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.

Ninpo Tattoos, a great article

I think everyone training in the dojo or interested in training should read this article post. I feel the author hits the nail on the head!
http://takaseigi.com/ninpo-tattoos/

Hermiston Seminar was a blast

We all had a great time at the Hermiston, OR seminar. We spent the whole day training in the first half of the first scroll from Gyokko Ryu. We also had fun playing with ancient weapons and using them in relation to the techniques from the first scroll. Thanks to Nate of the Bujinkan Hermiston Dojo for hosting a fun event!

 

2013 Tai Kai was a blast!

We had three students from the dojo come with me to Tai Kai this year and it we all had a blast. This was taken at the end of four days of intense ninjutsu training.

Your school for traditional Japanese martial arts in Meridian, Idaho, near Boise.

Special Women's Self Defense Night

Our dojo will be hosting a special Women's Self Defense Night, taught by Sensei Shane. This is a free event for women only and their husbands (no other exceptions). Depending on attendance this may be held in the dojo, or at a different location if the dojo won't hold everyone.

Your school for traditional Japanese martial arts in Meridian, Idaho, near Boise.

Winners!

Congratulations to Matt and Daniel for placing 4th and 1st in the Evolution Challenge from BujinkanWeapons.com. A special thanks for Carmelo at BujinkanWeapons.com for hosting the event and challenging marital arts students all over to rise up and evolve into better warriors. Matt and Daniel are showing off their custom made weapons they won. Big congrats to Daniel for taking home the pot, you made us all proud!

Your school for traditional Japanese martial arts in Meridian, Idaho, near Boise.

Living-Warrior Dojo has two class members still in the running to place in the Evolution Project challenge hosted by BujinkanWeapons.com. We wish them luck in their final push to the end. The challenge ends February 6, 2013. We look forward to seeing the final results!

Your school for traditional Japanese martial arts in Meridian, Idaho, near Boise.