Karate
Karate originates from Okinawa, one of the many islands outside Japan that are called the Ryukyu islands. Okinawa lies between Japan and China. Karate means "empty hand" and that's how the islanders had to fight; without weapons. Why?
In 1609 Japan invaded Okinawa. They took the Okinawan ruler as a hostage back to Japan, set up a police force on the island and banned the military class. To avoid an uprising, the Japanese confiscated all arms and made all carrying of arms prohibited. But the islanders had a heritage - martial arts. Okinawa's inherent martial arts was mixed with kung fu styles due to their close trade relationship with China. These martial arts were known as Te (or T'ang) which means "hand". Since the islanders had no weapons, their hands had to become weapons. They started to toughen their knuckles and elbows on straw pads and wet sand, and later on wooden pads. This is today popularly called "callous training" due to the callouses that are built up on the knuckles or elbows (or chin, fingertips etc). Finally, the islanders decided to fight back, and their hardened fingers easily penetrated the armor of the Japanese, killing them. They also transformed common agricultural tools into efficient weapons, like the tonfa, which was originally the handle of a rice grinder, the nunchaku, which was originally used to flail rice, and the kama, which was originally a sickle used for cutting grain.
The Okinawans did not win the war, so they resigned to the fact that the Japanese would remain. At last they accepted the occupation, though not without distaste.
Gichin Funakoshi (nicknamed Shoto, which means 'waving pines') is credited with inventing "karate". He was born in 1868 and was the son of a minor official on Okinawa. He grew up learning Te from a great master named Azato and he became a school teacher. When a schools commissioner witnessed his art, he was permitted to teach martial arts as a class in school. Te was soon taught in schools all over Okinawa.
In 1912, Funakoshi's art was to be known in Japan, as the Imperial Navy's fleet had visited Okinawa and witnessed Funakoshi perform his art. In 1921, the Emperor of Japan asked Funakoshi to demonstrate his art before him. So impressed was he that he asked Funakoshi to teach his art in Japan. Within five years he had become the idol of Japanese martial arts circles. He opened his own dojo (training hall) in Tokyo, which he called Shotokan ('Shoto's hall'). His art was later renamed karate-do, which means "way of the empty hand", though today the simplified 'Karate' is more commonly used.
STYLES OF KARATE:
Chinto-Ryu
Chito-Ryu
Doshinkan
Gohaku-Kai
Goju-Ryu (Kanzen)
Goju-Ryu (Okinawan)
Goju-Ryu (Meibukan)
Gosoku-Ryu
Isshin-Ryu
Kanshin Ryu Kenseido
Koei-Kan
Kyokushinkai
Kyu Shin Ryu
Motobu-Ryu
Okinawan Kempo
Okinawa Te
Ryokukai
Ryuken
Ryukyu Kempo
Sanzyu-Ryu
Seido
Seidokan
Seishin-Ryu
Shindo Jinen-Ryu
Shinjimasu
Shinko-Ryu
Shito-Ryu (Itosu-Kai)
Shito-Ryu (Seishinkai)
Shito-Ryu (Kofukan)
Shito-Ryu (Kuniba Ha)
Shito-Ryu (Motobu Ha)
Shorin-Ryu (Kobayashi)
Shorin-Ryu (Matsubayashi)
Shorin-Ryu (Shobayashi)
Shorin-Ryu (Matsumura)
Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji-Ryu
Shoshin-Ryu
Shotokai
Shotokan
Shotoshinkai
Shudokai
Shuri-Ryu
Shuri-Te
Uechi-Ryu
Wado-Kai
Wado-Ryu
Washin-Ryu
Yoseikan
Yoshukai
Yuishinkan
Karate originates from Okinawa, one of the many islands outside Japan that are called the Ryukyu islands. Okinawa lies between Japan and China. Karate means "empty hand" and that's how the islanders had to fight; without weapons. Why?
In 1609 Japan invaded Okinawa. They took the Okinawan ruler as a hostage back to Japan, set up a police force on the island and banned the military class. To avoid an uprising, the Japanese confiscated all arms and made all carrying of arms prohibited. But the islanders had a heritage - martial arts. Okinawa's inherent martial arts was mixed with kung fu styles due to their close trade relationship with China. These martial arts were known as Te (or T'ang) which means "hand". Since the islanders had no weapons, their hands had to become weapons. They started to toughen their knuckles and elbows on straw pads and wet sand, and later on wooden pads. This is today popularly called "callous training" due to the callouses that are built up on the knuckles or elbows (or chin, fingertips etc). Finally, the islanders decided to fight back, and their hardened fingers easily penetrated the armor of the Japanese, killing them. They also transformed common agricultural tools into efficient weapons, like the tonfa, which was originally the handle of a rice grinder, the nunchaku, which was originally used to flail rice, and the kama, which was originally a sickle used for cutting grain.
The Okinawans did not win the war, so they resigned to the fact that the Japanese would remain. At last they accepted the occupation, though not without distaste.
Gichin Funakoshi (nicknamed Shoto, which means 'waving pines') is credited with inventing "karate". He was born in 1868 and was the son of a minor official on Okinawa. He grew up learning Te from a great master named Azato and he became a school teacher. When a schools commissioner witnessed his art, he was permitted to teach martial arts as a class in school. Te was soon taught in schools all over Okinawa.
In 1912, Funakoshi's art was to be known in Japan, as the Imperial Navy's fleet had visited Okinawa and witnessed Funakoshi perform his art. In 1921, the Emperor of Japan asked Funakoshi to demonstrate his art before him. So impressed was he that he asked Funakoshi to teach his art in Japan. Within five years he had become the idol of Japanese martial arts circles. He opened his own dojo (training hall) in Tokyo, which he called Shotokan ('Shoto's hall'). His art was later renamed karate-do, which means "way of the empty hand", though today the simplified 'Karate' is more commonly used.
STYLES OF KARATE:
Chinto-Ryu
Chito-Ryu
Doshinkan
Gohaku-Kai
Goju-Ryu (Kanzen)
Goju-Ryu (Okinawan)
Goju-Ryu (Meibukan)
Gosoku-Ryu
Isshin-Ryu
Kanshin Ryu Kenseido
Koei-Kan
Kyokushinkai
Kyu Shin Ryu
Motobu-Ryu
Okinawan Kempo
Okinawa Te
Ryokukai
Ryuken
Ryukyu Kempo
Sanzyu-Ryu
Seido
Seidokan
Seishin-Ryu
Shindo Jinen-Ryu
Shinjimasu
Shinko-Ryu
Shito-Ryu (Itosu-Kai)
Shito-Ryu (Seishinkai)
Shito-Ryu (Kofukan)
Shito-Ryu (Kuniba Ha)
Shito-Ryu (Motobu Ha)
Shorin-Ryu (Kobayashi)
Shorin-Ryu (Matsubayashi)
Shorin-Ryu (Shobayashi)
Shorin-Ryu (Matsumura)
Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji-Ryu
Shoshin-Ryu
Shotokai
Shotokan
Shotoshinkai
Shudokai
Shuri-Ryu
Shuri-Te
Uechi-Ryu
Wado-Kai
Wado-Ryu
Washin-Ryu
Yoseikan
Yoshukai
Yuishinkan
AIKIDO
Aikido, a strictly Japanese martial art, embodies the three concepts that comprise its name: Ai, meaning harmony; Ki, meaning the spirit, or source of energy; and Do, meaning the "Way." Together they signify the way in which one can attain harmony with one's spirit. As such Aikido is more than just a means of self-defence: it has deep religious undertones, which make it a way of life. In the words of its founder, Aikido is "the way of the love of mankind."
Aikido, a strictly Japanese martial art, embodies the three concepts that comprise its name: Ai, meaning harmony; Ki, meaning the spirit, or source of energy; and Do, meaning the "Way." Together they signify the way in which one can attain harmony with one's spirit. As such Aikido is more than just a means of self-defence: it has deep religious undertones, which make it a way of life. In the words of its founder, Aikido is "the way of the love of mankind."
Bujinkan
The Bujinkan Dojo is a new martial arts organization, having been established by Hatsumi Soke (Founder) in the last 30 years. The literal translation of Bujinkan is "Hall of the Divine Warrior." Hatsumi Soke gave his organization this name to honour his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu, the first person to receive the title Soke in all of the nine Ryu of which the Bujinkan is composed and which have histories dating from the eighth century onwards. The teachings of these schools have been handed down in direct teacher/disciple relationships throughout a lineage of some two hundred and one Soke and thousands of warriors under their tutelage.
In brief, bujutsu refers to the classical martial arts/systems (pre-1600's), while ninjutsu is a section within bujutsu. To think of ninjutsu as being something outside of bujutsu is incorrect, as is thinking of the Bujinkan Dojo as teaching only ninjutsu.
Hatsumi Masaaki received the teachings of the nine schools of the Bujinkan from Takamatsu Toshitsugu. Takamatsu Sensei received these teachings from three sources: Toda Shinryuken, Ishitani Matsutaro, and Mizuta Yoshitaro. A brief description of each school is essential to an understanding of the Bujinkan as a whole.
The Bujinkan Dojo is a new martial arts organization, having been established by Hatsumi Soke (Founder) in the last 30 years. The literal translation of Bujinkan is "Hall of the Divine Warrior." Hatsumi Soke gave his organization this name to honour his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu, the first person to receive the title Soke in all of the nine Ryu of which the Bujinkan is composed and which have histories dating from the eighth century onwards. The teachings of these schools have been handed down in direct teacher/disciple relationships throughout a lineage of some two hundred and one Soke and thousands of warriors under their tutelage.
In brief, bujutsu refers to the classical martial arts/systems (pre-1600's), while ninjutsu is a section within bujutsu. To think of ninjutsu as being something outside of bujutsu is incorrect, as is thinking of the Bujinkan Dojo as teaching only ninjutsu.
Hatsumi Masaaki received the teachings of the nine schools of the Bujinkan from Takamatsu Toshitsugu. Takamatsu Sensei received these teachings from three sources: Toda Shinryuken, Ishitani Matsutaro, and Mizuta Yoshitaro. A brief description of each school is essential to an understanding of the Bujinkan as a whole.
Schools of the Bujinkan
GYOKKO RYU - Jewel Tiger School
1st Soke: Tozawa Hakuunsai (circa 1100) - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (28th Soke)
System: Koshijutsu (Bone Finger Technique) striking system
This is a striking system that focuses on the striking and tearing of soft fleshy areas of the body. This style of striking is based upon Chinese Chuan-Fa (Fist Method) and is said to have been brought to Japan in the 8th century by Yo Gyokko.
How the teachings of Gyokko Ryu were passed from him to Tozawa are unknown, as written records from this era are not available. Gyokko Ryu was incorporated into the collective known as Iga Ryu Ninpo, when it was passed into the Momochi family (circa 16th century) and has been incorrectly referred to as a "ninjutsu" school because of this.
KOTO RYU - Tiger Felling School
1st Soke: Sakagami Taro Kunishige (circa 1300) - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (18th Soke)
System: Koppojutsu (Bone Breaking Technique) striking system
This is a striking system that focuses on striking the bones and joints of the body with the intention of breaking/destroying them. This style is also said to be based on Chinese Chuan-Fa and is said to have been brought to Japan by Chan Busho. An exact date for this transfer is not given, but it is known that he travelled to Japan by way of Korea.
The teachings of Chan Busho were passed through several generations to Sakagami Taro Kunishige, who redeveloped them and is recognized as the first Soke. However, it was the fourth Soke, Toda Sakyo Ishinsai (circa 1400) who named them "Koto Ryu." Like the Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu was passed on to the Momochi family and became part of the Iga Ryu Ninpo collective.
TAKAGI YOSHIN RYU - High Tree Raise Heart School
1st Soke: Takagi Oriuemon Shigetashi - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani Sensei/Mizuta Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (17th Soke)
System: Jutaijutsu (Grappling Technique) grappling system
This is known as a grappling system, yet it contains a complete repertoire of grappling and striking techniques. An important aspect of its taijutsu (body dynamics) is that techniques are applied in such a way as to limit, and when possible, eliminate, the opponent's chance of applying any ukemi (receiving body) falling/breakfall skills.
The basis for this school is found in the Rinpoden (Shining Method Tradition) of Soun Ryu (circa 1500). Soun Ryu is thought to have been a Taoist sage from China. Two generations later his teachings were redeveloped by Takagi Oriuemon Shigetashi and named Yoshin Ryu. The second Soke, Umanosuke Shigetada, added to the curriculum and renamed the system Hontai (Main Branch) Takagi Yoshin Ryu. Umanosuke travelled all over Japan, duelling and teaching along the way and is responsible for spreading the art.
SHINDEN FUDO RYU - Immovable Diety Tradition School
1st Soke: Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (26th Soke)
System: Dakentaijutsu (Striking Weapons Body Techniques) striking system
This school is known as a striking system, but also contains a complete repertoire of striking and grappling techniques. This style is based heavily in nature - moving in natural ways, to and from natural positions, flowing/adapting/changing freely like nature.
The first Soke is said to have developed this Ryu from his knowledge of Koshijutsu (see Gyokko Ryu) methods. It was passed on to a member of the Minamoto family (circa 1100) who named it Shinden Fudo Ryu.
GIKAN RYU - Have Regard for Justice School
1st Soke: Usho Bankan Gikanbo - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (15th Soke)
System: Koppojutsu (Bone Breaking Technique) striking system
This is a striking system that traces its roots to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu, Sogyokko Kanritsushi. One of his students taught Usho Bankan Gikanbo who later established Gikan Ryu and is recognized as the first Soke.
KUKISHINDEN RYU - Tradition of 9 Demon Dieties School
1st Soke: Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru
Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani Sensei/Mizuta Sensei Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (28th Soke)
System: See Below
This is a complete system that consists of 9 sub-sections, each specializing in a different aspect of martial culture. It was named "Kukishin Ryu" after Kuki Yakushimaru (circa 1300).
The 9 sections of this school are referred to as Happo Hikenjutsu (Eight Methods Secret Sword Technique). The Happo, first 8 sections, were changed to suit the particular needs of any given time.
-
Gunryaku Tenmon Chimon (miltary tactics/strategy) -
Jojutsu/Hanbo (cane/half staff techniques) -
Rokushakubo/Tai no Kuraidori (6ft staff/body management) -
Naginata/Bisentojutsu (small/large halberd techniques) -
Kodachi/Juttejutsu (small sword/truncheon techniques) -
Kisha/Suijutsu (equestrian archery/swimming techniques) -
Sojutsu (spear techniques) -
Taijutsu Kenpo (body technique sword method)
GYOKUSHIN RYU - Jewel Spirit School
1st Soke: Sasaki Goemon Teruyori - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (21st Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system
This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots back to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu, Sogyokko Kanritsushi. Gyokko Ryu was established by Sasaki Goemon Teruyori, an ancestor of Sasaki Gendayu Sadayasu who was a student of Sogyokko. This school has never been taught publicly, even to Bujinkan members.
KUMOGAKURE RYU - Hidden (Amongst) Clouds School
1st Soke: Iga Heinaisaemon Ienaga - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (14th Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system
This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots to Iga Ryu Ninjutsu. It specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of the Kamayari and Ippon-sugi Nobori. The Kamayari is a spear with a sickle-shaped blade, while the Ippon-sugi Nobori is a tool used for climbing trees. Both were secret tools of this school. Not much else is known about this school, as it, along with the Gyokushin Ryu, is not taught publicly.
TOGAKURE RYU - Hidden Door School
1st Soke: Togakure Daisuke - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (34th Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system
This is a system on ninjutsu that specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of numerous Kakushi Buki (Secret/Hidden Martial Tools/Skills). There were 18 areas in which ninja of this school became proficient, each specializing in a different aspect of Japanese martial culture.
Togakure Daisuke is recognized as the founder of what we now know as Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu (circa 1100). He developed this school from training he had received at Togakushi mountain during his youth, his battlefield experiences and the additional training that he later recieved from Kumogakure Doshi in the Iga province. The Soke lineage of this school includes people from both the Iga and Koga provinces.
Bujinkan training today
What is different about the Bujinkan?
What sets the Bujinkan apart from other modern cognate forms of martial training (Karate, Kendo, Judo, Aikido, etc.) is that the techiniques which are still studied today were formed on the battlefields of Japan before nationwide peace was achieved by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. During the 250 years of peace that followed, the warrior class, their skills no longer needed on the battlefield, began to turn to more humanitarian endeavors. The martial arts that were founded during this time of peace hold perfection of character as more important than combat effectiveness. The Bujinkan is unique in that combat effectiveness is still held at the highest level, techniques not being diluted to accommodate safety. This means that there is no tournament competition, as techniques are studied for real-life situations only.
Particpants generally practice with a partner, taking turns performing the role of uke (receiver of a technique). The instructor will typically demonstrate a basic technique (kihon) with an uke at the beginning of class, and the students will pair up and attempt the technique just shown. As the class progresses, numerous henka (variations) of the kihon will be shown. It is this limitless world of variations that the student is expected to enter so that he can spontaneously create a technique from nothing should the need arise, as real-life situations rarely play themselves out as a kata shown in class.
How are students graded?
Most Bujinkan Dojo groups do not hold formal gradings. The instructor watches the students during every training session and issues grades when a student has shown that they are ready for it. New grades are issued on the basis of each member's ability to naturally express Budo Taijutsu rather than on their ability to remember, rehearse, and perform set movements on a particular day. The student is being graded every day. Each member is expected to be able to demonstrate a number of spontaneous combative applications (henka) of the techniques appropriate to his/her level, and is required to study and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of armed skills, strategy, philosophy, history, and other complementary skills and techniques.
What is the ranking structure?
The Bujinkan ranking structure consists of three belts - white, green/red, and black. The white belt is worn by new members of the dojo, and is referred to as "Mukyu" (No Rank). Junior dojo members (Kukyu - Ikkyu, 9th Rank-1st Rank) wear a green belt. Female practioners are recognized as having different physical and mental abilities than their male partners, and may opt to substitute a red belt for a green one (and a purple uniform for a black one) if they choose to do so as a reflection of this difference.
The black belt is worn by senior members and teachers of the Dojo. There are ten black belt levels, Shodan to Judan (1st step to 10th step). The 10th level is further divided in to 5 sub-levels: Chi, Sui, Ka, Fu, and Ku (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void). This corresponds to the 5 levels of Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo, and Menkyo Kaiden found in many classical martial ryu. A person with rank from Nidan to Yondan (2nd to 4th degree black belt) may obtain a Shidoshi-ho (Assistant Instructor) license from Hatsumi Soke, allowing them to instruct under the supervision of a fully licensed instructor. When a student is ready for Godan (5th degree black belt), he is tested personally by Hatsumi Soke. Upon passing, he becomes a fully licensed senior instructor (Shidoshi) and can open his own school, being personally responsible only to Hatsumi Soke himself.
What are some Bujinkan resources available to me today?
The best resource on Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu training today is the Sanmyaku (Mountain Flow) newsletter issued by Hatsumi Soke himself. This is information straight from the source, and is a must for all Bujinkan members. There are local publishers of Sanmyaku in various countries around the world. In Canada, write: Edward Brown, Sanmyaku-Canada, Box 27589, Yorkdale PO, Toronto, ON, Canada M6A 3B8. Contact Kasumi on #martial to get the address of a publisher in your country.
The next best resource on the Bujinkan would be any books authored by Hatsumi Soke himself. There is no acceptable substitute author on this subject. Two good books are: Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions, and The Grandmaster's Book of Ninja Training.
There are many Bujinkan websites out there with lots of information. Please take these with a grain of salt, as much of this information comes from unofficial sources and much of it is heavily influenced by the American Ninja Boom. Generally speaking, take anything with salt that mentions ninja ninja ninja without referring to the other six schools of the Bujinkan or that refers to the Bujinkan as teaching exclusively ninjutsu. In actual fact, the vast majority of material covered in training in Japan comes from the other six schools. One half-decent page that I have seen is the Bujinkan Australia Dojo homepage.
Finally, training with a happy heart is stressed as important in the Bujinkan. Before his death, Takamatsu Sensei (see the Takamatsu Sensei Memorial Hall at http://www.portal.ca/~splinter/portal.html)
told Hatsumi Sensei just how important it is:
"The way to experience happiness is to let go of all worries and regrets and know that being happy is the most satisfying of life's feelings. Reflect back on all the progress in your life and allow the positive, creative, and joyous thoughts to outshine and overwhelm any sorrow or grief. Happiness is waiting there in front of you. Only you can decide whether or not you choose to experience it.
1st Soke: Sasaki Goemon Teruyori - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (21st Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system
This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots back to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu, Sogyokko Kanritsushi. Gyokko Ryu was established by Sasaki Goemon Teruyori, an ancestor of Sasaki Gendayu Sadayasu who was a student of Sogyokko. This school has never been taught publicly, even to Bujinkan members.
KUMOGAKURE RYU - Hidden (Amongst) Clouds School
1st Soke: Iga Heinaisaemon Ienaga - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (14th Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system
This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots to Iga Ryu Ninjutsu. It specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of the Kamayari and Ippon-sugi Nobori. The Kamayari is a spear with a sickle-shaped blade, while the Ippon-sugi Nobori is a tool used for climbing trees. Both were secret tools of this school. Not much else is known about this school, as it, along with the Gyokushin Ryu, is not taught publicly.
TOGAKURE RYU - Hidden Door School
1st Soke: Togakure Daisuke - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Toda Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (34th Soke)
System: Ninjutsu (Stealth/Endurance) system
This is a system on ninjutsu that specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of numerous Kakushi Buki (Secret/Hidden Martial Tools/Skills). There were 18 areas in which ninja of this school became proficient, each specializing in a different aspect of Japanese martial culture.
Togakure Daisuke is recognized as the founder of what we now know as Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu (circa 1100). He developed this school from training he had received at Togakushi mountain during his youth, his battlefield experiences and the additional training that he later recieved from Kumogakure Doshi in the Iga province. The Soke lineage of this school includes people from both the Iga and Koga provinces.
Bujinkan training today
What is different about the Bujinkan?
What sets the Bujinkan apart from other modern cognate forms of martial training (Karate, Kendo, Judo, Aikido, etc.) is that the techiniques which are still studied today were formed on the battlefields of Japan before nationwide peace was achieved by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. During the 250 years of peace that followed, the warrior class, their skills no longer needed on the battlefield, began to turn to more humanitarian endeavors. The martial arts that were founded during this time of peace hold perfection of character as more important than combat effectiveness. The Bujinkan is unique in that combat effectiveness is still held at the highest level, techniques not being diluted to accommodate safety. This means that there is no tournament competition, as techniques are studied for real-life situations only.
Particpants generally practice with a partner, taking turns performing the role of uke (receiver of a technique). The instructor will typically demonstrate a basic technique (kihon) with an uke at the beginning of class, and the students will pair up and attempt the technique just shown. As the class progresses, numerous henka (variations) of the kihon will be shown. It is this limitless world of variations that the student is expected to enter so that he can spontaneously create a technique from nothing should the need arise, as real-life situations rarely play themselves out as a kata shown in class.
How are students graded?
Most Bujinkan Dojo groups do not hold formal gradings. The instructor watches the students during every training session and issues grades when a student has shown that they are ready for it. New grades are issued on the basis of each member's ability to naturally express Budo Taijutsu rather than on their ability to remember, rehearse, and perform set movements on a particular day. The student is being graded every day. Each member is expected to be able to demonstrate a number of spontaneous combative applications (henka) of the techniques appropriate to his/her level, and is required to study and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of armed skills, strategy, philosophy, history, and other complementary skills and techniques.
What is the ranking structure?
The Bujinkan ranking structure consists of three belts - white, green/red, and black. The white belt is worn by new members of the dojo, and is referred to as "Mukyu" (No Rank). Junior dojo members (Kukyu - Ikkyu, 9th Rank-1st Rank) wear a green belt. Female practioners are recognized as having different physical and mental abilities than their male partners, and may opt to substitute a red belt for a green one (and a purple uniform for a black one) if they choose to do so as a reflection of this difference.
The black belt is worn by senior members and teachers of the Dojo. There are ten black belt levels, Shodan to Judan (1st step to 10th step). The 10th level is further divided in to 5 sub-levels: Chi, Sui, Ka, Fu, and Ku (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void). This corresponds to the 5 levels of Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo, and Menkyo Kaiden found in many classical martial ryu. A person with rank from Nidan to Yondan (2nd to 4th degree black belt) may obtain a Shidoshi-ho (Assistant Instructor) license from Hatsumi Soke, allowing them to instruct under the supervision of a fully licensed instructor. When a student is ready for Godan (5th degree black belt), he is tested personally by Hatsumi Soke. Upon passing, he becomes a fully licensed senior instructor (Shidoshi) and can open his own school, being personally responsible only to Hatsumi Soke himself.
What are some Bujinkan resources available to me today?
The best resource on Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu training today is the Sanmyaku (Mountain Flow) newsletter issued by Hatsumi Soke himself. This is information straight from the source, and is a must for all Bujinkan members. There are local publishers of Sanmyaku in various countries around the world. In Canada, write: Edward Brown, Sanmyaku-Canada, Box 27589, Yorkdale PO, Toronto, ON, Canada M6A 3B8. Contact Kasumi on #martial to get the address of a publisher in your country.
The next best resource on the Bujinkan would be any books authored by Hatsumi Soke himself. There is no acceptable substitute author on this subject. Two good books are: Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions, and The Grandmaster's Book of Ninja Training.
There are many Bujinkan websites out there with lots of information. Please take these with a grain of salt, as much of this information comes from unofficial sources and much of it is heavily influenced by the American Ninja Boom. Generally speaking, take anything with salt that mentions ninja ninja ninja without referring to the other six schools of the Bujinkan or that refers to the Bujinkan as teaching exclusively ninjutsu. In actual fact, the vast majority of material covered in training in Japan comes from the other six schools. One half-decent page that I have seen is the Bujinkan Australia Dojo homepage.
Finally, training with a happy heart is stressed as important in the Bujinkan. Before his death, Takamatsu Sensei (see the Takamatsu Sensei Memorial Hall at http://www.portal.ca/~splinter/portal.html)
told Hatsumi Sensei just how important it is:
"The way to experience happiness is to let go of all worries and regrets and know that being happy is the most satisfying of life's feelings. Reflect back on all the progress in your life and allow the positive, creative, and joyous thoughts to outshine and overwhelm any sorrow or grief. Happiness is waiting there in front of you. Only you can decide whether or not you choose to experience it.
Iaido
Iaido was founded by Hayashizaki Jinsuke in the middle of the 16th century. It is perfomed with a katana (Samurai sword), and the object is to draw the sword and strike so fast that the opponent is unable to defend against it. In this sence, Iaido resembles the gunfighter duels in western movies.
Iaido is built upon the old skill of iaijutsu. Iaijutsu was a skill the Samurais developed for defense in an ambush. He would draw his sword and slay his foe as the sword was drawn.
Probably the most famous schools of Iaido, the Muso Shinden Ryu, was founded by Hayashizaki himself.
Iaido is mostly practiced as a solo kata, but sometimes also as kumetachi (partner forms). It is a noncombative art.
Iaido was founded by Hayashizaki Jinsuke in the middle of the 16th century. It is perfomed with a katana (Samurai sword), and the object is to draw the sword and strike so fast that the opponent is unable to defend against it. In this sence, Iaido resembles the gunfighter duels in western movies.
Iaido is built upon the old skill of iaijutsu. Iaijutsu was a skill the Samurais developed for defense in an ambush. He would draw his sword and slay his foe as the sword was drawn.
Probably the most famous schools of Iaido, the Muso Shinden Ryu, was founded by Hayashizaki himself.
Iaido is mostly practiced as a solo kata, but sometimes also as kumetachi (partner forms). It is a noncombative art.
OJUD
Judo, or the "gentle way," is a modern Japanese martial art that emphasizes unarmed techniques of self-defence. It developed out of a long tradition Japanese fighting art, known as Jujutsu, which Bushi warriors used for both armed and unarmed combat. Judo' founder Kano Jigoro (1860-1938), intended to create a martial art which would train the individual to subdue an opponent through fundamental physical techniques. Judo would differ from Jujutsu in that it was no longer about street fighting, but a mature form of physical education that helped a person "to understand and demonstrate the living laws of movement" as an integral part of every aspect of life. It was later that Judo moved further away from its original founder's and became an international, competitive sport with dojo and competitions worldwide.
Judo, or the "gentle way," is a modern Japanese martial art that emphasizes unarmed techniques of self-defence. It developed out of a long tradition Japanese fighting art, known as Jujutsu, which Bushi warriors used for both armed and unarmed combat. Judo' founder Kano Jigoro (1860-1938), intended to create a martial art which would train the individual to subdue an opponent through fundamental physical techniques. Judo would differ from Jujutsu in that it was no longer about street fighting, but a mature form of physical education that helped a person "to understand and demonstrate the living laws of movement" as an integral part of every aspect of life. It was later that Judo moved further away from its original founder's and became an international, competitive sport with dojo and competitions worldwide.
Jujutsu literally means "gentle art," or more broadly, "to conquer by yielding or compliance." As one of the oldest Japanese martial arts, it originally, but not exclusively, stressed unarmed combat against armed opponents. It was studied by the Samurai to complement their sword and spear techniques. Over the years, many of these techniques were either adapted or incorporated by virtually all other Japanese open-handed martial arts. In fact, Jujutsu is sometimes called the father of the Japanese martial arts, with both Aikido and Judo developing directly from it.
Kendo
Kendo, the "Way of the sword," is the Japanese martial sport of swordfighting. It evolved from a long tradition of swordsmanship among the bushi and samurai warriors, who practiced Kenjutsu ("Warrior art of the sword"), the classical martial art of swordfighting, in battle. Kendo is very different from Kenjutsu. It was founded in the mid-nineteenth century, a relative peaceful period, when the samurai were forbiddent to wear swords. Considerable emphasis was placed on safety and style, and only certain blows and thrusts were allowed.
Kendo, the "Way of the sword," is the Japanese martial sport of swordfighting. It evolved from a long tradition of swordsmanship among the bushi and samurai warriors, who practiced Kenjutsu ("Warrior art of the sword"), the classical martial art of swordfighting, in battle. Kendo is very different from Kenjutsu. It was founded in the mid-nineteenth century, a relative peaceful period, when the samurai were forbiddent to wear swords. Considerable emphasis was placed on safety and style, and only certain blows and thrusts were allowed.
Kendo's popularity grew rapidly as means of physical exercise and of spiritual developement. The Japanese Kendo Federation, founded in the early twentieth centruy, described its objectives:
"The aim of Kendo training is to mold the mind and the body, to cultivate a steady and firm attitude, to work with perseverance in order to progress in Kendo through the true and rigorous training, to hold courtesy and honor in high esteem, to deal with others with sincerity and finally, always to pursue the perfecting of oneself."
"The aim of Kendo training is to mold the mind and the body, to cultivate a steady and firm attitude, to work with perseverance in order to progress in Kendo through the true and rigorous training, to hold courtesy and honor in high esteem, to deal with others with sincerity and finally, always to pursue the perfecting of oneself."
