I have always said that in order to learn, you first have to have a reason. Without a context that directly relates to the person on a life-application level, the lesson is nothing more than mental masterbation. When I first started MA, I was in high school. I took up arts that meant the most to me to survive the typical high school fights. When I started BBT, I was moving into a career in law enforcement. I pursued my study of jujutsu and weapons as they related to what I would do or experience on the job. When I was in the military, I learned arts/skill sets that had to do with the brutal "kill or be killed" environment of being a soldier. Now, I train for personal peace, protection of family/friends, etc. During all those stages, being "good" meant being able to apply those skills in a manner that brought the results I wanted to attain. So, I never lost a school fight, I took down suspects, defended myself and others against a variety of real danger, used my skills to help train cops and soldiers and, now that those parts of my life are over, finding the physical benefits of my training help to bring a kind of inner peace and confidence that I can protect my loved ones if I needed to.
Thankfully, I've never had to experience war firsthand (only in training) and never had to take a life, ever. But, I knew I had the training to do so if I had to and accepted the reality that my occupations could put me in situations that required me to take a life. So, I trained for it with the mindset that it was for real.
I believe most people live sedentary, relatively safe lives - which is a great blessing. It also can be a danger as people can be numb to danger and prone to ambush. You can be "good" in the dojo, but when you leave you go back to your life of routines, schedules, obligations, etc. Without a direct application to something outside the dojo, I feel as if most of what we train on stays in the dojo. Think about it. Do you ever find yourself moving better only when you put on your keiko gi and walk onto the mat? Do you feel you are more in your element, as far as budo training goes, when you wear the funny, black PJ's and get among your budo buddies? Is that when you would say you are "good"?
I think this is where the clash of practical vs fantasy comes into play. Let's face it, we are all nerds on some level. Most of us got into BBT because of the silly ninja stuff, especially those of us who started back in the 80's when that fantasy dominated the martial arts world. But, it really is a clash of two worlds. People laugh at silly ninjas playing in the park. So, at some point, we have to grow up about martial arts. But, even with that, we have to find practical application to our day to day reality or we are continuing the fantasy.
So, when you look at qualifiers like being "good", you should also consider how it affects your day to day life and measure the positive with the negative, or no effect at all. What "good" is budo training when you simply leave it in the dojo?
Train hard, train smart, live happy!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Reality vs budo training
I haven't written much in a while because, well, things have just been too busy. My training always takes priority over the 'net, so what free time I have I devote to my training.
Lately, I have seen growing discord between many different factions within the Bujinkan. As we all should be trying to study Soke's budo, we cannot help but be overwhelmed by just how incredibly confusing this is. Soke no longer teaches the raw fundamentals we are supposed to be training on. In fact, Soke rarely teaches any techniques. He talks in principles, philosophies and often times contradictions. That's not to say he isn't a true master, someone who we all should be looking to for guidance and inspiration. And, if we study and train long enough, eventually what appears to be confusing, contradicting messages from Soke start to make sense. We get a glimpse of something that strikes at the heart of our selves and our training. It's those moments that we all strive for because they empower us and give us insights that we need.
However, a major area of contention among my Bujinkan brothers and sisters is how we are supposed to follow Soke's teaching, especially in the areas of "no technique", being "zero", moving with relaxed flow, and so on - and still build and maintain a strong foundation of real combat skills. One side will argue that Soke and the Japanese Shihan have all experienced the raw, physically challenging aspects of the "old school" methods and that's why they can move so beautifully, with relaxed flow and gentleness, while still controlling their partner perfectly. The other side holds firm to the idea that they went through all of that hard training to learn you don't 'need' to do it in order to move the way they do now. They did it so we don't have to. They've made the mistakes and now teach us the correct way to bypass the long road for the direct.
In my own training, I seek to find a balance. I love to train in the deeper, more refined aspects of what my sempai, sensei and Soke teach. But, I also believe I need the conditioning and raw physical skills to be able to survive real danger. So, I gently take my uke's balance and throw him with little touch, yet next I will spend time breaking a sweat by pounding on the heavy bag. I will strike my uke as he flies over me, knocking him into strange body positions that make it difficult for him to land safely, challenging his ability to adapt. I will play with the spaces around my uke, causing his balance to change and opening up the next "safe space" for me to occupy so that he is always off balance. But, then I also believe those shots that happen during that space in time have the teeth behind them to really affect my uke.
At the same time, I also want to continue to develop my body to take the impact of hitting something that's solid. In addition, my own body needs to experience being hit, thrown, locked up and such so that I also build my adaptibility.
Then, there's the argument of whether or not to spar or use "aliveness" when training, to have your partner try to resist, counter and otherwise not be a "cooperative uke" (within safe reason).
I don't know what the answers are. I only know what my teachers teach me. I also know from my own experience what real danger is like - and what it does to somebody physically, mentally and spiritually. One has to train equally in all three of these areas to develop the adaptive ability to survive.
This, to me, is what the true meaning of Sanshin is.
How it applies to your own training, you have to decide. Just keep the balance right.
Lately, I have seen growing discord between many different factions within the Bujinkan. As we all should be trying to study Soke's budo, we cannot help but be overwhelmed by just how incredibly confusing this is. Soke no longer teaches the raw fundamentals we are supposed to be training on. In fact, Soke rarely teaches any techniques. He talks in principles, philosophies and often times contradictions. That's not to say he isn't a true master, someone who we all should be looking to for guidance and inspiration. And, if we study and train long enough, eventually what appears to be confusing, contradicting messages from Soke start to make sense. We get a glimpse of something that strikes at the heart of our selves and our training. It's those moments that we all strive for because they empower us and give us insights that we need.
However, a major area of contention among my Bujinkan brothers and sisters is how we are supposed to follow Soke's teaching, especially in the areas of "no technique", being "zero", moving with relaxed flow, and so on - and still build and maintain a strong foundation of real combat skills. One side will argue that Soke and the Japanese Shihan have all experienced the raw, physically challenging aspects of the "old school" methods and that's why they can move so beautifully, with relaxed flow and gentleness, while still controlling their partner perfectly. The other side holds firm to the idea that they went through all of that hard training to learn you don't 'need' to do it in order to move the way they do now. They did it so we don't have to. They've made the mistakes and now teach us the correct way to bypass the long road for the direct.
In my own training, I seek to find a balance. I love to train in the deeper, more refined aspects of what my sempai, sensei and Soke teach. But, I also believe I need the conditioning and raw physical skills to be able to survive real danger. So, I gently take my uke's balance and throw him with little touch, yet next I will spend time breaking a sweat by pounding on the heavy bag. I will strike my uke as he flies over me, knocking him into strange body positions that make it difficult for him to land safely, challenging his ability to adapt. I will play with the spaces around my uke, causing his balance to change and opening up the next "safe space" for me to occupy so that he is always off balance. But, then I also believe those shots that happen during that space in time have the teeth behind them to really affect my uke.
At the same time, I also want to continue to develop my body to take the impact of hitting something that's solid. In addition, my own body needs to experience being hit, thrown, locked up and such so that I also build my adaptibility.
Then, there's the argument of whether or not to spar or use "aliveness" when training, to have your partner try to resist, counter and otherwise not be a "cooperative uke" (within safe reason).
I don't know what the answers are. I only know what my teachers teach me. I also know from my own experience what real danger is like - and what it does to somebody physically, mentally and spiritually. One has to train equally in all three of these areas to develop the adaptive ability to survive.
This, to me, is what the true meaning of Sanshin is.
How it applies to your own training, you have to decide. Just keep the balance right.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"The Center of Budo"
*** This week's training and some thoughts ***
This week I want to take a look at the center lines, crossing the T and other similar concepts and how it applies to kihon. This concept of unification is important in Japanese budo as it involves combining the body, mind and spirit into one singular presence. In Kendo (Japanese sport fencing), there are two main outer factors that one tries to control - the center line between you and your opponent, and the distance between you. On the ura, or inside, being able to do this requires fudoshin, an immovable spirit, so that you maintain control of this space, not to let yourself become controlled by anything. Then, when the distance shortens to striking range, whoever can maintain control of this center line will have a clean shot. However, the shot will be weak unless one knows how to instantly project their entire body, mind and will/spirit into the opponent in a powerful strike. No distraction. No hesitation. No wavering.
Now, don't mistake kendo for Bujinkan budo. As kendo is a sport for dueling, you are facing a singular opponent in a controlled environment where you need no other awareness other than yourself and your opponent. But, there are many lessons that are the same at their fundamental core. Of particular importance is this attitude of letting go of attachments. If you read the words of senior kendo teachers, you will find that their journey is one of purification, to strip away self limitations, distractions and attachments. They write about winning and losing meaning nothing compared to mastery over the self. Opponents come in all sizes, shapes and abilities. However, you are the only constant. Therefore, it is important to focus on the self and it starts and ends with control of the mind.
A renowned famous kendo master wrote about how when he was young, his body was strong and he won easily. As he got older, his legs became weaker, so he had to train his mind even more. As aged further, his upper body became weaker, so it became entirely about training his mind. Even when he was a venerable old man who appeared to barely move, his skill was so great that he was able to continue to defeat opponents easily simply because of the mastery of his mind and spirit.
In Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, we work with many lines, many angles, many distances and many situations. However, I believe at the root of it all, the same elements exist. We are training ourselves to face danger with an unwavering heart, to have awareness through a detachment of all those things which distract (fear, anger, weapons, technique, etc), so that we can adapt to whatever happens. But, Soke being who he is, pushes us even further. Instead of throwing ourselves into a technique, we are pushed to let go of our "want" to "do" a technique and concepts like Chutohampa ("half done/incomplete"
One area that is a fundamental core to understanding budo taijutsu, whatever the martial art, is the hara. This is the point roughly 3 inches below your navel. In many Japanese budo arts, the center line and distance is related to the hara. No matter how the weapon is postured, the hara is still the main point of reference (of course, the effective range of the weapon is in the awareness). Imagine having a cord tied to the center of your obi knot (belt) and the other end tied to your uke's obi knot. The length of the cord is the maai and the cord is the center line. You can angle your body any way you want, take any kamae (posture), but the line is the same. Movement up this line is the most direct path to the uke, so control of this line is vital. As you angle yourself to their inside or outside, you control their ability to stay on this line in good kamae. When you have them in a position where they can't control this line without balance or effectiveness, then you have your suki or opening for attack. But, you have to then be able to have balance and control to move on this line without wavering from it or having your own balance and posture compromised. That is having perfect form and takes a strong mind, spirit and body mechanics.
In my own self reflection, I am finding that my own body is not as strong as it used to be in my younger days. My struggle has been to try and maintain that youthful vigor. Yet, it is a losing battle, as I know age will eventually win. The struggle comes in the mind, to accept how the body changes, how it is weak and vulnerable. Yet, as the body gets weaker with age, the mind can grow stronger and the spirit can become cleaner. The budo path really is about getting past the body. Our mind is the key.
See you in class!
This week I want to take a look at the center lines, crossing the T and other similar concepts and how it applies to kihon. This concept of unification is important in Japanese budo as it involves combining the body, mind and spirit into one singular presence. In Kendo (Japanese sport fencing), there are two main outer factors that one tries to control - the center line between you and your opponent, and the distance between you. On the ura, or inside, being able to do this requires fudoshin, an immovable spirit, so that you maintain control of this space, not to let yourself become controlled by anything. Then, when the distance shortens to striking range, whoever can maintain control of this center line will have a clean shot. However, the shot will be weak unless one knows how to instantly project their entire body, mind and will/spirit into the opponent in a powerful strike. No distraction. No hesitation. No wavering.
Now, don't mistake kendo for Bujinkan budo. As kendo is a sport for dueling, you are facing a singular opponent in a controlled environment where you need no other awareness other than yourself and your opponent. But, there are many lessons that are the same at their fundamental core. Of particular importance is this attitude of letting go of attachments. If you read the words of senior kendo teachers, you will find that their journey is one of purification, to strip away self limitations, distractions and attachments. They write about winning and losing meaning nothing compared to mastery over the self. Opponents come in all sizes, shapes and abilities. However, you are the only constant. Therefore, it is important to focus on the self and it starts and ends with control of the mind.
A renowned famous kendo master wrote about how when he was young, his body was strong and he won easily. As he got older, his legs became weaker, so he had to train his mind even more. As aged further, his upper body became weaker, so it became entirely about training his mind. Even when he was a venerable old man who appeared to barely move, his skill was so great that he was able to continue to defeat opponents easily simply because of the mastery of his mind and spirit.
In Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, we work with many lines, many angles, many distances and many situations. However, I believe at the root of it all, the same elements exist. We are training ourselves to face danger with an unwavering heart, to have awareness through a detachment of all those things which distract (fear, anger, weapons, technique, etc), so that we can adapt to whatever happens. But, Soke being who he is, pushes us even further. Instead of throwing ourselves into a technique, we are pushed to let go of our "want" to "do" a technique and concepts like Chutohampa ("half done/incomplete"
One area that is a fundamental core to understanding budo taijutsu, whatever the martial art, is the hara. This is the point roughly 3 inches below your navel. In many Japanese budo arts, the center line and distance is related to the hara. No matter how the weapon is postured, the hara is still the main point of reference (of course, the effective range of the weapon is in the awareness). Imagine having a cord tied to the center of your obi knot (belt) and the other end tied to your uke's obi knot. The length of the cord is the maai and the cord is the center line. You can angle your body any way you want, take any kamae (posture), but the line is the same. Movement up this line is the most direct path to the uke, so control of this line is vital. As you angle yourself to their inside or outside, you control their ability to stay on this line in good kamae. When you have them in a position where they can't control this line without balance or effectiveness, then you have your suki or opening for attack. But, you have to then be able to have balance and control to move on this line without wavering from it or having your own balance and posture compromised. That is having perfect form and takes a strong mind, spirit and body mechanics.
In my own self reflection, I am finding that my own body is not as strong as it used to be in my younger days. My struggle has been to try and maintain that youthful vigor. Yet, it is a losing battle, as I know age will eventually win. The struggle comes in the mind, to accept how the body changes, how it is weak and vulnerable. Yet, as the body gets weaker with age, the mind can grow stronger and the spirit can become cleaner. The budo path really is about getting past the body. Our mind is the key.
See you in class!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Inspired by recent blog post from Arnaud Shihan...
Arnaud Shihan has posted another great blog entry at http://kumafr.
Arnaud Shihan cites Soke as saying the two opposites, dragon and tiger, aren't really in opposition, but in connection or in union with each other. It's the in/yo or yin/yang, the heaven and earth, etc relationship. But, tying it to the comment of dragon being about capturing/controlli
Anyway, take the time to consider the wisdom being presented in Arnaud's writing and how it relates to the "feel" of what Soke's budo is. If you look carefully enough, you'll see this duality between dragon and tiger. Then, find how you can learn from that and evolve your own training.
Gambatte kudasai!
. What stuck out for me was the line "We also learnt that the dragon was capturing while the tiger was hitting". This was an "ah-ha!" moment for me as I was pondering the duality of the dragon and tiger so common in martial arts and as the foundational part to the name of our own dojo Ryuu (dragon) Ko (tiger). In case you are wondering, the last part of our dojo name, Hikan, means secret scroll...
Arnaud Shihan cites Soke as saying the two opposites, dragon and tiger, aren't really in opposition, but in connection or in union with each other. It's the in/yo or yin/yang, the heaven and earth, etc relationship. But, tying it to the comment of dragon being about capturing/controlli
Anyway, take the time to consider the wisdom being presented in Arnaud's writing and how it relates to the "feel" of what Soke's budo is. If you look carefully enough, you'll see this duality between dragon and tiger. Then, find how you can learn from that and evolve your own training.
Gambatte kudasai!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Another good writing on my weekly e-news...
*** This week's training ***
Focus will be on timing, as explored through the Kihon Koshi Sanpo Kata of Ichimonji no Kata, Jumonji no Kata and Hicho no Kata (not necessarily in that order). We will also explore some close range concepts and some evasion/survival techniques against a knife attacker.
This last topic is inspired by a violent stabbing last week that happened in nearby Folsom. I'm not talking Folsom Prison, or some inner city urban jungle, but the small city that is predominately a low crime bedroom community. A 13yr old boy attempted to steal a BB gun from the Folsom Wal-Mart store. The manager pursued the kid and grabbed him. The kid fought back and the manager, trying to use "appropriate" force without trying to hurt the kid, was attempting to restrain him. Suddenly and without warning, the kid pulled a knife (size/type unknown), repeatedly stabbed the manager in the upper body and fled. This wasn't a quick, little stab and run. The kid fully committed himself to the armed assault, as evidenced by the repeated stabbing and from witness statements. Luckily and fortunately, the manager has survived and is in good condition at the hospital. Fortunately, also, the kid's parents did the right thing and turned the kid over to local police, who are charging him with attempted murder and robbery.
From the news accounts, the kid is a pretty normal 13yr old on the outside. Yet, in an instant, he became a murderous attacker, armed with a knife and intent on using it. Shocked? Sad? Angry? Confused? Yeah, me too.
What if you had been there shopping with your family, or maybe alone? Where is your head, or awareness, at during a normal day at Wal-Mart or any other store? Imagine the scene, this kid, a young teen, stabbing this poor guy over and over. Maybe you don't see the knife and just see a manager trying to restrain a resistant kid. Would you help? Could you help? What level of force would you be willing to use? Remember, this kid is aggressively attacking with a knife. And, he's only 13.
There are those who might imagine themselves as the hero, jumping in and taking control, subduing the attacker and saving the manager. There are still those who immediately default to deadly force because, in essence, the kid is using deadly force. And, legally, they would be justified. Morally, however, the situation is complicated. Just as in all of life, nothing is black and white. It's always complicated, even if seemingly simple on the surface.
Now, I'm not going to sit here and pretend to be a "holier than thou" person and lecture you on what you "should do" or "should not do" in regards to your personal choices. In fact, the situation and the questions raised scare me to my very core and, even with all my experiences and training, I still wish to never have to face such things because I really don't know what I would do, how it would affect me or my loved ones. As warriors, we are protectors of life. We value the lives of our fellow humans. Yet, we also know that sometimes to save a life, a life might have to be taken. As warriors, we also accept that we may find ourselves in the unavoidable position of having to make that choice. We are always accountable for our decisions, so the responsibility isn't one to be taken lightly. Certainly none of us are in a position to judge anybody because we really don't know how we would handle such a scenario. We can imagine, we can theorize, we can train diligently on "appropriate" techniques, but the sudden "reality check" and shocking brutality of this kind of thing can bring out behaviors and choices in us that we could never have imagined. Sometimes it could be amazing feats of bravery and heroism. Sometimes it could be inaction caused by paralyzing fear. Then, no matter our action or inaction, the emotional impact in us, bystanders, and all others who are affected can also be just as unpredictable and damaging.
These kinds of violent acts exist in everyday life, in every part of the world, in every part of society, and with all kinds of people. None of us are immune to it. As warriors, always training, always aware, we need to take the time to read into these stories. We need to ask the hard questions of ourselves, to honestly assess ourselves, not just physically but mentally and spiritually.
And, we need to keep training.
See you in class!
Focus will be on timing, as explored through the Kihon Koshi Sanpo Kata of Ichimonji no Kata, Jumonji no Kata and Hicho no Kata (not necessarily in that order). We will also explore some close range concepts and some evasion/survival techniques against a knife attacker.
This last topic is inspired by a violent stabbing last week that happened in nearby Folsom. I'm not talking Folsom Prison, or some inner city urban jungle, but the small city that is predominately a low crime bedroom community. A 13yr old boy attempted to steal a BB gun from the Folsom Wal-Mart store. The manager pursued the kid and grabbed him. The kid fought back and the manager, trying to use "appropriate" force without trying to hurt the kid, was attempting to restrain him. Suddenly and without warning, the kid pulled a knife (size/type unknown), repeatedly stabbed the manager in the upper body and fled. This wasn't a quick, little stab and run. The kid fully committed himself to the armed assault, as evidenced by the repeated stabbing and from witness statements. Luckily and fortunately, the manager has survived and is in good condition at the hospital. Fortunately, also, the kid's parents did the right thing and turned the kid over to local police, who are charging him with attempted murder and robbery.
From the news accounts, the kid is a pretty normal 13yr old on the outside. Yet, in an instant, he became a murderous attacker, armed with a knife and intent on using it. Shocked? Sad? Angry? Confused? Yeah, me too.
What if you had been there shopping with your family, or maybe alone? Where is your head, or awareness, at during a normal day at Wal-Mart or any other store? Imagine the scene, this kid, a young teen, stabbing this poor guy over and over. Maybe you don't see the knife and just see a manager trying to restrain a resistant kid. Would you help? Could you help? What level of force would you be willing to use? Remember, this kid is aggressively attacking with a knife. And, he's only 13.
There are those who might imagine themselves as the hero, jumping in and taking control, subduing the attacker and saving the manager. There are still those who immediately default to deadly force because, in essence, the kid is using deadly force. And, legally, they would be justified. Morally, however, the situation is complicated. Just as in all of life, nothing is black and white. It's always complicated, even if seemingly simple on the surface.
Now, I'm not going to sit here and pretend to be a "holier than thou" person and lecture you on what you "should do" or "should not do" in regards to your personal choices. In fact, the situation and the questions raised scare me to my very core and, even with all my experiences and training, I still wish to never have to face such things because I really don't know what I would do, how it would affect me or my loved ones. As warriors, we are protectors of life. We value the lives of our fellow humans. Yet, we also know that sometimes to save a life, a life might have to be taken. As warriors, we also accept that we may find ourselves in the unavoidable position of having to make that choice. We are always accountable for our decisions, so the responsibility isn't one to be taken lightly. Certainly none of us are in a position to judge anybody because we really don't know how we would handle such a scenario. We can imagine, we can theorize, we can train diligently on "appropriate" techniques, but the sudden "reality check" and shocking brutality of this kind of thing can bring out behaviors and choices in us that we could never have imagined. Sometimes it could be amazing feats of bravery and heroism. Sometimes it could be inaction caused by paralyzing fear. Then, no matter our action or inaction, the emotional impact in us, bystanders, and all others who are affected can also be just as unpredictable and damaging.
These kinds of violent acts exist in everyday life, in every part of the world, in every part of society, and with all kinds of people. None of us are immune to it. As warriors, always training, always aware, we need to take the time to read into these stories. We need to ask the hard questions of ourselves, to honestly assess ourselves, not just physically but mentally and spiritually.
And, we need to keep training.
See you in class!
Monday, May 10, 2010
On training
(Copied from my dojo e-news for this week. I thought I hit on something really good and wanted to share it with my blog. Enjoy!)
This week we are going to continue to drill, drill, drill those basics into our bodies. I feel like our current pace and format is good. The intensity and physical demands set a good foundation for the rest of the class. I find everybody's bodies move better. An important training concept that's quickly becoming recognized as most efficient among fitness experts is this idea of quick, intense bursts of physical stress (with proper technique to avoid injury). Our friend Dan's budo fitness site http://www.warriorinshape.com/ has many great articles that focus on this training concept. As warriors, our bodies may be suddenly and instantly called into extreme physical action. We may go about our normal day for weeks, months, years living at our regular pace. Without warning, we could suddenly and violently be faced with extreme danger, causing a huge dump of endorphins into our system, as the "fight or flight" programming we are hard-wired with instantly kicks in. Our bodies need to be able to handle this sudden stress. Our consciousness needs to be able to adapt, recover and take charge of our bodies. We need to be able to move tactically and have the stamina to handle the physical demands we are faced with.
Then, just as quick as it started, it could end and we need to be able to recover from that as well. Recovery is at the root of ukemi and it begins with exposing our bodies and minds to sudden demands in bursts.
This brings me to another important point - making ourselves train. Our classes are on a weekday, after we've all worked long, stressful hours. We are tired, maybe sore, and I'm sure our brains are wiped out. I know that for most, one of the last things we truly want to do is to be hit and thrown around a mat for a couple hours. Yet, we do. I think this is also an important concept. Danger almost always comes when we are at our weakest moment, when our attention is focused elsewhere, when our bodies are tired, hungry, injured and unprepared. Yet, at that instant, the danger takes over the entire situation and we have to suddenly act. I believe some of the best training comes from those nights when you really don't want to train, yet force yourself to go and just throw yourself into it. Both body and mind are being pushed. The lessons learned go far beyond the technical aspect of the class. And, when you've made yourself train on those nights, don't you always feel good afterward and happy you went?
Life creates far more reasons and opportunities to not train than to get out and train. It becomes easy to put it off another day, another week, another month, and even another year. Yet, if we truly want to call ourselves martial artists, even warriors, we need to make training a priority, not just for our own protection, but the protection of those we love. This is why we show up when most go home. This is what separates us from the rest of society. This is why to be a real budoka (student of martial arts) you also have to strive to be a Tatsujin, or complete human being, a gentleman, one who lives to a higher purpose. It starts with the attitude towards training the body, the mind and one's spirit, every day, every opportunity, every second.
Just like finding the kukan, or tactical space, in a technique and operating within it, we also have to find the kukan in our lives and train within it. Know when it's there and get in it. Know when it moves, find it, then move in it again. There is always kukan if you take the time and have the desire to find it. It's always up to you.
This is what is meant by the term "Gambatte" or "Keep Training"! It's a way of living, not an interruption to it...
This week we are going to continue to drill, drill, drill those basics into our bodies. I feel like our current pace and format is good. The intensity and physical demands set a good foundation for the rest of the class. I find everybody's bodies move better. An important training concept that's quickly becoming recognized as most efficient among fitness experts is this idea of quick, intense bursts of physical stress (with proper technique to avoid injury). Our friend Dan's budo fitness site http://www.warriorinshape.com/ has many great articles that focus on this training concept. As warriors, our bodies may be suddenly and instantly called into extreme physical action. We may go about our normal day for weeks, months, years living at our regular pace. Without warning, we could suddenly and violently be faced with extreme danger, causing a huge dump of endorphins into our system, as the "fight or flight" programming we are hard-wired with instantly kicks in. Our bodies need to be able to handle this sudden stress. Our consciousness needs to be able to adapt, recover and take charge of our bodies. We need to be able to move tactically and have the stamina to handle the physical demands we are faced with.
Then, just as quick as it started, it could end and we need to be able to recover from that as well. Recovery is at the root of ukemi and it begins with exposing our bodies and minds to sudden demands in bursts.
This brings me to another important point - making ourselves train. Our classes are on a weekday, after we've all worked long, stressful hours. We are tired, maybe sore, and I'm sure our brains are wiped out. I know that for most, one of the last things we truly want to do is to be hit and thrown around a mat for a couple hours. Yet, we do. I think this is also an important concept. Danger almost always comes when we are at our weakest moment, when our attention is focused elsewhere, when our bodies are tired, hungry, injured and unprepared. Yet, at that instant, the danger takes over the entire situation and we have to suddenly act. I believe some of the best training comes from those nights when you really don't want to train, yet force yourself to go and just throw yourself into it. Both body and mind are being pushed. The lessons learned go far beyond the technical aspect of the class. And, when you've made yourself train on those nights, don't you always feel good afterward and happy you went?
Life creates far more reasons and opportunities to not train than to get out and train. It becomes easy to put it off another day, another week, another month, and even another year. Yet, if we truly want to call ourselves martial artists, even warriors, we need to make training a priority, not just for our own protection, but the protection of those we love. This is why we show up when most go home. This is what separates us from the rest of society. This is why to be a real budoka (student of martial arts) you also have to strive to be a Tatsujin, or complete human being, a gentleman, one who lives to a higher purpose. It starts with the attitude towards training the body, the mind and one's spirit, every day, every opportunity, every second.
Just like finding the kukan, or tactical space, in a technique and operating within it, we also have to find the kukan in our lives and train within it. Know when it's there and get in it. Know when it moves, find it, then move in it again. There is always kukan if you take the time and have the desire to find it. It's always up to you.
This is what is meant by the term "Gambatte" or "Keep Training"! It's a way of living, not an interruption to it...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Shidoshi Alex Bushman's "Back From Japan Review" was a blast!
Thursday was great training at Barry's dojo in North Highlands with our buyu Alex who just returned from Japan. He shared many insights and lessons. One benefit of going to Japan during the non-peak season is that you get more personal time with top teachers and Alex was able to spend one on one time with Someya Shihan and even a personal lesson from a long time California native who now lives in Japan. The nice thing about training in that environment (and training with those who come back from that environment) is that you get things that otherwise are not taught or focused on during the busier times of year, when classes are crowded and there's little personalized attention or candid moments.
One thing that Alex brought back was the comments he heard about how there are parallel evolutions happening between how training in Japan is going and how the rest of the world (i.e. the rest of us) is evolving. There seems to be a distinct directional difference in how this art is filtered and transmitted outside of Japan that can cause a lot of confusion and misdirection. This happens for many reasons, some innocent (cultural differences/levels of understanding) and some not so innocent (personal agendas, etc). This affects the way many foreigners are taught when they come to Japan. This is not to mean that we are all doing things wrong, but having an awareness and honesty about our training is probably the more crucial point. Alex mentioned that when we see or hear different things from Japan, it doesn't mean that we have to suddenly drop everything and change the way we train. Rather, it all is a process of guided evolution and it is far healthier to simply adjust the direction, like guiding a river. We have to always keep going, keep training, so we are always making small adjustments to steer on course. This is why we need to always train with the right people, to always expose ourselves to the Japan training (directly ourselves, or indirectly by training with those who are going). But, we also need to be responsible for our own training, to develop our own "eyes" to "see" the difference.
This ties into another point Alex mentioned. Japanese training focuses heavily on proper kihon, or fundamentals. It seems "the rest of us" have a habit of placing the emphasis on the next level, not the core of what makes it all work. I've seen this myself. In Japanese training, what is considered "advanced" is really to dig deeper and deeper into the kihon, to break things down more and more, like going from cellular to molecular and beyond. The tendency for "the rest of us" is to actually move farther and farther away, to expand and enlarge, so that we are only doing one variation after another without any detailed analysis of the dynamics. It really is a contrast in evolutionary direction and why there are so many who want to promote the flashy side of their training. In reality, the "real" training is actually very boring and non-flashy because the amazing part lies in the ura, or the hidden, subtle parts that really can only be experienced firsthand.
This is why in my classes, I've preferred to really only focus on the kihon. I've seen the breakdown in fundamentals when people get into the flashy side of this art. I also have had my decision reinforced over and over when I've trained with my teachers and especially when I experienced Japan training myself. I will always be the first to admit how inadequate my own kihon is. Since I, just like so many others, do not train near enough, how can I even consider focusing on anything else but my own kihon? Kihon may not be pretty, may not be exciting for some, but the time invested is well worth the effort and attention if it evolves my own taijutsu at least in a remotely similar direction to how things are done in Japan. That is, after all, why I choose to first be a student of the Bujinkan, a Japanese martial art. Otherwise, I really am no longer a student, but just one of the countless others who are doing "their own thing", no matter what I might promote myself as. It certainly would be far more comfortable and popular, just not honest.
Alex also covered interesting aspects of the tachi, or Japanese great sword, and the yari, or spear. Many good points came from those weapons, but again the key was a focus on the kihon.
Overall, it was a great class and we had so many good friends show up, some as far as Oakland. The rain pounded heavily on Barry's metal roof and my foot got soaked getting from my truck to the front door. But, all that was nothing compared to the reward of being there.
One thing that Alex brought back was the comments he heard about how there are parallel evolutions happening between how training in Japan is going and how the rest of the world (i.e. the rest of us) is evolving. There seems to be a distinct directional difference in how this art is filtered and transmitted outside of Japan that can cause a lot of confusion and misdirection. This happens for many reasons, some innocent (cultural differences/levels of understanding) and some not so innocent (personal agendas, etc). This affects the way many foreigners are taught when they come to Japan. This is not to mean that we are all doing things wrong, but having an awareness and honesty about our training is probably the more crucial point. Alex mentioned that when we see or hear different things from Japan, it doesn't mean that we have to suddenly drop everything and change the way we train. Rather, it all is a process of guided evolution and it is far healthier to simply adjust the direction, like guiding a river. We have to always keep going, keep training, so we are always making small adjustments to steer on course. This is why we need to always train with the right people, to always expose ourselves to the Japan training (directly ourselves, or indirectly by training with those who are going). But, we also need to be responsible for our own training, to develop our own "eyes" to "see" the difference.
This ties into another point Alex mentioned. Japanese training focuses heavily on proper kihon, or fundamentals. It seems "the rest of us" have a habit of placing the emphasis on the next level, not the core of what makes it all work. I've seen this myself. In Japanese training, what is considered "advanced" is really to dig deeper and deeper into the kihon, to break things down more and more, like going from cellular to molecular and beyond. The tendency for "the rest of us" is to actually move farther and farther away, to expand and enlarge, so that we are only doing one variation after another without any detailed analysis of the dynamics. It really is a contrast in evolutionary direction and why there are so many who want to promote the flashy side of their training. In reality, the "real" training is actually very boring and non-flashy because the amazing part lies in the ura, or the hidden, subtle parts that really can only be experienced firsthand.
This is why in my classes, I've preferred to really only focus on the kihon. I've seen the breakdown in fundamentals when people get into the flashy side of this art. I also have had my decision reinforced over and over when I've trained with my teachers and especially when I experienced Japan training myself. I will always be the first to admit how inadequate my own kihon is. Since I, just like so many others, do not train near enough, how can I even consider focusing on anything else but my own kihon? Kihon may not be pretty, may not be exciting for some, but the time invested is well worth the effort and attention if it evolves my own taijutsu at least in a remotely similar direction to how things are done in Japan. That is, after all, why I choose to first be a student of the Bujinkan, a Japanese martial art. Otherwise, I really am no longer a student, but just one of the countless others who are doing "their own thing", no matter what I might promote myself as. It certainly would be far more comfortable and popular, just not honest.
Alex also covered interesting aspects of the tachi, or Japanese great sword, and the yari, or spear. Many good points came from those weapons, but again the key was a focus on the kihon.
Overall, it was a great class and we had so many good friends show up, some as far as Oakland. The rain pounded heavily on Barry's metal roof and my foot got soaked getting from my truck to the front door. But, all that was nothing compared to the reward of being there.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010 - Year of the Tiger :-)
Hello friends! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
First let me say THANK YOU for your friendship and training over the many years we've spent together. Last year was a very exciting year and ended with myself struggling with a new level of training and understanding of Soke's budo. Such is the warrior path, never comfortable, never satisfied, and never settling. It personifies the term "gambatte", or "keep going". In real combat, you have to keep moving or you will die. The same is true in life and training. If you aren't moving on, you will fall.
In what has become a global tradition in the Bujinkan community, Shihan Jack Hoban (15th dan) has written his New Year's message on his website. Please take the time to read it - http://www.livingvalues.com/theme2010.html. Jack has an amazing way of taking Soke's multi-level expression of this art and transforming it into a common sense, real world approach. There's a reason Soke named Jack as one of his top instructors for teaching his budo to us westerners.
This year is the year of Tora, or Tiger. In Japanese mythology, the tiger is the opposite of the Dragon and the two are said to be always in contrast to each other. Yet, it is in this dual relationship that both struggle and harmony exist. Where the dragon soars above in the ethereal heavens, with it's great vision and ability to be above everything else below, the tiger is the one solidly rooted in the earthly world, fierce and courageous, full of passion and using it's great physical power to interact and survive in the brutality and harshness of the physical world. These two move around each other in a relationship of attraction and repulsion, like the in and yo (or yin and yang) symbol.
I bring this up because the painting Soke made for me when I passed my godan test in 2007 is a mysterious piece of both calligraphy and symbolic art, yet when I asked for clarification, Soke said it is "Ryuuko Hikan". The first half, "Ryuuko" is the dragon (ryuu) and tiger (ko). The third, "Hikan", means "Secret Scroll". But, the Ryuuko or combined relationship of dragon and tiger, is what I have made the root of my own personal path, and used as the name for our training group. There is a deep significance for me in this name and I believe this year, being the tora, or ko, will also carry deep significance.
But, it is important to understand that it isn't the tiger, or the dragon, that is the focus. Rather, we should seek the kukan, or space, that exists between them. It is in that space that one can move, create, and live free.
With that said, I have been thinking heavily on what to dedicate this year's training to. Of course, my first dedication is to capturing the feeling of Soke's budo as best as I can, with whatever exposure to it I can get. But, also I find that the training for 2010 should also capture the feeling of the symbolism of the Tiger. For me, this means that training needs to be based in common sense, real world skills. But, even more importantly, the training should have the feeling of the heart of a tiger. This is something easily lost when training becomes comfortable, safe and routine. In the real world, "routine" gets you killed. Letting your guard down out of familiarity will leave you vulnerable. So, why train that way?
I want us to light a fire in our own training. Passion has to be the core, the fuel, for training. If you find yourself comfortable in your training, step outside that comfort. Bring back that passion, that drive, that courage to face risks. It's in the struggle and sacrifice that growth and change happens. If you don't have that in your life, in your training, I encourage you to embrace it now.
As far as Soke's theme this year, he said that it is "Rokkon Shou Jou". Now, there are several implications and meaning for this and, with Soke, you never really know what direction things will go or what teaching will come from it. But, as a starter, I highly recommend you take the time to read Shihan Duncan Stewart's blog post on it: http://tazziedevil.wordpress.com/rokkon-shou-jou/.
Last year, the theme Soke used was Nouryoku Kokoro Utsuwa, or "Talent, Heart, Capacity", also known as the balance of mind, heart or spirit, and potential. But, this year it would seem we are transitioning into a twist of "Rokkon Shou Jou" to mean "the purification of the senses through laughter". How this will mean to us may vary and Soke may also reveal his own clarification on this topic. But, for now, I think the feeling is what is most important. I am reminded of a phrase I am seeing more and more common in today's society: "Live, Laugh, Love". This kind of Sanshin ("3 Hearts") is the secret to living fully. For me, it is at the root of Soke's budo and goes far beyond the kata. It is the kokoro, or heart, of budo.
It is this passion for living that I want to embody, to pursue, in our training and, for me, in every area of my life. It is the theme for the Ryuuko Hikan Dojo for 2010. I encourage you to make it yours as well.
Happy New Year!
First let me say THANK YOU for your friendship and training over the many years we've spent together. Last year was a very exciting year and ended with myself struggling with a new level of training and understanding of Soke's budo. Such is the warrior path, never comfortable, never satisfied, and never settling. It personifies the term "gambatte", or "keep going". In real combat, you have to keep moving or you will die. The same is true in life and training. If you aren't moving on, you will fall.
In what has become a global tradition in the Bujinkan community, Shihan Jack Hoban (15th dan) has written his New Year's message on his website. Please take the time to read it - http://www.livingvalues.com/theme2010.html. Jack has an amazing way of taking Soke's multi-level expression of this art and transforming it into a common sense, real world approach. There's a reason Soke named Jack as one of his top instructors for teaching his budo to us westerners.
This year is the year of Tora, or Tiger. In Japanese mythology, the tiger is the opposite of the Dragon and the two are said to be always in contrast to each other. Yet, it is in this dual relationship that both struggle and harmony exist. Where the dragon soars above in the ethereal heavens, with it's great vision and ability to be above everything else below, the tiger is the one solidly rooted in the earthly world, fierce and courageous, full of passion and using it's great physical power to interact and survive in the brutality and harshness of the physical world. These two move around each other in a relationship of attraction and repulsion, like the in and yo (or yin and yang) symbol.
I bring this up because the painting Soke made for me when I passed my godan test in 2007 is a mysterious piece of both calligraphy and symbolic art, yet when I asked for clarification, Soke said it is "Ryuuko Hikan". The first half, "Ryuuko" is the dragon (ryuu) and tiger (ko). The third, "Hikan", means "Secret Scroll". But, the Ryuuko or combined relationship of dragon and tiger, is what I have made the root of my own personal path, and used as the name for our training group. There is a deep significance for me in this name and I believe this year, being the tora, or ko, will also carry deep significance.
But, it is important to understand that it isn't the tiger, or the dragon, that is the focus. Rather, we should seek the kukan, or space, that exists between them. It is in that space that one can move, create, and live free.
With that said, I have been thinking heavily on what to dedicate this year's training to. Of course, my first dedication is to capturing the feeling of Soke's budo as best as I can, with whatever exposure to it I can get. But, also I find that the training for 2010 should also capture the feeling of the symbolism of the Tiger. For me, this means that training needs to be based in common sense, real world skills. But, even more importantly, the training should have the feeling of the heart of a tiger. This is something easily lost when training becomes comfortable, safe and routine. In the real world, "routine" gets you killed. Letting your guard down out of familiarity will leave you vulnerable. So, why train that way?
I want us to light a fire in our own training. Passion has to be the core, the fuel, for training. If you find yourself comfortable in your training, step outside that comfort. Bring back that passion, that drive, that courage to face risks. It's in the struggle and sacrifice that growth and change happens. If you don't have that in your life, in your training, I encourage you to embrace it now.
As far as Soke's theme this year, he said that it is "Rokkon Shou Jou". Now, there are several implications and meaning for this and, with Soke, you never really know what direction things will go or what teaching will come from it. But, as a starter, I highly recommend you take the time to read Shihan Duncan Stewart's blog post on it: http://tazziedevil.wordpress.com/rokkon-shou-jou/.
Last year, the theme Soke used was Nouryoku Kokoro Utsuwa, or "Talent, Heart, Capacity", also known as the balance of mind, heart or spirit, and potential. But, this year it would seem we are transitioning into a twist of "Rokkon Shou Jou" to mean "the purification of the senses through laughter". How this will mean to us may vary and Soke may also reveal his own clarification on this topic. But, for now, I think the feeling is what is most important. I am reminded of a phrase I am seeing more and more common in today's society: "Live, Laugh, Love". This kind of Sanshin ("3 Hearts") is the secret to living fully. For me, it is at the root of Soke's budo and goes far beyond the kata. It is the kokoro, or heart, of budo.
It is this passion for living that I want to embody, to pursue, in our training and, for me, in every area of my life. It is the theme for the Ryuuko Hikan Dojo for 2010. I encourage you to make it yours as well.
Happy New Year!
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