Training

There are a number of  Bujinkan Buyu Dojos in California, and a training group in Kenosha, WI, as well as other Buyu groups popping up here and there.   Check the Internet Yellow Page on the WIN site for  training opportunities in other areas.  Fees may differ in other areas.

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ABOUT THE BUJINKAN BUYU DOJO TRAINING

The Bujinkan is a set of nine Japanese martial art schools (or styles):

- Togakure Ryu Ninpo

- Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu

- Kuki Shinden Ryu Happo Hiken

- Koto Ryu Koppojutsu

- Gikan Ryu Koppo

- Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu

- Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo

- Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu

- Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu

Included are hitting, grappling, escaping, and weapons systems. These martial arts are not sport martial arts. Therefore there are no formal competitions or tournaments. Ranks are awarded when the student demonstrates competency and an appropriate level of commitment.

Training is for:

- Acquiring the capability of defending self and others

- Maintaining a compassionate attitude toward others

- Cultivating a natural lifestyle

The Grandmaster is Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda, Japan.

Initially, the curriculum will consist of:

- Junan Taiso conditioning and flexibility exercises

- Ukemi injury prevention

- San shin no kata exercises for developing a strong body and clear spirit

- Kihon Happo fighting scenarios

The training will evolve eventually into a wider curriculum including:

- Kata advanced fighting scenarios from the different ryu-ha

- Henka fight variations

- Budogu martial art fighting tools:

- bojutsu stick-fighting (including, hanbo, jo, rokushakubo, yari, and naginata/bisento)

- tantojutsu and kenjutsu blade-fighting

- kusari-fundojutsu flexible weapons-fighting

The official Bujinkan guidelines for training may be found here:

http://www.bujinkan.com/guidelines.htm

Dojo Etiquette:

Black Japanese martial arts do-gis (training uniforms) and an appropriate colored belt are worn in our training. If you already have a white training uniform, there is no need to buy a new one until you wish to or the old one wears out. Belt ranks are as follows:

Although we take a relaxed approach to the training, certain formalities (bowing, etc.) are observed while actually involved in giving and receiving instruction.

In the adults class, we do not use honorifics as a rule, but they are not inappropriate. Geniality and respect between all training members, student and teacher, is the rule and will be observed. Students should also be aware of certain politenesses that will make them more comfortable if there should be an opportunity to go to Japan and study, or if a Japanese instructor visits us.

Treat your seniors with respect, your juniors with care. In Japan there is what is known as a sempai/kohai or senior/junior system. This system is not part of American culture. Still, due to the inherent danger in all real martial arts training, more experienced members must ensure that new members are safe and feel so. It is also their responsibility to make all new training members and guests feel welcome in the dojo. New members must be observant and are encouraged to ask questions of the more experienced.

The classes are conducted in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere with the emphasis on safety. The reason for this is because, as mentioned, the techniques are real and have not been adapted for use as a sport. They must be practiced in a certain way or injury will result.

Realistic fight distancing is used at all times. Therefore the speed at which technique exchanges occur must be appropriate for the level and ability of the participants; training dynamics must be mutually agreed on in advance by "attacker" and "receiver."

All members train together when possible. There is no "caste" system. Rank and seniority bring responsibility rather than privilege.

Philosophy:

Our philosophy is simple: Protect life. Live according to nature and the natural law. All people's lives are equal (even if their behavior isn't) and must be respected, and if possible, protected.

As Hatsumi Sensei wrote: "Shinobi no ho, or Ninja methods, are for discerning what is right for the world, enduring, training to become a moral being, becoming aware of one's destiny, and dedicating one's life to other people or the world as a whole."

In addition to Hatsumi Sensei's teachings, our training group has adopted the "Ethical Warrior" philosophy of the late Robert L. Humphrey. Mr. Hoban is also one of the founders and remains a Subject Matter Expert for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.  Accordingly, there are certain aspects of our training that strongly reflect those influences.

Those that agree with our training philosophy, will be instructed in the skills needed to support that perspective, regardless of age, health, gender, or cultural distinction. On the other hand, we are not an "obedience school." If you cannot summon up the personal discipline to train with a friendly and courteous demeanor, you will probably feel out of place and quit the training. People who are looking for a competitive, aggressive atmosphere will probably be disappointed and quit as well. Make no mistake, however, the training is challenging. Once you acquire the skills, you will be capable of walking through life as a warrior knight.