The qualities of Budo

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Hardness, Softness, Strength, Weakness, could all be thought of as moods. If we try to fit the mood, there is a danger that we will fail to do henka (change). Having the ability to do proper henka is rooted in a proper study of the different moods available (InYo). Walking the right path is a having the ability to differentiate and adapt to the situation at hand, this is true Ninpo. According to the old Densho one can’t claim to have studied and understood the Gokui (essence) of Gangaku (martial strategy) without understanding the principles of Ten Chi Jin.

The Densho states regarding the matter that Ten can be associated with Yo and Chi associated with In and Jin is the person in between who use Ten Chi accordingly. Associated to Ten is the sun, understanding the qualities of the sun can lead to good strategy. To understand the sun one has to master “Shin Tai Seiden Mata Nichi Ri Taisei”. If you lose this momentum you will be out of synch with nature and unable to win. These matters are the foundation of all budo and humanity. One can clearly see the depth and beauty of our Budo from these old teachings.

The principles of Ten Chi In Yo and the Goki (5 elements) are the foundation strategy of all budo from the beginning of time. Drawn from Chinese Confucianism and influenced by the famous book of Sonshi (Sun Tszu the art of war). All military and arts ancient or modern are governed by these universal principles.

All living creatures possess unique combative instincts. Nature granted most animals with natural weapons . Throughout centuries humans had to catch animals for sustenance. The tools they used for hunting were then applied as tools of war, this is the anthropology of Budo.

“There may be many paths to the foot of the mountain,
but all leads to the same view of the moon as its distant summit”

The Purpose of Budo

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In Ninpo there is an important teaching in a form of a poem called Ninniku Seishin. This poem sets the tone for the state of mind and character required to endure as a Ninja. The poem explains that the ultimate goal is peace and happiness. It is ironic looking at the state of martial arts and humanity in the world today how far it is from that goal.

Nevertheless it’s important at times to bring this topic to light and put things in perspective of what is truly important in Budo and life. In the Densho there is a description of Shoden, Chuden, Okuden etc….. in that order my students practice the waza one by one. I often remind them not to fool themselves when studying the higher levels thinking one has mastered a skill. Its better to think that when you studied all the waza you really finished Shoden. Then when you become truly skilled you reach Chuden anything above that is real life and the ability to cope with it while finding a balanced medium. The concept of lateral growth is not limited to Budo, in society we are taught to graduate things by degrees. This notion divides life, study and obscures the focus on infinite study .So in essence one may view mastery as an illusion of infinite study.

True freedom is not born of winning and losing, how can you understand Budo with only the concepts of give and take? You must rid yourself of your personal desire then you can begin to understand morals and the way of living. This is Ten Ryaku Ucho Gassho.

I think for myself budo has always been about that and is the reason why I continuously strive to improve in it. To better understand this point let’s look at Fudoza no Kamae (sitting on ones leg with the other folded in). In order to achieve good kamae it’s important to straighten the spine and breath through the belly. You start understanding patience when you develop the ability to sit in a prolong duration without moving. This is the notion of Ninpo Ikkan (single minded perseverance).

Takagi Oriemon was defeated by Yagyu Tajime in a match. Determine for a rematch Takagi went to the mountain and asked Sounryu’s advice. Soounryu replied “forget everything else and just keep training”. He later managed to draw a tie in a rematch with Yagyu as neither could pass each other swift intention. Later in his life he understood the futile purpose of winning and wrote plenty on the subject.

Don’t be caught in the trivial aspects of life and pursue, Budo with a balanced heart while nurturing family and society for a stronger future.

BIKENJUTSU – 秘剣術

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The art of the sword saints (剣聖)

This year Sensei asked us to spend some time and polish our sword skills so its only appropriate that I would write on the subject to stimulate students of the art to polish their physical and spiritual swords until it shine (renshu).

Takamatsu Sensei once said “Even if some are called masters, how many other masters were there?” The demeanor of the true master has a beauty that resembles nature itself. It is therefore that many of the true masters were never recorded in the history books rather their achievements and knowledge passed by word of mouth from master to disciple.

Our sword system is called Bikenjutsu (secret sword art). It is said that in the Heian Era (1141), the system founder Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru was not satisfied with his skill and committed himself to 3 years intense training in a mountain cave called Inome Dokutsu. During this time he developed special sword techniques and named his style Kukishin Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu. Happo refers to eight categories of martial arts (Taijutsu, Bojutsu, Yarijutsu etc….) and Hikenjutsu refers to special sword techniques. This combined with the Togakure Ryu Bikenjutsu, Koto Ryu Bikenjutsu and Shinden Fudo Ryu Iai Goshi provides a comprehensive sword system.

There many types of sword techniques such as Tanto Jutsu (knife), Kodachi Jutsu (short sword), Daito Jutsu (long sword), Nito Jutsu (two sword techniques), Tachi Jutsu (very long sword) & Ninja To (special Ninja sword).

The true understanding sword techniques must be combined with a good foundation in Taijutsu (body arts), Bojutsu (staff arts), Shinjusu (spiritual and mental arts).
According to history the first swords imported from China had a straight, double-edged blade. The curvature of the Katana as we know it today developed with the advancements in metallurgy and improved forging and tempering process. During the- Muromachi period (1336-1573) swords began to resemble the form that is most recognizable today. It was during this time that the custom of wearing two swords became popular.

I will expand further on the subject at the upcoming Canadian Taikai and at the 2009 Ninja Camp

The current State of Affairs

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Most people are aware of our global financial downturn. Yet many would be unaware that this downturn is a symptom of deepening and declining moral and spiritual practices. In Ninpo we undertake the practice Bumon (martial arts) and Shumon (spiritual arts) thus working toward a balanced whole. My master states that the physical training is the path for spiritual growth, and spiritual growth is the ultimate secret of Budo. In our teachings we learn that when a person feels fear, anger, greed and distress the heart becomes unbalanced. It is therefore crucial for a Ninja to take great care of the heart by practicing balanced living. In olden days (600 years ago) if a Ninja was sent to a mission where the success or failure depended on people lives, if the heart faltered even for an instant it could result in the mission failure.

There are 10 qualities a ninja should strive to develop in order to achieve balanced living: compassion, kindness, loyalty, wisdom, mannerism, obedience, humility, courage, grace, truth. In order to achieve these qualities one has to undergo proper training in the arts under the watchful eye of a competent teacher. In addition one has to learn to persevere through the ups and downs of life.

There is a common saying “Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves”. There is a great deal of wisdom in this statement. If you neglect the little things they will soon compound into big things. It is no different in training, tasks, financial details and emotional imbalances can easily escalate into major conflicts. Hence when we neglect family values, personal growth and friendship and focus on monetary gains and worldly desires we are creating for ourselves a bottomless pit to fall into. One therefore does not have to look far and see that most problems which affects the world today are closely related to these fundamental principals or lack of thereof.

One of the major benefits of Ninpo is to use the Dojo as “laboratory” in which to wrestle with life’s problems and find proper solutions for which to act upon. Student often resent the fact the mentors see more of their faults then they really want them to. But this is the only way for a student to mature in life.

Animals live only day by day driven by instinct and reaction to their environment. Only humans have the freedom to choose, the ability to discover their destiny, to learn principles by which to live and strive for a better way of living despite the ups and downs. Those who have neither hope nor ideals to live by are living only on the level of brute reaction. The first step in rising above this primitive existence is to establish a strong conviction which will form the basis for an enriched rewarding life and give you spiritual stamina to endure its hardship and trials.

A person of high ideals and character appreciates the laws of nature and fundamental laws and morals of his society.

Understanding the Bujinkan Way

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What is the Bujinkan? What does it stands for? These are some of the questions asked by many answered by few. Although I know as much as I don’t know I thought it would be refreshing to attempt to put things in perspective.

The Bujinkan was established by my Sensei, Masaaki Hatsumi Grandmaster of the

9 Ryu Ha passed down to him by his teacher Grandmaster Toshitsugu Takamatsu. One of the reasons for its establishment amongst others was to bring together the vast amount of knowledge passed down by the former under one umbrella.

It is a combination of skills which came to be known as Ninja Sanjurokei (36 categories of Ninpo arts) But more so the Bujinkan provides the ability to break through the boundaries of the art taking it to new levels, hence the Name Budo Taijutsu. As well as the ability to incorporate All the necessary tools for complete victory this is Happo Biken

It is multifaceted, colourful, and diverse much like the world we live in today. This can be a good thing and/or a challenging thing depending on which path you take. Mannerism, etiquettes and tradition are all part of training and for those who seek it can find it.

Although the Bujinkan is not the art, but rather a place where people cultivate the spirit of the art and gather with a common interest. It is a way to understand nature’s way, finding happiness through the eyes and heart of the divine.

To be a Student and achieve competence one needs a good teacher. A teacher is essential for nearly anything one wish to learn. Find a good teacher, trust him completely and he will take you to the same level he is.

Strive to know your Rank, Rank is a honour to those who train as well as a source of inspiration. It’s a symbol of learning and is heavily dependant on the content of the holder. Experience, dedication and hard work with an honest heart will lead to true development of Body, mind and spirit. This can never be obtained with money. Strive to polish your skills and hold high standards for yourself. In this way you can shine like a diamond.

Tamakatsu Sensei dream was for all his students to gather and grow together into the new millennium I believe the Bujinkan provides this forum. In Canada we started in 2008 with the Shihan Taikai which was a great success and will continue in the future to come. This is in line with Sensei vision of:

“Bushin Wa wo Totoshi to nasu“ – the warriors heart holds harmony sacred.

Purpose in life

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Ninpo is the way of nature, realizing ones purpose and achieving happiness. In nature all things have a purpose and each living organism has a function contributing to a proper living environment. For example a tree’s purpose among others is to clean the air, enrich the soil, and provide shelter and food. The sun provides warmth, light and energy indiscriminately. None of these examples questions its purpose; this is all part of Ten Chi In Yo. However in the human realm we are given emotions and ability to comprehend things thus adding another dimension.

As one looks in the mirror and sees one’s flaws so as to correct them. Similarly, the mind sees what has passed and corrects its future conduct. Thus, beasts do not evolve; they are still, in the same state they were created in. The mirror by which to see how to correct things and gradually evolve.. Man develops day-by-day until his merit is secured and sensed.

Some important skills to consider:

1) Sainou 才能 (Ability/talent) – to realize understand and devise a plan
2) Kokoro 心 (Heart) – to put life into the purpose
3) Utsuwa 器 (Capacity) – The capacity to realize on ones purpose

We all want to live a meaningful and purposeful life. We always see that those who find their purpose and pursue it are those who find true happiness. Great people are aware of a great life purpose. They are clear about their mission in life. What they think, say, and do is aligned with their essential values. This is why their thoughts, words, and actions create a great person.

Finding your life purpose and your deepest life intentions can help you to move with greater focus and clarity every day of your life.

As practitioners of Ninpo we are given the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to discover our own purpose. This however depends on our ability to empty our cup and immerse ourselves in the given knowledge.

Eduard

Give hard training a new meaning,

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Sensei writes in his book Ninpo Wisdom for Life “the first step of Shugyo is to endure the pain your teacher assigns you”, I would like to expend on this point. Today there is a tendency to be over protective so people often try to avoid hardship. This type of attitude or approach prevents one from growing. It is sad to see so many young people looking for the easy way and give Shigoki (hard training) a bad name. This concept is not only important in becoming a good martial artist but also developing in to a good person. Sensei always taught me that the harder the hardship the greater the growth forthcoming. You just need patience and endurance (Shinobu) and the rest will follow naturally. According to the teachings written in the scrolls of Ryusen no Maki “A hardship serves as an omen of future growth if one learns to ride the wave of life”.

During my years of training I experienced Shigoki on many levels but never let myself neglect my training. I don’t think of it as a great achievement or even my own rather then my ability to “empty my cup” and let Sensei fill it in every opportunity I get. In other words I do my best to endure the pain that Sensei assigns me with humility and compassion. The words “I am teaching you to teach yourself” still echo in my mind everyday. For this reason I teach my students in the same manner so they may capture the essence that I am trying to teach so one day they may stand on their own two feet.

10 years have passed since the Dojo opened its doors to the public and through endurance and growth is starting to bear fruit. It is very encouraging to see a good number of students who are starting to understand what I am teaching. All of whom have been with me for a while now and have being going through their own Shigoki. Rudy was tested for his Godan this past trip and passed successfully. He was tested on many levels, and I know he will represent the Dojo well.

Gambatte,