Kamaemail

July - August 2001 issue 8 volume 2

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------The new approach for Gyokko Ry follows the Ten Ryaku, Chi Ryaku, Jin Ryaku. " Ryaku " means "
transmission ". It gives a deeper understanding of what we have to find into the Gyokko Ry Kosshijutsu.
Hatsumi Sensei does not refer anymore to Jo Ryaku, Chu Ryaku and Ge Ryaku. By using the Ten, Chi, Jin
system, we enter a new technical dimension where forms are useless. Since the beginning of the year the Ten
Ryaku has been studied extensively (6 weeks for Koku !). At the end of april we began to study the Chi Ryaku.
Hereafter you will find some texts written by people who trained in Japan.
Arnaud Cousergue - Editor

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In this issue:
a.. Kamaemail issue 9
b.. News & Seminars
c.. Gyokko Ryu no Sanpo Hiden by Sean Askew 10th dan
d.. The NEW Gyokko Ryu Kossshijutsu by Arnaud Cousergue 13th dan
e.. The Internet ninja trap by Stephen A. Smith
f.. A few thoughts between Kihon Happo and Yin-yang by Kostas Kanakis 9th dan
g.. Taikai Norway 2002
h.. Videos and Books NEW TITLES!
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Kamaemail Issue 9
Next issue will be available in september. Send your personal contribution to:
[email protected] for articles speaking of anything linked to our art, to martial arts in general and to
Japan or Asia: technical tips, history of Japan. At the end put your name, Dan grade, country, email (and website
if you have).
[email protected] if you organize a seminar. At the end put your name, Dan grade, country, email
(and website).
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[email protected] for any ideas to improve your newsletter.
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We will not accept any article or information criticizing or attacking any individuals, whether they are members
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it before you send it.

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News & Seminars

Send us information about the seminars you organize and news from what is going on in your area, we will put
the information in this section. Please precise city and country. Try to follow the presentation to save time.
For many years I was hoping there would be one day a directory where you would find all the members of the
Bujinkan. Many times people come to me during Taikai or in Japan or send an email and I must admit that even
if I recognize faces easily, it is hard to remember the names of everyone. I am sure many of you encountered the
same problem many times. >From now on you will be able to fill your name and address, put your picture on a
new webfree service offered by Solkan Europe and Budomart.com. The URL of this service will be
http://www.direct-tori.net/ . It is free, protected by a personal password so that no one can change your profile. I
hope this new tool will help people to communicate more easily in the future. Direct-Tori is available. Arnaud
Cousergue [email protected]
Madrid Taikai in October 2001 : Jesus Eguia is still accepting new participants to the Taikai. It is still time to
book your particapation. Do not forget that it will be the only Taikai in Europe for 2001. Book your reservation
now if you do not want to be left at the door! Taikai hosted by Jess Egua, Virgen de Navahonda, 8; 29600
Marbella Malaga; Spain. Reservation on receipt of 50 % of total. Do not forget to put your name on transfer or
deposit. Last day for registration: NO LIMIT. More info: Tel. (+34)629 284 200 mobil phone (10.00 to 24.00
spanish time) - Tel.(+34)952 866 021 (15.00 to 16.30 / 22.00 to 24.00 spanish time) - Fax.(+34)95 277 33 64 - email. [email protected] - http://taikaimadrid.eguiakbk.com/Bienvenido2.htm
Arnaud Cousergue directed a Seminar in Lisbon with Goncalo Coelho and Ricardo Costa. It was a fantastic
experience for everyone! You want to train in Lisbon? Then contact Gonalo Coelho Rosa:
[email protected]
Seminars en El salvador www.bujinkan-el-salvador.8k.com/seminario.htm
We are sorry, the budomart.com website has not been updated since a long time. It will soon be renewed with a
forum and more informations. AJC
The Seminar was a big success. Sveneric was great and he enjoyed the dojo, the people and New Mexico. We
have a whole bunch of good stuff to
practice for a long time to come. Hopefully he will return soon. In the meantime we will have the tape of the
seminar, which will help keep it alive. The people from out of town were very impressed with the dojo, thanks
to everyone who helped get us in good shape. Lisa, Farrah, Ken, Cindie, Roger, Janet, Debbie, Robert and Mark
got the outside looking good. The inside sparkled thanks to the efforts of Janet, Farrah, Debbie, Daryl, John,
Tara, Lenny, Robert, Abi, Karen, and Tami. Everyone pitched in to make our out of town guests feel at home
and make the Seminar run smoothly. A special thanks to Gaby for doing the food and to Tami, Debbie, Karen,
Abi, Lisa, Cheryl and Tara for help in a whole variety of tasks that made the seminar such an enjoyable event.
Our buyu astronaut Bob Stewart gave everyone a feeling for what it was like to be on the space shuttle----Domo
Arigato Gozaimashita! LETS DO IT AGAIN SOON! . Robert Mattson: [email protected]
Just a short note to let everyone know what they missed out on but that there are still have a couple of chances
left if your interested.
Last Monday Greg Alcorn led a training session at Paul DeSilva's dojo near Hornsby in Sydney. Greg is back in
Australia only briefly as he is getting
married to a lovely Japanese lady (we also met her at the dojo) on Saturday 21st July (I'm sure you will all join
me in congratulating him). He took
time out of his busy schedule (anyone who has ever got married will know just how busy the week before the
wedding is even without having to
introduce all the in-laws) and offered to run some classes (and maybe also because Nagato Sensei told him he
HAD to teach whilst he was back in
Australia).
Anyway, even after only not seeing Greg for 6 months (when I was last in Japan) it was easy to see how much
more he has to offer and how much time he
must be spending training with Nagato Sensei. Greg was aiming to teach some of the things that they have
recently been doing at Nagato Sensei's dojo.
It was easy to feel the style of Nagato Sensei and to feel just as frustrated with trying to replicate the techniques
as it is when attending

Nagato Sensei's dojo. All in all the people who did attend the class got more than their money's worth from the
training opportunity. It was quite
different from some of the other recent seminars and offered something for everyone to think about and work on
in their personal training.
I was disappointed to hear that some people were saying that Greg was only doing the seminars as a means of
funding his honeymoon. Anyone who has ever been married will agree that you cant organise and pay for the
honeymoon the week before you go (or after you come back) and anyone who has run seminars in Australia will
tell you that its more for the love of the art than in making any financial gain (you never get the numbers which
is why we don't
have Tai kais in this country). The fact that Hatsumi Sensei specifically painted some calligraphy for Greg to
give to people in Australia as presents
as well as Nagato Sensei telling him to go and teach should be indication enough that this is training for
training's sake if making specific
allowance in his wedding and honeymoon schedule to teach 3 times isn't enough on its own.
Anyway Greg will be teaching twice more before returning to Japan. The classes are on Wednesday 1st August
at Andrew Macdonald's dojo, Pyrmont and Thursday 2nd August at Paul DeSilva's dojo, Waitara. If you want
more information please contact him at [email protected] or on 0414 861 076
Hope to see you there. Anthony Brien: [email protected]
hey all, if you all have a chance and want to see some of the photos from the exchange so far, the international
office has started posting them up on the internet, there are only a few. here's the directions: #1: go to
http://www.chukyo-u.ac.jp/ #2: once your here click on the English Version and go to the International Student
Exchange highlight. #3: after this, click on the "Academic Calendar for International Students" highlight, and
then just look through the links that are highlighted, so far there aren't that many but more will be posted up later
as time goes by.
Hope your all doing well, looking foward to seeing you all again someday. Michael
Daikomyosai will be held this year on December 4th, 5th and 6th.
For Australians who teach - dont forget to keep your times and locations and contact details up to date. The
main place that seems to be being
maintained is at: http://bujinkanbrisbane.freeyellow.com/dojolist.html so please check and update it.
Doug Wilson - the honarary ozzie married Yuko last month in Japan. Hatsumi sensei, Oguri sensei and
Noguchi sensei attended.

The Law in Australia. I have been trying to get some information from the MAIA without much success and
still have a list of questions to ask them from people I chatted with at a seminar some time ago. The need to be
properly authroised to teach martial arts is still uncertain in most of Australia but slowly is becoming required.
What is true is that many venues will not hire to you unless you are "properly authorised". One method is
through the MAIA though this does not seem very well run, organised or respected amongst the martial arts
community. The NSW Department of Sports and Recreation also runs coach accreditation courses which
provide similar "authority" to the MAIA stuff. In all its about knowing first aid, having public liability
insurance, knowing something about teaching (coaching etc), and being properly trained and qualified (shidoshi
kai) so that a reasonable person would consider you to not be negligent in your actions. Explaing the nature of
training and having a suitable membership form for signing up with an appropriate disclaimer
should also be considered mandatory. Anthony Brien: [email protected]
IMPORTANT! I am writing to tell you that, after sacrificing innumerable vacations and weekends (much to
my wife's chagrin), I have just finished work on the first book by Hatsumi-sensei in thirteen years. Entitled
"Understand? Good. Play!--Words of Consequence," the book was based on long talks with Soke and my
training journal ("Quotations from Soke" featured in the since-retired netzine Ura & Omote represent less than a
third of the book). The project has taken over two years to complete. As I have explained to a few close friends
aware of the project, I was trying to set a new standard for books in the Bujinkan--something that went WAY
beyond the stuff of the past. As I saw it, there honestly were not any books out there that really represented
where Soke had brought the art over the last decade and where he was taking it as we move into the new
Millennium. As such, I tried to seek a balance of words, photos and layout--a SANSHIN, so to speak. The work
was to represent both the 'martial' and the 'art' of which Soke speaks.... I had the book professionally designed,
worked with multiple photographers, and signed up an award winning hard-cover printer. It has become a true
testament to Soke's wisdom, in my opinion. The book has about 14 main chapters divided by theme, entitled the
likes of "On Teaching," "On Kicking" and "On Heart" etc. Interspersed throughout are some Call Outs,

containing related articles. The book also features several Feature articles--longer independent diatribes by Soke
on such things as Takamatsu-sensei and the importance of order in society. My favorite chapter is entitled,
"Tasty Budo." :) The book has turned out to be quite a tome: 283pp, 50 photos, and three-cloth hard cover
binding. Soke has offered to help launch the book by doing a book signing at the Washington, D.C. Taikai at the
end of this month. Hatsumi-sensei has been extremely supportive in light of all the hassles that a manuscript of
this size bears. In the Foreword, Soke flatteringly goes so far as to say, "This is the book!! This is surely an
important book that will stand the test of time and remain a valuable part of history." I hope it does make a
lasting impact on the Bujinkan and remains a source of wisdom for years to come. The first print run is limited to
only 3,000 copies; we will see what happens from there. www.bushinbooks.com
I appreciate everyone's support, especially my wife Hiroko's. Without it, this book would never have been
accomplished.
Best regards and please help pass the word.
Benjamin Cole - [email protected]
ALSO IMPORTANT! Hello Everyone. I wanted to tell you about a new web site that I have created with Jason
and Masayo Jennings, my Buyu now living in Japan. The site is www.buyubooks.com, a martial arts book web
site and publishing company.
As some of you may already know, Hatsumi Sensei has re-released 6 of his previously out-of-print books. We
have decided to launch our site ahead of schedule to meet the demand for these books.
We have many wonderful things in store for the site. Please have a look around and tell us what you think. We
would also appreciate you spreading the word about our site. Our prices are extremely reasonable and we have
access to many products that other company's do not.
Thanks, Josh Sager Webmaster - www.buyubooks.com

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Seminars
AUGUST 25th & 26th - In Slovenia we'll have first Kokusai Bujinkan Buyu Kai (international meeting of the
martial friends) Camp seminar, lead by Davor Gasparovic Yon Dan - Croatia, Andrej Jasenc, Yon Dan Slovenia, Paolo Rossi, San Dan - Italy, Milan Vasic, San Dan - Yugoslavia and Csaba Danko, San Dan Hungary. Theme: Gyokko ryu Koshi jutsu & Daisho Sabaki. More info: [email protected],
http://www.infonet.si/ostali/Luka/ninpo.htm Wellcome all who lives in this part of Europe!
Mark Obrien Seminar September 29th 30th and 1st October Tim Bathurst Seminar Late this year Greg Alcorn
visiting Sydney and getting married very shortly Paul Richardson visiting New Zealand for holiday and doing a
seminar . More info: Anthony Brien: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 15-16. GERMANY - Zwickau - Seminar with Kostas Kanakis 9. Dan / Bujinkan Greece - BKD
Budokai. Info: [email protected]
Theme: Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Hanbo- and Jo Jutsu.
SEPTEMBER 22nd - 23rd - ARGENTINA - BUENOS AIRES - International Seminar Bujinkan Bud
Taijutsu with Shihan CARLOS MORALES (12 Dan) Sui -Gyo from Lanzarote - Espaa - Theme: Gyokko Ry
Kosshijutsu, Bjutsu - Tant, Daish Sabaki Gata. Organizer: Shihan Christian Petroccello. More info:
[email protected] Booking: [email protected] Web:
http://www.geocities.com/chogyudojo/seminario_internacional_bujinkan.htm Bujinkan Chogyu Dj - Calle
Ao 1852 # 395 - El Palomar C.P. (1684) - Buenos Aires - Argentina - Tel: (54-11) 4624-6521 - Fax: (54-11)
4665-9197
NOVEMBER 10-11. GERMANY - Bochum - Seminar with Sveneric Bogster 13. Dan Info: [email protected]
Theme: Bujinkan Bud Taijutsu Happo Biken, Koshijutsu, Kenjutsu
DECEMBER 15-16. GERMANY- Bochum - Seminar with Kostas Kanakis 9. Dan / Bujinkan Greece - BKD
Budokai.
Info: [email protected] Theme: Review of the theme of the year 2001
Welcome to a seminar weekend in Haninge (Stockholm), Sweden www.trygghetskompaniet.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gyokko Ryu no Sanpo Hiden

by Sean Askew
Training last night was so fantastic I can not sleep so I decided to put some things down on paper. Well actually
on my computer.
I had a chance to pull Sensei to the side and ask him a few questions about this year's theme, the Gyokko Ryu.
Several people have been asking me what it is we have been doing lately in class and "what is it that Sensei
wants us to get out of the Gyokko Ryu this year", and so on. So I asked him.
So far Sensei has been covering the first two parts of the Sanpo Hiden or the "three secrets". These are:
Tenryaku Uchu Gassho - Chiryaku Futen Goshin - Jinryaku Chi,Sui,Ka,Fu Henka Ryoku
It is no easy matter to put into words what these are but I will do my best to explain the first two. The third will
be left for another essay as I have yet to finish discussing that one with Sensei. Maybe I will get my chance
tomorrow.
Tenryaku Uchu Gassho
>From this posture we are to bring ourselves to a state of calm and prepare for battle with the enemy. The hand
position represents the two opposite realms of existence coming together to form the universe. In other words to
unite the physical world and the spiritual world, reassuring us that our body is one with the universe and not
something separate or apart from it.
Our physical body and spiritual mind are both made up of the same elements as the rest of the universe. Namely
Chi (earth), Sui (water), Ka (fire), Fu (wind) and Ku (space). Man often tends to think of himself as separate
from the universe or "God" if you will, and questions his/her/it's existence but this gesture serves to reminds us
that we are the universe or "god" itself, living, breathing and dying. So be confident and courageous in battle
because the enemy is made up of the same things you are. The enemy is not to be feared. You are equal in every
respect.
>From this Gassho, Hatsumi Sensei has been moving into TenChi InYo Kamae. The separation of the hands into
this kamae thus brings us back to the realm of duality or InYo. Positive and negative, Physical and Spiritual. He
often compared this motion of moving from Tenryaku Uchu into TenChi Inyo to a nebula giving birth to the
stars, each with its own death in the future.
Thus comes the teaching of Banpen Fukyo, to translate this directly it means 10,000 changes, No surprises. For
the Ninja there are no surprises. Sensei taught that once you are born from the Ku (space) or nothingness as
represented by Tenryaku Uchu Gassho you are put into a form made of the five elements, or the human body
which is made up from dualities. Mind and body,
spiritual and physical, TenChi Inyo. Once this takes place your death is also assured. Once you are born, like all
other biological life in this universe, you will eventually die. It is like the two opposite poles of magnets. They
attract each other until they eventually collide. So when that time comes do not be surprised. This is the ultimate
meaning of Banpen Fukyo. All is change so do not be surprised and do not resist. Accept nature and her
processes, ride the wind of Mother Nature.which brings us to the next level.
Chiryaku Futen Goshin
This posture represents the wind. This is what Sensei has really been stressing for the last few months. The
movement of the Gyokko Ryu is similar to that of the wind and there is no way I can put this movement of the
body into words so I will not try. What is important is that at the Chiryaku level of training one's focus should be
on trying to move like the wind when attacked. The wind has no central point and therefore cannot be controlled
or grasped. It always slips around anything that impedes its path.
The hand position also varies, what is important though is the "wind" finger or the "pointer" finger. When
making this gesture we are to try to imagine our bodies actually turning into the wind itself. This mindset when

performed properly will help the ninja to move like the wind. Although we do not see Sensei actually stand with
his hands in front of his chest performing these Kuji-like gestures he does stress the feeling immensely, often
asking his uke to explain to the class what his techniques "felt" like. The response is generally the same, many
faces have turned red from embarrassment trying to explain what Sensei's movement felt like.because how do
explain what the wind feels like?, especially when it is sending you a few tatami mats away on to your head.
Well, I feel better now and maybe I can get some sleep. The sun has already come up and my eyelids are heavy.
I hope my essay made sense and if you have any questions or comments feel free to email me at
[email protected]
I will be returning to the United States in the beginning of August and will be continuing my seminar tour
covering the Momochi-Den Taijutsu, this will include a review of the material covered this year in Japan. These
seminars are open to everyone so I hope to see some new faces and some old ones upon my return.
For more information please go to my website at www.bkronline.org
Shikin Haramitsu Daikoumyo
Sean Askew - Seiryu - Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------The New Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu

by Arnaud Cousergue
With the new century Hatsumi Sensei entered in a new era in the Bujinkan System. The theme for this year is
Kosshijutsu, mainly studied through the techniques of the Gyokko Ryu. From the notes I received from friends
in Noda and from my personal experience last April, I will try to expose here what is, for me, the new approach
taught by Sensei. As usual this text will give my point of view but not any official explanation by Sensei. If you
do not agree, maybe it is because I am wrong.

First, we have to understand that the techniques in the Gyokko Ryu are only excuses to demonstrate the spirit
and reality of the Kosshijutsu. In this respect, it is not different from our study of Koppojutsu last year where the
techniques of the Koto Ryu where only an excuse to express the knack of Koppo.

Second, we have to find some answers to understand fully the reasons leading Sensei to this new approach.
Obviously, all teachers already had the techniques written on paper as we have been studying the techniques of
the Gyokko Ryu extensively over the years.

But what are the main differences? Kamae are different, physical attitudes are different, inner feelings are
different, Kamae are different in both their physical and mental expressions. Sensei referred to some of these
new Kamae in his writings (cf. his last book published by Joe Maurantonio) but he did not give any explanation
to them.

The four Kamae are the following: Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho, Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho, Jin Ryaku Chi
Sui Ka Henka no Kamae, and the most important one Tenchi Inyo no Kamae.

In my understanding of Japanese (which is not famous) I understand that Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho can be
translated as "prayer for divine transmission coming from space". Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho means
"defense prayer from the either the vault of Heaven or the whole world". Jin Ryaku Chi Sui Ka Henka Ryaku no
Kamae means "attitude transmitted to mankind from the endless variations of Earth, Water and Fire"; Tenchi
Inyo no Kamae means "attitude of the link between Heaven and Earth and Yin and Yang".

Physical attitudes are different in respect to these Kamae. The Gyokko Ryu is now divided into Ten, Chi, Jin
(instead of Jo Ryaku, Chu Ryaku and Ge Ryaku no Maki previously). Ten Ryaku is expressed through Uchu

Gassho; Chi Ryaku is expressed through Futen Goshin Gassho no Kamae and Jin Ryaku is expressed through
Chi, Sui Ka Henka Ryaku no Kamae. Each one of these Kamae with their physical expressions lead to a new
inner feeling. These Kamae are "waiting stances" i.e. when you wait for the opponent to attack.

The last Kamae, Tenchi Inyo no Kamae is manifested when moving from the waiting stances, you assume
Tenchi Inyo no Kamae when moving in the attack, there you link the first stances (Uchu Gassho, Futen Goshin,
Chi Sui Ka Henka Ryaku) to the movement. Even if you do not show it (Kokoro Gamae instead of Tai Gamae).

Inner feelings also change, each attitude develop a feeling perceived by Uke that will lead him into his own
destruction, Uchu Gassho gives unity (body and mind) to Tori. Futen Goshin gives power in the movements. Chi
Sui Ka Henka Ryaku frightens Uke.

Let us now go beyond our regular senses. If you were able to see the energies from the body, you would notice
that each of these Kamae acts as a physical "Mudra". Uchu Gassho builds a beam of white energy coming from
Heaven and surrounding your whole body (like the teletransportation stuff in Star Trek). With Futen Goshin
Gassho, Tori disappears from Uke's perceptions, Uke can only senses a very thin beam of light coming from the
ground, Earth (it is like water coming from a tap). Tori when assuming this Kamae moves like the wind. Chi Sui
Ka Henka Ryaku no Kamae sends a feeling of fear to Uke. Uke's mind (and actions) is trapped by the stance. It
is like a funnel of energy coming from Tori's body.

You can think that I am exaggerating but this is the truth. Now these movements would be meaningless if there
was nothing more. And there is a lot more. Everything you do from now on should imply a new understanding:
"Banpen Fugyo". Literally it means "10000 changes, no surprise". This is the key to the understanding of
Kosshijutsu. Keeping this principle in mind will allow you to finally get to the "Shizen Gyo Un Ryu Sui" or
"ever adapted movement" (this is what we often call the "natural movement").

The Japanese are more concerned about the physical Nature where the Chinese are more concerned about divine
Nature. For example, "Sui" is the water coming from the sky (Heaven, Ten) where "Mizu" is the water you find
on the ground (Earth, Chi). "Hi" is the fire from the sun (Heaven, Ten) where "Ka" is the fire on the ground
(Earth, Chi); "Fu" is the wind from the sky (Heaven, Ten) where "Kaze" is the wind on the ground level (Earth,
Chi). This "physical" understanding of life gives the Japanese a definitely different system of concepts.

If you go even deeper in the understanding of the new Gyokko Ryu, we gradually make ours these concepts of
gravity (Uchu Gassho) and wind (Futen Goshin Gassho). These feelings do not replace each other; they are
added one to the other. To make me clear, I would say that the three "transmissions" Ten, Chi, Jin is like the
three skins of an onion. Ten is Ten, Chi is Ten plus Chi, Jin is Ten plus Chi plus Jin. This is a new Sanshin no
Kata. At the Jin level you can expect the movements to be even more natural. As we do not know yet the inner
feeling of the Jin Ryaku this is only a guess. In a previous Kamaemail, Pete Reynolds exposed us the idea of
"Fusui" or "Feng Shui". We should not forget this in the study of Kosshijutsu.

I hope this text will help the various practitioners in the world to improve their understanding of the Gyokko Ryu
Kosshijutsu taught by Hatsumi Sensei on the first year of this new Millenium. Personally, I wonder why Sensei
is now teaching a quite spiritual way of understanding the Bujinkan System, he must have some hidden purpose
and I do not know it so far.
Arnaud Cousergue - Bujinkan 13th dan - [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Internet Ninja Trap

By Steven A. Smith
"I am having an epiphany."

Miriam-Webster Online Collegiate Dictionary defines epiphany as (1): a usually sudden manifestation or
perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something
(as an event) usually simple and striking (3): a: an illuminating discovery b: a revealing scene or moment
I have been doing some reading and study lately about warriorship. I am exploring the principals of being a
warrior -vs.- being a survivor. The idealized life of a warrior, as described by Sensei Jack Hoban in one of his
most recent articles, is, "...defending the weak and innocent against the evil forces of darkness..." I always
thought that being a warrior meant being highly skilled and prepared in a self-defense situation and being ready
to meet the adversary face to face on a battlefield. I never really gave much thought to the idea of defending
others. Most training today focuses on the aggressor attacking you and then you defending against it. What if the
assault is not focused at you but at another person? Should we be training for this type of situation as well? What
is expected of a Ninja? My instructors' simple answer is "Protect family, loved ones, and lastly myself". This
piece of writing is not about my in-depth study of warriorship but about a hidden peril of studying and training.
Hosting a Ninjutsu website at http://ninjutsu.faithweb.com gives me the opportunity to meet lots of people and
share ideas with them. These people are mostly beginners in the search for information on Ninjutsu. Every once
in a while a veteran of our art will visit and leave his mark on my guest book or drop an email my way. Almost
everyone is courteous and it is rare that I meet a genuine attitude case. That speaks well of the Bujinkan in
general. Why do I get so many visitors to my website? How many websites are out there with information about
Ninjutsu? How much is factual? How much is opinion? How much "opinion" is from truly knowledgeable
individuals? I'm thinking about the name Bujinkan. I'm thinking about the name IBM. I make my living as a
Programmer/Analyst. I write programs for IBM midrange computers. If you get on the Internet and look up IBM
information from an IBM source, you won't find much inaccurate information published about the hardware,
operating systems, software, programming languages and the like. You will even discover that most independent
people writing IBM related articles wouldn't sign their name to erroneous information because they risk being
humiliated by a super-nerd.
That is not the case with the Bujinkan. The techniques of the Bujinkan system are open to interpretation and are
constantly changing. They are not set in stone like the operating manuals for an IBM AS/400 Computer. I live a
great distance from my last Shidoshi instructor. I have asked him several times to write down detailed
descriptions of waza so I can refer back to them as I train in my training group in Georgia. He was reluctant to
do this for me. Why you may ask? Maybe there is no exact specific way of doing the techniques. Henka
(variations) are infinite. Sure in the beginning when learning a technique for the first time, there is a basic way of
learning the technique, but even that will vary between instructors. When I first started in the Bujinkan, I took
what my first instructor said as the "Gospel" never questioning him. I never looked to an outside source for extra
training. Maybe this was a result of my prior training in Shotokan Karate. In karate there is a specific way of
doing every technique. You get better at karate by developing a "muscle memory" of each of a specified number
of forms or Kata that you are learning. I understand why this is a good thing in karate or any other competition
martial art system. In a structured tournament, you are expected to use specific punches, kicks, blocks and such.
Any deviation from the norm will result in a reprimand, loss of points, and sometimes disqualification from a
tournament. Bujinkan Ninjutsu, on the other end of the martial arts spectrum, is not a competitive art. It was
developed as a system by which warriors (using combat and survival skills) could protect their families, their
way of life, and could perpetually exist in the world. What I mean by perpetual existence is that resources are not
used up faster than they are created by nature. Through propagation of the ninja way of life, the ninja could
effectively persevere in the world without destroying it in the process.
In today's modern culture, we are taught from childhood to look for shortcuts, use technology to speed up the
time it taken to perform a task, and to use this advantage to accumulate as many resources for our personal use as
we can in our time allotted on the earth. Through this process, we tend to use up our natural resources faster than
the earth can replenish them. This is not perseverance. This way of living when viewed on a physiological level
actually resembles viral activity. Has the Human Species evolved into a virus? We are really the only species on
earth that I can think of that collects more than we need to survive and has an unrestrained urge to spread and
conquer.
With this idea boiling in your cognizant mind, let's go back to the subject of the Internet. How do we spread our
influence in today's society? Our brains direct our bodies to communicate with others. It's that simple. We have
developed the need to share our idea with others in order to establish influence and an element of control over
our environment. Members of the Bujinkan are no different. We are affected by this human tendency the same as
everyone else. When we learn a new technique or theory there is an overwhelming urge to share that idea with
others. The problem that I see with this is with the onset of Internet technology there is suddenly a vast limitless
platform from which we all can broadcast and teach. Anyone interested in the subjects of our art can easily find
our writings and read them. Whether they immediately accept our ideas or not, their training and thought is still

affected by what they read. I have read so much on the internet that it clouds my mind and gets me wondering if
I am doing this correctly or am I holding my hand in the right place while in Ichimonji or is my footwork
acceptable while practicing the Sanshin No Kata. It seems that every person with articles posted on the Internet
has a different explanation. I get so confused.
I traveled 500 miles (one way) to train with my instructor, so I could only get out there every month or two. (No,
I'm not looking for ovation for my hardship!) I tend to read so much in between training sessions that when I got
back to the dojo I had to spend the first few hours forgetting all the incorrect stuff that I learned while I was
away. Most of these less than desirable habits have been developed during the month because of what I studied
independently during the time spent back in Georgia. That recovery time really takes a huge chunk out of my
quality training.
There are many instructors teaching in dojos around the world. Some of them are qualified and some of them are
not. (Let me step away from the keyboard for a minute while I put my bulletproof vest on.) My instinct tells me
that the most qualified instructors have a direct link to Soke Masaaki Hatsumi in Japan. It is strictly my opinion,
but I believe that an instructor not training in the Honbu Dojo on a regular basis or at least training with someone
who is, is not as qualified as an instructor who is. How many people posting their works on the Internet have
actually been to and trained in Japan recently or at least has trained recently with one of the great Non-Japanese
Instructors. Boy! That'll get you thinking, won't it? I'm sorry if I make anybody angry by making that statement,
but it's my honest belief and I'll stand by it.
I have the privilege to train with a Shidoshi who has the wherewithal to train in Japan. Before he started training
in Japan, his instructor, Shidoshi Ed Martin trained in Japan. Their training came straight from the Boss. I'm
going out on the proverbial limb here and making an assumption. I'm guessing that Ed Martin doesn't get his
latest training ideas from off the Internet. Boy if I'm wrong, I'm going to get my butt kicked for making that
statement about a 12th Dan. I finally understand why when I forward something, that I found on the internet, to
my instructor he usually writes me back and hints on how dangerous it is to invest too much stock into what I
found.
Now I'll qualify my sweeping statement about the Internet and clear up any misconceptions. There are some
good guides who publish training information on the Internet. I'll list a few that I'm sure my instructor Tracy
would agree with. (I refer to my instructor by his first name at his request. He doesn't like to think of himself as a
teacher, but a lifetime student and friend.) Jack Hoban has some very good articles; Ed Martin has some very
good articles. Any articles or interviews by Soke Masaaki Hatsumi are good, and I'll even throw in Charles
Daniel and Glen J. Morris for good measure. Also don't forget that many of the good author's views may change
over time as they train and learn more so you may not have their latest ideas on the subject matter in front of you
when you find an article. Please forgive me if I don't list every good author. Even though you can read some of
their writings on the Internet, It is probably best to read their works published in book and periodical form, and
even then try to look for the latest releases.
I hope that I have helped someone with my short commentary. I am fully aware that by publishing this article on
the web, I am actually proliferating the spread of training ideas on the Internet, but perhaps we can overlook that
just this one time. Be careful of what you read on the Internet, and remember there is no substitute for one-onone training with a qualified instructor.
Steven A. Smith wrote this article - 04/2001 - [email protected]
He lives in North Georgia and trains in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu as taught by Masaaki Hatsumi In the Honbu
Dojo in Japan.
Sources
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated - http://www.m-w.com/dictionary.htm
Jack Hoban - http://www.livingvalues.com/warriorship_lifestyle.htm (paragraph 3)
*This article may be duplicated and circulated without the permission of the author as long as the article is
distributed intact, with this postscript.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few thoughts between Kihon Happo and Yin and Yang

by Kostas Kanakis

In our daily training the Kihon Happo is an important component for the study of Budo Taijutsu and its
importance is constantly referred.
How does the Kihon Happo behave, however, if we add other aspects e.g. those of the Yin and Yang?
One of the two characters (kanji) of which the Kihon Happo consists is the KI , and one of his meanings in this
connection is basic".
In addition, KI means also "energy, spirit, soul". The human life energy which is also known as QI.
In the universal existence there is the positive QI and naturally that negative QI as well. The Yin Yang QI.
The energy state in the body is called by Japanese physiotherapist as Kyo and Jitsu (what for a coincidence may
you wonder!) and is to the Yin and Yang very similar, whereby the Kyo - Yin and the Jitsu - Yang is.
A balanced energy state meant also a balanced Yin and Yang and this leads to the fact that body and spirit are in
a condition of unity. If the energy state is disturbed, then the physician looks for the causes around these, to
eliminate them.
In the study of the Budo Taijutsu it behaves similarly.
If one attend the training with joy and with positive attitude, then also the spirit and body will be develop
continuously further and thereby one will be in a balanced stage of the training.
If the training is attended, however, without joy and if this is unbalanced, then one must look for the cause at his
roots. Thus one turns back to the basics (Sanshin and Kihon Happo) to strengthen and to "cure" these again, in
order to bring the own Yin and Yang back in the equilibrium.
By the flow of the universal QI through the 12 main Meridians the entire body is filled out with the life energy,
which holds the human in an existential balance.
Also in the Budo Taijutsu, by the flow of the Sanshin no Kata and Kihon Happo from one into another, will be
obtained a unity which represents a evenly balance for our training. The Yin and Yang of Budo Taijutsu.
If we would classify e.g. the forms of the Sanshin no Kata and Kihon Happo as energy centres, then we could
assign a form to each main Meridian.
San (3) x Kihon Happo (8) = 24 forms
12 for the Yin meridian and 12 for the Yang meridian.
Are all energy centres (Sanshin no Kata and Kihon Happo) in balance, so the development in the Essence of the
BudoTaijutsu will be also harmoniously, balanced and flexible.
The Yin Yang QI behaves in the whole like a magnet with its two poles, whereby one cannot be exist without the
other one.
If we now transfer this aspect to our training and we take e.g. the Jiryoku (the magnetic repelling and attracting)
as starting point in such a way, we can (like a magnet) attract or repel. We must put, however, these two
contrasts in balance, so that the rhythm will remain.
In a technique e.g. we can implement the attack and the counter attack in the same rhythm so that both will flow
from one to into another. Evenly like the Yin and Yang.
By the study of the Yin and Yang we penetrate into ranges, beyond the contrasts. Thank you Hatsumi Sensei, for
your lessons!!

** The wind carries the tenets of the Budo further and lets it flow like the water through the generations **
Bu Fu Sui Ikkan!!
Kostas Kanakis - Bujinkan Shidoshi 9. Dan - Bujinkan Dojo Greece / BKD-Budokai Crete [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Taikai Norway 2002

We have the great pleasure of inviting you to Norway Taikai 2002. This is Norway's first Taikai, and it is being
held in Stavanger the 5. - 7. July.
For this honorable occasion we have made a website to help spread this information. Both the invitation and the
website have been translated into English, German and Spanish.
-English website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-English.html
-German website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-German.html
-Spanish website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-Spanish.html
-Norwegian website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002.html
To register please e-mail Elias Krzywacki on [email protected] , and then join the list
http://bujinkan.whispereddreams.com/Taikai/TaikaiPeople.php .
We look forward to meet you at Norway Taikai 2002. So start saving money now!
Bujinkan Dojo Norway www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com
P.S. Feel free to use Taikai-logo and -links for your own webpage.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------VIDEOS & BOOKS

NEW VIDEOS AT SOLKAN: We just received 6 new titles from Japan. Daikomyo sai 2000 (Koppo Jutsu) (3
volumes); Naginata, Nagamaki, Bisento (1 vol.); Byakurenkai Karate (2 vol.). Check their availability at
http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
Save at least 20% up to 40% on your Hatsumi Sensei videos made by Quest videos in Japan. Solkan Europe is
the official distributor in Europe for Quest videos in Europe. All our videos available in Pal, Secam and Ntsc and
concern Budo Taijutsu and other martial arts. Visit our Website http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
"Understand? Good. Play!--Words of Consequence" a fantastic book quoting Hatsumi Sensei by Benjamin
Cole. Get it now! at www.bushinbooks.com
the video of the sveneric-seminar in Bayreuth last april is available. Everybody can order it for 50 DM (30
DM for those who attended). Orders to be sent to: Bujinkan Dojo Bayreuth - Wolfgang Grger - Jean Paul
Strasse 43 - 95444 Bayreuth - Germany
Phone: 0049 921 64906
For many years the old books BY Sensei where not reprinted. You can now buy them online! Get your original
books by Hatsumi Sensei at www.buyubooks.com
The Bujinkan France Memento leads you from 9th Kyu to Shodan. It is a helpful tool that goes with the
ProTek. Available in French only. Price 80 FF. More info at: http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/
You can buy your belt with Japanese embroideries at: http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/

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