Learn to walk before you run ! An article by Hatsumi Sensei. This is another article from Hatsumi Sensei.All I can say is that I wish I could do the things included in this articl e. We tried Shinden Fudo Ryu Ukemi the other day and I failed miserabl y. LOL. Never mind this is for the more acrobatic bugeisha amongst us.
Before discussing further techniques, I would like to point out that when one decides decides to study ninjutsu one must also realise that the t he true study involves many, many aspects, including tradition and history. It is not enough to concentrate on just the physical techniques or the weapons. There are so many misconceptions about the ninja; especially in the West where they are characterised in sensational movies, television shows and books as little more than a ruthless assassins and spies for hire. They are portrayed as black clad magicians with supernatural powers who can appear and disappear at will; who can swim like fish or fly like a bird; who can walk on water or predict the future. There are, of course, those ninja who can execute their craft so well that they the y give an appearance of being able to perform these super human feats; but appearances, as you must know, can be deceiving. Ninpo is a science, not black magic. As for the ninja have being depicted depicted as mere mercenaries, mercenaries, this is an unfortunate magnification of isolated cases. Certainly there were "rogue" ninja, as there were rogue samurai or sailors or anyone an yone who went awry of the code of justice they had sworn to. But these were minor compared to the whole. Those of you who have read my book, Ninjutsu: History and Tradition, will will probably recall that portion dealing with this aspect. Rather than seeing themselves as mercenaries or thugs, the ninja "considered themselves to be merely practitioners of political, religious and military strategies that were cultural opposites of the conventional outlooks of the times. Ninjutsu developed as a highly illegal counter culture to the ruling samurai elite, and for this reason alone, the origins of the art were shrouded by centuries of mystery, concealment and deliberate confusion of history." The history of the Ninpo, in fact, is marked by b y a strong code of moral and just behaviour that applies not only to
the fighting or military aspects, to the everyday life of the ninja. And learning to attain sei shin (or right mind) is essential to becoming a ninja. Some facets of the moral code are: · Loyalty, bravery and trustworthiness. · He must be fair minded; exposed to the different ways of thinking and the customs of different types of people · He must also be a man of virtue and commitment, willing to defend justice without selflessness and without fear of death. · He must not engage in petty arguments or have double standards. Then there is the understanding of the spirit of Budo, the samurai, the perfect gentleman-kind hearted, understanding and devoted to his training. Being called a ninja is a great honour, like being called a great samurai. One who seeks peace and enlightenment, not violence.
The flying bird also tumbles Hicho kaiten is a very special, secret technique with many variations. In real life birds not only fly, they land and walk and run in particular ways. So,too, must the ninja learn not only to jump and elevated himself, but how to land from various heights in various positions; how to "blanket" his fallen opponent or to elude the night stalking swordbearer and his cohorts. This is just one of the countless reasons why the study of nature is all important when learning ninjutsu.
Conditioned reflexes To be able to perform the many twisting, turning leaps and rolls, the student must be certain to condition himself, to exercise and stretch properly. Flexibility of the hip joint is an absolute essential to ensure mobility. Good, supple muscle tone and resili ence are key factors for avoiding injury. At times the ninja out must elevate quickly without warning, or dive headlong that the ground, or sideways out of the swords slashing path; alwa ys the the ninja must have the presence of mind to act with control and understanding of the situation so that shuriken, blinding powder or a handful of dirt can be brought to into instant play as an added
measure of defence. So you see, there is no "magic" in being a ninja. There is, instead, quite a lot of hard, intelligent work involved.
1/ Hatsumi Sensei stands composed while being held by two would be assailants 2/ he then quickly and unexpectedly drops straight down 3/ and backward, breaking their hold while at the same time grasping they're wrist. 4/ From this basic position, Hatsumi Sensei can to either side, striking his opponents at the neck or head. 5/ or, if Hatsumi Sensei prefers, he can continue his backward roll 6/ maintaining his wrist holds to force them into submission
