My Bujinkan video with the latest training updates from Japan. I begin with a visit to 上野東照宮 Ueno Tōshōgū. This shrine was built in 1627, and enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu.
photo by Joi Daikomyosai has started with a crunch. Hatsumi Sensei started the morning wearing armor that he said was like that worn by Tokugawa. This armor was meant to have no weak points or openings. It was impenetrable and an impressive gold color for when the shogun would lead the way into battle. Duncan...
Daikomyosai was wonderful for me. The energetic yet subtle movement expressed by Hatsumi Sensei was very inspiring. Sensei has put a lot of faith in us to share this art outside of Japan. After hearing some of Sensei’s oldest students tell their stories, the attitude they share is a sincere gratefullness to Sensei for his...
Hatsumi Sensei’s Sunday class was the most crowded I’ve ever witnessed. For the bow in, we filled the place all the way past the windows. Leaving at most 10 feet to the weapons rack. The rumor was that we were over 200. My friend Gillian said she didn’t come for training, she was there for...
Friday night class with Hatsumi Sensei was crowded. It’s always that way the weekend before Daikomyosai. In years past I’ve seen as many as 160 to 170 people in Hombu! It makes for an interesting training experience. Soke was very dynamic in the training, and was looking very lively with his intense purple hair. If...
On my way to Japan for some training. I’m going to attempt blogging during my trip. I’m looking forward to this process. In the past, when I made these training trips, I would fill up my training notebooks with my bad handwriting. These notes consisted of descriptions of my training with Hatsumi Sensei and the...