ASHLAND BUJINKAN BUYU DOJO Student Manual

This manual is a compilation of stories, articles and information deemed pertinent for our dojo. Thanks in advance go to the many teachers and instructors for the information contained herein.

Contents
ABOUT OUR DOJO .............................................................................................................................................. 2 PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 MEMBERSHIP & CLASS INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 3 CARE OF THE DOJO ............................................................................................................................................ 3 DOJO ETIQUETTE ................................................................................................................................................ 4 Bowing: ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 TRAINING INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 5 Hitori Geiko (Solo Training) ............................................................................................................................... 5 BASICS ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 Kamae ............................................................................................................................................................. 6 SEISHOKU - Diet and General Health Practices ................................................................................................... 6 CORE PRINCIPLES OF SEISHOKU: ............................................................................................................... 6 Some other thoughts on health and diet .......................................................................................................... 7 RANKING SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Shoshinsha (white belt) Curriculum.................................................................................................................... 8 Initiate (Green Belt) Curriculum ......................................................................................................................... 9 Dan (black belt) Information & Ranking .......................................................................................................... 12 REFERENCES TO TAKE A LOOK AT ............................................................................................................. 15 FINAL NOTE ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

ABOUT OUR DOJO

The Bujinkan Dojo (translated as divine-warrior school) is a school of martial art practitioners under Soke (grandmaster) Masaaki Hatsumi. Our group branch is known as the BuYu Dojo (warrior-friends school) which was instituted by Jack Hoban from New Jersey and there are now several BuYu groups around the world. The Bujinkan Dojo has roots stemming from nine traditional Japanese martial art schools: Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu "Regard for Justice Bone Method School" Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu "The Jeweled Tiger School of Essential Teachings" Koto Ryu Koppojutsu "Knocking Down the Tiger Bone Method School " Kukishinden Ryu Happo Bikenjutsu "Tradition of the Nine Demons School of Secret Sword Arts" Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu "Tradition of the Immovable Spirit School of Body Striking Arts" Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu "Heart of the Willow School of Gentle Body Arts" Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu "Hidden Door School of Enduring Heart Body Arts" Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu "Hidden Behind the Clouds School of Enduring Heart Methods" Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu "Jeweled Heart School of Enduring Heart Methods"

Included are striking, grappling, strategy, and weapons systems. These martial arts are not and never were sport martial arts. Therefore there are no formal competitions or tournaments. Rank is awarded when the student demonstrates competency and appropriate level of commitment. Training is for: Acquiring the capability of defending self and others Maintaining a compassionate attitude towards others Cultivating a natural lifestyle The current Grandmaster is Masaaki Satsuma Hatsumi of Noda, Japan Head Instructor Ashland: Greg Weiss. Greg has been training in various martial arts since 1982 and currently holds a shidoshi (full teaching license) in the Bujinkan system. He has also led wilderness trips in North and South America and currently owns and operates Lost Creek Adventures & Folk School.

PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is simple: Protect life. Live according to nature and the natural laws. All peoples lives are equal (even if their behavior is not) and must be respected, and if possible, protected. Those who agree with this philosophy will be instructed in the skills needed to support that philosophy, 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 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. There is always some tendency to compare one martial art with another. This is natural. The Bujinkan system of martial arts however, is not only a different style, it has different historical roots than the martial arts generally represented in martial arts schools in the USA. That makes comparisons difficult. Remember also that the Bujinkan is made up of nine different traditions. Therefore the range of techniques and strategic philosophies is much broader that in most schools that represent one tradition. A further complication is that when one person practices or teaches all nine, those differences tend to blur. But let us address the historical or root differences. Perhaps an analogy will help. Compare the background of these two great American generals: George Washington and Geronimo. The comparison is difficult isnt it? They were such different people, from such different backgrounds and cultures, even though they both lived in the same country. The analogy is a bit weak, but there were two different warrior cultures in Japan as well. For sake of simplicity, lets refer to the official warrior cult as the samurai. That is the culture that spawned most of the karate styles being taught in America today, including Korean karate. The Bujinkan is the counter-culture martial tradition of Japan. In other words, if you studied Washingtons strategies before, youre re now studying Geronimos. This issue will become clear with time if you like our training method and continue on.

MEMBERSHIP & CLASS INFORMATION

Regular classes are held Monday and Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m.. These times correspond to a hour of more basic skills and then an hour for those who are committed to training further. Dues are $20.00 per month (8sessions) or $3/class. 1st class is a trial and is free. Currently enrolled Northland College students are not charged a fee for classes. Attendance is your responsibility. Besides weekly classes there are occasional workshops & seminars, which will cover various training topics. (weapons, survival, outside classes, etc) The cost and subjects for these special events will be announced as they are planned. Our class forum is on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/136922546329165/ Please join as soon as you are able as this forum will provide you class scheduling updates, as well as files and links for training information.

CARE OF THE DOJO

All students are responsible for the care of the Dojo. As you enter the doors please begin to prepare the school for training, potential visitors, and guests. Prepare the lights Prepare the mats for training. This means clean them, sweep them, and move them tightly together. Remember there are no shoes allowed on the mats at any time. Greet visitors and new students and make them feel welcome After training make sure the mats are put away.

DOJO ETIQUETTE
Black Japanese martial arts do-gis (training uniforms) and 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. Although we take a relaxed approach to training, certain formalities (bowing, etc.) are observed while actually involved in giving and receiving instruction. In childrens classes, adults are addressed as Mr. or Ms.: the teacher can also be called Sensei. In the adult class, we do no 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 politeness that will make them more comfortable if there should be an opportunity to go to Japan and study or if an instructor from another school 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 a part of American culture. However, 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 an emphasis on safety. The reason for this is because, as mentioned, the techniques shown 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, and training dynamics must be mutually agreed upon in advance between you and your training partners. (Uke and Nage/Itte). All members train together when possible. Rank and seniority bring more responsibility than privilege. There is no caste system, however since our training hours are scheduled as first hour-basics, and second hourapplication, (i.e. beginning/advanced) I encourage senior students to work with junior students the first hour, but with more of a division among rank the second hour. This is so that senior students may amp up their training during the latter half of the class.

Bowing:
Training begins with all members kneeling in seiza facing the front wall of the dojo. The instructor intones the following: And then the motto: SHI-KIN HARA-MITSU DAI-KO-MYO This phrase cannot be translated directly into English. One interpretation is: A moment of true interaction between mind and spirit may lead to enlightenment or BE HERE NOW All clap twice, bow, clap once, and bow again. Students and teacher then bow to each other at the same time and say: (Before training commences) O-NE-GAI-SHI-MAS (Please assist me) And after training: DO-MO A-RI-GA-TO GO-ZAI-MAS (Thank you very much) You will find that most of our training is done in pairs. There is very little shadow boxing. You can do that at home. When working with a training partner, it is customary to bow before and after a training segment. Exchange names if you dont know one another. The full Dojo manual can be found at: http://groups.google.com/group/buyu

TRAINING INFORMATION
Our training is made up of learning techniques and forms, as well as perspective (philosophy, strategy & tactics) and spiritual development. Beginning students train mostly in technique and form, in order to get the physical aspects down well enough to have them come without much thought. Later, a student begins to incorporate perspective into the training. The techniques may be the same, but layers of understanding are added every time they are practiced. Eventually students should be able to forget the forms, and be able to perform many variations on them including the use of Kyojitsu (manipulation of truth and falsehood) and Kiai (spirit shout) all with real fight timing. In this vain, you should be careful to always train at your highest level, so as not to become stuck in one way of training or thinking. Always push yourself towards the next level so that you may grow as a martial artist!

Shu - Learn the forms Study, practice and absorb the forms that exist within the art. Only by learning these forms can we gain the understanding of the dynamic relationship between distance, balance and timing and the world in which we exist. Ha - Experiment and break the forms Once a solid understanding of the forms has been gained we should experiment by changing the distance or timing. Are we able to break balance differently? Are we able to easily apply a weapons application to the form? Are we able to find different strategies and tactics within a form? Ri - Leave the forms behind Once we are able to break the forms apart easily we should be able to freeflow within our taijutsu. This means that we do not look at forms but purely at strategies. At this level we should have the grounding in kihon (the basics) and the ability to alter that movement to suit the situation.

Hitori Geiko (Solo Training)

Class time is to learn new techniques and skills, as well as practice with a partner. However I cannot overstate how important self-training is outside of class. Another way to look at is as if you were a musician in a band. Practice with the group is important, but theres a whole lot of scales, notes, posture, technique, etc. to practice on your own if you want to be proficient. There are many forms of self training and you should be creative in your approach. Hitori Geiko has 3 stages; As you learn a form with a partner who acts as your opponent it is also important to remove the physical opponent and train alone as if there were a real opponent. You must train your minds eye (Me Kokoro) to clearly visualize, feel, and hear everything as if your opponent was really there. I find that it is easier to do this in a darkened environment like outside at night. You can train a single Kata in this manner focusing clearly on the movements of the form training to remove Bonno (mind stagnations). You should train in all 9 of the Kihon Happo Kata strung together without any breaks. This develops many higher functions of your mind. The third stage of Hitori Geiko solo training is to now even remove yourself physically from the training! Set aside some time to sit or lay down and visualize every aspect of the Kata in your minds eye only without physically moving at all. You must clearly see your part in the Kata as well as all the movements of the opponent. Hatsumi Sensei has told us stories on how when he does this training at night when he sleeps his wife is in danger next to him in bed and can't safely sleep with him because he uses Takamatsu Sensei as his opponent! He says he learns many new things as he does this as a form of Yume Waza (Dream techniques).

BASICS
When I refer to the basics I am talking about foundational skills, not beginning skills. A solid understanding and ability in all of the basics will lead to eventual mastery in application. The Tenchijin Ryaku No Maki (Heaven, Earth, Man Strategy Book) is a list of skills & techniques compiled by Hatsumi Sensei in order to guide us in our training of the basics. There are several different translations of it here: http://groups.google.com/group/buyu/files?upload=1

Following are some helpful reminders for what weve covered in class.

Kamae
Following is a kata that you can use to learn some of the kamae. (postures or attitudes)

SEISHOKU - Diet and General Health Practices

What we put into our body is obviously very important. Hatsumi Sensei recommends a mostly vegetarian diet, with plenty of daily walking. Traditionally, our ancestors were all meat eaters to some extent and we are designed to be able to eat meat. Each body is different and has different needs. However dont disguise need with habit or addiction! You need to have the discipline to know the difference and make the life-style changes necessary to live at your peak health.

CORE PRINCIPLES OF SEISHOKU:

Shindo Fuji - The body and earth are one, our diet links us to the earth. Means that your body is dependent on where you live. In other words, you should eat locally grown foods. Shushoku Doso Means that right breathing, right eating, right movement and right thought are the basis for a healthy lifestyle. The question for you to answer is; what is meant by "right"? Chisan Chisho - Means that you should produce foods and consume them in the same place or location where you live. Ichibutu Zentai - Means that you should eat whole foods. When you eat rice, eat brown rice. When you eat daikon, eat daikon and the leaves together. When you eat a fish, eat all of the fish as a whole.

Some other thoughts on health and diet from oriental medicine; Avoid excessive intake of: milk products, cheese, dairy, meat. Avoiding foods which make up the Nightshade Family such as Tomatoes, Potatoes, Zucchini is supposed to help with joint health. o More on Nightshades: Destroys the proper ratio of acidic to alkaline blood. It is important to keep your blood more alkaline then acidic. The balanced ratio is 70% alkaline 30% acidic. Diseases grow and flourish in the body only where the ratio of acidic blood is high. The Nightshade family is a poison. Foods in this category are the number one cause of Osteoarthritis (cartilage degeneration) in the joints. Quantity of Food: Take a little less than you feel you need. Fill 1/3 of your stomach with food, 1/3 with liquids and 1/3 empty to allow for the expansion of gases. The amount of food we eat is directly proportional to our life span. Dont over eat! The Art of Chewing: Eat slowly & chew food fully. Chew 30 to 50 times per bite. Put your fork (shovel) down between bites. Turn food into liquid in your mouth. Food must be properly mixed with saliva, and the enzymes and nutrients that get secreted from your brain if you chew well. The stomach has no teeth! Make food easy to digest, this extends to how we prepare our food as well. Chop up your food into small pieces that are easy to chew. You should serve your food this way as well to other people. The excessive chewing of gum can lead to stomach ulcers and digestive problems because no food is swallowed with our saliva. Care of the Spleen: Do not eat too many foods that are chilled such as ice-cream. Also, avoid flooding the spleen during meals by over drinking while eating. This dilutes the spleens functions and weakens digestion. Dedication: Always dedicate and sanctify your food before you eat! If a person eats with anger their food turns to poison. Fasting: Once a week take a 24 hour fast on natural liquids only. Avoid juices which are digested like a food. Fasting on a regular basis brings a rest to the energy taken up by our digestive system. It makes the body light and increases the energy of the body and mind. Regular fasting produces minimal negative side effect as opposed to longer more intense fasting methods used by many today. Break the fast slowly using the same time as the fast to return to your normal diet. Meditate: The practice of silence brings a rest from the mind which is always engaged in thinking, emotions, and other mental processes which depletes our energy. You may dedicate this quiet time to some purpose in life or for the distant healing and wellbeing of another person.

RANKING SYSTEM
Our branch of the Bujinkan school does not place a lot of emphasis on rank. Rank could be considered a private communication between teacher & student. The reason we earn rank is to know where we stand and how far we need to go in our understanding of this system, as well as show lesser ranked students that we have been in the system for a while and may be able to assist in teaching aspects of the art. The higher the rank, the more responsibility you have towards the art and one another in the dojo, and the better all techniques must be done. Lesser ranked students should actively seek out assistence from higher ranked students. This is part of your training as well! We have 3 colors of rank in the Bujinkan: white, green and black. White/green belt 9-7th kyu Ge Kyu - FOUNDATION To become a green belt usually takes 4 to 6 months. There are 9 levels of green belt, which run 9 to 1. In addition to being able to perform all requirements for 9th Kyu there are other important considerations such as, attendance and attitude or spirit (Kokoro). Also, you will continually be evaluated for your progress through the Kyu ranks. One is being introduced to the basic root skills of Taijutsu and Bukijutsu which are to be your foundation for all of your training in the Bujinkan. This is the most important training. One must have a solid, stable yet flexible foundation to build upon for further development no matter what art one is trying to master. You will be asked to teach various aspects of the art throughout the KYU stages in order to help others and test your own abilities.

6th 4th kyu Chu Kyu - FLEXIBILITY Continuing with the study of basic skills, one is now also focusing on opening up their body and their physical abilities to handle the training. 3-1st kyu Jo Kyu - STABILITY At this point a student is now working with their stability and knowledge of all basic skills in Taijutsu and Bukijutsu. A student is preparing for entrance into the Dan ranks and the many challenges and responsibilities that will be placed on them. Black Belt 1-5 - earth, water, fire, wind, void 6-10 omote (front side) 11-15 ura (back side) In general, it takes a minimum of 3 years to become a black belt. Besides the physical requirements you will be evaluated on your commitment to the training and its life ways as well as your service to the training group and our community. To be a Shodan you must complete a formal initiation demonstrating your proficiency of Taijutsu and Weapons training as well as your understanding of Ninpo. After Yondan (4th degree black belt) all ranks in the Bujinkan are issued by Hatsumi Sensei. There are 10 levels of black belt which run 1 through 10. There are 5 subdivisions of 10th degree Black belt (Judan). The eleventh to fifteenth degrees are broken into Chi (earth), Sui (water), Ka (fire), Fu (wind) and Ku (void); the Happo Hiken will be taught at these levels. The title of Shihan (master teacher) is awarded at fifteenth degree.

Shoshinsha (white belt) Curriculum

This introductory stage is designed to prepare an aspiring practitioner for full participation in the Bujinkan Buyu Dojo training system. This stage consists of three parts: 1. Dojo etiquette 2. basic ukemi 3. taijutsu fundamentals: kamae and sanshin no kata Usually a white belt is worn during this time frame. This alerts other training members to the fact that you do not yet possess a familiarity with the system. They in turn will take care to encourage and assist you. (A green belt indicates a person who is familiar with the system. A black belt indicates a person who has mastered the basics of the system and is in the process of internalizing them; or it could also mean tat the wearer is and instructor or aspiring instructor.) The time needed to move through this stage is usually 1 month for children and 3 to 6 months for adults. This is because the children will be drilled in these fundamentals; adults are expected to absorb the fundamentals and internalize them on a deeper level. 1. Dojo etiquette: a. perform standing bow b. perform kneeling bow c. Participate successfully in the ritual for beginning and ending a training session. d. Explain and correctly pronounce: i. Bujinkan ii. Togakure Ryu iii. Maasaki Hatsumi iv. Kamae v. Sanshin no kata vi. Ukemi

vii. BuYu viii. Ninpo ix. Taijutsu 2. Basic ukemi a. perform front shoulder roll b. perform back roll c. perform left and right side rolls d. perform front break fall 3. Taijutsu fundamentals a. kamae i. shizen no kamae ii. ichimonji no kamae iii. hira no kamae iv. jumonji no kamae v. hicho no kamae b. demonstrate the sanshin no kata i. chi no kata ii. sui no kata iii. Hi (ka) no kata iv. Fu no kata v. Ku no kata

Initiate (Green Belt) Curriculum

Students should have a basic knowledge and should know how to pronounce in Japanese and be able to translate meaning AND perform. Black electrical-type tape may be placed on belt according to rank: 1 for 8th kyu, 2 for 7th, etc.
Kukyu (9th Kyu) Junan taiso Kamae Defense: Striking Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, no star. what is it? shizen Ichimonji Jodan Uke nagashe Gedan Uke nagashe tsuki How to hold Fudoken Shuto Zenpo geri- front stomp kick Sokuho Geri- side stomp kick Omote Gyaku Ura gyaku Zenpo Kaiten basic front roll Basic back roll Basic side roll know how to properly hold training theme tool legal aspects of self-defense, Dojo Rei counting from 'one' through 'ten', Obi (belt) tying Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, one silverstar above.. practice on own jumonji

Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi

Training tools Translate/know

Hachikyu (8th Kyu) Junan taiso Kamae

Striking

Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi

San shin no gata-

Other technique Training tools Translate/know Nanakyu (7th Kyu) Junan Taiso Taihenjutsu

Hira shuto Boshiken - Thumb strike Juji geri Shikan Ken (nuckle strike); San Shitanken (three-finger-strike). jumonji Hicho front break fall Muto Dori with Bokken Cross front roll chi Sui Ka Fu Ku hon gyaku basic strikes of theme tool Migi, Hidari Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, two silver stars above. noticeable improvement in flexibility Roppo Tobi (6-way leaping) O Ten - handspring sideways back and side break fall hicho Hoko Shako Ken (handclaw) Dakentaijutsu Front toe geri Koho Geri (backward kick) ichi monji Oni kudaki sword cut evasion/diajodan/side roll Front break fall/catch roll understand basic breathing Grab escapes: Te Hodoki (wrist grabbing) basic escapes/avoidance

Kamae Striking

Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi San shin no kata Other technique Training tools Translate/know Rokkyu (6th Kyu) Junan taiso Kamae Striking Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi

San shin no kata Other technique

Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, three silverstars above. strength of core training seigan Fudoza hammer fist Juji geri ganseki nage Kaiten without using hands Kaiten while picking up an item. O Ten (handspring on one hand) Yoko aruki Cartwheel able to apply from various kamae Body grab escapes: Tai Hodoki (body grabbing).

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Training tools Translate/know Gokyu (5th Kyu) Junan taiso Kamae Striking Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi San shin no kata Other technique Training tools Translate/know

Itami Nage (painful throw). Show understanding of flow in movement Wrist lock-Roll onto stomach pin take downs/pins with tool Hanbo Jutsu (Kamae and basic techniques against unarmed attacker).

Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, four silverstars above. lead the class for a session doko Shuki Ken (elbow strike) Tai Ken (body strike) 1 variation for each flying breakfall left and right. hitting while rolling (with partner). able to apply to a weapon Harai Goshi (hip sweep). effective strikes from each: hanbo, bo, ken, teach all kihon happo basic waza with names 1 massage technique for bruises Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, one goldstar above. kosei Koppo Ken (nuckle strike) Sokki Ken (knee strike) Kata Ashi Tobi Geri (leaping kick with one foot) Kakushi Geri (hidden kick) able to apply to a weapon blind roll in crowd CPR certification Haneage (upwards snapping leg) Keri Kudaki (defense against kicks) 1 technique from each: hanbo, ken, Muto dori against knife, Kusari Fundo Jutsu (basic rope strikes without partner)

Yonkyu (4th Kyu) Kamae Striking

Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi Other technique

Training tools

Translate/know Sankyu (3rd Kyu) Kamae Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, two goldstars above. jodan Chudan Gedan Shitan Ken (fingertip strike) Ryo Ashi Geri (double feet kick). able to teach all basic forms correctly kip up able to teach correctly and give feedback on stance/movement Ryu Sui Iki ('sacrifice drops') Tomoe Nage (head throw) Tachi Nagare (body drop); Yoko Nagare (sideward drop); Te Makura ('hand-pillow' throw); Kuruma (wheel roll with Tomoe Nage]). First aid- first aid info and treatment for internal injury Ken Jutsu (Kamae and basic cuts from different Kamae).

Striking Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi San shin no kata Other technique

Training tools

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Translate/know Nikyu (2nd Kyu) Junan taiso Kamae Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, three goldstars above. what has student changed about life-style due to training? ten chi jin Ihen Heito Happa Ken (air pressure strike). teach henka Suwari Gata; Shikko (walk upon knees) Ura Take Ori / Omote Take Ori (wrist lock, 'breaking bamboo') Gyaku Nage (Joint-lock-throw) Shime Waza Go Kata (5 chokes): Hon Jime (basic choke); Gyaku Jime (reversed choke); Itami Jime (painful choke); Sankaku Jime (triangle choke); Do Jime (torso choke). Ken Jutsu including Shoto (basic techniques) Placing Shoto and Daito into the belt Kenjutsu Shinobi Iai (pulling out) Nouto (putting in)

Striking Kihon happo Taihenjutsu/Ukemi Other technique

Training tools

Translate/know Ikkyu (1st Kyu) Kamae Striking Taihenjutsu/Ukemi Other technique Patches: Bujinkan-patch with white characters, four goldstars above. mother tiger and cub Shishin Ken (one-finger-strike) Soku Gyaku Geri (snapping kick). Teotsuite Kuten to Teotsukasu Kuten - "Handsprings and Flips" complete 16 hour or better first aid course Kyusho (Atemi Jutsu in use); O Gyaku ('turnaround'). Uchimata Uchigake (inside throw); Taki Otoshi (cataract drop) Metsubushi (using blinding-powder). Bo/Jo Jutsu (Kamae and basic strikes). names of all 9 schools in Nippon & English

Training tools Translate/know

Dan (black belt) Information & Ranking

Shodan - earth/ground, grace under pressure, avoidance of injury, exemplify dojo etiquette and good training attitude. SOLIDITY A true student who understands the basics enough to apply to random situations. A student who now has a solid grasp of all basic skills and who understands the training involved in the Bujinkan. One now has sufficiently prepared their body to become further proficient in the martial arts. The student now has shown understanding of their growing responsibility to helping others as they progress further into the Dan ranks. One must have current first aid training. Nidan - water, advanced ukemi, able to diffuse conflict. CONTROL A student who is now capable of practicing more freely and safely with others in order to discover the feeling of real fighting (Jissen Gata). One is now capable of applying all their skills with a much deeper technical understanding leading to a greater degree of control.

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Sandan - fire, able to project ki. CENTEREDNESS At this level the student now shows more advancement in not only the technical aspects of the Bujinkan arts but its life ways and values. One has now had a breakthrough in their training to more than just technical skills and understanding. One understands that to truly balance themselves means to balance their life, work, health and selftraining. Yondan - wind, getting ready to sense martial wind of godan test. MULTIPLE ATTACKERS At this level the student has the ability to control group attacks. One is balancing their weak and strong points together. A student now has all their physical skills squared away as well as their understanding of the deeper implications of Ninpo and Budo. A Yondan is now working to become a solid candidate to have the option of having their own Bujinkan school and a full Shidoshi teaching license from Japan directly. Godan - SAKKIJUTSU This level of training is where true martial arts study begins by throwing yourself away into the world of Mushin (No Mind). To be a Godan one must successfully be able to perceive the intention behind an attack or dangerous situation in life beforehand. There is a formal test that is taken in Japan for this. Shodan (1st Dan) Belt: black Belt. Patches: Bujinkan-patch with black characters, no star. Preconditions: usually a minimum of three years training. First Aid Course-current Knowledge: Junan Taiso Taihen Jutsu (rolls on hard ground); Kihon Happo / Kihon Happo Kumite; Sanshin No Kata / Sanshin No Kata Kumite; Applied Tehodoki, Taihodoki and Ho Ken Ju Roppo. Comments: the above mentioned skills should be already tested during the Kyu-grades. A Dan-grade has to be able to explain these basic skills to beginners. Chokes: Shime Waza (only as a part of an attack or of a hold): Hon Jime Gyaku Jime Itami Jime Sankaku Jime Do Jime Joint locks (Gyaku Waza as an attack and as a defense): Take Ori (Omote Take Ori / Ura Take Ori) Omote Kote Gyaku Dori Ura Kote Gyaku Dori Hon Gyaku Omote Oni Kudaki Ura Oni Kudaki Musha Dori Muso Dori O Gyaku Throws (Nage No Kata as an attack and as a defense) Ganseki Nage Harai Goshi Gyaku Nage Taki Otoshi O Soto Gake / O Soto Nage Uchimata Uchigake Hane Age Itami Nage

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Ryu Sui Iki: Tomoe Nage Tachi Nage Yoko Nagare Te Makura Kuruma Suwari Gata: Mae Shikko / Ushiro Shikko defense from Za Kamae against attacks from Za Kamae Futaijutsu: unarmed defense against two attackers attacking at the same time. Armed techniques: Muto Dori- testing for avoidence defense against a Tanto defense against a Ken Hanbo Jutsu basic Kamae basic hits and strikes basic locks and holds Kusari Fundo: defense against an unarmed attack defense against an armed attack. Tanbo Jutsu / Jutte Jutsu: basic Kamae; defense against an unarmed attack; defense against an armed attack. Tanto Jutsu basic Kamae defense against an unarmed attack defense against an armed attack. Theory: Ninjutsu, Definition of self-defense Nidan (2nd Dan) Patches: Bujinkan-patch with black characters, one silverstar above. Preconditions: not earlier than one year after Shodan-test. Knowledge: complete contents of Kyu- and Shodan-tests. Comments: important is the flow and the combination of different techniques fitting to the situation; mastering of various combat-distances (Maai). Being able to take Ukemi Tai Jutsu: defense from a sitting position against a standing attacker; defense from a lieing position against a standing attacker. Budo Gu: Bo Jutsu (as an attack and as a defense): Tsuki (thrust); Uchi (strike); Furi (hurl); defense with Bo against Ken. Sandan (3rd Dan) Patches: Bujinkan-patch with black characters, two silverstars above. Preconditions: not earlier than one year after Nidan-test. Knowledge: complete contents of Kyu-, Shodan- and Nidan-tests. Comments: important is the skillful use of the attackers energy. (that means using a minimum of ones own muscle power). Budo Gu: very high skill level Bo Jutsu

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Naginata Jutsu Yari Jutsu Kusari Fundo Jutsu (defense against unarmed and armed attack; holding and binding techniques; Te Hodoki and Tai Hodoki). Yondan (4th Dan) Patches: Bujinkan-patch with black characters, three silverstars above. Preconditions: not earlier than one year after Sandan-test. Knowledge: complete contents of Kyu-, Shodan-, Nidan- and Sandan-tests. (crucial point: as attacking techniques). Comments: the attacker (the one who is tested) has to be able to name all his or her attacks. Budo Gu: very high skill level in using two weapon at a time: Shoto / Daito Tanto / Tanto Tanbo / Tanbo (Jutte / Jutte) Bo / Ken Yari / Ken Naginata / Ken

"Most people think of a martial art as a collection of techniques and they tend to associate a given fighting style with its most distinctive techniques. This response is a natural enough consequence, seeing that most styles put an emphasis on technique as the basis of their art. But it is a rather unfortunate state of affairs. The truth is that techniques by itself are of little value. Technique is only useful as the degree to which it can be used by a practitioner under combat conditions. All the technique in the world is useless if it cannot be applied well." Renzo Gracie

REFERENCES TO TAKE A LOOK AT

Chequamegon BUYU Dojo http://groups.google.com/group/buyu Our class info. Make sure to go here and sign up to our groups emailing list. Jack Hoban, New Jersey http://www.livingvalues.com Gregs teacher Honbu dojo http://www.bujinkan.com Masaaki Hatsumi-The Grandmasters DOJO in Japan Ninpo history http://www.ninpo.org/ninpohistory/ninpohistory.html Defend university articles http://www.defendu.com/newsletter_archives.htm

FINAL NOTE
Congratulations for getting to the end of this manual. Your supplemental reading is not even close to over! I recommend that you follow your heart towards what is most inspiring for you about the martial arts, and self-train as much as possible. Go to internet sites, go to other classes and dojos, go to JAPAN! Gambatte Kudasai! (Keep going, dont give up!) - Greg

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