Training Update: What Dreams May Come – Exploration of the Kihon

What dreams may come!

I’m well aware, its been a while since my last entry / post. Sometime I find my self in some strange moods and don’t necessarily feel like sharing my training experiences right then and there. So it may take quite some time to relax and access that part of my mind that process dreams.

Just return less then a week ago from Europe. The training in Europe was simply awesome. Many new discoveries about myself and how important it is to treat other people with respect and dignity. Believe it or not, respect another’s opinion and beliefs is the key to long and lasting friendship. Arrived in Italy early thursday afternoon to be picked up by a really good friend. We had some time to catch up and shot the breeze. The ride back to the house was much needed considering the overnight flight. In essence, training started from the moment I was en-route to the airport. Upon arriving to the house, I was met by buyu that was anticipating my arrival. Sat for awhile and engaged in some chat – then went out for lunch. One of the many experiences that occur while training is the times when everyone goes out to eat. In my opinion, thats the highlight of every training (seminar). Following lunch, we spent some more time discussing topics of training and life. Most enjoyable times in my life – this is what “community” is about far as I’m concerned. Soon afterwards it was time for rest before training. Usually I don’t like to arrive one day and train the same day, especially if its an overseas trip. However its challenging myself (i.e. fears, beliefs, confidence, etc).

Training was lively and refreshing to say the lest. I was excited to start training. All the pupils present were very friendly and enthusiastic to begin training. This in part is what dreams may come.

Bowed in and soon commenced with some basic kaiten and discussion on the importance of rolling properly and safely. This can’t be mentioned enough, especially when there is a big class and everyone’s energy is high and readiness present. Following this I covered the Gogyo no kata with some pointers of how to tweak and adjust oneself. I make a point of when visiting other dojos to be particularly mindful of not offending anyone. So my assumption prior to training is that everyone is familiar with the basic movement of budo taijutsu – usually during this period I can observe and see who is having trouble. Then I’d slow down and address the points I see beneficial. This approach seems to work for me and everyone. It’s not necessary to stop and make an issue of such minor and petty details. My motto is simple, if a man or women is down, don’t point fingers (criticize), the same hand pointing, use it to left the soul up.

Explored some kamae and how to relate this attitude and adapt it to your state of mind. Our state of mind “mood” so to speak changes throughout, although for most of the time, our condition stays the same. This was fun!

I particularly love the philosophical and spiritual entities of training equally.

From this point on, it was my goal to included everyone in the training. What I mean by this – challenge those present to be themselves. If there was questions of concern, I encourage them to speak up – in other words, drop the formalities and consider any question to be of value and worthy of discussion. In other words, I was approachable.

Saino – “Talent”  +  Rokkou Shoujou  - “Purifying the senses” – and see the truth (ones truth / creation).

My main concern and lessons to share was how to use our faculties (touch, hearing, sight, taste , smell), these natural physiological capacities provides the input for perception. A system that consists of a group of sensory cell types that responds to a specific physical phenomenon. The basic 5 can be considered principles of an elemental nature. Also during the training I used as an example of where I live (NYC) to be exact. The importance of being mindful of your environment (subway, hall, etc). Never think of just one opponent, open your mind to the possibility of multiple opponents. By this I mean if I may paraphrase Duncan Stewarts words: ” always move and consider using the armour of their opponent to control them. There is not much movement needed”. Couldn’t put it any better then this way. Literally demonstrated with my opponent how to use the armor as a shield if need be, or use to control this person with little effort.  Another point I wish to make – in my opinion, there’s a difference of wanting to win verses surviving.

The following day of training was better on many levels, one, I wasn’t as tired (jet-lagged). The host brought many practice weapons, so we spent a great deal on using various weapons to facilitate good taijutsu. At the end, it’s all about taijutsu. The concepts remained the same – the principles changed, which is necessary when there is weapons involved.

Prior before leaving for Hungary, the night before I did Reiki and Seichem attunements for the two host. These gifts are priceless – in turn its suggested to pass on the energy to help and heal others. Sort of like in Budo Taijutsu, passing the feeling of Hatsumi sensei’s Budo. Always a delight to share this universal gift with others who desire to be attuned into the art of healing.

Reiki is an earth energy – Seichem holds the elemental energies as follow:

Reiki – earth

Sakara – fire

Sophi – El – water

Angeliclight – air

Universal Initiations come to this earth plane through a great consciousness experience. When you receive this initiation you will hold  the energy that connects you with the 4 elements and a high vibration frequency. Tera-Mai Seichem is a complete energy, incorporating all the basic elements of life—air, water, spirit, earth and fire. Unlike traditional reiki’s passive healing, this focuses on the patient’s mental, physical, emotional as well as spiritual well-being. These methods also will be updated with the advancement of knowledge and self exploration. Overall its a good discipline that compliments with budo, although this is not required. It’s a decision that follows choice.

Saturday I flew to Budapest, Hungary. That was an incredible experience, from seeing the town and country to training with some really great buyu.

Arrived for training early sunday, after resting the full day on saturday. Training started at 1pm and from that point it was all new experiences. Remember at first I was a little apprehensive about teaching. Mainly because going to a foreign country and dojo it’s important to have an open mind and an inner awareness to see where you can be most effective in terms of transmitting Bujinkan budo. From past experience I know it does no one any good to criticize and create tension among buyu. I’m not saying this is what happened, far from such. It’s important to have the inner awareness (eyes) + (shin gi tai ichi) and adapt appropriately. To my fulfillment, training was totally fun and everyone seemed happy (rokkon) in cleansing there senses. Surely I want to thank all the instructors and students present for there patience and understanding (language barriers) with me.

During this trip, I trained a couple of days and learned a lot about other buyu and how they train. These men and women trained very hard (sweated my ass off) and they  were totally  open to a foreigner’s interpretation of Hatsumi sensei’s budo. Even got the chance to play with some knife and hanbo techniques, sharing the principles of “saino kon ki” with the group.

On tuesday Laszlo and myself jointly taught the class – this was awesome. Loved the energy, atmosphere and everyones participation. Laszlo would do a technique and everyone had ample time to explore this waza, then I showed a variation or henka if you will. Sort of like the Shu Ha Ri.

Everyone seemed to adapt to the flow and showed great interest – everyone asked to be showed physically the technique and feeling personally. On the last day of training was dedicated to the kihon (distance, angle and timing) principles. Also of interest were the Kosshii kihon sanpo (first three striking waza of the kihon happo). We played with some tai sabaki + adjustment of the feet to better understand the distance factor.

At the end, the training, food and hospitality were inexhaustible.

We’re considering a seminar with a 15th dan and 10th dan from different countries to hold a seminar in Budapest next year 2011.

“The kukan is where we move to give us opportunities. Distance, angling, and timing are one in the same.They are the crucial elements that must be made transparent and masterfully expressed through consistent training. If we master the principals, we will develop a consistency in everything we do”.

- Duncan Stewart -

In the spacious present (point of power), the wind from the spirit salutes you!

Anthony Lucas, Dojo Cho