Masaaki Hatsumi Soke

The methodology of the kokoro no kamae is the relationship between the inner workings of the mind and the physical application of movement or taijutsu.

It is not a mental or intellectual methodology it is a practical one and therefore can only be felt and then realised through your taijutsu via the correlation of various kamae.

“The techniques are initially practiced with the consciousness directed towards understanding the purpose and practical application of the physical movements.

Next, the student begins to work on making his technique a natural part of knowledge; in effect, allowing his body to develop the natural ability to perform the technique.

Finally, the technique itself is dropped from consciousness as a technique, and becomes yet one more variation of the body and personality to handle things in an effective manner.”

Soke Masaaki Hatsumi

In the ethos of the martial arts it describes the flow of movement used by the defender to blend into the attackers movements or adjust to the rhythm of a fight.

By blending using movement you dissapear from the attackers senses, but not for long as a constant rhythm can be predictable.

“Finally, even as the victor, one is in danger,

in that by defeating another,

the desire of revenge is created in the vanquished.”

Soke Masaaki Hatsumi

“In budo, too, there are three important essentials:

first, seeing and knowing oneself, one’s own strengths and limitations;

second, the sword of discrimination, of decisiveness, for eliminating faults, weaknesses, and the unnecessary;

and last, the sincerity, feeling, devotion, insight, and understanding of the heart.”

Soke Masaaki Hatsumi

The three changes or variations of Jumonji no Kamae are left, right and centre.

The three levels of the Jumonji no Kamae are Jo, Chu and Ge.

Kuden

“Juji; Maybe one makes peace with the enemy;
or I have twice the advantage;
a Kamae to see the heart;
a Kamae to quest for life without ceasing self defence.
Also called the Kamae of Treachery as an example of “even if you allow Kuji do not allow Juji.”

Sanmyaku

STICK FIGHTING - Techniques of Self Defence

by Masaaki Hatsumi & Quintin Chambers

This is the first widely-available book by Hatsumi that concentrates purely on taijutsu mechanics expressed in bojutsu - now followed by a sequel book. There are a few others, but their coverage is nothing as compared to this book and they are either out of print, in Japanese and/or unavailable over here.

The book covers more than 50 battlefield techniques of Kukishin Ryu -The 9 Demon Gods School - of which Hatsumi is the 28th Grandmaster.

The Kukishin techniques shown are those organised by and have come down via Takamatsu Sensei.

Beginning with sabaki-fundementals of movement it then covers 8 aspects of bojutsu from defensive moves to immobilisations. This includes bo, jo, hanbo and tessen techniques (different sizes of stick or staff) and henka (variations) of techniques.

This book is published by Kodansha International. For those in the know, this is as huge ‘guarantee’ of quality as any other - I’ve only ever seen them publish the very best amongst the best of titles.

For Bujinkan practioners there are familiar techniques of Take Ori, Oni Kudaki, Ganseki Otoshi , etc. Whilst fully exploring the unique characteristics of the bo, the universality of taijutsu means that this book will also apply to empty-hand.

It is presented in a format worthy of a Japanese artist. Fine illustrations are added to the very clear photos of the younger Grandmaster’s demonstration. Much attention has been also paid to clear, uncluttered layout that flows with the description. Often the double page spread is used to full effect with the images moving across between the pages.

Overall this book is ideal for practioners of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu looking for a practical book, for anyone interested in traditional Japanese martial arts or for anyone interested in stick and staff fighting from any or no tradition.

Sample reading: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=0tHG6ryRJeUC&dq=STICK+FIGHTING+HATSUMI&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=WtzcyXdJUR&sig=sM5cy_5A1lf-h30AK-UGkB2fBN0&hl=en&ei=mLXASsuaMMbRjAegq-FC&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

TENGU WARRIOR NETWORK

Kata Requirements

12th Kyu:

How to tie Obi and fold Keiko.
History and Traditions of the Bujinkan. Shihan Castan & Hatsumi Soke.
Rei: Tachi and Seiza and Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo.
Dojo Etiquette, Health, Safety and Hygiene.
Understanding Sensei/Deshi (Japanese Teacher/Student) relationships.
Understanding Sempai/Kohai (Japanese Senior/Junior) relationships.
Grade and rank progressions knowledge, (Titles, Belts, Badges & Stars)
Junan Taiso
Shi Ho Ten Chi Tobi
Kamae no Kata

11th Kyu:

Taihenjutsu Ukemi gata (Kihon)

10th Kyu:

Hoken Juroppo Ken
Shi Ho Geri

9th Kyu:

Shoshin Go Kei Gogyo no Kata (Sanshin no Kata)

8th Kyu:

Kihon Happo

7th Kyu:

Muto Dori
Hajutsu Hyu Ho

6th Kyu:

Torrite Kihon Dori
Happo Keri henka

5th Kyu:

Gyaku Gi

4th Kyu:

Nage Kata

3rd Kyu:

Ryu Sui Iki
Shime Waza

2nd Kyu:

Suwari Gata

1st Kyu:

Uko
Nage Kaeshi

Shodan:

Keri to Tzuki Tzuki no Keri
Muto Dori
Santo Tonko no Kata

Nidan:

Gyokko Ryu Jo Ryaku no Maki Jukuu Gata
Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu

Sandan:

Kukishinden Ryu Uchi Waza
Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu
Koto Ryu Shoden no Kata Juhachi Gata

Yodan:

Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu
Gyokko Ryu Chu ryaku no Maki
Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu
Koto Ryu Chuden no Kata

Godan:

Tantojutsu
Shurikenjutsu
Tessenjutsu
Kyoketsu Shoge
Kusari Fundo
Kenjutsu
Hanbojutsu
Bojutsu

Rokudan:

Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu Shoden no Kata
Kukishinden Ryu Dakentaijutsu Sabaki gata
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Eri Shime Waza
Gyokko Ryu Mutodori Gedan Hachi Gata Ge ryaku no Maki
Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu Shoden no Kata

Shichidan:

Koto Ryu Okuden no Kata
Shindenfudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu Ten no Kata
Kukishinden Ryu Jojutsu - Waza
Kukishinden Ryu Dakentaijutsu Shoden no Kata

Hachidan:

Togakure Ryu Bikenjutsu - Kamae, Itto Giri, Happo Bikenjutsu
Shindenfudo Ryu Jutaijutsu Shoden no Kata
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu Hekito no Kata Hachi Gata

Kudan:

Kukishinden Ryu Yarijutsu
Shindenfudo Ryu Koku no Kata

Judan:

Kukishinden Ryu Naginatajutsu
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Muto Dori

TENGU WARRIOR NETWORK

Time Served Requirements For Grading

KIHON WAZA

12th Kyu: 3 months or 10 hours
11th Kyu: 3 months or 12 hours
10th Kyu 3 months or 14 hours

TEN RYAKU KIHON

9th Kyu: 3 months or 16 hours
8th Kyu: 3 months or 20 hours
7th Kyu: 3 months or 30 hours

CHI RYAKU KIHON

6th Kyu: 6 months or 40 hours
5th Kyu: 6 months or 50 hours
4th Kyu: 6 months or 60 hours

JIN RYAKU KIHON

3rd Kyu: 9 months or 70 hours
2nd Kyu: 9 months or 80 hours
1st Kyu: 9 months or 90 hours

TEN RYAKU NO MAKI

1st Dan - Shodan: 1 year or 100 hours
2nd Dan - Nidan: 2 years or 200 hours
3rd Dan - Sandan: 3 years or 300 hours

CHI RYAKU NO MAKI

4th Dan - Yodan: 4 years or 400 hours
5th Dan - Godan: 5 years or 500 hours
6th Dan - Rokudan: 6 years or 600 hours

JIN RYAKU NO MAKI

7th Dan - Shichidan: 7 years or 700 hours
8th Dan - Hachidan: 8 years or 800 hours
9th Dan - Kudan: 9 years or 900 hours

10th Dan - Judan: 10 years or 1000 hours

Shihan Alfredo Castan, Chigyo Happo Biken - 2009