exchange:
The “fire person” uses his or her will power to control the environment. Most of
what we know about the legend of Congressman Davy Crockett comes from his memoirs. A more
expressive and eloquent monument to self-love cannot be found. As for his qualifications to
act as an archetype for aggression, consider the following story:
The “wind person” is motivated to help others in their development through wisdom,
humor, and love. To represent the realm of air, we have a man who dedicates his entire life
to seeding the North American continent with apple trees. Barefoot, Johnny wore no clothes but
cast-offs that he traded for his seeds. Often he wore only a coffee sack, with a pie tin for
a hat/cooking pot. His respect for all life allowed him to communicate with the wild animals.
The void realm is that place from which we draw the optimum performance in our personal abilities
and talents. Abraham Lincoln, at least the man of the legends, had qualities of each of the
other elements, plus the “Void” properties of commitment, inspiration, and creativity.
Consider the close of his Second Inaugural address:
by Mike Hennessey
by Dale Seago
Meiro Itachi Dojo
1601 Ocean Avenue, Ste. 316
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 333-6078
itachi@crl.com
Did you know...?
gando — portable torches used for lighting
geinyu no jutsu — a chikairi tactic
genin — ninja agent
genjutsu — arts of illusion
genmai — juice made from unpolished rice
gisho-giin no jutsu — art of forgery
gogyo — five element transformations
gojo gyoku — principle of five feelings and desires
gotonpo — five element concealing and escaping methods
gyokuro — poison made with tea and mixed with soup
hachimon tonko jujutsu — eight methods of incantation
hanateppo — iron bullets fired from a bamboo shaft hiden in flower bundle
hanbo — 3 feet staff
happo hiken — eight methods of secret swords
happo shuriken — eight pointed throwing blades
hasami bune — collapsible floats
hashigoyari — ladder spear with peg holes, also used for measuring
heiho — commando warfare tactics
hengen-kashi no jutsu — study and knowledge of the disguises he uses
hira shuriken — flat blades (shaken)
hishi — dried waterchestnuts (caltrops)
hito no jutsu — the skill of the human ????
hoka no jutsu — setting fires to spread confusion
hotarubi no jutsu — toiro tactic
hyakurai-ju — several guns in a circle inside a large barrel
iburi dashi — smoking out
idagama — spiked stell or iron spheres (caltrops)
inpo — the art of hiding
ippon sugi nobori — special method for cedar tree climbing
ishisao — stone rod (white stone simular to chalk) used for signaling
itaken — broad blades (shaken)
inton — concealment and camouflage
by Christopher S. Penn
New Line Cinema, 1995. Color, about an hour and a half. Video, VHS.
Mortal Kombat: The Movie is based fairly loosely off of the video game by
the same name. The movie’s plot is simple: three of Earth’s finest martial
artists compete in a tournament to save Earth from invasion. Guided by Raiden, the
God of Thunder and Protector of the Realm of Earth, the martial artists defeat various
fighters, including two “Chinese ninja“ and a four-armed half-man, half-dragon.
While some legends do exist about the Lin Kuei, the Chinese forest demons who are
compared to Japanese ninja, I’ve never seen ninja dressed so... colorfully.
The special effects are very flashy and a lot of fun to watch.
If you’re looking for a strong plot, character development, and fine cinematography,
then by all means go rent Apollo 13. If you’re looking for pure entertainment only,
Mortal Kombat is your movie. Most of the blood, guts, and gore have been taken out of the
adaptation from the video game; in their place, the producers have chosen to create lots
of computer-generated special effects, which are worth watching. Some of the video game
characters have had their personalities altered from the original, and a good many are
missing their gorier aspects, which will disappoint video-game purists. Overall, if you
can find a decent rental price, go for it and get the popcorn ready!
by Anonymous
by David Lyle
A warrior with weak technique will have no openings.
A warrior with strong technique will have few openings.
An invincible warrior will have nothing but openings.
Be especially careful of the invincible warrior.
A member of a herd will not be assisted by his associates when he is taken by the hunter.
by Peter Carlsson; Translated by Mats Hjelm
The original Text and research was made by Peter Carlsson who may be
reached at helmet@algonet.se
A collection of wisdom from warriors and philosophers through the
ages, submitted by Luke J. Molitor
- Sun Tzu
- Confucious
- Nietzsche
by Liz maryland
This newsletter was started to connect budo/ninpo taijutsu practitioners from all backgrounds
together. Ura & Omote’s goal is to provide a forum where we can easily gather and
disseminate information (both “obvious” and “hidden”), ask questions and, more
importantly, get answers, and share experiences while living the art.
We (the publisher and authors) are not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury which
may occur through reading or following any instructions in this newsletter. Remember, these are
martial arts techniques which may result in injury or death. Find a proper instructor wherever
possible. Please consult a physician before engaging in the exercises described herein. Keep in
mind that all articles herein are of their author’s opinion/research and the publisher of this
newsletter will not be held liable for any errors or misleading information. If you need further
information on any articles, or if you have questions for the authors, please contact them
directly. If there is no E-mail address listed, please E-mail the editor and your request
will be forwarded.
Campmor "Technical and Campmor "Packaway" were listed as having zip-on
hoods. A representative of the manufacturer has informed me that the
outerwear in question does not have zip on hoods.