KIHON HAPPO
The “Kihon Happo” can be translated as “Basic Eight Ways” and is the core of the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu hand to hand fighting system. Through these “eight ways” or “eight paths” are the keys to understanding the real essence of Taijutsu.
Mastering Taijutsu is a test of perseverence and endurance. By mastering the “eight paths” you are learning to master your personal potential. The Kihon Happo of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is designed to help you learn to survive the worst 10 seconds of your life, or you can spend your time looking for life insurance quotes.
Kosshi Kihon Sanpo
- Ichimonji No Kata
- Hicho No Kata
- Jumonji No Kamae
Torite Kihon Gata
- Omote Gyaku
- Omote Gyaku Tsuki
- Ura Gyaku
- Musha Dori - Ude Jime Ashi Ori Gata
- Ganseki Nage
- Oni-kudaki or Omote Gyaku Ken Sabaki Gata
- Ura Kote Gyaku
* All the “Kata” mentioned above, in the Japanese language, will be examined and explained within your training.
The “Kihon Happo”, Technique Versus Principle
“Technique”
- A method or skill used for a particular task.
- Proficiency in a practical or mechanical skill
“Principle”
- A basic truth, law or assumption
- A rule or law concerning the functioning of natural phenomena or mechanical processes
- A basic source
“Taijutsu”
- Body art or art of moving the body
“Kihon Happo”
The “Basic Eight” kata providing the principles underlying the foundations of Taijutsu.
Each kata demonstrates the fundamentals of movement, breathing, distance, timing, balance and the manipulation of the body/skeletal structure. Each of these eight kata can be varied to further demonstrate principles of the above fundamentals. The purpose is to elaborate more advanced or more subtle ways to use Taijutsu. When, for instance, one performs Jumonji no Kata this is not a technique, it is a form that demonstrates many underlying principles.
For instance:
Having a low centre of gravity, a strong base, to strike using the hips and legs and not just the arms, to move away from the attack, to breathe at the appropriate moments, i.e. in when avoiding out on striking. How to form the hands when striking. This also demonstrates the use of crossing from one side of the body to the other.
Once the basic form of Jumonji no kata is learnt, one can leave the rigid form behind and develop a more subtle movement. One can internalise the movement so that it is natural to move in such a way. To vary (henka) the form of Jumonji no kata is to further break down the principles so that they not only can be studied in detail but can be taken and used in a variety of circumstances. At no point do any of these variations (henka) become “techniques”. Taijutsu has no techniques it only has principles. These principles form the backbone or supporting pillar of the martial arts in the same way the “Kihon Happo” becomes the foundation of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
Kuden - Chaos
Soke Hatsumi has been known to have said that techniques are dead. If we think of a fight or self defence situation as chaos then trying to control from within this chaos will not work. However to apply principles to allow you to ride out the chaos leaves room for survival.
By Rob Suckley Shidoshi Ho