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

 

Class Log: “Noh & Budo”

 

 Indeed, the word yugen, meaning that which lies below the surface, with connotations of nobility, reserved elegance and classical refinement is often used about Noh  -  Anthony Lucas

 

One should always be ready for the unexpected and this class was no exception. As Anthony demonstrates new and exciting techniques building on the basics, we sometimes struggle to grasp the concepts and capture the feeling he is sharing with us. At the end of the class, we were told that for now, the students will be writing this blog so here is my version of the Friday night class.

 

Since the start of the year, the theme has been ‘no theme’ as we explore freedom in movement and applying it to the basics. In this class we examined the idea of ‘Noh’ theme, hinting at the concept of masks (from the Japanese theatre) and concealing the true nature of the technique.

 

We practised striking nerve points in the neck, back of the leg above the knee, strangling or choking muscles in the arms with rope, all while the weight or stress of the opponent resides in these points – very very painful indeed.

 

From basic sword cuts, we enter the space to take control of the attacker, his weapon and his space. Also from these sword cuts or a punch, we enter with a concealed rope and secure the opponent while avoiding moving in front or getting too close to allow for an unexpected head butt or fist strike.

 

Practise makes perfect and as the saying goes, fear not 10,000 moves practised once, rather fear one move practised 10,000 times.  – Blaise Barron, Yondan.

 

 

 

 Charlie Parker Quote – “Learn the changes and then forget them”.

 

 

Happy New Years 2009

Welcome 2009 – the year of the ox. Supposely this symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Does this has any relation or connotation to “sainou kokoro utsuwa”?  You figure it out!

Coming from a 2 week hiatus everyone seemed ready and open to explore some NEW concepts. In the air last night was determination and effort, thus reward was found in the wake of class.

We mainly worked on distance, angling and timing – with the capacity to move freely in space. The idea was like “the space is not big enough for two of us “with this awarenes”, the meaning of how significant the space can become was the advantage.

Ichimonji no kamae and it’s elements we visit -  basic blocking and striking. (uke) jodan tsuki, (tori) uke nagashi with a nasty shuto to the temple was done from both sides (sayu).  The integral aspect from this method is the ability to recognize distance and the necessary angle to hit with good timing will give off a glimpse of ”not losing”.  It’s like a blink of an eye which is  all you get while moving through dimensions. There is nothing to see, nothing to grasp. If you seek it, you will not find it. I demostrated a technique, from the last one of three (which none seems the same) the speed of the attack changed and as I enterd (guarded) from the kukan appeared an opening, I took it, thus the techniqued was not the same as the previous one demostrated.  You have to develop this from practicing and training to be able and ready to change at such an interval. It is within the interval that change for me as I understand is born.

        

Quote of the day = ” All a budoka can do is get closer to the source of nature, and feel that he is in communion with the natural laws of nature”.

Class Review – 12/12/2008

Imagine everything being the kukan (space)? Well that’s exactly how I interpret my life’s understanding of the present, moment. This past friday offically marked our last class for 2008.

Friday 12/19 – we will be holding a review class from this past year and what everyone has learned. I’ve asked some of our senior practitioners to share with the class their lessons (personal) they’ve learned throughout the year outside the dojo as well. I feel our training doesn’t begin in the dojo nor ends in the dojo. Our art is a life “art” which the physical portion is just an excuse or some would say a medium of development for discipline and maturity. In essence training in budo taijutsu has shown me how things past and present are all connected – like heaven and earth, negative and positive, yin & yang (in-yo) - these paradoxes are necessary for refinement of the self.  Do you have yoyu?  This is not a question, something the lies within. What exactly do I mean by yoyu in the non-tradition Japanese meaning, well its simple – how do you behave and respect other people.  Since my return on the scene a number of years ago, I’ve witness alot of people present themselves as being the real deal to later on showing their innate selfish selves in the most arrogant ways. This in my opinion is certainly no role model I would want to follow. It’s not the technical skills of these individuals that I complain about. They’re inability to have compassion for another human being is what apparent. Perhaps their not at fault, they seem to be born with this self justification of being a nice and sincere person. Why am I ranting about this, well as I’ve come to understand in my life, most artist that demostrates or showcase their work is conveying a message to anyone who has the capacity to see through their own veil what that artist is saying – it’s communication, a language of the heart. 

In closing – we revisited the koshi kihon sanpo gata in a realistic way that perhaps suitable for living in New York.  The main ingredients mentioned was the right (needed) distance to take and angels that would offshoot our opponent couple with timing allowed the recipient  to move as and in the space, yet not control it – it controls itself in a conducive way.

Newton conceived space to be absolute (bold statement), anyway Newton claimed to have proof of its absolute nature. He maintained that absolute space is a great void which objects occupy. It exists independently of objects, and if there were no objects, then space would still exist.  Newton said this space has character independent of objects (tori/uke). An off quoted definition of space is of it’s own nature – without relation to anything external, remains always similiar and immovable.  Let it be known, I do not claim to be a physic’s expert nor scientist in the ordinary sense. I’m a practitioner of many links that  contributes to my understanding and growth.

Budo is like Jazz – man it’s all about improvisations, melodies (constants) in life, harmony with friends, family and foes. I suggest to anyone on this path (budo) to relax and don’t try to define what budo, when you do, you loose a precious moment of its expression in your life.

 

One of my favorite quotes – by a really awesome musician – ” I never thought about whether or not they understand what I’m doing…. the emotional reaction is all that matters as long as there’s some feeling of communication, it isn’t necessary that it be understood”. – John Coltrane

Class Log: Review From Friday Past 12/5/08

Hopefully for the new year I can free up more time to update our blog in a timely manner. The blog is strictly to share our training experiences. All comments are declined.

This past friday we reviewed the kosshi kihon sanpo gata as the bases for what was to follow – kamae, distance, angeling and timing primary was the emphasis of our training throughout the evening. I took the first two kata’s from the sanshin no kata and related it the sanpo gata after we messed around with the kamaes and techniques and the feeling that has been alive since our last trip to Japan. This presented a challenge. I spoke about pushing youself not to just be good but to comprehend the fact we live in NYC and things can turn out differently then what one anticipates. It is important not to assume  studying a budo art will assure you defeat.  It’s not about winning, its about not losing your life.  Perfecting your technique will come over a period of many years of practice. For now pay attention to what is being conveyed, figure out the tempo on this movement by communicating with you’re opponent and being open for feed back. If the two of you are honest with eachother perhaps some really good training can come out this interaction.

Kukishin – Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu -

We knocked out Iso Arashi and Ara Koma with emphasis on revealing the space and turning it on and off. The function of these experiences were simple. Start from a grab kick and punch or grab punch and kick – absorb your opponents punch (tsuki) with uke nagashi this will take their mental balance, cover yourself with a slight opening (revealling the kukan) to entice uke to attack.

There were a bunch of other stuff covered in class that I will not go into detail here. Some things are better left in person.

Taihen Jutsu – hiding in ukemi became our focal point. Lately class has started out with some of the basic ukemi, not all from the “ten ryaku no maki”.  Mainly to warm up and look at a particular aspect that will become significant during the night from the physical or oral aspect.  We looked at a way of expressing the zenpo kaiten from shizen accessing the space from the womb of nature. It was important for everyone to get low as possible to the earth and roll like a fetus uniting the whole body within the space for countering or coming up on their feet, not the side of the calf that I often see people do. I spoke about yoko, koho, zenpo to mention a few “ukemi” body drops being mindful not to use the arms, hands to absorb a throw therefore disabling uke from trapping a limb in space while airborne. As the defender its important to keep in mind some of these bad habits in uke and use their un-natural reaction against them and capture anyone of their limbs as they try to roll or ukemi out from the space.

So much in so little time is always the factor in our training. One can never get enough in one class. Everyone’s committment and determination is inspiring. This kind of energy is what we’re all about and look for in new students.

Always I wish to encourage everyone to pursue their dreams, desires and fulfill their creativity in whatever direction they so choose. Personally I’ve  been immersed in learning how to play the bass and found Jazz to be more budo inspired.

Hatsumi Sensei in his latest book at the end mentioned about a life pasttime, when he was a child how he pursued many activities from playing soccer, judo to playing a musical instrument, dancing to list a few. He said these recreations have broadened his knowledge and honed his athleticism, vital elements to his budo life. Encouraging people to go beyond their potential is one of my many philosophies. There is ordinary, then there is extrodinary. We have a choice, what is yours?

 It’s time for one of my favorite quotes – “I realized by using the high notes of the chords as a melodic line, and by the right harmonic progression, I could play what I heard inside me. That’s when I was born” – Charlie Parker

Class Log: Conscience and the phyiscal expression of Budo Taijutsu

What does the word “conscience” means?  Perhaps the ability to differentiate right or wrong. An inner sense of knowing whats morally right and wrong. How does this relates to training?  From my experience it’s important to note if my thoughts, emotions and feelings is not present in the moment, then it’s a good chance my actions would followed the thoughts of past or future experiences therefore presenting me a negative impression to go on.

I haven’t posted any training info in awhile do to my tight schedule these days. So much is going on, with little time to work with. Anyhow let me jar my memory from the past few weeks…….

In general we’ve been re-visiting material from the ten, chi and jin ryaku no maki.  I week of the 22nd of our in-house seminar we covered some essential techniques. Friday night was 3 hrs of open training. Primary on kamae, distance, angeling, timing and how to use the space to your advantage. Controlling the space rather then uke were discussed.  Saturday seminar was interesting, for each technique taught we slowed it down and I talked about the process of getting there (desired place), as well as the basic applications in these forms we’ve taken notice.

While training in the dojo its important to be honest with yourself in terms of thoughts, feelings and actions. This will help in slowing down and take the focus (ego) of the phyiscal matter and grant you the ability to see beyond the past or future and take to the present with keen awareness of self. To defeat your opponent you need to know your limits and how far to go in terms of protecting yourself or a loved one. Another aspect of conscience to consider huh?  Don’t use your taijutsu, let it use you. You have to be sincere in your training or else you’ll begin to loose elements of importence that makes up a true bugeisha. The path to justice is through peace and how does one captures the entire essence of such?

In closing I would like to make a point in saying that any culture of human beings is based on respect. If you don’t repect other people (bad mouthing, excluding, intentionally hurting people) to mention a few then it clearly shows lack of self respect (mirror effect) and to this degree no matter what level (dan grade) you are it doesn’t matter because you’ve missed the point.

 

It’s time for a quote of the day – “You get what you concentrate upon….there is no other main rule”.

 

In the spirit of fellowship, I salute you all.

Class Log: Black Friday – Nage Waza – Kukan – Disappearing

Friday past was black friday as well as halloween. Such a spectacular event in and around the downtown area of New York City. If you’ve never seen nor experienced halloween in NY before, make it a point to do so. It’s totally unique.

Class friday past was a continuation of maniuplating the space within the space (invisible). Specifically we worked from kumichi to explore leverage, distance, balance and the feeling of being grab. I impressed upon everyone to not be drawn into a tug of war like kumichi but,  to just let the will of uke set his own trap and fall leaving him with a knowing of being doomed. On the part of the defender from the kumichi point of view to not grab intentionally and give off any information but, learn to use the elbows and reliance upon the legs will get them to where they need to be.

Judo practitioners work from kumichi alot and focuses on tripping and throwing their opponents. I talk about this and how to often you see this with experienced fighters in the streets. We spent some time on this approach as well.

We approached harai gosh without the throw – I wanted to point out from my observation over the years some important details to often gets over looked or thrown out just to get an end result / effect quickly.

Many of the stuff cannot be taught nor shown because it does’nt exist figuratively speaking. What I mean by such – the techniques whether there being shown from the “tenchijin” or just from a punch, grab what have you. The point is when the attack is done with intent a sense of timing is born that often expresses a natural result unrehearsed. So when you ask to be shown this again, it cannot be replicated because their is only the moment in space, nothing else exist (i.e. past, future). That moment per se is gone forever.

Disappearing as I understand has many connotations yet have one thing in common, the psyche is tweak in a sense (laughing). So happen I used the disappearing as a metaphor which made the whole concept more comprehensible for even a beginner. From kumichi uke grabbed me, right leg/foot leading as well as mines and without giving off any information from touch, I simply used my right elbow, which freed up my left hand as I stepped slightly back and off line with my right foot, ukes left upper torso & spine was compromised without him/her knowing it. I was careful not to allow them to take a step with the left foot to regain a sense of stability, at the same time I used my left hand  and gentlely placed it over the right elbow to slightly get this twist thing going, and in that motion I turn my whole body lightly either placing my left foot on there right instep, ankle, chin whatever it doesn’t matter where, the point is once you take the balance in such a kamae and lightly touch the leg that supports their whole body an effect happens to the structural foundation and they fall in this empty space totally baffled, not knowing what happened. Most people try to ukemi their way out of this, there is simply no way out. This is disppearing in the kukan as I taught it. Most people look at this from various perspectives, what I’m talking about is imagine not being where uke expects you to be and suddenly appear at their destination which is you’re spacious present, the point of power. Mean while you never gave any signs to participating in the fight.

A few to mention – Osoto gake, osoto gari, osoto guruma, hiza guruma, uchi mata, seion is what we’ve been covering from kumichi with no intention to fight back, just move the legs/body and see where this action (effect) takes you.

Here’s my favorite part in closing, one of my many quotes from a great musician - ” Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom – if you don’t love it – it will not come out of your horn”.

Note: In music as in budo there is many similiar or parallesl if you will. As a layman perhaps, you need to expand yourself and take the focus off the external and look further.

 

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