Bujinkan Training Videos

I began the morning in a hurry because I had to get to the dojo early. My days in Japan are very busy. I run and gun to fit in all of the classes, recording my video reports in between. And I still have to find time for food, laundry, sleep, as well as tourism and shopping.

My Bujinkan Bōjutsu video of the 九字の形 Kuji No Kata, 第四法 Dai Yonpō. These kata are found in a 九鬼神流 Kukishin Ryū 棒術 bōjutsu book by 木葉幸四郎 Kiba Kōshirō published in 1937. Kiba Kōshirō was a student of Takamatsu Sensei.

I was invited to Furuta Sensei’s home dojo out in the countryside. He is very generous and picked us up from the train station. The only problem is that he plays a Lady Gaga CD on repeat during the drive.

My Bujinkan video covering the concept of 表逆支点 Omote Gyaku Shiten. Hatsumi Sensei described this idea during a class on 基本八法 kihon happō. He showed various methods to pivot on the omote gyaku. But it also means using the omote as a pivot point.

Bujinkan training in Japan isn't only about training. Sometimes it is about cultural experiences you might have there. And sometimes you might even find healing in the dojo!

My Bujinkan video of the kata 神剪 Shinsen. The name suggests pruning kami. But it can also be mind shearing. That makes sense with the attack to the ears followed by a headbutt which will definitely interrupt an opponent’s thoughts.

start off this day going to Hatsumi Sensei’s house and the Bujinkan Honbu office. I do this on every trip because this is how I submit my rank paperwork for my students. In the video I talk about my “secret” route to his house. I also recall past times when I could just visit and have tea with Soke.

My Bujinkan Bōjutsu video of the 九字の形 Kuji No Kata, 第三法 Dai Sanpō. These kata are found in a 九鬼神流 Kukishin Ryū 棒術 bōjutsu book by 木葉幸四郎 Kiba Kōshirō published in 1937. Kiba Kōshirō was a student of Takamatsu Sensei.

Last night Paul Masse invited me and my teacher Peter over to his house in Noda-shi. While we were in the backyard swapping stories, his wife Tomoe invited us inside to a warm dinner of ちゃんこ鍋 chankonabe. She and Paul are very friendly and generous.

My Bujinkan video exploring the idea of 第六感 dairokkan. Hatsumi Sensei used this term when he explained that we should add intuition to the reality of combat. One cannot win on technique alone.

On this day of my Bujinkan Japan Training trip, I began with a visit to the the 月野宮神社 Tsukinomiya Jinja Flea Market. There, I found an impromptu concert from a local guy with a guitar. And I also found many antique swords, jutte, and miscellaneous weapons.

Every Bujinkan trip I make to Japan feels like a gift. And I always try to share that with you all with my Japan report. This trip, I decided to video a lot. Like every day. So there will be quite a few of these. The only issue is that it takes me time to edit all of this video, so the Japan reports may spread out into next year.