From Budoshop.se by BUDOSHOP.SE BATON FIGHTING Techniques with Mats Hjelm. In April 2024, Mats Hjelm conducted an enlightening seminar on Jutte techniques in Helsinki, Finland, organized by Bujinkan Sakura Dojo. In this video, Mats Hjelm explores the art of Jutte-jutsu through the lens of Gyokkō-ryū Sanshin no Kata and Kukishin-ryū Jutte techniques. He demonstrates fundamental “Kōda” techniques, designed for countering both unarmed and armed opponents, alongside Kata specifically tailored for sword attacks. Additionally, Mats adapts ten techniques from Kodachijutsu for use with the Jutte. High ..read more

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael Bujinkan training in Japan isn’t only about training. Sometimes it is about cultural experiences you might have there. And sometimes you might even find healing in the dojo! I began this day in Japan with a visit to 美術刀剣松本 Bijutsu Tōken Matsumoto in 西葛西 Nishikasai with my teacher Peter Crocoll. He brought a tsuka from home to be refurbished with new 柄巻 tsukamaki and fittings. We had some nice tea while Peter and Matsumoto-san swapped stories about their experience at this year’s 大刀剣市 Dai Tōken Ichi sword show. While they chatted, I wandered the shop look ..read more

From paart budo buki by buki stolar Suburi Naginata? dear Budo friends, I'm slowly getting back to making wooden equipment for martial arts. Here is another project of mine, I can't say if something like this already exists in the world of Budo, but this is one of my contributions to those who take their martial art seriously. Since Naginata is a separate weapon and skill in some schools, I believe that serious practitioners need to raise their training to a slightly higher level, especially those practitioners who practice cutting with a real Naginata. So it is a Naginata, which is slightly ..read more

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael I start off my Japan Report Four video going to Hatsumi Sensei’s house and the Bujinkan Honbu office. I do this on every trip because this is how I submit my rank paperwork for my students. In the video I talk about my “secret” route to his house. I also recall past times when I could just visit and have tea with Soke. During my walk to his house, I review some of my notes from old classes with Soke. During one class he said 自分の第六感兼ねあいうち Jibun no dairokkan kane aiuchi. This is when you make your intuition match reality. Or, more directly, your intuition ..read more

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by admin In the realm of stealth and strategy the Ninja once harnessed 海蛍 Umi Hotaru, sea-fireflies (Vargula hilgendorfii) a remarkable natural phenomenon as a nighttime guide. This essay delves into their ingenious use of these bioluminescent creatures for night operations. The Art of Light in Darkness The Ninja sought clear seas with sandy bottoms, ideal habitats for sea-fireflies. Using bait, they attracted and collected these luminous beings with precision. Ninjas kept them alive until needed, showcasing an exceptional understanding of nature and resourcefu ..read more

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by admin Introduction Fighter Magazine 1999 #2 Fighter Magazine 1999 #2 Fighter Magazine 1999 #2 In December 1998, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Daikomyosai, a martial arts event held in Japan. Daikomyosai, also known as Taikai, is an annual gathering of martial artists from around the world. This event is unique, primarily because it is presided over by Soke Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the head instructor of the Bujinkan organization. In this essay, I will provide insights into my experiences during Daikomyosai, the rigorous training sessions, and the dive ..read more

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael Last night Paul Masse invited me and my teacher Peter over to his house in Noda-shi. While we were in the backyard swapping stories, his wife Tomoe invited us inside to a warm dinner of ちゃんこ鍋 chankonabe. She and Paul are very friendly and generous. Paul asked Peter what he found at the antique weapons market. Peter said that he was looking for 矢の根 yanone, which are arrowheads. He also said he bought a tsuba with a giant centipede on it. Paul was curious about this so Peter told us the story behind it. He told us 俵藤太物語 Tawara Tōda monogatari, the legend o ..read more

From 武神館兜龍 Bujinkan Toryu by admin I was translating another Hiden Magazine article for Bujinkan.online and came up on the following segment about Hatsumi Sōkes experience about his 1964 TV appearance om 忍術千一夜 NINJUTSU SENICHIYA (The Art of Ninja in 1001 Nights). NINJUTSU SENICHIYA was a segment to the Toei Animation TV anime 少年忍者風のフジ丸 “Shōnen Ninja Kaze no Fujimaru” (Fujimaru of the Wind: The Childhood of a Ninja) aired from June 7, 1964, to August 31, 1965. Hatsumi Sōke showcased and explained various aspects of Ninjutsu and ninja tools, particularly from the Togakure-ryū school. The segment ..read more

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael Morning Song at 月野宮神社 Tsukinomiya Jinja, photo: Michael Glenn On this day of my Bujinkan Japan Training trip, I began with a visit to the the 月野宮神社 Tsukinomiya Jinja Flea Market. There, I found an impromptu concert from a local guy with a guitar. And I also found many antique swords, jutte, and miscellaneous weapons. I finish by sharing a lesson from Hatsumi Sensei about 弱いも支点 yowai mo shiten, using your weakness as a pivot point. If you want to support my work, sign up to Rojodojo, and you can watch the full video: Japan Report Two 令和5年 During m ..read more

From Bujinkan Santa Monica by Michael Every Bujinkan trip I make to Japan feels like a gift. And I always share that with you all in my Japan reports. This trip, I decided to video a lot. Like every day. So there will be quite a few of these. The only issue is that it takes me time to edit all of this video, so these Japan reports may spread out into next year. The first video is here: Japan Report One 令和5年 The first day of any Bujinkan trip to Japan starts with a marathon. 20 hours of travel by Plane train, and automobile. Also, a lot of walking with a heavy backpack up and down stairs ..read more