K I H O N
Newsletter #3
January 2000
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An email newsletter focusing on Ninjutsu/Budo
Taijutsu training. Published by www.KIHON.com
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**** MISSION STATEMENT ****
We at KIHON.com wish to provide a short newsletter bringing you
information about Bujinkan dojo and upcoming training events, as
well as some insights into training that we hope will help to
further your growth as a martial artist.
**** CONTENTS ****
SPECIAL FEATURE: A Message From Hatsumi Sensei, Part I
told by Mark O'brien
1. Taijutsu Tips: Tips to enhance your training.
2. Kata Ideas: Form variations worth trying.
3. Ninja Reviews: Books, videos, and items of note.
4. Shidoshi Insights: Shidoshi Q&A or article.
5. Budo Quotes: Budo quote of the month.
6. Keiko Events: Upcoming training events.
7. Dojo Locations: Dojo locations and contact info.
8. Shoshin Comments: Endnote.
*** SPECIAL FEATURE *****
A Message From Hatsumi Sensei, Part I
By Mark O'Brien
This year Hatsumi Sensei asked me to talk to people as I travel
around and share some of what he has been saying in Japan. So, I
am taking some time out to do that. One item Sensei asked me to
talk about was his visit to the London Tai Kai. When he returned
to Japan, he had quite a few things on his mind.
One thing that happened to him at the London Tai Kai is that there
is a guy, one of the old timers in the SAS, the British Special
Forces. The guy is about eighty or so years old and his name is
Joe [Vaughn], and he has been through hell and back. He has been
on all kinds of combat missions and has quite a bit of combat
experience. Mr. Vaughn is not doing very well health-wise; he is
on some kind of breathing apparatus, (I think he has only one
working lung). He had many things to say in respect to Sensei.
When Sensei went up to shake Mr. Vaughn's hand, to say hello and
acknowledge his presence there, Vaughn jokingly put Sensei into
an omote gyaku as Sensei reached his hand out. Sensei said that at
that point in time, the feeling that Sensei got from this was
exactly what he remembers of the feeling he got from when he first
was learning from Takamatsu Sensei. Hatsumi Sensei said he was
very glad to have that type of reminiscence, to feel the kind of
feeling that Takamatsu Sensei used to give him when they were
training together and Takamatsu was teaching him things.
He added that around the world there are lots of people who
put their lives on the line at various times on their job; the
military, the police force, these are people who understand the
type of feeling that he is trying to teach through his martial
art. Sensei mentioned that there are people in other fields that
have this same kind of feeling - like artists. They do not apply
it in the same way, it's not used in a combat situation in what
they do, if they are a dancer or whatever, but it comes through
in what they do. He spoke about when he teaches, he is not
teaching us how to kill, but to live. By learning to kill you
understand how to live, how to avoid the pitfalls of being killed,
how to escape being killed and learn how to live and survive.
Hatsumi Sensei spoke about how you need that feeling. During much
of his teaching time, he says the form is not so important; the
feeling is more important. For most of us training with him, we are
often wondering what that feeling is exactly. He says the people
who have put their lives on the line, been in combat situations,
know very well, and understand this feeling. They can see what it
is that Sensei is actually trying to teach when he teaches.
*** Taijutsu Tips *****
Attending Class
By Fred F. Feddeck
Bujinkan New York Dojo
Part of the responsibility of training at the dojo is to attend
class. Attending training at the dojo is not something that should
be taken for granted. What does "attending" class at the dojo mean?
It is in your best interest as a student, who wishes to learn this
art from your teacher, to attend every class. The most efficient
way to progress is to attend every class and learn the material
shown there. However, attending class is more than just showing
up at the dojo. It is also attending mentally to what is going on.
When you are there, forget your problems and responsibilities of
the day, and focus on learning what is being taught.
If you are sick or hurt, come to class and train in what you can -
but always let the teacher know of your condition. If you are
physically unable to train, sit by the side and spend the time
"training" by watching and studying what is being taught.
If you have to miss class due to a work or family obligation, or
are too ill to come to the dojo, that is understandable, but
remember to call the dojo or one of the senior students so they
are aware of the reason for your absence and know that you are ok.
Respect: When you miss class for frivolous reasons you are being
disrespectful to your teacher, who is taking the time to prepare
and teach the training lessons. You are also being disrespectful
to your fellow students, denying them the benefit of having you
as a training partner, although they are offering that same gift
to you by being at class.
Remember that there is so much to learn in this art. The gift of
training that you are able to learn and take advantage of is not
to be taken lightly. Make your best effort to attend class as
frequently and completely as possible.
*** Kata Ideas *****
The Role of The Student
By Don Houle
Bujinkan Middlesex Shibu
The role of the student in budo is very complex. On one hand, the
student wishes to learn what the teacher knows and to become like his
instructor and sempai. On the other hand, there is always a desire to
break away, to question what the teacher is showing and study things
that are beyond what the instructor feels is the student's current
level.
This is not unlike a child who enters his or her teenage years and
begins to test the limits of the parent-child relationship. Parents
want to protect and nurture their children, while teens want only to
break free of their parents' control. As the child grows older,
however, the child can sympathize with the parents' feelings and
actions, realizing that the things they did were for the child's
own good.
The good student is one who is able to balance these contradictory
desires. As students, we should respect our teachers for what they
are sharing with us, and for the consideration and time that they
give to our progress along the path of budo. However, one should not
completely rely on the teacher for his or her own advancement.
Depending too completely on the teacher to point out every mistake
and fix every flaw is a weakness on the part of the student. Many
of the lessons of budo can be learned only through the student's own
hard work and dedication.
*** Ninja Reviews *****
Japan Review: Training In Japan
By Brian Tritico
Bujinkan Bellaire Dojo (Texas, USA)
Training in Japan is very different from training in the States,
but in some ways it's the same. Each instructor focuses on what
he finds to be important. Training with Hatsumi Sensei was probably
the most difficult of all. He does techniques that you have no idea
how he just did or what it was, and you usually get just a few
minutes to practice it before he moves on to something else. There
are no basics to it at all. It's all very advanced level training -
obviously, he's left teaching basics behind long ago.
Each of the instructors in Japan has a lot to offer and give
differing insights into things you only thought you understood until
that point. All the training and even the traveling is still a bit
of a blur to me... it's a good thing I took lots of notes! I took
enough to keep me busy for a year or more at least.
When training in Japan you have to be careful in choosing a partner.
Usually the people who are relatively new to the Bujinkan (a year
or less experience) tend to be quite rough as training partners.
I had a few experiences like this and learned to train with the
people that are higher rank if I wanted to make class the next day.
A quote from Mark O'Brien on this: "You should be training with the
Japanese or some of the Judan dans. You aren't here to teach some
new guy how to punch!"
*** Shidoshi Insights *****
The Meaning of Sensei
By Joe Maurantonio, shidoshi
Bujinkan New York Dojo
Sensei (sen = before; sei = life) lit. born before, a teacher
The martial arts sensei, or teacher, is someone who has walked
farther than we have on the path on which we are embarking. He or
she is a person who has shown determination and commitment in
learning the skills, attitudes, and insights of our chosen art.
Through years of training, they have become recognized as
knowledgeable in our tradition. They have chosen to instruct others
to see that our traditions perpetuate, and for their own personal
development. A sensei knows that training is not a means to an end,
but that the training itself is the path of mastery.
In Japanese culture, anyone who teaches is called a sensei, a
teacher. But the martial arts instructor, much like a Zen monk or
Chado (tea ceremony) master, has long been considered a bit of an
anachronism. Hundreds of years ago, the samurai were educated
warriors fighting for their lord, province, and family. This view
has been passed down to our generation as that of warrior-scholar.
Most often, a sensei seeks a student with the potential to receive
and acquire his lessons, and possibly to exceed his own skill in
carrying on our traditions. There are many old tales of young
individuals seeking to become students, who are put through arduous
and seemingly impossible tests of perseverance, strength, and
awareness before being accepted as a student. Today, it is not
difficult to find a martial arts school, nor is it difficult to
gain entry and acceptance.
*** Budo Quotes *****
"Now, between a teacher and a student there must be a
proper feeling of respect. Takamatsu sensei used to
refer to me as "Hatsumi sensei" and this was always a
little embarrassing. It was hard for me to comprehend
why he would address me in this fashion. Now I realize
that there was a proper respect between us, and again
I would like to bow to his wisdom.
However, a teacher is a teacher and a student is a
student. Do not forget to thank your teacher and be
respectful. I found my purpose in life and my passion
because of Takamatsu sensei. There is a Japanese phrase,
which holds an abundance of truth: "Parents and child
are one generation; husband and wife are the second;
yet the student and teacher relationship is third."
By Masaaki Hatsumi
[Ninpo: Wisdom for Life, Page 24]
more info at: http://www.kihon.com/ninpo.html
*** Keiko Events *****
* Samurai Sword Seminar
Bujinkan New York Dojo
Bronxville, New York
Joe Maurantonio, shidoshi
March 18, 2000 (6:00-9:00pm) $30
* Koto Ryu and Kenjutsu
Bujinkan New York Dojo
Bronxville, New York
Joe Maurantonio, shidoshi
February 26, 2000 (7:00-9:00pm) $15
* Koppojutsu and Swordwork
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Spring Lake, New Jersey
March 11, 2000
Jack Hoban, shidoshi
* Fundamentals of Correct Movement
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Elmsford, New York
Bud Malmstrom, shidoshi
April 29 - 30, 2000
* Holland Millennium TaiKai 2000
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Teppan & Ninja-to
Hatsumi Masaaki, Soke
June 1, 2 & 3, 2000
* Tai Kai Atlanta 2000
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Teppan & Ninja-to
Hatsumi Masaaki, Soke
Atlanta, Georgia
August 18-21, 2000
*** Dojo Locations *****
Bujinden Hombu Dojo
Atago, Noda-shi
Chiba-ken, 278, Japan
Bujinkan New York Dojo
27 Milburn Street
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-3339
Bujinkan Bellaire Dojo
Houston Gymnastics Academy
5756 So. Rice Blvd.
Houston, TX
Bujinkan Middlesex Shibu
300A Carlton Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
*** Shoshin Comments *****
Tai2K
By Lauren Brandstein, editor
After some brief technical difficulties, the Kihon Newsletter is
back for the new millennium! I'm sorry for the cheesy name of this
editorial, but I just couldn't resist. Thanks for sticking by us
through these hard times. I hope we can bring you an even better
and stronger publication in the future.
As promised, we attempted a deliberate theme issue this time.
Please let me know what you think of our efforts. Thank you to
all the writers of this month's articles, and a special thanks
to Mark O'brien for not only teaching a wonderful seminar at
the Bujinkan New York Dojo, but also helping us bring Hatsumi
Sensei's words to greater light in this month's, and future issues.
Now, I would like to say a few quick words on being a student of
budo and a student of life. I have quite a few years of training in
the martial arts (relative to my age, anyway), only three of which
are in the Bujinkan and taijutsu. I've been a student all my life,
from kindergarten to college, learning my ABC's to learning to write,
basic kamae and gyaku to, well, slightly less basic kamae and gyaku.
I am also a student of education at New York University, studying
the process of learning and teaching.
Yet in all this time, with all these positive and negative learning
and teaching experiences in my life, I have yet to fully realize
what it means to be a truly good student. To become a good teacher,
I believe one must become a good and lifelong student. I know a few
things I'd like to work on, but I can't seem to get the balance
right. I still don't take enough responsibility for my own training,
and I still don't trust in my teacher enough. Those two problems
may seem opposite or unrelated, but they're not. The proper attitude
for a truly dedicated student incorporates both those qualities:
accountability, and trust, both tempered with judgement that is
based on deep reflection.
I believe that, to be successful, learning should always come
from, and center in the self, not any outside set of standards or
expectations. This means that the student must constantly seek
experience and understanding for him or herself, but use the
knowledge offered by the teacher as a guide, a beacon to truth.
This applies not only to martial training of course, but to all
forms of learning. My advice to kyu would be to take a long look
at yourself, your attitude and behavior as a student, not just at
your kamae or skill at punching, and really think about what you
see. Refining yourself as a student first will have an incredible
impact on your future learning as a martial artist, and as a
human being.
____________________ KIHON Newsletter ____________________
** DISCLAIMER **
It is recommended that you seek out medical advice
before following any of the suggestions stated herein.
It is also suggested that you find a qualified instructor
to guide you in your martial arts training.
** IMPORTANT **
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at www.KIHON.com It's worth a look!
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KIHON Newsletter and all contents
Copyright ) 2000 by Joe Maurantonio
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