My Bujinkan video exploring 人間骨法 Ningen Koppō. One spring night in Hatsumi Sensei’s class at the 東京武道館 Tōkyō Budōkan in Ayase, he defined the concept of Ningen Koppō. He did this in the language of martial arts, but the topic is bigger than that.
I got up early to catch the train into Tokyo. I was headed to 下谷神社 Shitaya Jinja to fill in my 集印帳 shūin-chō stamp book. But I also wanted to purchase some 御守 Omamori as gifts for my students back home.
I got up early for a long train ride to 石神井城跡 Shakujiijō ato. I wanted to investigate the ruins of Shakujii castle. This also gave me some time for reflection on my training here in Japan and to add more detail to my training notes.
My Bujinkan video covering the idea of 武器を友達成る Buki Wo Tomodachi Naru. Hatsumi Sensei told us in one class to make weapons your friends. The idea was that you get so familiar with your weapons they become like close friends. When you know them so well you use them fluidly or in unconventional ways.
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!
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 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.
My report about Bujinkan training in Japan for 2022.
my Bujinkan Kuden describing How I Prepare for Class with the 十手 Jutte. I probably prepare more than most Bujinkan teachers. In fact I spend 1-2 hours before every training session following 6 steps.