Bujinkan Kongo Renge Dojo

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People who do not grasp the true nature of a martial artist may well go to some trouble to knock on my door and request training, but unless they search for the heart of a martial artist, my teachings will fall on deaf ears. Yes, let us write Budoka as
"Martial flower", and leave it as one solution to Kajo-chikusei, the puzzle of enlightenment that you are all questing after.

Now, as a Doctor of Human Sciences, I would like to analyze the symptoms and morphology of various diseases which people searching for combat techniques are prone to contract without being aware of it.

Number One type
A hypoplastic (underdeveloped) form; self-centred, fussy about grades, and always wanting to be "Number One". This is an awful type. They do not even know how bad they are, and could be killed before they realize ... a real nuisance.

Business type
A type which develops from the conception of earning a living by the martial arts; they forget the Budoka's heart, and theirs is transmuted into the heart of a merchant.
They may end up believing that someone with many students is great - and if a student runs away from them they may feel as though they have lost some money.
Furthermore, they do not notice that as a martial artist they are a failure. Let me clearly state that in my experience no Tatsujin (masters) of Bujutsu or Bugei ever develops from such a type.

Reporter type
Someone who comes to me, but finds "collecting materials" more important than training, and takes notes and photographs which they then sell once back in their country. This really is deplorable. They are already incapable of going beyond the amateur's view of the martial arts - the "kata" (set forms) or "this is right but that is wrong" mentality, etc. They do not even get as far as realizing they have fallen into such a state.

There are many more types left. The "Sensei-Shihan" type, the "Mood" type, the
"Collector" type, the "Violent" type, the "Animal" type, the "Religious" type, the
"Philosophical" type...

The important thing is to understand that the true nature of the martial arts can only be perceived once these types have all been made transparent. The flow of Takamatsu Sensei's Bufu (martial way) started with framing in the transparent, beautiful and natural flow of Shinden Fudo-ryu. The beginning for me was following an invisible flow of light as it flowed through space, to knock on the door of Takamatsu Sensei's Bufu. My encounter with Takamatsu Sense in some ways resembled the old tale of the opening of the cave door on Shinshu Mt Togakushi'.
.The Bujinkan martial arts incorporate the flow of nine schools of martial ways, with a history of three thousand years. You should not torget that you are martial artists on a space shuttle. Do not be distracted from the framing; you must persevere to the end. "Single-mindedness" can be thought of through its sound “Sennen" as also meaning one thousand years. "If one thousand days pass the techniques will appear by themselves" is a common phrase in scrolls, and I believe that from this you can hear sounds joining you to a space beyond. If I also rewrite “Ikkan" not as perseverance but as joy, then the sound waves can spread out so that some gladness, health and happiness are discovered.

宗家Hatsumi

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EDITED POST

This image is a significant historical photograph featuring two of the most influential figures in modern ninjutsu history. It captures a rare moment of cultural exchange and preservation between the "Last Ninja" of the old era and the man who would globalize the art.

The People in the Photo
Masaaki Hatsumi (Left): The founder of the Bujinkan organization. In this photo, he is much younger than in his more famous recent videos. He is currently the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu and is credited with bringing ninja martial arts to the Western world.

Fujita Seiko (Right): Known as the "Last Koga Ninja." He was the 14th head of the Kōga-ryū Wada-ha and a legendary figure who allegedly served as a spy and instructor for the Japanese government during WWII.

The photograph was likely taken in the late 1950s or early 1960s, shortly before Fujita’s death in 1966. At this time, Hatsumi was a dedicated researcher and practitioner of traditional martial arts (Kobudo).

This refers to the extensive array of tools laid out before them, many of which were from Fujita’s personal collection or historical archives they were documenting.

Notable Weapons Displayed
The image showcases the "Shadow Arsenal" of the shinobi, focusing on tools designed for concealment and utility rather than just open combat:

Tekko-kagi (Hand Claws): Hatsumi is demonstrating a set of metal claws worn over the back of the hand, used for both climbing and defense against swords.

Shuriken (Throwing Stars/Spikes): A variety of hira-shuriken (flat stars) and bo-shuriken (straight spikes) are scattered on the tatami mat.

Kusarigama (Chain-Sickle): You can see the sickle blades and weighted chains hanging on the wooden wall behind them.

Makibishi (Caltrops): Small, spiked objects on the floor intended to be thrown behind a retreating ninja to injure the feet of pursuers.

Shinobi-zue (Hidden Staffs): The long poles in the background often contained hidden chains or blades.

This photo represents a "passing of the torch" in the martial arts world. While Fujita Seiko claimed to be the last of the Koga line and died without a formal successor for his specific ninjutsu style, Hatsumi went on to study under Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu (another legendary figure) and turned these secretive traditions into the international Bujinkan system practiced by thousands today.

#初見良昭 #藤田西湖 #武神館 #忍術 #忍者 #古武道 #武道 #忍者 #忍術 #初見良昭 #藤田西湖 #武道

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The phrase "Shikin Haramitsu Daikoumyo" (詞韻波羅蜜大光明) holds profound significance deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and spiritual teachings. The term "Shikin" (詞韻), usually associated with rhyme in poetry and music in ancient Chinese, takes on a nuanced meaning, resembling the harmonization of rhyme. It is akin to the resonant vibrations of various bells coming together to form one harmonious tone. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of aligning the multifaceted aspects of the heart into a cohesive and melodious unity.

1. Shikin (詞韻):
- Heart of Compassion: Cultivating a compassionate and empathetic mindset, akin to the gentle and harmonious tones of bells.

- Heart of Truth: Pursuing truth and authenticity, resonating with the clarity of a well-tuned melody.

- Heart that Follows Nature: Aligning one's heart and actions with the natural order, creating a symphony that resonates with the rhythms of the universe.

- Heart that Encourages Nature: Nurturing a mindset that supports and uplifts the natural world, contributing to the overall harmony of existence.

When these hearts align, much like the synchronized vibrations of well-tuned bells, the profound wisdom of "Haramitsu" (波羅蜜) gushes forth. This wisdom, intrinsic to one's being, flows naturally and harmoniously, transcending individual consciousness.

2. Haramitsu (波羅蜜):
- Great Inherent Wisdom: This wisdom emerges seamlessly when the hearts of compassion, truth, nature-following, and nature-encouraging are in perfect resonance. It is a symphony of understanding that transcends the limitations of intellectual knowledge.

3. Daikoumyo (大光明):
- Great Illumination: Daikoumyo symbolizes a radiant and brilliant light, much like the luminous glow that emanates when various elements of a composition come together harmoniously. This illumination signifies a state of enlightenment, where the individual consciousness aligns with the cosmic order.

Moreover, the metaphorical resonance of Shikin extends beyond the individual, emphasizing the importance of being in tune with one's surroundings. When one harmonizes with the environment, there lies the opportunity for profound realization. It is a reminder that, much like a well-coordinated musical composition, our lives are enriched when we attune ourselves to the interconnected rhythms of the world around us. In this state of resonance, the potential for great insight and realization becomes attainable.

Sean Askew
Doto 導冬 - Winter's Guide
12/17/2023

Morihei Ueshiba passed away on this day, April 26th 1969.

A mind free of rigid limitations.