Kyojitsu Tenkan ho – An artist expression.

The basic philosophy  of Togakure ryu ninjutsu is kyojitsu tenkan ho or the interchanging of falsehood and truth to confuse your enemy. 

Friday past during class our theme was “Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho” working off a grab. This lead to many discoveries. When I think about the last sentence, I get this image of a dark place in my mind with the illumination of my tamashii (soul) + kokoro (heart) as the light, the way to freedom and safety. Anyway my students traveled a lonely road – I say this to say, when I used their momentum and attack with the idea and concept of me putting something out there in space that appears to be something to them or should I say the naked eye yet, in actual reality, there was nothing for them to grasp which later lead them down the path of confusion and fear – this in my opinion or level is the very beginning phase of kyojitsu. I took the same movement and added the sword and each time the technique was demonstrate another layer of the “tenkan ho” idea was developed.. Thus leaving a far greater margin of confusion the lead uke into orbit disabling his / her ability to survive. This is a form or Bujinkan freestyle movement that defines gravity in a comprehensible way. The interesting thing was, in spit of everyones frustration with not being able to understand what was being conveyed via the “Shin Gi Tai” – no matter what, they courageously trudged the path.

 

“Art is self expression, if you are expressing someone else’s personality, that is not art” ~ Quote!

Class Review – Kihon and Life

What is the kihon of life? Some would argue this pointless word and some would acknowledge the essential qualities or skills needed to survive and live. In my opinion this is what Hatsumi sensei is conveying via budo taijutsu to those whom have the capacity (life tools -  respect, humility, honesty, integrity, willingness, passion, etc).  Without these “tools” it is virtually impossible to challenge yourself further then needed to progress from a taught perspective. At the dojo the motto is “we’re training leaders, not followers”. Everyone is responsible for their training, meaning to progress like anything else in life, requires dedication, determination most importantly effort. Simply stated.

Our class structured have changed a bit since my last entry. We now hold two classes a week. A beginners class on wednesdays and an open class on fridays which I lead. Friday classes consists of three parts, as in the sanshin, tenchijin, etc. The first hour is geared for beginners, much of the material is takened from the “ten ryaku no maki” .  In addition to that, our primary aim is to explore the “distance” (DAT) concept – the kihon within the kihon of life. The second hour is dedicated to distance and angling principles. Usually I take from the ten and chi ryaku no maki with henka. The last hour we put together the three (DAT) with material learned in Japan. So in essence we cover the tenchijin (basics) with emphasis on the kihon (DAT).  It works so far. This past friday everyone seemed really focused and determined to better their taijutsu. Love classes like this because everyone is on the same page, therefore get alot done.

Everyone is encouraged to communicate with eachother while training and give honest feed back to one and other. This is kind of training benefits the two in a way they teacher can’t do. What better way to self explore. The key here is to move slow, be patient and honest with yourself, partner and training. Respect is of equal value considering the alternative. If you don’t respect your partner and take feed back as a medium to help in your personal progress, then in my opinion your not utilizing your capacity to its potential.  Anyway I’m going to end this at that. More to come.

An appropiate quote – “I’ll play it first and tell you what it is later”.

 

Innate connection of all things

This rope Sensei speaks about from my interpretation is a metaphor or mirror of an innate awareness. Perhaps we went to sleep knowing and woke with no recollection of how things, people and places are/were connected, yet separated. It’s the duality of the consciousness and subconsciousness where  both claim leadership. The role of the two are of equal value. While I was in Japan it was apparently clear how this metaphor or rope (string) consist of things, people and places are united. Some disturbing truths I was faced with upon my return was the necessity for some people to partition, separate, or divide off, by means of this rope, so as to exclude themselves from the majority. Another aspect that emanates from the conscious mind – is the “ego”.  It must be understood that when life is looked at from the perspective of the soul (tamashii) everything is seen as a lesson or challenge . Every interaction is seen as an opportunity to respond from a mindset of that which connects all things “Shiiki” consciousness or for lack of a better word adhesiveness to the principles of nature (i.e . respect, humility, trust, love). It bewilders me to learn of how many can be tainted by the vanity and lush of propaganda. These are the very poisons  that deter one from fully developing the Shin Gi Tai. While in Japan Hatsumi sensei said that the unification of “Shin Gi Tai” is the ultimate quest for the martial arts, thus person. Again I emphasis the rope to bind (friendship/buyu/people), fasten (things,material, books) and tie with a cord of connecting the past, present and future (Japan, structural elements). The fabric of our existence (arteries) is linked to everything. Make it a point in your daily lives to acknowledge your being in the moment, this in turn will link you to all “shikii” and bind you to the wonders of the magnificent self that you are.  

                                                              

 

Since returning from Japan I’ve found many paradoxes of my psyche that generally has taken me to know highs. Assimilating the material  and experience has been an ongoing purpose challenge. Sainou Kon Ki comes to mind simultaneously as the experience filters through my conscious mind. This past trip I had the fortune to train, serve and uke for Noguichi Sensei and learned some essential lessons that has assist me in better understanding of how much I really don’t know. Anyone who claims to “know” in my opinion don’t know, they are such unfortunates. Some would be considered pompous, better, arrogant.  Noguichi sensei at my request taught a class on “ten & chi ryaku no maki” that has shifted (consicousness), changed my interpretation and understanding of the basics. Noguichi sensei also said that bout time your sandan you should haved mastered “ganseki nage”. Assuming he meant the basics / kihon. At the beginning of class there were lots of kaiten (front, back, side), ukemi, kamae, sanshin no kata, kihon happo to list a few that Noguichi sensei suggested that those of us who teach do for a warm-up prior before class. How does one master the basics? Uh by doing the basics, simply put.  Also congratulations to Blaise Barron and Merridith Allen on their promotions to Godans and Bobby Mcfarland to Shodan.  The three of them for the most part trained almost 3 classes a day and tons of notes later to help facilitate the process. I mostly recorded my notes which is easier and conducive to my plan. We now have 4 godans including myself at the Koteki dojo. It’s been a month since our return, we have visit two dojo’s and had the fortune to share a class with another dojo at our place last weekend. The plan is continue to connect with other practitioners of likeness and establish a strong line as in when pulling together on a rope, the unity binds from the beginning, middle and end.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 “The qualities in Budo relations which I consider important – always – beauty, simplicity, originality, discrimination, and sincerity”.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Quote by ~ Anthony Lucas ~

Class Log: Japan Class Review / Sainou Shin Ki

Sainou Kokoro Utsuwa – comes to mind when I think of last weeks review class. I’m happy to say we have resume classes (wed & fri) at our local venue. Our Japan trip was awesome. Words can’t sum up right not the feeling boiling inside me at this moment when I remember my journey little over a week ago. Anyway this is not about my review. The following post is from a dear and sincere student who has the kokoro and sainou (knack) for budo that has demostrated her determination. She is out on medical leave, yet comes to class to watch and learn from the sidelines.  This is what she had to say:

Friday’s Class – 4/3

 

Anthony began Friday’s class by having everybody warm up prior to training. The class started by doing some basic rolling, zenpo kaiten, ushiro nagare and yoko nagare. I should mention that this is the first friday class since the dojo returned from Japan and everybody was pumped! For starters the forward and back rolls were a bit different from the way we are used to doing them. For example, in a “normal” forward roll we are told to roll over our shoulder, whereas in this class the forward roll was done straight through by rolling right over the head though not literally, what was happening is we were using our hands to push ourselves off and flow into the roll. the back roll was pretty much done in the same way. The side rolls(yoko nagare) were done with a partner so as we could learn to keep our eyes on the opponent during this roll.

 

     Next came the basic movements of the Kihon Happo and Sanshin no Kata.

 

·                     Ichimonji No Kamae-  Uke punches, Tori blocks(uke nagashi), free hand comes up as in Kosei no Kamae to hide the Shuto Ken to the outside of the neck.

 

·                     Jumonji No Kamae-  Uke punches, Tori is in Jumonji, blocks (jodan uke) pushing the opponent’s puching arm up to expose the underarm, Boshi ken to the underam area, Mitsubishi, move back into Jumonji, second punch comes, Tori blocks again and repeats same movements from first punch.

 

·                     Hicho No Kamae- Uke comes in with an upper cut, Tori is in Hicho No Kamae, blocks(gedan uke), kick to the stomach, steps in, Shuto Ken to inside of neck.

 

What I got from watching this was that making smaller movements and staying close to your oppenent make it more effective in the control of your opponent. This was the feeling that Anthony and everyone else brought back from Japan. That staying connected to your opponent, “like a rope” creates less open space which makes you less vulnerable to a second attack. Letting go of your opponent can work for you if you are in an open space where you have time to get away, but if you are in a tight space it makes more sense to capture, hold, and control your opponent. He stressed the importance of practicing your Sanshin as this will help you to perfect your balance and coordination. And also to help you move in a more natural and relaxed manner while still generating the power necessary to take down your opponent. He also covered the basic locks: omote gyaku, ura gyaku, musha dori, and musso dori.

 

     The second part of the class Anthony turned the class over to Meredith, Blaise and Bobby, giving each of them an opportunity to show a technique brought back from Japan. Blaise stated the importance of taking your uke’s balance by taking the shoulder. Meredith demonstrated the importance of smaller movements and staying connected to your uke. Bobby demonstrated some techniques in which you initiate the attack but still make it seem the other way around…very sneaky. In the end we did some sword work, where we learned not how to cut or strike your opponentt but how to effectively stop and control your opponent while maintaining connection…capture, seize, hold..

 

 

The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.

~ Lao-Tzu

 

 

                                               Karla Pascual, 8th Kyu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Log: Existing Intervals in Budo & Life.

Another week has flown by – yet another approaches. Talking about time travel, how awesome. Friday past was no exception in terms of travelling from one point to another in successions within the interval of time. LOL

                                                        Anthony L.

Friday 13^th – We worked on the concept of the ‘interval’ and the timing of moving…

 

Using O Gyaku and Ganseki nage  as the core techniques we explored. The idea of moving to create a space, taking the opponent down and then as they progress to the end state (face down on the mat!) almost intercepting them in that time interval to apply another lock…

 

As uke grabs one arm, by stepping back from grab you first create the space, drawing back the arm and moving out to side, then taking their balance and gaining control by placing your hand on  the outside of their arm and moving in:

 

• Moving into musha dori and reaching across to grab the pectoral muscle
• Locking arm, moving in to throw (soto gake) and lock hand as they fall
• Placing elbow on their hand, dropping down on one knee to draw them down
• Spinning under arm and turning to lock shoulder and throw

 

The second part of the class we explored the idea of timing your movement and the difference it makes to the technique. For any of the sword cuts you can move before, during or afterwards.  In this class, we explored the idea of moving afterwards – there is a space between when the cut is initiated and when it makes contact, that’s the interval you are seeking to move in. How you decide which to use depends greatly on your opponent and how they move,  moving between the different timings and knowing when to switch takes a great deal of practise and experience.

 

From Jodan no Kamae, uke does tento kiri (blade moving downwards focusing on the point) tori in Hasso no kamae,  moving just in time to avoid the cut, dropping the sword downwards first and cutting upwards and diagonal (omote kesa kiri) to cut under arm (armpit). The key element of this technique is the waiting, moving just enough after the cut has been made and entering under the cut.

 

A Henka is to try the technique without the sword; as Uke does tento kiri, waiting until the cut has been committed to, stepping in to first avoid the cut, then turning to place the hands to take possession of the sword.

 

The first three techniques from Biken Jutsu (Tsuki Komi, Kiri Age and Tsuki Kake) each explore the idea or feeling of moving after opponent has committed to the cut.

Give yourself the patience, discipline and courage to wait until after the cut has been made. Legs move first to complete the counter strike.

 

It’s hard to grasp all of these ideas from just one night, you need to see them, feel them, practise and practise again. Don’t get frustrated that you can’t get them the first time.

 

The motto from the night’s training should come from the Chumbawamba song as personified by Luis’s demonstration of a good uke;  ‘I get knocked down, But I get up again, You’re never going to keep me down’.

 

                                   Blaise Barron, Yondan.

 

 

 

Class Log: Vision of Budo in Ones Life

Natural born leaders are coming through my doors to learn the fundamental concepts and principles of budo, life and most importantly a human being.  All the students of the koteki dojo has intergrity and determination to carry the teachings of Hatsumi sensei art through their lives and the lives of others. I like to call it bleed throughs. haha!

Our next reveiw is by a really cool cat that has only been training with us for two months and has the kokoro that is essential to train.

                                                                             Anthony L.

When the opportunity was presented to be a part of the Dojo blog, my first thought was “Cool, but what do I know I’m just a white belt…” but fearlessly I decided to write about my experience thus far in Budo Taijutsu…
From the moment I first stepped into class at the Koteki Dojo it was obvious this was serious business, in more ways than one. The theories, philosophies, and eastern way of thinking about space (Kukan) and so much more, began to quickly translate into my life. Even though I would leave class feeling as though I had not mastered the techniques, I began to understand the concepts. At times Anthony would go into explaining things in a very cool “spiritual” way, and Larry would break things down mysteriously practical. Every time I entered the Dojo with more respect for the art and I left with a new appreciation for it as well as everyone I trained with. Its funny how physically sharpening your skills and working on your DAT (distance, angle, and timing) can cause you to view the way you move in life differently, this is what fascinates me with Taijutsu.  We are reading the book Outliers, chapter 2 discusses that if you spend 10,000 hours at anything, by investing that much time, you will inevitably be good at it. This concept along with all the intricate techniques to learn can be a bit over whelming as a white belt.  I just take it day by day and Merridith and Blaise are great and patient instructors. This past Friday’s class was one of my favorites, not because it was the most painful, ha ha but because I felt connected to the art in a way that is still with me now.

I’ll kindly add this quote for Derek that’s relevant –

           ” Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there”  – Miles Davis
                                                                     

                                      Derek Coleman-white belt (mukyu)

Class Log: Theme A Matter of Time & Yume.

Flash – recap of friday past.  I found our new location to be alittle smaller then our previous room but, with more intimate space for better communication.  Our group is more then a dojo, we’re a family, the atmosphere clearly expresses that.  I’m not going to take up much space and time here. I would like to clear something up. There is NO theme in the Bujinka per say, what I meant by theme on the header next to class log is  every friday I’ve choosen to give our evening a theme, direction.  What does it mean “yume” to dream as in sleep? dream as in the dream world, what? you figure it out.  

Friday past review:

     Anthony said something very interesting during class. He spoke abut finding our way through the technique, of finding the truth of the technique rather than concentrating on executing the perfect technique. I’ve been watching and learning from the sidelines these past few weeks and its amazing how much I can actually learn without actually being able to put it into practice. By watching the way that everyone else executes the same technique I am able to grasp the small nuances that might have otherwise escaped me. The reason for this is because everyone has their own subtle way of performing the techniques and in watching this I feel that I am able to grasp the concept, visualize it and realize the mistakes I might have made had I actually been performing the technique.

 

     The concept of the night (at least how I saw it) was to feel the technique. Learn to apply the technique properly, without rushing and applying it effectively, communicating too much information to your uke. It is only in moving slowly through technique that you can find the truth and be able to absurd this truth unto yourself. It is only then that we can begin to change/adjust the technique to better fit our interpretation- henka.

 

     The other concept of the night was itami (strangulation, pain). Here there was a lot of pain. By picking one muscle/pressure point and strangulating this point you pretty much paralyze your uke.

Who is going to make a move when they are in absolute pain? The result was controlling the movement through isolating pain.

 

     Finally we explored a form of making your uke feel insecure, like they’ve got nothing. Uke is in daijodan no kame and you are in seigan no kamae. As uke comes in for a strike, you (again always using you basic DAT) kneel down and point your sword right in their face. If the uke is coming in with enough force they will walk right into your sword and struggle is over if they don’t the surprise effect of this technique will give you that “second” needed to find another opening or weakness on your uke to exploit.

 

 

Let me end my blog by giving you what i think is a fitting quote to live by.

 

“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it” – Lou Holtz

                                                      

                                                           *Karla Pascual, 8th Kyu*

 

 

 

 

 

Seminar Announcement – NYC

The Bujinkan Koteki Dojo presents :
                      

                    A Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu seminar
                              With Alex Meehan Shidoshi,
                       Judan Suigyo Happo Biken Menkyo

May 2 & 3rd 2009
New York City

On the topics of the Bujinkan theme for 2009 ‘Sainou, Kokoro & Utsuwa,’ Ken and ‘Kobudo no Kihon’.

Training times:
Saturday, May 2nd – 12pm to 6pm
Sunday, May 3rd – 10am to 3pm

Cost: $100 for both days, $75 for one day
Location: Room 3G, 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette St. New York
For more information, visit www.kotekidojo.com or contact anthony@kotekidojo.com

Class Log: Kasumi no Ho + Shingitai + Budo

I’ve decided a couple of weeks ago that I was no longer going to regularly update this blog and turn over this responsibility to other buyu. Part of training is sharing. A good way to contribute to ones growth.

                                                                                      *Anthony Lucas*

 

This past Friday our focus was precision along with DAT (distance, timing, angle) work.  We covered a lot of basic material, and our effectiveness really came down to a tiny change or small shift in our movement.  We also explored interrupting uke’s flow as he is traveling through space. And finally we used all of that to try to have a continuous flow while practicing.

Here there was a sanshin.  The beginning of class was about training the body to precisely execute one technique.  We did this over and over again.  Then we explored different aspects of time and space, then we left it behind and tried to flow.  It was both kasumi no ho and shin gi tai themes at work.  At the end of class, we began some very basic biken jutsu, and Anthony spoke to us about our training. 

He stressed the importance of practice, of diligence, of having the will to continue. (Those aren’t his exact words, they’re mine).  And he spoke about what we all need to be doing, what we should be doing, what we aren’t doing.  This type of thing is always frustrating, at least to me.  I’ve been thinking about it all week in fact.  What is the reason for our frustration in training?  I think it has to do with frustration of the self and not being to be open to change.  These things were said with good intentions but sometimes they are as painful as the physical training.  I’ve had to step back and remember things like; ‘shinken haramitsu daikomyo.’ Every moment is an opportunity for enlightenment.  And the thing Nagato Sensei said about learning; that it doesn’t always feel good.  But then again it shouldn’t, right?  Anthony also reminded me of this story he once told me;

There once were three monks traveling together in the woods.  After going a long way they came to a river, wide and deep.  There by the river was a woman looking across to the other side, with tears in her eyes.  She told the monks she couldn’t swim and couldn’t get across the river, and then she asked each of them if they would help her.  The first monk ignored her completely.  His vows prohibited him from speaking with anyone outside of his brother monks.  The second one shook his head at the woman and ran to catch up with the first.  But the third monk smiled at the woman and hoisted her up on his shoulders.  He carried her all the way across the river and left her to continue her journey without taking anything from her in return.  When the last monk finally caught up with his two brothers, the first one reprimanded him, “You shouldn’t have done that!” He said, “It’s against our vows and you will be in a great trouble if anyone finds out.”  The second monk said nothing, but shrugged his shoulders standing between the two men.  To the second monk, the third monk shook his head and to the first monk he said, “My brother, I left that woman miles back by the river.  Why are you still carrying her with you?”

I know this probably wasn’t the exact story.  I couldn’t remember the small details.  But stories are like our techniques.  They change every time they are told, as is natural.  It’s the message, the feeling, the yugen of the tale that is the important thing.  And here the message is pretty clear. 

I will close with a quote I think is appropriate for this week.

“Treat a man as he is, and he will remain so.  Treat a man the way he can be and ought to be, and he will become what he can and should be.” – Goethe

                                                            *Merridith Allen, Yondan*

 

Class Log: Kihon Gata & Change

Today, on careful consideration of what I’m about to say and in reflecting on the point that Budo as a living art.  I would like to reiterate the fact that there is “no theme” unlike the previous years.

2009 is an excuse to reflect on the inner make up of warriorship and make the necessary changes needed to connect that which is most important in my opinion “Shin Gi Tai” / Sanshin. 

A student’s review and interpretation:

“FOCUSED” & (DAT)

 

 In the beginning of class Anthony spoke about showing commitment to the art by being present at every class. Incoporating Sainou (ability), Kokoro (heart) and Utsuwa (capacity) not just to our training but to our daily lifes and many other things. To Anthony and the other black belts in the dojo. I am honored to be training with you.

 

Friday’s class was a small one but an interesting one. We all in the dojo forgot about the clock (time) and the outside world, we were “FOCUSED”.

 

This week we were focusing on (DAT) which stands for Distance, Angle and Timing. Anthony transmitted to us the feeling of not being stuck in the past or future in our technique but rather being in the moment. We started with Jumonji No Kamae and shifted into Kosei no Kamae. The reason why we shifted into Kosei no kamae was to give the attacker a target. Once uke attacks, Tori waits for the right moment to enter (ukes ungaurded area), again “being in the moment”. The entry is an attack to the ribs a 3 in 1 fist. Shuto to the ribs, Koppo Ken to the back of the head (for smaller tori working with the taller attackers Koppo Ken to the back) and the third fist Shikan Ken to the ribs. During this technique i was able to look at my (DAT) and fix it.

 

We later worked on Hira Ichimonji from Jumonji moving away from the punch at an angle as the second punch came block with the butt of the sword and trap the attacker on his neck with the blade. Once the attacker was trapped we used our Taijutsu, moving freely and seeing where we could take the attacker.

 

Finally we explored a concept of fooling  our opponent (this was fun) by pointing up, down or to the side and fake a gesture to disrupt their attack for an easy entry. No Rules no limits. Just expressing the feeling and disrupting their mind, very very fun. J

Lately there has been many quotes on the blog here is one I like.

 

 

“All men are brothers, like the seas throughout the world; So why do winds and waves clash so fiercely everywhere?” – Emperor Hirohito

 

 

Luis Guadalupe – 8^th Kyu