GN #23 Dec 2008

. GAMBATTE
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Newsletter for the advancement of Bujinkan studies - Takamatsu den
December 2008, Volume # 23
No Dojo Politics...No Hype...No Bull
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This month
Well we've already experienced our share of
snow early this year and my winter training will
commence very soon once again.
Part of my winter training consists of hunting,
which will also be covered under the survival
section of our newsletter. Hunting is considered
by many city dwellers as an archaic, outdated
pastime. Whatever your beliefs, please try to
remember the phrase the late Bruce Lee
popularized, "absorb what is useful." I,believe
everything is useful and could someday save
your life or someone else's.
Onwards...
I hope to have a column soon where we will
have the Bujinkan arts pinned against various
martial arts. The idea behind this is how one
would be able to fight against another skilled
fighter from a different art and capitalize against
their weaknesses. I will try to capitalize on the
various skilled people who read this newsletter.
Lastly I want to wish you all a safe and Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope we all
have a good holiday
Peace man!
Nevin Zeljko Broz
Shidoshi-ho
Bujinkan Seishin Ronin Dojo
Expose
In this section we will introduce you to many of
the Bujinkan's top (and a few of the lower
ranked - me) instructors.Senseiyoumightnot
have heard about and individuals you might want
to know a little more about, as well as historical
figures from our different ryu.
Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu
(The Nine Demon God School)
~jg#ff;
(Ku
ki
Shin
J/1l
Den
Ryu)
The Kukishinden ryu as we know it in the
Bujinkan is one of the more popular schools
when dealing with various weapons systems and
techniques.
It was originally a samurai school and is
considered a complete fighting system, which
includes kata in taijutsu, hanbo, jo, bo, yari,
naginata and bisento. Its codex also includes
fighting in armour, techniques for throwing
projectiles, jutte and various swords.
Part of its legend was that the ryu was originally
a pirate ryu along the inland sea, which would
explain many of its unique kamae and postures.
The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba studied
Kukishinden Ryu in his youth and later
incorporated many of its techniques in Aikido.
History of Kukishinden Ryu
The Kukishinden Ryu was originally founded in
the mid 14thcentury by Izumo Kanja Yoshitero
with it being thought to originally have come
from China
The emperor Go-Daigo gave the name "Kuki" to
the Samurai Yasushimaru Takazaneu, who
fought protecting the emperor, saying that
Yasushimaru fought like nine demons (Kuki).
nindja_ dude@yahoo.com
lzumo Kanja Yoshiteru was the warrior who
actually codified and organized the ryu with all
its specialties. The 4thgeneration Soke, was said
3
to be the one who fonnalized Kukishinden ryu
and all of its kata.
Kukishinden ryu actually comes ftom the school
known as Kukishin ryu. It evolved and was
developed in Kumano prefecture. During its long
existence the ryu saw use by sailors and pirates
to help protect them during sea battles.
These actions greatly influenced the schools
techniques and weapons. Warriors of the
Kukishinden ryu are said to have used masts and
rigging ftom their ships during battle.
During the conquest of Ise province by the great
but ruthless general Oda Nobunaga, he enlisted
the unusual naval talent of one Kuki, Yoshitaka
(1542 -1600), a man who like many Japanese
sea captains, had once been a successful pirate.
He was to attack the fortified Ikko-Ikki positions
ofNagashima with cannon and flaming arrows.
Kuki's ships not only attacked the warrior
monks, but also cut off their allies ftom
supplying the Ikko-ikki with provisions by sea.
Kuki's fleet was once again enlisted by Oda
during the battle ofIshiyama Honganji (present
Osaka castle) to keep the Mori samurai fleet
ftom supplying the Ikko-Ikki monks with
supplies. Here he suffered defeat at the hands of
the Mori navy in August of 1576.
In 1330 the emperor Go-Daigo was held under
house arrest at the Kazan-in, the royal summer
palace on Yoshino Mountain, by the Shogun
Ashikaga Takauji. It was Kusunoki Masashige, a
high-ranking samurai loyal to the emperor who
was ordered to attempt a rescue. Masashige had
in his employee a young sixteen-year-old Gyoja
(mountain ascetic) ftom Kishu, named
Yasushimaru Kurando. Kurando was well known
to be skilled in ninjutsu and other bujutsu arts
and so was given the task of rescuing the
emperor. Along with another samurai named
Kagoshima, Kurando managed to infiltrate the
Kazan in, and upon reaching the emperor
disguised the emperor as a woman. The
Ashikaga samurai caught wind of this when
Kurando attempted to escape. He was carrying
the emperor on his back. Placing the emperor
under a nearby pine tree (pine boughs would
offer concealment and protection) he faced off
against the oncoming samurai armed with his
naginata. One by one as the Ashikaga samurai
attacked they fell to Kurando's skills.
When there was only one opponent left Kurando
suffered a twist of fate. The remaining Ashikaga
samurai cut through the naginata separating the
blade ftom the shaft. The Ashikaga warrior felt
victory in his immediate grasp and renewed his
attack with a new vigor.
Kurando defended himself and the Emperor with
a secret Rokushakubo (6 foot staff) technique
called "Gyaku Kuji" and defeated the samurai.
Taking the emperor once again they made good
their escape.
In recognition of his bravery the emperor gave
Kurando pennission to use the name "Kuki"
(Kukishinden Ryu) which suggests that he
fought like "Nine Demons".
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Kukishinden Ryu Densho
Soke of Kukishinden Ryu
(Last name first, Japanese tradition)
Yasushimasu, Takazane
1. Izumo, Kaja Yoshiteru
2. Izumo, Koshiro Terunobu
3. Izumo, Matsushiro Teruhide
4. Izumo, Bungo Yoshiteru
5. Izumo, Kanja Yoshitaka
6. Izumo, Kanja Yoshiteru
7. Ohkuni, Kisanta Kiyosumi
8. Tsutsumi, Hakushi Mori Ritsuzan
9. Kuriyama, Ukongen Nagafusa
10. Arima, Kochinosuke Masayoshi
11. Ohkuni, Kogenta Yukibisa
12. Kazama, Shinkuro Hidechika
13. Ohkuni, Kibei Shigenobu (Genroku -1688)
14. Otone, Sakon Yasumasu
15. Otone, Genpachi Yoshihide
16. Otone, Gengoro Yasuhira
17. Awaji, Nyudo Chikayasu
4
18. Kuruma, Kotaro Genshin
19. Ohkuni, Izumo Mori Shigehiro
(Kokwa-1844)
20. Sugino, Juheita Kanemitsu
21. Hisahara, Genjuro Yoshitane
22. Hisahara, Kotaro Nobuyoshi
23. Ishitani, Takeoi Masatsugu ( 1905)
24. Ishitani, Masutaro Takagage
(1905) (- 1911)
25. Takamatsu, Toshitsugu Doh (1911)
(1888/03/01 1972)
26. Hatsurni, Masaaki (Yoshiaki) (1968)
(1931/12/02 Present)
-
-
Happo Hikenjutsu
(three versions are shown with variations, not
sure why)
1. Taijutsu (moving the body), Hicho jutsu
(leaping), Nawanage (rope throwing)
2. Karate (unarmed combat), Koppojutsu
(breaking bones), Jutaijutsu (throwing)
3. Sojutsu (spear fighting), Naginatajutsu
(halberd fighting)
4. Bojutsu (staff fighting 180cm), Jojutsu
(stick fighting 120cm), Hanbojutsu (half
staff fighting 90 cm)
5. Senban Nage (senban throwing), Token
jutsu (blade throwing), Shurikenjutsu
(throwing stars)
6. Kajutsu (fire and explosives), Suijutsu
(water training)
7. Chikujo (fortress design and
penetration), Gunryaku Heiho (military
tactics)
8. Onshinjutsu (hiding techniques),
Hensojutsu (use of disguise)
9. Ken (swords), Kodachi (short sword),
Juttejutsu (sword catcher, baton)
1. Gunryaku (battle strategies),
TenmoniChimon (stUdyof weather)
2. Jojutsu (stick fighting 120cm),
Hanbojutsu (half staff fighting 90 cm)
3. Rokushakubo (staff fighting 180cm),
Maai (distancing)
4. Naginata (Halberd fighting), Bisento
(large halberd fighting)
5. Kodachi (short sword), Juttejutsu (metal
truncheon)
6. Bajutsu (horsemanship), Suijutsu (water
techniques)
7. Shurikenjutsu (throwing stars),
Senbanjutsu (throwing blades)
8.
Sojutsu (spear fighting)
1. Gunryaku Heiho (battle strategies),
TenmoniChimon (study of weather)
2. Jojutsu (stick fighting 120cm),
Hanbojutsu (half staff fighting 90 cm)
3. Rokushakubo (staff fighting 180cm),
Maai (distancing)
4. Kodachi (short sword), Juttejutsu (metal
truncheon)
5. Bajutsu (horsemanship), Suijutsu (water
techniques)
6. Shurikenjutsu (throwing stars),
Senbanjutsu (throwing blades)
7. Onshinjutsu (invisibility techniques)
8. Taijutsu (unarmed combat), Kenpo
(swordsmanship)
Kata of the school
This ryu is a battlefield style whose specialty is
Happo Hikenjutsu (eight ways of the hidden
sword).
Dakentaijutsu
Goho no kamae
(5 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Hira - Flat
Hira ichimonji - Flat straight line
Seigan - True sight, true eye
Katate hicho - Single hand flying bird
Kosei - Look out (searching)
Shoden no kata
(9 kata)
1. Seion - Live sound
2. Suiyoku - Snow Dropping off an
evergreen tree branch (Avalanche)
3. Suisha - Water wheel
4. Kubi wa - Necklace
5. Hosetsu
6. Iso arashi
7. Fubuki
8. Kata ho
9. Tatsurnaki
5
Chuden no kata
(12 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Urn namiTen chi - Heaven earth
Kata nami
Kasumi gake - Fog dashing
Tatsu no se/ taki no se
Shio kaze/enpuh
Yama arashi - Mountain storm
Yanagi kaze/ryu fu - willow wind
Tatsu nami
Kobi/ torn 0
Juganlkasane iwa
Shiho don - Four way capture
Sabaki kata
(12 kata)
1. Arakoma
2. Shikaashi/kasoku
3. Chikusei
4. Yumemakura- Dreampillow
5. Susosabaki
6. Iso gaeshi
7. Kazeharai- Windsweep
8. Kurumadon - Wheelcapture
9. Kimon
10. Urnkimon
11. Ukimo
12. Rampu
Okuden no kata
(12 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Fu setsu
Gongi
Kaeshi waza - Returning techniques
Oni otoshi - Demon drop
Iwa kudaki Setsu to
Goto
Dofu
Onikudaki - Demon crush
Yanagi kaze/ryu fu
Tachi uchi - Vertical strike (?)
Hane taoshi
Shirabe moguri kata
(12 kata)
1. Moguri don - Driving down capture
2. Sharin
3. Ko fuki
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Ryu fuku
Tobi chigae
Yama otoshi - Mountain drop
To raku
Shoto
Musa sabi
10. Tama nage - Head throw(?)
11. Gyaku nage - Reverse throw
12. Uchi harai - Strike Sweep
Weapons Kata
Bikenjutsu (sword arts)
(20 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Tsuke Komi
Sayu Gyaku
Tsuki Kake
Kirl Age
Kirl Age Sayu Gyaku
Kirl Sage
Kirl Sage Sayu Gyaku
Kinshi
Kinshi Sayu Gyaku
Kocho Gaeshi
Kocho Gaeshi Sayu Gyaku
Shiho Girl
Shiho Girl Sayu Gyaku
Happo Girl
Happo Girl Sayu Gyaku
Tsuki no Wa
Tsuki no Wa Sayu Gyaku
FudonoKen
Engeki Buchi
Himyo Ken
Kodachi (short sword)
(3 kata)
1. Hichono Ken
2. ShishiGeki
3. Juji Ken
Jutte (sword catcher)
(5 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Kirlno HitoHa
Rakka
GorinKudaki
MizuDon
MawariDon
6
Jojutsu kata (short bo)
(16kata)
Shoden no kata
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Jumonji (cross)
Roppo / Gedan Nagashi (six methods)
Kyuho (nine methods)
Hiryu (flying / leaping dragon)
Tsuke Iri (attaching and entering)
Kasumi Gake (mist hooking)
Ude Gake (arm hooking)
Kote Gake / Kote Gaeshi (wrist
hooking)
,
Tachi Otoshi (sword drop)
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Shoden no kata
(9 kata)
Do kata (2 meter stick)
(66 kata)
Kamae kata
(9 Kamae)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Jodan
Chudan
Gedan
Ichimonji
Hiraichimonji
Ihen
Seigan
Tenchijin
Heito
Kihon Gata
(5 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ukemi gata
Ashi barai gata
Shiho bo furl gata
Men uchi gata
Kuridashi gata
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Go Ho
Ura Go Ho
Sashi Ai
Huna Bari
Tsura No Isoku
Ura Isoku
Tsuso Otoshi
Ura Tsuso Ooshi
Ippon Tsugi (One Cedar Tree)
Tatsu Otoshi (Aka-) Taki Otoshi
Chudan Kangi
Gedan Kangi
ThenKangi
Jodan Gogi
Ichimonji Gogi
Hira Ichimonji Gogi
Ichimonji Kogi/ Hakugi
Seigan Kogi/Hakugi
Tenchijin Kogi/Hakugi
Chuden No Kata
(9 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Keiko Sabaki Gata
(25 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kasa No Uchi (hats Inside)
Koku
Tachi Otoshi
Harai
Yama Dezu
Kyo Zume
Shu Ken
Geku
Skeri
Gori Kudaki
Tenchijin
Miki Do
Syo Kata
Ura Name
Haman Gashi
JodanNaigi
GedanNaigi
HiraIchimonjiNaigi
ChudanJugi
IchimonjiJugi
ThenJugi
SeiganSaigi
TenchijinSaigi
IchimonjiSaigi
Okuden No Kata
(9 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Jodan Sogi
Gedan Sogi
Hira Ichimonji Sogi
Chudan Kakugi
Ichimonji Kakugi
ThenKakugi
Seigan Yakugi
Tenchijin Yakugi
Heito Yakugi
7
Hanbo Kata (1 meter stick)
(22 kata)
Sanso no Kamael Sanshin no Kamae
(3 kamae)
1. Katayaburi(HiraIchimonji)no kamae
2. Mooen muso no kamae
3. O1onashino kamae
Shoden no Kata
(9 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Katateuchi/katateori
Tsukiotoshi
Uchi waza
Nagaredori
Kasumigake
Iki chigai
Kaokudaki
Atekaeshi
Saka otoshi
Chuden No Kata
(4 kata)
1. Kote gaeshi
2. Saka otoshi
3. Harai waza
4. Sotowaza
Gokui gata/ Kasumi Gata
(9 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Ichimonji
Kikusui
Kancho
Kisasu
Hiryu
Tsukibuse
Kagecho
Satsugyoku
Kyoba
Menkyo Kaiden Hencho Gata
(10 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
010
Ryuzu
Tomoe
Chogi
Arashi
Shinmyo
Taki otoshi
Y oko nage
9. Tate nage
lO. Nichi getsu
Naginata jutsu (sword on a stick)
(13 kata)
Kamae
Okuden No Kata
(3 kata)
1. Hane otoshi
2. Matagake
3. Koteharai
Yari Kata (spear)
(28 kata)
Kaisetsu gata
(9 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Kanpo
Shihowaza
HichoHaku
Hitotsukiai
Itto santo
Hassai
Hiso
Tenchikaku
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Hasso
Seigan
Yoko Ichimonji
HiraIchimonji
NakaSeigan(Chudan)
Kata
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Nagi Taoshi
SukuiAge
HatakiTaoshi
AshiBarai
Hane Taoshi
KuriOashi
ZangoNagi/ ZengoNagi
SashiChigai
TobiKiri
Bi Naginata Jutsu Gata (sword on
a stick) (6 kata)
Happo yaku
1. Nagi Taoshi
8
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hasso no kamae
Seigan no kamae
Yoko ichimonji no kamae
Him ichimonji no kamae
Naka seigan no kamae
Bisento Jutsu Gata (large halberd)
(9 kata)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Oushin
Kakugyaku
Chikusha
Namiba
Batto
Gisen
Shintou
Seitou
Miken
Various sources were used for this article.
Thanks to all.
A Quest for Responsibility
by Han Gattegno
Weare quite fortunate to have a living Master to
guide us and inspire us to pursue our Martial
Arts careers. Hatsumi Sensei is one of a kind.
Very few schools can actually see their Art in the
making-by such a phenomenal person. As the
years go by, as Sensei talks about the time when
he will no longer be teaching, his students must
take matters into their own hands. If we sit and
wait for Sensei to do everything for us, since he
is the only Master, we will find ourselves on our
own one-day, not quite ready for a future without
him.
The Bujinkan as a school has evolved
tremendously over the last two decades. I still
remember, in 1975, when only a handful of
people were practicing and we could all call each
other by our first names. Now with hundreds of
people scattered all around the globe, we are all
anonymous. The first Tai Kai held in Yumoa
Mura in October 1983 lured 120 people. Now
some Tai Kai attract more than 600 people.
Students come to learn ITomSensei, although he
does not teach anymore. He speaks about the
principles, about the feeling, about the spiritual
levels, that most of us are just aspiring to
understand some day, but most of his words
really and truly are way above our heads.
Unfortunately, some of the participants tend to
feel glorified by these events and then they go
back to their local training group and behave as
if they are exactly like Sensei. Not that they
move like him, or grasp the spirit behind what he
does, but they make believe that they have
touched the ultimate. Behind his back they
complain about his generous grading system, but
they do nothing about it, since they are an
integral part of it. They do not follow the Densho
and instead practice and teach just what they
have seen him do. However what Sensei does
today is only a fraction of the art; only a sample
phrase from the vast Budo Taijutsu language.
When we think about the schools we belong to,
we must think of the distant future. We, in Israel,
are lucky to have Doron Navon as our teacher.
We expected the world from him, but when he
decided to spend half of each year in Japan and
elsewhere, we had and take matters into our
hands. We started building a robust teaching
structure-with
requirements-which
we built
from our experience and from the years of
teaching we enjoyed when Doron was still a full
time teacher. It was through cooperation of the
experienced teachers that we came to a new set
of requirements, encompassing the Ju-Nan-TaiSo, Tai-hen Jutsu, Ju- Taijutsu, Kala, Randori and
Kumite, to form a comprehensive Pyramid
method of shifting from one layer of the Art to
another and thus conveying the true meanings
and understandings to aspiring students.
The set of requirements is robust but still flexible
enough to ensure the continued development of
Budo Taijutsu in the spirit of Hatsumi Sensei. If
he does not set the requirements, we, as
responsible students, must do so-and do as we
preach-practice
and perfect our techniques and
our understanding by keeping the Art alive and
by being responsible to ourselves and to our
students.
Hanbo Tsuki Waza
--
9
....
1. Our ninja begins in Hira ichimonji no kamae.
3. As he spins around on his lead leg, he raises
the tip of the hanbo in preparation. ..
2. He steps forward on a 45-degree angle.
4. He plants his foot and strikes downward with
the hanbo.
10
Soke speaks
"You can use anything around you. Something
like this (mini bottle of health drink), or a pen.
Anything will be effective. "
"(When you do the first strike on their bicep
with the bottle) They go, 'Ah, itta!' ('It hurts! ').
And then you go, 'Aita!' ('He was open!') (as
you slam into their exposed neck with your
forearm). " (The humor in this is that the two
expressions have nearly the same
pronunciation.)
"These (health) drinks have alcohol in them.
You can drink part of it, then use the other half
as metsubishi
(blinders
- throw
or spit it into
their eyes). It will bum their eyes."
to discuss how the ancient science of ninpo can
be useful in society today. With cowardly acts
of this kind becoming more and more ftequent
the world over, it is important that all people, not
only those who currently study the martial arts,
understand how ninpo can be practically applied
to make this world a safer, more peaceful
community of ftee nations.
Even though it is an ancient art, ninpo has many
modem applications that the public at large and
government officials as well should be aware of.
Incidents like the sea jacking of the luxury liner
the Achille Lauro and the brutal murder of Leon
Klinghoffer, one of it's passengers; the senseless
slaughter of innocent bystanders at the Rome and
Vienna airports (to name just two of the more
recent terrorist activities at this writing) will
continue to grow worse in intensity, more
widespread geographically and more prevalent
unless something is done about it.
"You can also use something like this (drink),
to fake out your opponent. You can be
stumbling along as you drink it. This would
make you appear weak, which would make
them lower their defenses. "
"You can't throw the metsubush;fromfar
away. They could easily avoid it. You have to
get in close to make it effective... You have to
break it open before you use it as welL"
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
-
Taken ftom "Quotations From Soke Part IV"
by Benjamin Cole
Ninjutsu v.s. Terrorism
In the wake of recent terrorist attacks that took
the lives of many innocent people and left scores
of others wounded, it seems as appropriate time
A recent question and answer exchange with Dr.
Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th grandmaster of Togakure
ryu ninjutsu revealed similar sentiments on his
part. Long a stalwart advocate of more
widespread instruction in the physiological
aspects ofninpo, Dr. Hatsumi was quick to
clarify misconceptions many people have
regarding ninja: their often linking the ninja with
guerilla-like attacks and bloody revolution; the
erroneous labeling of them as hired assassins,
cutthroats and cowards who sneak up on targets
in the dead of night to kill, maim or mutilate. In
some people's minds, unfortunately, ninja and
terrorist seem to be one and the same.
In a general give and take interview, Dr.Hatsumi
spoke of the problems facing the Ninja today, as
well as the possibility of their becoming of
II
immense service to the governments of ftee
nations in their war against terrorism.
NINJA: How can training in ninjutsu help guard
against terrorist attacks?
DR. HATSUMI: It is of course a great pity and
very sad that innocent unarmed people are being
terrorized and killed by fanatics. This should not
be happening; and there is much that can be done
to prevent it too many people have the
misconception that ninja were nothing more than
hired assassins. For the most part, this is not true
at all. In the long and honourable history of
ninpo, it was always warrior against warrior.
True, there were surprise attacks, but always
against other warriors. (There were never
heinous attacks against civilians and innocents.)
Today, as they did centuries ago, ninja live by a
very strict moral code (which we have discussed
in depth at other times). As a ninja, if! were
someone who had a say in the operations of the
CIA, or had some kind of role leading those who
fight against terrorists, I would train people in
the very same way ninja are trained. I would not
only train the people on our side, but recruit
people ftom the other (enemy's) side. For
instance, recruit spies to infiltrate and gather
information. Infiltration and information
gathering, utilizing disguises and physiological
warfare were just as important to the ancient
ninja as learning fighting techniques. Because
with these methods you can win without
fighting; you can win by knowing the enemy and
out-smarting him. The ninja had - and still
emphasize - training along these lines.
An extremely important, yet often unknown part
of ninpo is knowing the enemy. By knowing the
enemy you know what he is capable of and what
he probably will do; if you have gathered the
right information, you know what he will or
intends to do. Knowing that, you then have the
means to stop him, to thwart or prevent his plans
ftom being carried out. This is part of the
science of ninpo. This is why we in ninjutsu
teach physiology, history; why we insist the
student learn as much as possible-about other
cultures and not just fighting techniques.
The practise ofninjutsu's weaponry, techniques
and especially its philosophies could be
instrumental in alleviating the world's terrorist
threat, says Dr. Hatsumi. America and other ftee
countries must also learn to fight with words - as
the Russians do with their propoganda. (More
times than you can imagine, it is better to fight
with words than with swords.) I think we are far
behind the Russians in this area. I think we are
losing the fight in the area of psychological
warfare. Ninjutsu is very much an art and a
science; and instruction in it would be of
immense value. Unfortunately, few people
recognize this.
NINJA: Do you think it would be advisable for
American intelligence and other organizations
like the Secret Service to send people to Japan to
study ninjutsu?
DR. HATSUMI: Dh, yes, without a doubt.
Right now I have a few American military
officers at my dojo, but they are there as private
citizens. I think it would be better if they were
sent by their government on an official basis.
Their government, through them, would learn
much more than they can imagine; not only
12
techniques, but also ninja psychology. It would
be of great help to them. Some European nations
have sent special agents (to learn), but so far, not
the United States. It is something I would
welcome. I would be very glad to offer my
services, to teach for the goal of world peace.
NINJA: The martial arts, through films and
magazines, are becoming increasingly popular,
especially with younger people. There are a lot
of schools. Do you think the martial arts are
being taught properly here, with well-trained
instructors?
DR. HATSUMI: Well, American karate and
other martial arts schools are going very much
commercial; and that is a problem. Also, some
people start teaching ninja techniques just after
reading my books. There are many of them.
They have never spent time in Japan. Of course,
all of my students have legitimate schools; but
others just call themselves ninja. That's okay by
me (people can call themselves whatever they
want), but they go too far and spoil the whole
thing because they do not have the philosophy.
Philosophy is most important in learning
ninjutsu. Just teaching technique is wrong. If
someone is only teaching technique he is not
ninja.
NINJA: How can this trend toward
commercialism be changed?
DR. HATSUMl: In my opinion, the best way is
to study with our school or with a student who
has come here (to Japan). I am trying now to
work out a plan that will allow me to send 20 or
so instructors to the United states in the next
couple of years to teach and help bring about a
better understanding ofninpo. This will also
help people deal with the problems of daily life.
But it is a long process; I also plan to send
teachers to other parts of the world. This is one
of my major goals. This type of training can
help bring peace because when you are strong
and understanding you are at peace.
NINJA: Do police departments in Japan train
their recruits in the martial arts? And do you
think it would be a good idea, say, for the New
York Police Department to train their recruits in
such a manner?
r
-.
NINJA: So you feel that philosophy, as the basis
of any martial art is highly important?
DR. HATSUMI: Absolutely. Anyone can learn
technique and how to fight and defend
themselves. But not everyone can be ninja. That
takes an understanding of the whole history and
science of ninpo. You have seen the whole
forest; the technique is only one tree. To be
ninja you must see the whole thing.
--c,
....
--
.;
..
-- ---........
I
DR. HATSUMI: The Tokyo Police Department
has a ninja club, as do many organizations; so
does the military. Before someone can evenjoin
the police force hey must have had training in
judo and kendo and other, martial arts. Once on
the force they continue to study and move up in
rank as they gain more skills. In New York as I
understand it, they take anyone (whether they
have martial arts training or not) and merely
instruct them in the use of guns and clubs. They
would be much more effective with training in
ninjutsu. (Editor's note: Actually NYPD recruits
are instructed in the martial arts as part of their
training process. Ninjutsu, however, is not
officially one of them.) It is a different
philosophy (in New York), but things should
change. It would make life safer and more
peaceful for everyone. You can't just believe in
13
anns - which seems to be the American
philosophy. There is much more to ninpo than
that.
specialized wilderness first-aid course, covering
such emergencies as exposure, gunshot wounds
and animal bites.
Written in 1986. Scary how it could have been
written today after the attacks in India!
Navigation
Survival technique
Here we will run a monthly survival feature,
which can be used in case of emergency or to
enhance your ninjutsu skills while training in
nature.
Recently one of my outdoor magazines carried a
good article about survival in the bush. Many of
the topics were already covered here previously,
however I think this article is good enough to
place here once again reiterating certain
important aspects of surviving.
Easy Ways Not to Die.
Every year, countless anglers and hunters
venture into the wilderness to pursue fish and
game. And inevitably, some ofus run into
trouble. Big trouble. Life and death trouble.
From breaking an arm to getting lost to finding
yourself stranded, what would you do in such
situations? Would you be able to make it home
in one piece?
While different emergencies demand different
responses, knowing the basics in survival skills
will certainly put you on the right track to selfpreservation. With that in mind, we offer the
following overview of the five essentials to
coming out of the woods alive - every time.
Handheld GPS units are great, but you should
also always carry a topographic map and
compass into the wilderness as backup - you
never know when your GPS might give up the
ghost. In fact, you don't even need a GPS if you
learn how to navigate using a compass and topo.
Just being able to compare actual terrain features
with the contour lines on the map can help you
find your bearings.
There are plenty of good resources, such as
instructional books and DVDs, for learning
about navigation. In particular, I recommend the
book "The Basic Essentials of Map and
Compass", by cliff Jacobson. Alternately, you
could learn more trom a local orienteering club.
For a list of groups across the country, visit the
Canadian Orienteering Federation's website
(www.orienteering.ca).
If you do get lost, stop wandering about
aimlessly, hoping to find your way out. Getting
even more off course never helps, so sit down
and collect yourself. And don't move until you
have your bearings. If you can't get a good fix
on your position, meanwhile, stay put. Searchers
will be able to find you easier if you're not on
the move. .
Once you figure out your position on your topo
map, remember, all rivers do not lead to
civilization that's a common fallacy. Some
rivers actually end up leading to middle of
nowhere. Shooting for a highway is the best
option; hydro cut lines and railways are also
good bets, because they inevitably lead out of the
wilderness. They're far easier to navigate than
muddy riverbanks, too.
-
First Aid
Fire
Let's face it, accidents do happen. Otherwise,
there wouldn't be the need for the phrase "first
aid". A gash on the foot trom a sharp rock along
the river's edge, a sprained ankle trom a stumble
trom a stumble on a slippery slope or even a
blister trom new hiking boots can quickly ruin a
perfectly good outing. Simply put, first aid is an
essential skill in the wilderness, and every
outdoors person needs to learn at least the basics.
The Red Cross (www.redcross.ca) offers a
multitude of first aid courses across the country,
while St.John Ambulance (www.sia.ca) offers a
There's an unwritten rule that if you learn how to
make a mction fire, you'll never forget your
matches or a lighter. For that reason alone, it's
worth learning the bow-and-drill method. For
this, the best source of fire starting material
comes trom the dry wood inside dead trees or
blow downs. The dead branches trom the
bottoms of tall pine and spruce trees, as well as
birch bark and shavings trom the inside of cedar
bark, are also good, ready to light materials. Just
14
remember this saying, "Go to the dead to help
the living".
Even if you know how to make a friction fire,
it's always a good idea to be at the ready with
two different ways to start a fire. A fire steel
makes an excellent backup, especially if you use
it with tinder such as cotton balls soaked in
petroleum jelly. A magnesium block is another
good tool to have on hand for fire starting. And
what the heck, carry a lighter or waterproof
matches as well.
The type of fire you choose to build depends on
what you need it for. For cooking, kee<pit small,
with hot coals. Basically, you want a tight fire
with partially spent fuel to keep the flames
down. For generating more heat, go bigger and
keep the flames going. But don't create a raging
bonfIre - you want to be able to get close enough
to benefIt from the warmth. A smaller fire is
more fuel efficient, too, which is important if
you have a limited supply of wood. It's also a
good idea to create a reflector wall - basically
anything piled beside the fire at a safe distance to bounce the heat back at you.
is bad, you'll want to make something fast. Or if
you're fatigued and you have little or no food,
you won't want to put a lot of work into it. My
best advice, therefore, is to keep it as simple as
possible.
As for what kind of shelter to build, do some
research before your next wilderness adventure
and study the different types. Keep in mind that
shelters are meant to protect you from the
elements, as well as help you conserve heat. Not
only is it faster to build a small shelter, but the
tighter confInes, the easier it is to stay warm. A
shelter with a low profIle is best, and remember
to insulate yourself from the ground with dry
leaves or brush.
If you're combining a shelter with afire for
warmth, the most effective design allows you to
lie parallel to the fire so your entire body can
absorb the heat. That's why I generally prefer a
lean-to, rather than an A-frame style of shelter.
Stay Cool
Before setting out on any trip, regardless of the
duration or location, your first priority is to plan.
For me, this saying always rings true: Proper
planning prevents poor performance. And once
you've completed your planning, leave the
details of your excursion with at least two
people. After all, you can't be considered lost if
no one knows you're missing in the first place.
The details should include the names of the
people in your party, the makes of the vehicles
you're using (along with license plate numbers),
your intended travel route and destination, and
your itinerary. Should you get lost, the more
clues your rescuers have to go by, the better their
chances of fInding you. Just be sure to stick to
your plans. While it's great to be easy going and
flexible, it's not so great to be a statistic.
In any emergency situation, survival gear is a
bonus -level head is a necessity. Pay attention
to your breathing, stay calm and focus on what's
important. Each situation is different, and the
priorities may vary. First aid might be most
important in one scenario, while fInding shelter
might be the primary goal in another. Don't
worry too much about food unless you have a
specifIc medical condition such as hypoglycemia
or diabetes. After all, the average North
American can go a long time on his or her
reserves. As for water, of course you should
always carry at least a canteen. Once that runs
out, flowing mountain water is typically okay to
drink, but to be absolutely certain the water is
free from contaminant, consider bringing along a
portable water purifIer. Alternatively, boil the
water you collect for at least three minutes. In
the end, though, the real key in an emergency is
to stay positive - to get out of a tough spot; you
need to realize you have it in you to survive in
the fIrst place.
Shelter
Signals
In adverse conditions, knowing how to build an
emergency shelter can mean the difference
between living and dying. The fIrst step is
calculating how long it will take to construct,
and how much energy you'll use up. Some
primitive shelters can take a lot of work and
require large amounts of material. But if weather
If you want to be found, it's best to make it easy
for those who are looking for you, and that's
where signaling comes in. There are two basic
ways to get people's attention - sound and sight
- and it's wise to have the option of using either
at all times.
Make a Plan
IS
A mirror has long been the most common visual
signaling tool, but with the advent of LEDs, you
can also now get affordable strobes to carry with
you. If you opt for a mirror, it makes good sense
to use a good, dedicated signal mirror - the five
bucks you saved by using an old CD instead
won't seem like such a bargain when the search
and rescue plane passes overhead and misses
your signal. You can also use a brightly
coloured item such as an orange garbage bag as a
signal flag. Smoky fires will draw attention, too,
if it isn't windy. Simply throw damp vegetation,
such as wet leaves, or spruce boughs onto your
fire. As for auditory signaling, the standard
device is a whistle, which is in expensive, light
and easy to bring along. Carry one on you, and
stash another in your gear as backup. And
always use your visual and auditory signals
together - you never know when someone can
see your signal but not hear you, or vice versa.
Sometimes, you may even have to go to greater
lengths to get found, especially if you're
signaling when people are not actively looking to
find you. For example, some mends and I were
once blown ashore on a canoe trip during a
sudden storm. As a powerboat passed by, my
mirror was useless and my whistle was drowned
out by high winds. What caught their eye was
our canoe turned upside down on the shore,
along with our frantic waving. In other words,
every little bit helps.
By
Abe Elias
The Bujinkan Seishin Dojo in Zagreb Croatia
just recently celebrated its IS-year anniversary.
It is run by Shihans Dean Rostohar and his best
student Shihan Davor Gasparovic. Here's
hoping your dojo stays open at least another IS
years.
Book / video review
Here we will review books and videos/movies on
the ninja and samurai arts.
This month we will feature a short review on an
ancient ninja textbook written in the 17thcentury.
It's known as:
BANSENSHUKAI
Congratulations
The Bansenshukai (Sea of Myriad Rivers
Merging) is a multi-volume secret written
transmission (Densho) oflga and Koga Ninjutsu.
It was compiled by Fujibayashi Yasutake ofIga
in 1676. The collection includes one volume of
introduction, question and answer, and a table of
contents. Two volumes on thought and
philosophy. Four volumes on leadership. Three
volumes on Yo. Five volumes on In. Two
volumes on astrology. Five volumes dealing
with weapons.
Pictured here are Shihan D;an Ros;;har (lSih
Dan) and Shihan Davor Gasparovic (13thDan).
The Koga version has 22 chapters bound in ten
volumes with an additional one volume. The Iga
version has 22 chapters bound in 12 volumes
16
with additional four chapters in four volumes
attached to it.
The Bansenshukai is a written transmission of
philosophy, military strategy and tactics,
astrology and weapons that are identified
specifically with ninjutsu.
Following are some exerts for the volumes.
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Various grappling hooks.
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This illustration shows a ladder with a hinged
section. The ladder is light in weight.
--A rope ladder with wooden slats, designed to be
affIxed across a gap for others to cross.
.
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---
A zip line. The pulley can barely be seen.
l
17
wide it is compared to the actual area where your
foot sat. The wide area kept you ITomsinking
into the mud along with the wide round part of
the spider. You become like a water spider (or
water strider as we call them in Canada).
.
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This illustration is of the famous water spider
shoes. One was supposed to have been worn on
each foot to allow a ninja to cross water. In
reality it was designed to cross over marshy,
muddy rice fields, not open water. See below...
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The special geta (clogs) for use with the water
spider. The bottom picture shows a side view.
The bottom diagonal piece acted like a spring
pushing you upwards as you step. Notice how
Ninja burglary tools for gaining entrance to a
locked house or castle. The pick on the left was
used for drilling, prying, chipping. The forks on
the right were used to pry gaps between fence
boards, planks in gates, etc so a saw blade
could be fitted through the gap, which in turn
would cut the lock open.
18
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This is a folding portable saw described in the
Bansenshukai. The blade is very thin allowing it
to be placed in between gaps created in boards.
~
A ninja ftagmentation bomb in the form of the
Chinese thunder crash bomb is shown. The
bombs had a metal case and worked by sending
shards of the iron case far and wide. Pictured her
it shows musket balls arranged inside the bomb.
Noxious substances and jagged ftagments of
pottery could also be included as well as dried
human feces (infection).
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Spears and jars combined to produce a boobytrap over a hole. The spears would then be
covered with grass.
A ninja arrow rocket.
19
Paul Fisher
Ed Fi~eroa
Saturday December 13, 2008
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
A prefabricated collapsible ninja boat. The
sections are fastened together using clamps and
surrounded by waterproof cloth.
- Unarmed & Weapons Training
-Defending Others
For more info Paul (phone) 561-832-5255
Ed (phone) 813-841-4794
Awesome book written by a real historical ninja.
I give this book a five-shuriken rating.
Rating:
+++++
For Sale
Carbon Steel Samurai Sword
Five-senban shuriken!
Seminars
Here we will keep you informed of upcoming
seminars, as well as reviews of those attended.
If you want to advertise your seminar here
contact us at: nindja_dude@yahoo.com
Black and red saya and tsuka ito (handle
wrapping). Sharp. Very nice display piece.
Does not have a full tang but very good for doing
test cutting on multiple pieces of cardboard (have
done this myself). Retail price is $150 CDN.
Will sell for $100 CDN to Bujinkan students. 2
left for sale. Sword stand not included.
Koe:ai or Kozuka throwine:
knives
Bujinkan Buyu Seminar
Florida Daikomyosai
20
Custom Sword/metal work
Here are a few things I have made in the past
.
..
.
.
.
These knives were found in pockets of the katana
saya (scabbard) and were used for many
purposes. Antiqued to look old. Can have your
name engraved in either Latin script or Japanese
kanji (please supply yourself). Great gift.
$20.00 CDN I US.
..
.
Silver inlayed Fuchi (collar), Tsuka,
Tsuba
New Saya
Habaki (brass collar next to hand guard)
Handle wrapping
Same (white stingray skin under
wrapping - my own imitation)
Yari head, regular and Jumonji yari
Complete swords
Kusariweights
Kusari gama
Drop me a message with your design or wish and
we can talk. All work custom, one of a kind.
Great gift for your sensei.
nindja _dude@yahoo.com
Handmade Jutte
Tool steel. Antiqued or plain steel. Can have
name engraved on prong to personalize.
Excellent gift. Handle wrapped in hand-braided
nylon rope (will not wear out). Have style above
and straight prong style. Various lengths.
Limited supply. I will not make any again once
sold out.
$35 CDN I US.
Y oko Aruki
By Don Houle, Shidoshi
As any new student learns soon after their first
class, footwork is very important in budo
taijutsu. Most taijutsu footwork is rather
straightforward and resembles nothing more than
ordinary walking. But there are a few, more
"specialized" forms of footwork as well. One of
21
these is yoko aruki (sideways walking), also
referred to as "cross stepping".
There are two main uses for this rather unique
footwork. The first use is as a way to move the
body during combat. The basic movement is to
cross one leg in front of, or behind, the other leg
while bending the knees to facilitate increased
balance. A good example of using yoko aruki is
found in a variation of the basic ichimonji no
kata. Both uke (attacker) and tori (defender)
begin in hidari ichimonji no kamae (left hand
forward). As the uke throws a right punch, tori
brings his left leg back and in front of his right
leg while shifting his weight to his right rear.
Depending on the distance at this point, the tori
can either uncross his legs by bringing his right
foot back or maintain this position while striking
with jodan uke. By uncrossing his legs and
stepping back, the tori can move his body further
from the uke's attacking arm while still
maintaining the correct angle to strike the arm. In
any case, there is more to this technique than
simply crossing one's legs. Proper foot and knee
alignment as well as maintaining the appropriate
angle are also very important. Beginning
students have a tendency to bend their backs or
to slouch while performing yoko aruki, so it's
essential that students pay attention to this as
well.
"Go ahead and put a kick in their at the end. If
you don't get into the habit of doing so, you will
just stop after the strike. "
The second use for the yoko aruki movement is
as an actual walking method used to quickly
move through narrow spaces. By turning the
body parallel to the plane of motion (sideways)
the practitioner can maintain sight in a wide field
both in front of one's body and behind. The
footwork is frequently combined with a swinging
arm motion to assist in maintaining balance as
well as feeling for obstructions. This method of
movement is frequently associated with ninja
and their stealthy actions.
Taken from "Quotations From Soke
by Benjamin Cole
"In order to do the kick, you need to get your
proper distancing and position. This is very
important for you to be able to do the kick, or
make henka. "
"Women, especiaUy, need to remember to keep
going and put in something like a kick because
they usually lack superior strength. "
(To afemale practitioner) "If you don't kick
your opponent (Le. keep moving) you become a
target And if a really strong man manages to
get a hold of you, you won't be able to move as
much and it might be the end. "
"You can use this idea (of keeping moving) as a
means for escape as well as attack. "
"It is very important to practice the technique.
Then the counter and the counter to the
counter."
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
- Part IV"
-
(This article is reprinted with permission of
Kihon.com where it was originally published.)
Soke speaks
COMPlAIIT
~rD~RTMEIT
TAKE
A
NUMBER
~)
(As he flays Arnaud with a practice kusari
fundo) "This will break their bones in many
different places... This is the way to use the
fundo. "
The answer to complaints in my dojo!
22
Hanbo atemi (tsuki) waza
I. The ninja begins in Hira Ichimonji no kamae.
:
1. Starting from Hira Ichimonji no kamae.
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.
.
~:
2. The ninja leans forwards and strikes at an
opponent with the middle area of the hanbo as
well as the two fists.
2. The ninja leans forward and thrusts into an
opponent with a two-hand grip, striking with the
tip of the hanbo.
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.
23
1. The ninja begins with a single-handed grip on
the hanbo.
2. Our ninja once again leans forward into an
attack with a single-handed thrust, notice the left
hand on his forearm. The reason for this is
during a regular thrust at an opponent's centre
the opponent usually reacts by having the
stricken area bend away from the hanbo. A
natural by-product of this is to have the hands
come forward to the pain area (point of impact)
and grab onto the hanbo. By countering this
way, you strike down on your forearm with your
free hand in the opposite direction from the
opponent.
3. As can be seen the thrusting hanbo and arm
bounce back away from an opponent not
allowing him to take hold of your weapon.
1. Our youthful ninja begins in Munen muso no
kamae.
24
going". Please feel free to pass this information
among other Bujinkaners.
All content published here is for the exclusive
use ofBujinkan students. We will strive to be as
accurate as possible. If anyone feels that they
have anything to contribute please e-mail it to
me and it will be considered for publication.
Any comments or questions will be welcomed.
The author or any contributors assume no
responsibility whatsoever for any misuse of the
information found in these pages.
This is NOT an official Bujinkan newsletter.
Please watch who and what you
teach.
2. Our ninja now kneels and slides his hand
down the shaft of the hanbo.
Peace!
Nevin Zeljko Broz
Shidoshi-ho
Bujinkan Seishin Ronin Dojo
Copyright 2008
Bujinkan Seishin Ronin Dojo
3. The hanbo is grabbed at the end and it is now
thrusted sideways into an attacker.
Disclaimer
It is highly recommended that medical advice be
sought before following any of the suggestions
written in this newsletter. It is also highly
recommended to seek out a qualified, competent
instructor to guide you safely before attempting
this or any other potential knowledge.
The purpose of publishing this newsletter is to
help serious students of the Bujinkan advance
their studies through a community effort. This
concept is reflected in the name of our
newsletter, "Gambatte ne", which means, "Keep