Bujinkan: Living Warrior Dojo Blog - BUJINKAN: LIVING-WARRIOR DOJO

Martial Arts Blog

BUJINKAN: LIVING-WARRIOR DOJO

Similar but different

10/12/2023

I'm sharing another Youtube video from Jesse the Karate Nerd. In the Bujinkan we have a strike called a Tsuki, it is based on a sword or spear thrust, so that it matches our weapons training without modification. It is often said that no one punches like that anymore. And it is true, very few use a punch like a Tsuki anymore. However, this recent video shows a punch that is similar, while still having many differences. But the core idea is the same, using a unilateral strike to deliver a powerful blow without having to waste too much effort or energy such as one does with contralateral punches. Enjoy. Also, what do you see as similarities and differences between this body jab in the video, and a Tsuki with Fudoken?

Fantasy Book Based on Bujinkan Gokui

10/4/2023

If you are interested in fantasy novels, or fiction in general, this book is a must read. Buy it here on Amazon. What is so great about this book is that it is based on Bujinkan Gokui. However, the Gokui are not mentioned in relation to the Bujikan. So anyone interested in martial arts, particularly Japanese martial arts will enjoy this book. While it is not set in Japan, but instead in a fictional fantasy world with a great magic system, those interested in old warrior philosophy will love the book's codes and magic system. So, even if you practice a more modern system of martial arts like Karate, Kempo, Aikido, Kendo, Judo, Iaido, etc., or even non-Japanese martial arts like Taekwondo, Kungfu, or even Jiujitsu (BJJ), you will really enjoy the book and the story telling. It is neat to see how the author uses these philosophies (gokui) from the Bujinkan and creates a magic system and code of honor with them, and yet still manages to create an analog to the reader's daily life.

Take a stand

10/2/2023

Here is an interesting videos by Jesse, the Karate Nerd. He makes some really strong points in this video, the same ones I've made time and time again. However, I do think there are some weak points to his arguments. But, the point that old warriors didn't go to the ground is correct and in self-defense against multiple attackers you need to stay on your feet is absolutely correct also. I don't agree that this video is proof that jiujitsu doesn't work, jiujitsu practitioners can be very skilled. Old-style Japanese jujutsu avoids going to the ground for the express reason that in battle, while wearing armor, you don't want to get locked into a grappling match on the ground because there are so many dynamics in play: broken weapons on the ground, the opposing side's soldiers who may be looking for a new opponent and seeing their comrade in trouble on the ground, etc. In Bujinkan we do have some ground fighting methods, these are called Suwari Gata and are considered a way of dealing with bad situations where we find ourselves on the ground. Just in case...

Ninjutsu from the viewpoint of a Karate-ka

9/29/2023

I frequently enjoy Jesse's videos, largely because he realized years ago the karate in the USA is not taught the same as it's origins and went on the journey of discovery from there. This video is a fun watch as he does a collaboration with a well known Bujinkan member, Kacem Zoughari.

Kutaki no Mura #15

9/29/2023

In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was a Bujinkan focused forum, administered by a Japan resident, it was called Kutaki no Mura. At one point, they created a podcast called Kutaki no Ha. Even though the website is no longer around, the podcast is being uploaded episode by episode to Youtube. For those who are interested, I will post them here to this blog.

Podcast #15, DKMS Review

Kutaki no Mura #14

9/14/2023

In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was a Bujinkan focused forum, administered by a Japan resident, it was called Kutaki no Mura. At one point, they created a podcast called Kutaki no Ha. Even though the website is no longer around, the podcast is being uploaded episode by episode to Youtube. For those who are interested, I will post them here to this blog.

Podcast #14, Training and Koku Ideas

Kutaki no Ha #13

8/28/2023

In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was a Bujinkan focused forum, administered by a Japan resident, it was called Kutaki no Mura. At one point, they created a podcast called Kutaki no Ha. Even though the website is no longer around, the podcast is being uploaded episode by episode to Youtube. For those who are interested, I will post them here to this blog.

Podcast #13, Rob Renner

Mat cutting is not kenjutsu

8/28/2023

This is something I talk about frequently in the dojo. It can be very controversial. My Sensei has discussed this at length, and so I share what he teaches. Mat cutting (Tamashigiri or Shizan) was developed as a way to test the sharpness of blades. It is not how sword masters used their blades to make cuts in combat. This Kensei (sword saints) in particular would not have cut with their swords the way mat cutting is done. But don't just take my word for it, or the word of my Sensei. Watch this video from the Soke of a completely separate Japanese sword system, but one that is quite old like our system is. This level of understanding is not found in martial arts (really martial sports) developed in the modern age.

Kutaki no Ha #12

6/13/2023

In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was a Bujinkan focused forum, administered by a Japan resident, it was called Kutaki no Mura. At one point, they created a podcast called Kutaki no Ha. Even though the website is no longer around, the podcast is being uploaded episode by episode to Youtube. For those who are interested, I will post them here to this blog.

Podcast #12, Training Insights

Kutaki no Ha #11

5/31/2023

In the late 1990s and early 2000s there was a Bujinkan focused forum, administered by a Japan resident, it was called Kutaki no Mura. At one point, they created a podcast called Kutaki no Ha. Even though the website is no longer around, the podcast is being uploaded episode by episode to Youtube. For those who are interested, I will post them here to this blog.

Podcast #11, Mats Helm

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