GN #33 Nov 09

GAMBATTE NE
Newsletter for the advancement of Bujinkan studies
November 2009, Volume # 33
No Dojo Politics...No Hype...No Bull
- Takamatsu
den
!!!
The Japanese martial art of Yabusame (archery from horseback)
2
This month
Recently a sword Kantei seminar was held by
Sensei Fimio in his home. Many beautiful
antique swords were allowed to be handled and
studied. The seminar was given ftee of charge as
a gift ftom Sensei to club members. I was kind
of shocked, as quite a few people didn't show
up. We really have to appreciate the gifts given
to us, as our teachers might not always be with
us, or simply decide, it's not worth it, no more
fteebies. Even if you have to pay for it we
should all support our teachers by attending as
many seminars as possible. It helps the arts to
grow, as well as ourselves through skill and
understanding. The good thing that comes out of
such an occurrence is that we who do attend have
sensei all to ourselves, and have the opportunity
to ask questions and learn things those who don't
show up might never learn.
Be a good student. Good to your school, good to
your teacher and good to yourself, go to a
seminar if you can.
Ninja sword: Truth vs. Fantasy
I don't know how many times I've seen in the
movies or had some expert tell me that a ninjato
(ninja sword) is a perfectly straight, short bladed
weapon. I'm hoping to shed some light on this
image.
Being an active student of the Japanese sword
(both physical use as well as the art of Kantei), I
have come across certain historical references to
the so-called straight bladed sword we see ftom
time to time in the movies.
The first type of Japanese swords resembled
Chinese gim (Ken to you and me, see Hatsumi
Sensei with his video KEN (SWORD), TACH!,
KATANA) which are the double edged straight
swords we have all seen in movies like
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". They were
more than likely originally imported ftom the
China as well as Korea until Japanese smiths
modified, changed and improved the existing
designs.
Peace man!
Nevin Zeljko Broz
Shidoshi-ho
Bujinkan Seishin Ronin Dojo
nindja
[email protected]
Expose
In this section we will introduce you to many of
the Bujinkan's top (and a few of the lower
ranked) instructors. Sensei you might not have
heard about and individuals you might want to
know a little more about, as well as historical
figures ftom our different ryu.
The type of ninja movie sword we have seen was
first seen in ancient times. It is known as a
Chokuto sword (straight, uncurved). They are
also classified as Jokoto or ancient swords as
they were mainly seen and used prior to the lOth
century. It is believed that the transformation of
straight sword to the curved Shinogi-zukuri style
that we all know as the typical samurai sword
was sometime during the mid-Heian period (794
- 1185). These Chokuto were known as tachi in
their respective times.
The ninja clans were non-existent at this time.
The art was just in its infancy and hundreds of
years would pass before it could be in a
recognizable form we would be able to
distinguish. It must be remembered that the
Chokuto was a common warriors weapon.
Warrior, you mean samurai don't you? No, as
the samurai class still didn't officially exist at
this time. Some ofthese blades still exist and
can be seen in the Shoso-in repository of the
Todaiji temple in Nara, where weapons (55
swords) and fine art objects ftom the 8thcentury
have been stored for centuries.
The next time a similar sword was produced was
during the Late Edo period to the Meiji Period.
These swords closely resembled the katana you
3
train with, however it had little or no sori (bend
and was a straight blade. These swords were
also samurai blades (not ninja) and were known
as "kinnoto" or royalists swords. This means
they were swords favored by samurai in favour
of Imperial restoration and destroying the
Shogunate (Time fiame of the movie Last
Samurai with Tom Cruise).
An Introduction to
Kyoketsu Shoge
In reality a ninja sword would be a shortened
katana or even a wakizashi carried in a katana
saya, giving the appearance of a long blade but
having the ability for a super fast draw, as the
shorter blade is faster to withdraw.
The theory that ninja made their own swords as
throwaway weapons seems like heavy Bull
...Jto paraphrase a Sensei I know. It takes such
an incredible amount of time to make a sword,
you have to remember they made their own steel
from iron dust they dug up or collected from
sand... Then they refined the ore and had to add
carbon to make it strong, not to mention folding,
forging, plus creating tsuba, saya, etc... That's a
lot of work for something you plan to just throw
away (or leave in some guys body) after one use.
Then what? You have no weapon, how do you
deal with the other 50 guys who came out to see
what was going on? Isn't it much easier to buy
or just steal a sword? How about pick one up
from a dead guy?
___
Straight swords are harder to draw from a saya,
especially from a wooden scabbard. In Europe
they used leather scabbards to make things
easier. A curved blade slides out easily on it's
curved back; it literally rolls out of the saya.
Hope this gave you something to think about.
This is an often seen, but little studied weapon. I
have a little information on this weapon, which I
present here, so those who are unfamiliar with
the weapon may gain a little insight.
The Kyoketsu Shoge, which means "to run about
in the fields and mountains", was thought to have
developed before the more widely known
Kusarigama (sickle and chain). The Kyoketsu
Shoge is a double-edged blade with another
blade attached at 90 degrees to it. This is
attached to roughly 18 feet of rope, chain or hair,
which then ends in a large metal ring.
Almost exclusively used by the ninja, the
kyoketsu shoge had a multitude of useful
applications. The blade could be used for
pulling slashes as well as thrusting stabs. The
chain or cord, sometimes made from women's or
horses hair for strength and resiliency, could be
used for climbing, ensnaring an enemy, binding
an enemy and many such other uses. The long
range of the weapon combined a cutting tool
with the capability to strike or entangle an enemy
at what he perceived to be a 'safe' distance out of
the way. As far as I am aware there are no
formal kata for the Kyoketsu Shoge. It appears to
be a weapon that is often dropped into a
technique just the same as Kusari Fundo.
Hatsumi Sensei has shown the weapon at several
Tai Kai's. For example at the 1992 UK Taikai he
demonstrated some kamae with the weapon;
4
11The Shoge and coiled rope are held in the
left hand, with the right hand holding the
rope about 2.5 feet from the end of the ring.
2/ The ring is held in the left hand with the
Shoge and rope. The Shoge can then
be thrown and tbe ring kept beld in your
hand.
Perhaps the most well known technique with this
weapon is one called "Torite Baai". In "The
Ninja and their secret fighting art", Steven Hayes
best describes this technique; "Hatsumi Sensei
held the Kyoketsu Shoge loosely coiled in his
left hand. He moved to the comer of the training
hall opposite me, leisurely swinging the ringed
end of the cord in his right hand. The narrow
cord was approximately 12 feet in length, strong
and resilient. To one end of the cord was
fastened a steel ring, which could be tossed over
the ends of roof beams, tree limbs, or suitable
hooks to form an anchor for climbing the rope.
The other end of the cord was attached to a
unique hand held blade.
From the wooden handle protruded two-edged
spikes of steel, at right angles to each other.
I held a defensive position as Hatsumi Sensei
circled me and lectured the class. He twirled the
ringed end of the cord in a small loop and
explained how the ring could be used to snag the
adversary or knock him unconscious. The master
jerked the cord and ring back into his grip. He
continued his teaching: Let the ring fly as a
natural extension of the swing. Do not
deliberately throw it.
The ring left his grip once again. The cord went
out to the master's right and snaked its way to the
left of my head in a broad arc. This time the
master did not pull it back. As the ring came
within reach, I threw up my left hand and
snatched the ring ITomthe air. Upon catching
the ring, I felt a rush of excitement and pride. I
had foiled the attack of the master of the ninja.
As suddenly as the feeling had come, it was
replaced by a feeling of regret. I was deeply
embarrassed for the master. His weapon had
been so easily intercepted by an inexperienced
student ITom America.
I wished I had not made the catch, and had not
made him look foolish in ITont of his students. I
felt that I should have been more thoughtful,
more considerate of his rank and position. This
feeling, too, was in turn replaced by another. I
was suddenly very disappointed that I had been
able to catch the weapon so easily. This man was
supposed to be the supreme master of the last
ninja school in Japan, and I had outmaneuvered
him. Ifhe really was the teacher I had hoped he
would be, this couldn't have happened. I felt
annoyed and let down. Hatsumi Sensei held his
position for the second or two that it took those
thoughts to cross my mind.
He was about ten feet away, holding the other
end of the cord, looking at me. His expression
hadn't changed. He continued to lecture, though I
still held the ring firmly. He spoke briefly about
"the unexpected." I thought he meant my
catching the weapon. He didn't mean that at all.
Hatsumi Sensei snapped his arm up and down
briskly, and sent some sort ofloop over my
clenched fist. He yanked on the cord and I felt a
knotted coil dig into my wrist. He had somehow
tied up my arm ITomacross the room. Now I was
the one facing the unexpected as I flew across
the floor, helplessly lassoed. The master made a
slashing motion with the blade as I floundered
toward him, and commented that the adversary
would be easy to finish off in such a situation.
I was stunned; the rest of the class was amused.
They shook their heads and laughed out loud.
5
Everybody falls for that set-up, they told me. It's
so easy for Hatsumi Sensei and it always works.
The master was smiling as ifto say, of course it
was a trick. You never know what's coming next.
That's what makes this Ninjutsu."
Submitted ftom an anonymous student ftom
Britain.
"Quick Overview"
This movie takes place during the final years of
the Shogunate and just after (turn of the century).
It covers the life of a single samurai who leaves
his clan (and becomes a traitor for doing so). He
doesn't seem like a typical samurai, he is always
preoccupied with money and how to obta . ".C t
is kind of a pitiful persona that is portra
Soke speaks
"I am very pleased with how things are going
with the Bujinkan. You are all learning this
"true art. " Just keep training. "
a:;
.
e~ as
true bushi was not supposed to be preoc
.a
with personal wealth, but duty, honour, etc...
The other samurai always made fun ofhim but
he didn't care. The money was secretly being
sent home to feed his wife and two children. It is
a very nice film told as a narrative.
Flying shuriken rating.
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
-
Taken ftom "Quotations From Soke Part IV"
by Benjamin Cole
++++
3.5 shuriken!
Book / Video review
Here we will review books and videos/movies on
the ninja and samurai arts.
This month we will feature a short review on the
DVD titled, "When the Last Sword is Drawn".
"'
-~~
"" ,.1..1......
Of
yOjitoT......
Soke speaks
"You don't have to be able to do this
immediately. Just keep working on iL It has
already been some forty years since Takamatsusensei's death, and I've been training every
day. There's no need to rush. /fyou rush, you'll
actually miss some things. Don't work too
quickly, just work at your own pace. It'll come
to you. "
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
WRUthe
lASTS"ORI
A DRAWl
~.
-
Taken ftom "Quotations From Soke Part IV"
by Benjamin Cole
is
Seminars
Here we will keep you informed of upcoming
seminars, as well as reviews of those attended.
If you want to advertise your seminar here
contactus at: [email protected]
6
Shihan Dean Rostohar
Zwickau/ Germany
EuropeanBKDBudokai/ Germany-Dojo
Zwickau
Sven Gutknecht
[email protected]
-
Hanbo Shinken Gata
December 5-6, 2009.
Zagreb, Croatia
Bujinkan Seishin Dojo Zagreb
Shihan Dean Rostohar
"Specwog Street Survival Combat"
November 28th 29th,2009.
Zagreb, Croatia
Shihan Dean Rostohar
-
www.bujinkan.hr
Info: [email protected]
"Specwog Ultimate Knife Fighting"
December 12th 13th,2009.
Zagreb, Croatia
Shihan Dean Rostohar
-
Shihan Kostas Kanakis
Info: [email protected]
SOKESAYSNO-ACCEPTIT
-
Theme of the Year Bujinkan Basics
November 7th-Sth, 2009.
Wittenberg, Germany
European BKD / Germany, Wittenberg Dojo
Nico Richter: [email protected]
Basics of Koto Ryu, Kenjutsu
November 14th- 15th.2009.
Athens or Thessaloniki / Greece
Bujinkan Greece Budokai
Seminar Administration
-
[email protected]
Flashback of the year
December 12. & 13.,2009.
So often the question arises on the Internet
forums.
Can I train with one of the other Ninpo Orgs if I
am in the Bujinkan? The answer is if you're a
member of the Bujinkan, then no you cannot.
The reason is Hatsumi sensei has expressed a
clear wish that we do not.
Being westerners many of us have then gone on
to ask why? The answer is simple, Because
Hatsumi sensei said so.
7
permission is a direct insult. It may seem trivial
to us, but we are doing a Japanese martial art
and we must respect their principle, customs,
etiquette and also there traditions. So many use
the excuse I maybe doing a Japanese martial art
but am British or American so I don't have to
follow their etiquette.
Hold on you want to train with them but not
show them the respect they insist on, or accept
their customs and etiquette. That's being a little
rude isn't it?
Indirectly there are other reasons which come to
this answer he gives us. The main reason is the
two other orgs, The Genbukan and Jinenkan are
both respectively run by Tanemura sensei
(Genbukan) and also Manaka sensei JineDkan).
Both of these were in the past senior ranking
students ofHatsumi Sensei. It was I can only
assume a shock when both left as in the past all
of the Shihan were close to each other as they
were the senior ranks etc and the main body of
the Bujinkan under Hatsumi sensei. They left for
their own reasons which is not ours to question
and is a personal issue between themselves and
Hatsumi sensei.
To the Japanese they will view in some way a
member of the Bujinkanjoining and training
with one of the other orgs as an insult against
Hatsumi sensei, almost as if saying that Hatsumi
sensei is not good enough and you feel the need
to go and train with one ofhis past students.
Many will then try and raise the issue by saying
that when in Japan they train with the Shihan
who are Hatsumi sensei's students. This is
correct but they are his current students and not
people who stopped training with him 20 years
ago.
There is also something else to consider. To the
Japanese to go and train in another art with out
In Japan, Soke does not mean grandmaster, it
means head offamily. Basically the Soke is the
father or grandfather of the Ryu. What he says
goes. No one questions him. To himlher we are
their children, they are there to teach us and help
us develop, just like our real parent do/did. So in
Japan when the Soke says I don't want you to
train in that orgldojo you don't. It really is as
simple as that. If you then say why not. He can
give you a 3 hour lecture as to why or he can
simply look you in the face about turn and walk
away saying nothing. He said 'No' - that's the end
of it. Why do people find this so difficult to
accept.
All too often in the west we think we deserve a
reason why. Maybe this is so, but when
your in the east it is different. Different cultures
have different customs and manners. We
really should respect that.
In my dojo if my students ask why, I answer
because I am teaching in a dojo in the west.
Yet when I am in Japan and I ask the 'Why', I
have to accept it if they say 'because I said
so' end of conversation.
-
8
In Japan when you belong to one ofthe Koryu
and you wish to join another, you need
permission ftom your current Koryu teacher to
go and train with the other Koryu. They will then
only say yes if they feel it will not conflict with
your current studies. Then because you are
already a student of a Koryu that teacher will
give you a letter of introduction to the other
teacher in the other Ryu. Other wise the other
Ryu will refuse you entry without permission
ftom your current teacher.
I-
...
*Do you sleep with other people when your
partner has asked you not to? Anyone with
any respect for their partner does not. There fore
respect the Soke when he asks you not to.
*W ould you work for another company on the
side of your boss tells you ifI find out I will fire
you? Anyone with an ounce of intelligence
wouldn't risk it.
Therefore we should respect what the 'head of
the family' (Soke) says. When you was younger
(or still young now) and you totally ignore your
father (head of the family) would it come as
some surprise ifhe disciplined you I doubt it,
as it never surprised me when I did such a thing
and my father exercised some form of discipline.
We can go on and on about this, banging our
heads on the wall, but at the end of the day the
Soke of two orgs have both expressed a wish that
people who are members of their org do not train
with the other org. They are the boss and they
have made a ruling and if you don't like it then
the only answer is to leave. This has been
discussed many times before on this and other
forums.
-
If you insist on continuing to break the rule then
you really are showing no respect at all for the
heads of the orgs and your own teacher in both
orgs. You need to make a decision which one it
is and go with that one.
--
---- --- -...
Yes it all seems a lot of hassle and bother to us,
but to the Japanese Budo teachers it is etiquette
and respect for each other.
Newsletter for the Bujinkan Lincoln
Dojo
Hanako is the newsletter of the Bujinkan
Lincoln Dojo (UK). This is not an official
Bujinkan newsletter. It is also a ftee publication,
and may be copied and distributed to anyone ftee
of charge, no monies are to be paid for
newsletters except for the cost of reproducing the
copies. Anyone wishing to submit an article
should e-mail it or post it to the addresses below
Produced and edited by Paul Richardson
(Shidoshi)
Bujinkan Lincoln Dojo, 7 Torrington Road,
Lincoln LN22DP, England.
E-mail- [email protected] Telephone (+44)
07868298949
9
For information regarding the newsletter,
training, any comments, or to be added to the
mailing list (Mailing list is e-mail based
only), please E-mail us at [email protected]
~ Bujinkan Lincoln Dojo 2009ad
From these techniques he developed Masaki Ryu
Manrikigusari. In Hatsumi Sensei's book,
Ninjutsu History and Tradition, he mentions four
striking technique's.
These are :
Tencbi Furi - Rising or falling vertical strikes
Yoko Furi Inwards or outwards horizontal
strikes.
Happo Furi - Inward or outward diagonal
strikes.
Naka Furi - Forward shooting strikes.
-
An Introduction to Kusari
Fundo
It is my intention to discuss Naka Furl on this
occasion. This is illustrated below by Hatsumi
Sensei.
As far as I am aware, there are no formal"kataof
kusari fundo within the Bujinkan. I have seen
techniques performed with the kusari only as
henka for another form. An example of which I
have included here. In this sequence Hatsumi
Sensei replaces metsubushi with the kusari
fundo. I have also included some pictures
Hatsumi Sensei took showing how to hold the
Kusari Fundo. As I get more solid information I
will post it here.
The kusari fundo is a weighted chain ranging
from 18 to 30 inches in length. The kusari fundo
(also known as manrikigusari and many other
names) was reportedly invented by Dannoshin
Toshimitsu Masaki around two hundred years
ago. Masaki was head sentry ofEdo (Tokyo)
Castle. He was aware that any attempt to breach
the castle walls would result in heavy loss of life
and so tried to develop a means of defending the
castle without drawing blood as he felt blood
should not flow before such a scared place. For
reasons only known to him, he decided to
develop the use of the chain. He found that this
could be used successfully against opponents
both armed or unarmed.
10
The kusari is held in one hand by a weighted end
and gathered up in the palm of the hand until the
other end is grasped in between the fingers. You
should now have a hand full of chain with one
weight protruding trom the palm by the little
finger and the other weight trom between
the index and middle finger.
The kusari can now be thrown forward by
punching towards the opponent and pointing the
index finger to release the kusari fundo at the
opponent, keeping the other end grasped fIrmly
with the little finger. If aimed at the face, it will
accomplish the same task as metsubishi (blinding
powders). Once the kusari has reached the end of
it's flight it may be swung down and back into
the opponent in one of the other strikes
mentioned above.
I have included below a set of photographs of
Hatsumi Sensei perfonning a kusari techniques.
These pictures are taken trom an old issue of an
American magazine NINJA, before Hatsumi
sensei stopped contributing to it and it went to
seed (these photo's are trom a 1987 issue)
,,..~
.~
-
"This is a lightning fast metsubushi technique.
For practice purposes, rather than the kusari
fundo, which could be very dangerous, I
recommend you use a string with knots tied in
at both ends. Please remember as you practice to
employ the variety of body movements.
(1) Here Dr Hatsumi assumes the yoko
ichimonji no kamae with a knotted string rather
than a kusari fundo. (2) As the attacker moves in,
draw your left leg diagonally back so that the
attackers sword will hit nothing but air.
Immediately release the 'fundo' in your left
hand, whipping it out at the opponents neck/face
area. (3) As you practice you must try many
different things. This time throw the "fundo" in
such a manner that it scoops under and around
your opponents forearm."
Submitted trom an anonymous student trom
Britain.
Antique Swords for Sale
A private collection of Samurai swords are
available for sale. Although the collection is
small {I0 swords} they are unique in there
rarity. They are available for examination by
appointment only please call. Serious applicants
only.
11
the Mori family such as general Takeshi mori
who served in China returned to Japan and was
assassinated for siding with the emperor. 1945.
Item #215-Wakisashi -late Kamakura, Kiyonori,
Tokubetsu Kicho NBTHK, 08670 Mumei
attribution Yoshi
Item #210-Shinogi Tsukuri-Sukesada Saka
1532-69 AD, Jo-Jo-Saku Class. This sword
comes with a NBTHK Hozon paper attribution
to Bizen Osafune Genbeijo SukeSada.
For further particulars, please contact
[email protected]
Item #212-A Katana by Bizen NagaMtisu 18861960
Item #213-Katana in the Shinogi Tsukuri Form,
68.2cms; Dei period 1394-1429. Chu Jo-Saku
rating 70 points, excellent condition with no
flaws.
Hizer. I(unj T~hiro
1572- ~J"
Item #201-Katana-30.5 in; cutting edge- in
Shirasaya & Koshirae, signed Kobayashi
Masakiyo. Excellent condition. MasaKiyo is a
six time winner of the NBTHK Nyusen annual
prize for the top quality of his swords. A very
impressive Gendai sword maker.
Item #203-Katana-27.5 in; in shirasaya &
Koshirae. Date 1532 to 1540 NBTHK papers att;
to Mihara Kai Masahiro. It has the appearance
and feel of a much earlier blade, well ballanced
and in excellent condition. ltamelMokume mix
withji-nie and shirake utsuri, hamon is notarebased gunome/midare, with ashi, sunagashi, and
Kinsuji.
Item #159-Katana 28 in;-In shirasaya-NTHK
papers att; to Echizen harima Daijo Shige Taka,
student of KaneNori. It has BoHi ftesh Hon ami
polish. This sword has a very commanding
presence and you need to hold it in your hands to
feel the power, and enjoy the beauty of it.
Item #133-Katana-27 in; shirasaya & Koshirae
NBTHK papers signed and dated-Bizen Kuni ju
Osafune yokoyama SukeKane Saka 58th
generation of Tomonari the founder ofBizento.
SukeKane was a student of sukenaga. 1842 to
1872 ko-mokume hada choji hamon in excellent
condition, ftesh polish. There is a family crest of
Item #216-Katana in the Shinogi Tsukuri style,
Dei period 1393-1429. Ubu. (unaltered) signed
and dated Bizen Osafune YasuMitsu. Excellent
condition.
Item #217-KataYama MuneToshi. Circa 1860.
69cms in length. Ubu. (unaltered) signed with a
two character signature Mune Toshi. The sword
comes in a Ishime-ji black saya. Overall
condition is excellent.
Item #218-Kataa 1308-1334, 62.2cms in length.
Shinogi Tsukuri style. Signed two character
signature Chika tsugu. Overall condition is
excellent.
In addition to the above, we have available a
unique collection of swords ftom Hizen province
covering all six sword making schools.
Information available upon request.
Soke speaks
"There are many teachers around the world,
but they don't understand what a true art is. I
feel sorry for their students, because it is they
who ultimately suffer. "
"I have said this before: 1 am not teaching. 1
am just helping you to understand these things
by yourself. "
12
Soke
Masaak; Batsum;
Taken fTom "Quotations From Soke
by Benjamin Cole
- Part IV"
Bow to tie the Cord on Scabbard
(SAGEO in Japanese)
One type for tanto.
A simple and orthodox style for any type of
sword.
Tying way.
At first, we have to pass the cord through the
kurikata. A small sheet of plastic film is
convenient for the work.
Completed.
KURIKATA
plastic
fi 1m
t~:t~
Passthe cordwrappingwiththe plasticfilm.
The next type is just for display.
In such style, the cord can't do its duty to hold
the scabbard on the waist.
It is not for Samurai. Such a style was taken by
wealthy merchant or so. Because they didn't
consider swords as weapon, but they displayed it
as their status symbol on the waist.
13
making knots again and again.
make a knot.
pass the cord through the knots.
fix the shape. Today, some people who don't
understand Samurai spirit take such a style. But
do not make it with real cord. Such complicated
knots damages the cord.
Books for Sale
Here are a number of martial arts books being
offered for sale. Each is being sold for $5 US
+ shipping and handling. If interested
please contact me at and I will give you the
details of each if interested.
nindja_ [email protected]
14
TheSoirR01
Aikidii
\.
- - ----
Soke speaks
"Your life is on the line. Practice well"
"The enemy who is against the laws of nature
will lose his battle before he begins tofight. The
first priority to the ninja is to win without
fighting. "
"You are notjustfighting one opponent. You
arefighting the unknown. "
THIS IS
"I am teaching 'shin gi tai ichi. "(Bringing
spirit {shin}, ski/I {gi} and body {tail, into one
{ichi})."
"You must not stop in the middle ofwaza, make
your waza alive, without a natural flow your
waza cannot be alive. "
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
The Art of Japanese Fencing
Taken ITom "Quotations From Soke
by Benjamin Cole
- Part IV"
15
I. In tbis pboto we see tbe samurai on tbe
rigbt witb a raised sword tbreatening tbe
ninja on tbe left, wbo bas bis sword still in tbe
saya.
2. Tbe ninja quickly draws bis sword and
executes a yoko kiri (sideways cut) wbile
stepping directly forwards. Tbis is before tbe
samurai cuts down.
3. Tbe ninja is now completely at tbe mercy
of tbe raised sword and an easy target for tbe
samurais downward men giri (bead cut).
4. As tbe samurai steps in and cuts, tbe ninja
quickly steps out witb bis back leg. Tbe
ninja's sword tip (kissaki) was never offline
witb tbe samurai centreline. He now tbrusts
bis sword into tbe samurai cbest wbile be
bimself is uncut, baving set up tbe
unsuspecting samurai.
15
Disclaimer
It is highly recommended that medical advice be
sought before following any of the suggestions
written in this newsletter. It is also highly
recommended to seek out a qualified, competent
instructor to guide you safely before attempting
this or any other potential knowledge.
The purpose of publishing this newsletter is to
help serious students of the Bujinkan advance
their studies through a community effort. This
concept is reflected in the name of our
newsletter, "Gambatte ne", which means, "Keep
going". Please feel ftee to pass this information
among other Bujinkaners.
All content published here is for the exclusive
use ofBujinkan students. We will strive to be as
accurate as possible. If anyone feels that they
have anything to contribute please e-mail it to
me and it will be considered for publication.
Any comments or questions will be welcomed.
The author or any contributors assume no
responsibility whatsoever for any misuse of the
information found in these pages.
This is NOT an official Bujinkan newsletter.
Please watch who and what you
teach.
Peace!
Nevin Zeljko Broz
Shidoshi-ho
Bujinkan Seishin Ronin Dojo
Copyright 2009
Bujinkan Seishin Ronin Dojo
Hiro/aka 1655