We are ending the 42 year of training, according to Soke Hatsumi. In Japan the number 42 can have ominous meanings. The late Soke Takamatsu passed away when Hatsumi was 42. If you would like to read more about this, visits http://kumafr.wordpress.com/2013/08/04/42-the-end-of-the-cycle/ for a great article on the number and the cycle we are in.

But, the end of one cycle means the birth of a new cycle. No one is sure what will happen in 2014, we will just have to wait and see. It will likely take some time to understand what the new cycle will bring and how to adapt it to our training. Because of this, I feel it pertinent to look at the past and analyze where the art was then and how it progressed to where we are now. This way we can be prepared for the next cycle of training.

We are going to slowly examine the themes that Hatsumi has laid out for each year, starting at the ninjutsu/TenChiJin era and move forward, year by year, looking at what was being studied and why. This should lead to us having and deeper understanding of the Bujinkan, where we should be on the path, and hopefully prepare us for the next part of our journey. This will be done as a natural part of the training each week. See you on the mat!

Here is a quick and dirty break down of how the themes have been grouped together over the years, in case you're interested:

TenChiJin/Ninjutsu ( -1992)

Distancing and angling using specific weapons

§  Bô jutsu – 6 feet staff (1993),

§  Yari jutsu – spear (1994),

§  Naginata jutsu – halberd (1995),

§  Biken jutsu – sword  (1996),

§  Jo jutsu – 4 foot staff (1997)

Five pillars of body movement through studying five Bujinkan schools

§  Taihen jutsu – shinden fudô ryû (1998),

§  Daken taijutsu - kukishinden ryû (1999),

§  Koppô Jutsu - kotô ryû (2000),

§  Kosshi Jutsu – gyokko ryû (2001),

§  Jûtaijutsu – takagi yôshin ryû (2002).

Juppo Sessho (negotiating ten directions)

§  Sanjigen no sekai – kunai & shotô (2003),

§  Yûgen no sekai - Roppô kuji no biken -kukishin sword (2004),

§  Kasumi no hô – gyokko bô (2005),

§  Shizen – shinden fudô ryû (2006),

§  Kuki taisho - sword and yoroi (2007).

Shiki

§  Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu – destroy the thinking process (2008),

§  Sainô kon ki or sainô tamashii utsuwa – talent, spirit/heart, container/capacity (2009)

§  Rokkon shôjô – happiness is the essence of life, Tachi Sword (2010).

§  Kihon Happô - 8 fundamental techniques become infinite

§  Jin Ryo Yo Go - Kaname (vital point)

§  Tsuguri Ken - The Divine Sword, pure taijutsu

So, what will next year hold? As we train through the themes, we will be better prepared for whatever it may be.

Living-Warrior Dojo: Your dojo (school) for traditional Japanese martial arts in Meridian, Idaho, near Boise.

Lake Oswego Seminar was super fun, action packed!

The Lake Oswego seminar was awesome. Lots of training, incredible discussions, great time spent with friends. Here are some pictures from the seminar. We trained in numerous bo, katana, tachi, ken, yari, and unarmed techniques.

While our martial arts dojo training takes place in Meridian, Idaho, near Boise, there are many seminars available to us to also attend. They are always a great experience.