Hello to all.

Once again I want to take the time to recognize and thank you all who has been keeping up with my blog. Most importantly you the readers for continuously indirectly supporting me. First and foremost, its good to be back and fully functional. I had the good fortune to travel abroad for two months recently. Included in my traveling was a 10 day visit to Japan. I got the best training while there and I’m convinced it’s always about timing. Many interesting a new discoveries unfolded for me while away. While in Budapest I got to train with some really considerate people who wanted to train and was open to my interpretation of budo. Spent the first couple of weeks there before heading out to Japan. My prior training in Budapest was a prerequisite for what was about to come while in Japan. This trip was different then all of my trips prior. I spent most of my training days with Nagato sensei. It was one of my best trips. I learned a lot, and tried to remain humble and teachable.

Afterwards I got the opportunity to go back to Budapest and hold a seminar with Kostas Kanakis, which was awesome. Kostas is a really good practitioner and person. I learned alot from him. His training is right on, in my opinion. Katalin the hostess who organize the seminar in Budapest and who unselfishly shared her house with me. I’m forever grateful to her. Bout time I arrive back to the states, I was ready for serious training with my students being I had some time in between from Japan to present to filter through some stuff and adjust the tweaks in my taijutsu. Keep in mind, were always adjusting and tweaking. Its part of the process, evolution of training.

The kihon happo as it was per this last trip resembled nothing like what I now see back here (US). Back in Japan the theme was about not restricting your mind and skill to the basic 8 waza of the kihon happo. But use it as a platform to transcend and explore the world of juppo sessho. All the Shihan (japanese) was moving in way that I was mesmerize. I absorbed what they were conveying and begin to practice, practice. Being an uke is always an opportunity to learn and see (physically) that most of everyone can’t see. Nagato sensei asked me to go out and show something. I was reluctant at first, but humbly went out and thought to myself, why not take this opportunity to show something that obviously I need to work on and learn. See, thats how this work. If your ask to go out and show something, save your best technique for home (dojo) and show something you quite don’t understand and maybe get like a one on one crash lesson. That’s exactly what I did and believe I was fortunate to walk away with a precious lesson on my journey that will definitely help me to improve my taijutsu. This is what its all about. Self exploration, humility and honesty.

I’d like to take this time and recognize those the disaster of Japan and its tsunami. Please take a moment if your reading this and allow your self to reflect inwardly… That’s it… Just for a moment. Your thoughts will be felt.

PS: Please go and visit my new website and recommend friends, family, etc. www.jewelofhypnosis.com

In the spirit of light,

Anthony L.

                         Bujinkan Hombu Dojo – Hatsumi Soke and Myself, 2011

Happy New Year to everyone. Wishing all of you a very happy beginning. It’s been a week now since my return from Japan. Presently I’m in Budapest, Hungary. It’s been surreal, training and being away from home. I wouldn’t trade my experience.

The east coast in America has been unforunate in terms of the weather conditions. Many snow storms. I would imagine floodings to go with the circumstances of nature. It’s been remarkable here in Budapest weather wise. One couldn’t ask for any better weather.

My journey started in the early part of Jan. I flew from Newark to Budapest, with a few delays and one stop in Munich which I didn’t mind. Eventually got to Budapest after 14 hours of flying. Do to the bad weather in Munich, we had to fly to frankfurt. We stood parked on the plane for well over an hour. Which seemed like a couple of hours. Then they said we have to fly back to Munich, the conditions got better. So , off we flew back to Germany. The transfer wasn’t a nightmare considering my connecting flight was canceled. Neverthelest, I got a flight out and made it to Budapest. I was a bit tired, yet excited to be back in a country that has awesome potential. After some needed rest (couple of days) I manage to get myself together to head to one of my closest friends dojo whom I admire. The buyu here have an amazing spirit and willingness to learn and train. After a few classes and maintenance training. Readiness and eager I would call it – in restrospect. Japan was near as we set off to the far east. Lufthansa was our alternative airline – do to bad weather in Vienna, our flight with Austrian air was canceled. Can’t say I was disappointed. We ended up flying to Munich to catch a connecting flight to Japan, via Lufthansa – 10hrs later. Due to a strike in Paris, many people missed their connecting flight in Munich. So you can imagine the seat availability.. One had to marvel at such luck on this one way trip. We arrive in Japan 20mins earlier then scheduled. Made through customs and secruity. The trains from Narita was on -time. Anyone has taken the train from Narita into Kashiwa knows. We got to the annex earlier then expected and had to leave our bags until check in time. Soon after check – in, we were off to our first class with Soke. Mind you, this was my first time going to Japan in Jan. Don’t remember much of that night, other then Soke was his usual self – unpredictable. His taijutsu and command of the space is impeccable. I had a good experience, neverthelest.

From that point the pace of training had its own flow. We trained and basically kept ourselves occupied. There was alot of information as you all know the drill.. Huh, hm, oh, wow.

Usually when I go to Japan, other then Sensei classes, I make it an effort to take all of Noguchi sensei classes. This trip, nature had a different agenda for me. The promptings of the spirit lead me to Nagato sensei classes for most of my stay in Japan.

                 Dave Moorefield, Nagato Sensei and Anthony Lucas, 2011

Dave was a gem. Had a really good time training and catching up with him this trip. Congratulations Dave Moorefield on your advancement.  Mainly my interest was to train as much as I can with Nagato sensei, although I was fortunate to train with the Shitenno and Soke. Duncan Stewart was kind enough to give me the details to his training. I’m so sorry I didn’t get the chance to catch up with him at his dojo. Asakusa shopping delayed us from getting back in time for Duncans class. We did make it out to Rob Renner’s dojo the night Seno sensei taught. Worked out perfectly. Seno sensei taught some basic material that was not easy to grasp. He was patient with the majority of us foreigners. This trip I made a conscious decision to try my best to pay attention and stick with the base technique. Often times in the past I would go off the base technique and explore variations with my partner. This trip was about learning from the Masters of budo taijutsu. Oguri sensei made his first training session since returning from sick leave. I felt so fortunate to present for this class. In fact, it was a special class. He spent a great deal showing us some of his basic points. During tea break, he spoke to a few of us on the side for 20 mins or so. Rob Renner translate and did an amazing job at translating. After this conversation, I had what we call back home ” a new pair of glasses”. Oguri sensei class afterwards we interesting.. He shared concepts and knowledge with us, that was privy for those of us present. Noguchi sensei classes was amazing to say the lest.  Always uplifting, interesting and watching him do what he does best, was a priviledge. He reviewed some material from the ten & chi ryaku no maki. It was fun and good to return again to his teaching of this material. The last time I was in Japan, I had to opportunity to take many classes with him and study hard his experience of the basics. Nagato sensei classes was the epiphany of my trip. I spent some time being his uke and viewing his amazing hand & footwork from a perspective that is difficult to learn if your privy to the omote and ura of his teachings. Also, its relative to having a good uke, because if your uke for Nagato sensei and missed the technique because you were occupied with being thrown and control. It’s up to your uke to carry the message ( i like to call it) of what happened to you from a third person view. Must admit, it was difficult for my partners as well. Nevertheless I learned some amazing points. Nagato sensei would come up to me on the side with my partner and make it a point to demo and show me the proper way he entered while guarding himself. Usually I’m oppose to when taking Nagato sensei class he walks up to me and ask to show something. This class (trip) I felt it necessary, because I figured what better way to get his one on one so to speak teaching. I took the opportunity to learn. We did lots of knife, shuko and hanbo stuff. Nagato sensei transceneded through kamae, movement, technique at will. His control and command of taijutsu is amazing. I learned alot from him this short trip. Nagato sensei gave all of us a gift during one of his classes (which I’m not going to talk about here). Still don’t understand much about what he gave us. Guess it will come over time. My mind went blank till I arrive in Budapest and held our first training. I taught and shared hardly anything in comparison to what I experience in japan. I felt it would come gradually as time permits. Kostas Kanakis and myself is holding a seminar this weekend – Feb 11th – 13th. The other night was my last training here till the seminar then its preparation for my return back to the states. Hard to believe, its been almost 2 months since I’ve been studying abroad.

So much to catch up on back in the states. We’re going to eventually start a monday evening class (late training). I have arranged to teach a wednesday class in NJ – not to far from Manhattan. And on thursday I usually class. Three classes per week. Looking to train and do some more seminars with buyu who’s interested in my vision. Have a new website for my practice of hypnotism that will be launched very soon.

There’s more about my trip, however I think its safe to say, if anything I’ve shared so far sparks an interest in you. Then my effort to share on this blog, training and my respect for Soke, Nagato sensei and the rest of the shihan, for that, my gratitude and passion is given back to my teachers.

If your in NY/NJ and interested in training with me, please email me at Anthony@kotekidojo.com or call me at 917-224-3630 for addresses to where I’m teaching.

Kind regards to you all,

Anthony Lucas

Bujinkan Koteki Dojo

Shidoshi, Judan

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to all.

I would like to take a moment and acknowledge everyone who has been following my journey along the martial path of my personal blog. To all of you whom I had the pleasure to meet and those of you who our paths has yet to cross. Thank you for your support and unyielding efforts. Happy holidays to you and your love one. Wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year. Year of the Rabbit 2011.

Please forgive me for my inability to be consistent with our dojo review blog. It’s not easy to come straight home and settle in from showering, eating and catching up with messages, emails and phone calls. Then to sit at my desk and relax my mind to a point where I can recall most of the details from training (physical, emotional , philosophical, etc). I do my best to be at my best (if that make any sense).  A lot of changes (mentally, emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc)  is occurring presently as I sit here on the eve of Christmas. Taking a moment to reflect on this year. I’m so grateful.

This past wednesday evening, a couple of members and myself from the Koteki dojo had the opportunity to demonstrate our art. We visit the dojo Bushido ryu closed combat jujutsu, in West New York, New Jersey. The synergy between the two dojos were set. In spring of 2011 the Koteki Dojo will be holding classes every wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at the Bushido Ryu, Closed combat jujutsu dojo. I was pleased how welcomed I felt. The students of the Bushido ryu dojo were especially nice and welcoming to my group. I did my best to introduce Hatsumi sensei art. The training was like any other evening at our usual location in NYC, very intense. Lots of key points were addressed about the attitude and action of realistic, yet safe training. Jissen gata was the key element of expressing our art to the curious. Meanwhile me and one of my senior students basically relieved some versions of the kosshi sanpo gata. Though there were times when concepts from the torite goho was prevalent. We did some demos with the katana, hanbo, tanto, bo. I mentioned how important it is to not fight the fight. fighting your attacker would become a question of who’s stronger, faster or more skilled. Therefore giving your opponent nothing. The difference of winning and surviving is like to extremes.

Last night class – thursday was as interesting. We did the first technique from the kosshi sanpo gata “ichimonji no kata”. I showed the basic form – then we broke away from the traditional way of doing the technique. And looked at scenarios  from a realistic point of view. The principles of the kihon was much important. In fact, they are essential. We explored this movement from many perspectives along with the tachi.

Next week, it will be our last class for the year. If interested, please email me at Anthony@kotekidojo.com for location and time.

Time for one of my favorite quote in closing –   “You get what you concentrate on, there is no other main rule”

~Seth~

Merry Christmas to all,

Anthony Lucas, Bujinkan Koteki Dojo

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

My blog is “not” about teaching Japanese Budo, its main function is for expressing the thoughts and beliefs of my experience which I can ensure you will change as time does. It’s natural to do so, please don’t take what”s written literal or as truth. This will keep you out of that place within yourselves that is open to explore your inner nature. Truth doesn’t exist in the inner realms of self.  Man is ever – changing, evolving.

News update: Next week July 15th and 16 , Papa-san (Ed Martin) and Anthony Lucas once again will combine their experiences and teach jointly in New York City. The location will be held at the Tanjiki Dojo from 7pm to 10pm both evenings. Also I will be available to anyone interested in learning more about Reiki (universal life force energy) Japanese origin healing technique that’s main function is to promote self healing and relaxation. In addition to Reiki there is Seichem (living light energy) is an ancient Egyptian system of healing. Reiki and Seichem are stand alone healing systems that can be taught or administered jointly that will magnify a force of energy for optimum healing.

Class review:

Set aside all pre – conceived notions of life, budo and what you think you know the innerself and it’s abilities. My interest last night was not to teach, but explain exactly how to move efficiently and effectively. The basics of Budo Taijutsu is significantly  necessary and a must to completely allow oneself to let go. Spent the first hour on cross grabs with a punch (jodan tsuki). It’s essential to measure your own distance – how did I illustrate such? We used a tachi, that symbolised space, that created the needed distance. One thing to keep in mind, its not about the technique which some students couldn’t resist, even with a weapon. They’re ego’s convince them to do away with the distance practice and use their weapons. Like being hypnotized by a courtesan (perhaps they were taken back to feudal society), LOL. Just kidding!  We used the tachi to advance with the discovery of our distance work – once that was accomplished, using the tachi as a shield become operative. I showed many variations from  the cross grab and punch scenario. The knife came in to play here as well – its important to not separate the fact a weapon is used along with the same movement if necessary – just have to adjust and adapt to suit your neighbor (weapon) accordingly. Knife, tachi and shuriken was the toys we had time for last night. Did alittle shuriken throwing last night.

Personal insights: Last night in training it wasn’t about being in the moment. Continuum (“going through” a gradual transition, to a different transition without any abrupt changes) is how I like to identify this phenomenon. This transition moves through space where time doesn’t exist in a linear way. The imagination plays a significant role in taijutsu – as in a child plays significantly happy while not having a care in the world other then how much their parents will allow them to play. Someone mentioned last night that we all have imaginations, I told her , that is correct. Children though don’t worry about working, bills and decisions involving others. Once a man, twice a child… How interesting, yeah?

One of my many favorite quotes:

“When the music changes, so does the dance.

Kind regards to all -

Anthony Lucas

My post has been inspired by members of Bujinkan Dojo Italia. This past Feb, 2010 I had the pleasure of traveling to Italy to train with many good heart people who’s only desire was to train and create an international community.

So much has changed since the beginning of 2010. As mentioned above, I got to visit Italy – change training nights from Friday to Thursday nights at our new location. Unfortunately I missed my annual trip in March to Japan. Moved into a great apartment in New Jersey – no longer a resident of New York City although I’ll always be a New Yorker.

Training has taken on a new perspectives in terms of my attitude and approach to training. Regarding the picture above – it was taken in Verona is I’m not mistaken – and if I’m mistaken, please forgive me. I arrived on Thursday morning the 25th of February in Venice. Thursday night I trained in Verona with an amazing group of people who welcomed me with enthusiasm and openminds. This group patiently accepted my vision and allowed me to train to the best of my ability and with jet-lag. The three instructors were sandbagged (forced) into teaching that weekend. They proved to be ready for advancement to the next grade. They’ve since visit Hungary for training this past May, hosted Ed Martian “Papa-san” and planning a Japan trip for the fall.

Since moving around our training days and with a few students leaving has allow us to start from zero. I’m happy with this transition for the time being. Presently the dojo is not an open source – anyone interested in training has to speak with me first to get permission. We meet every Thursday at 6pm for two hours.

This past Thursday we reviewed “Renyo” from the Gyokko Ryu. The week prior it was koku. The starting point is from shizen no kamae rather then ichimonji no kamae (traditionally).  Don’t remember much of the philosophy – however the physical aspect has more significance then the philosophy at this time – almost a week later. I’ll try to post more often, preferably following class while everything is fresh.

The website will soon be updated – seminars for the summer. Lot’s of training opportunities. Duncan Stewart will be in town this July – August.

Favorite quote –

“You are not your ideas, not even your thoughts. You are the self who experiences them”.

Anthony Lucas

Its been a long while since my last update. Please accept my apology for my inability to be responsible in a timely fashion. Sometimes in life we can easily get distracted and stray off the path of commitment. Must admit though my lack of one commitment, allow me time and room to adhere to another. Funny how things work in life. Better to do one thing well then have a bunch of stuff unresolved. The year mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life for which I’m ready to embrace with eagerness + anticipation.  Training has been going well for the most part. One of the exciting things to come is the long awaited move (dojo) from New York to New Jersey.

Our last class was about connecting to everything and everyone. The idea was connecting with your opponent in a way that he/she has no clue (idea) of the result, although originally they’re were an objective, which altered during transition. Why? mainly because during the movement from one point to the next, in between of the two points, time cannot exist, therefore making it impossible for uke (opponent) to determine the outcome (truth) especially if you the defender (tori) aren’t anticipating an end. The goal here is no goal.. LOL 

In actuality the defender needs to be grounded (physically, mentally and spiritually) that emanates from constant training and a sense of real fighting. This kind of flexibility of consciousness is necessary to be no where in particular during the confrontation, yet moving in away that will not be easily read by uke to counter.  Techniques were shown, as to illustrate the concept. I’ve learn that some much can be pulled unconsciously from a concept and given an identity. In other words, watch a technique, try it a few times and by practicing it slow its possible to see the potential of the movement. Then have your uke go alittle faster yet, being mindful that this is not about speed, trying to be faster and stronger, more so about being realistic and honest. This will allow tori to try many possibilities that will arise as a result to the nature of training. Capture, lock and control concepts we explored unarmed as well as with weapons. We did not limit the number of weapons that could be used as a result. Lots of spiritual connotations were discussed, which in turn manifested over to taijutsu. Awesome training.

We’re resume training after the new year. Jan 8th at 7pm is our first class for the New Year, year of the Tiger. It is posted that the theme for 2010 is “Sho jou” with tachi sword. Don’t know about this topic nor theme as of yet. Stay tune!

“When music changes, so does the dance”

Wishing you all the best of 2009 – 2010

Anthony Lucas, Dojo Cho.

Friday review – Fluid ashisabaki (footwork) is what I’d like to tie/connect my experience to with the training.  3 hours of intense training that required the needed focus and attention from everyone present. No space for injury, especially from anyone not paying attention to the training. It was imperative that everyone’s attention were present in the moment as in watching a news reel. The energy was very high last night, one couldn’t help and take notice of a similar martial scent of Japan present. When I arrived shortly after class were suppose to start, everyone was warmed up and ready to take on the night with serious training. We had 3 shidoshi and one kyu grade eager and often ready to be my uke for the night. Little did he (kyu grade) know what was in store for him.. LOL

We started with a basic technique, emphasizing the importance of guarding and proper distancing. This exploded with infinite explorations and ideas including the use of every body part, changing the timing and rhythm making the scenario extremely difficult for uke / opponent. Lately in class I’ve been known to make analogies using music or jazz theory for lack of better words to express my point better. Amazingly everyone seems to relate and get something out of the training, thus discover within themselves their innate capacity.  Dakentaijutsu is an aspect of importance and never should be overlooked in budo training. This in my opinion overlooked to often, that in of itself is a grave error for the budoka. There were a set up from our initial technique as stated from above the taught the effectiveness of striking in the space without being detected. My opponent when done properly couldn’t help but feel overwhelm by that which cannot be seen. This brings to mind a phrase from one of my favorite quotes by Sensei in 2003 the year of Juppo Sessho ” there is nothing to seek thus nothing to grab”,  of course this is not the full quote, however just want to make a point from this particular technique last night. With all the earnest at his (uke) command, it was not possible to detect one of many hidden strikes that fell upon him. This kind of guarding and fluid ashisabaki that possessed power and gentleness was the idea to eliminate in a couple of steps (walking) swift and subtle, yet devastating changes hidden (disguised) in the moment . Ikken Hasso + Biken Isshu comes to mind now that I’m looking back on this particular technique.  IK (ikkan hasso) from my understanding of what I was told back when we did SFR (2006) refers to hit/strike that can come from eight directions or a single strike to eight directions (strike in eight /multiple / infinite places). There was the ura and omote in this technique, if uke was opened, then a single strike were needed, if my opponent reacted instantly, and there were no opening, then I had to respond to the ura of this and strike in multiple places to offset his defense. Unfortunately and because of the subtle action achieved the ultimate reality of nature were present therefore surprising uke with many strikes, for which his mind couldn’t get around to guard himself. Everyone thereafter wanted to experience the feeling, with similar reactions…In Shinden fudo ryu, there are three models – ikken hasso, biken isshu & shizen shigoku that is primordial in reaching a cognition of how and when to use an adversaries strength (i.e weakness, fears and confidence, etc).  Every year, every theme practice throughout the year in the Bujinkan allows me to not stress trying to learn everything at once or while being taught, long as I can grasp the concept, principle and willingness to train hard in the basics, eventually one year, one theme will connect as in the rope feeling and brings revelations to light when not looking for results. Patience is the call here for anyone struggling with Hatsumi’s art. I know, I don’t claim to know his teaching, other then what I’ve been taught and practice continuously as one develops over time. 

Another important issue was how to effectively manipulate the spine and break the balance of uke, therefore locking his spine where he couldn’t move. These were high points to absorb. 

Hopefully I didn’t bore you with to much or to little of where our training had gone last night. The vision of juppo sessho is never present until the moment the space opens with infinite possibilities. I think its a matter of humility present that would determine what your outcome or fate will be. 

Quote for the evening – “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, a budoka must train, if he/she is to be ultimately at peace with himself/herself”.