Blog: 2004 Japan Training Trip
In May 2004, members from the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo visited Japan for training and sightseeing. Below are blog notes and images from the trip.
(The following post is a condensed version of Jeff’s full, detailed trip journal.)
Soke mentioned when training in biken, that the uke’s sword should be your armor, and the air your shield. In this way, anything can be used around you, as long as you are zero throughout the movement. Your sword is only a tool.
Soke said his Budo is about survival, not sports or one person’s own ideas.
Soke commented: Be zero. If one expects a technique to have an outcome, or if you think this will happen because of something else (example – poke here and the body reacts), then you will get killed. By being zero, you expect nothing, but take what is given.
Soke: You must be aware of everything around you. The space, the sky, the weather, the people, the walls, etc. This must be instant – not something you think about. This awareness is important, and relates to knowing koku.
Soke: Do not stop working on the basics until the time is right. Everything I am showing cannot be taught, it must be figured out on one’s own (self teaching).
Soke: In order to understand Roppo Kuji, you must train hard on bikenjutsu. But only those with high skill who understand bikenjutsu will come to realize the importance of being zero and its relationship with roppo kuji no biken.
Tony passed his godan test.
Nagato Sensei mentioned that Soke talks a lot about zero, and that we should consider it a neutral idea/concept/position. By being neutral, you can go back, forward, left, right, or in any direction during movement.
Nagato Sensei said it is important to ask questions, but do not expect an answer. When Nagato Sensei was young, and started training with Hatsumi Sensei, he wouldn’t ask a lot of questions because he knew they wouldn’t be answered. Hatsumi Sensei said he asked Takamatsu many questions, but Takamatsu Sensei would commonly not answer them.
Nagato Sensei: you will be given knowledge when the time is right. Some people ask questions when they are not yet ready for something. Nagato Sensei made the point of saying that as he got better practicing Taijutsu, Soke would show him more advanced techniques. This is the way the Bujinkan works.
Nagato Sensei said if you think you have good technique, you will get killed. It is important to have a strong spirit but never think you are any good. Those with a strong spirit who understand being neutral/zero will survive. If this person has good technique, they would survive quicker!
Nagato Sensei pointed out that if the uke’s arm is too stiff (from a grab), break it from the outside like a waki gatamae. Or strike the uke’s uko with a shuto, or strike from below. Those with strong grips only need to be struck a few times and be placed in a bad position.
Nagato Sensei warned us that the attacker won’t be stupid; he is not an idiot, and will continue to attack. Distance is always important, so that you don’t get hit.
