The Ninja Notebook

Why Do I train?

2011-11-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

I haven’t blogged here for a while. There are various reasons for that spanning from being busy to traveling a lot to laziness... but I suspect one of the main reasons is because I haven’t been training enough. Yes there is a connection. There more I train, the more my thoughts get ruffled, the more my beliefs get shaken and the more my conditioning gets disseminated. Now that it’s a month since I’ve been regular with training I feel like I have something to say again. And thus this new blog post! :)

Some time ago I was asked to write a testimonial on “Why I train”. You can see it here. I concluded somewhere in my head “I train because its makes me Who I am."

This got me started with the unending process of realization .. again... of the answer that eludes most - “Who am I”. Afterall this is the quintessential question that man asks himself time and again. Life is but of course a process of self discovery.

I get into these introspective modes once in a while and the question bugs me till I find some answer and solace and then Im peaceful for a bit again until the next friction in my head makes me ask question myself once again! Cyclical in a way.. like everything in the universe?

Inspired by my friend Purab Kohli and his new show "Life mein ek baar" I realized that In the quest to find out the “real” I listed out my many roles in life and multiple garbs that I wear. Anjaan the Radio Jockey, Anjaan the Programming head, Anjaan the son, Anjaan the Husband, Anjaan the Brother, Anjaan the Brother in law, Anjaan the Professional Compere, Anjaan the social media evangelist, Anjaan the tourism ambassador, Anjaan the Friend, Anjaan the councellor, Anjaan the Party Maker... Who is the Real Anjaan?

I know for a fact that All of it is me.. but at the same time none of it is.

Purab goes on to say that he chose to do the show to find out the real him. Facing fear and using one's intuitive guts is a sureshot path to find out the self. Which is Why I like Training. When a fist attack is being launched at your face by your opponent, you don’t have time to think of who you are, how you sound, what you are wearing and how you look etc. You just have time to feel the attack and move away. This to me is real and that is why I train.

Names, positions, titles, achievements and wealth often conceal the real "self". Try to avoid being blinded by these terms or else you will feel like a traveler who cant find his way home. Happy training and I hope you find what your looking for! :)

Shinden Fudo Ryu Seminar

2011-06-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

So its seminar time again

And this time its a
Shinden Fudô Ryû Seminar with Shihan Arnaud Cousergue

The seminar is over 2 weekends at Connect Studio,

5th Floor, Sona Towers, No. 71 Millers Road

Come by for some fun if you'd like!

The Black Belt Hoax!!

2010-11-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

So here‘s how I felt,

Today when I got the black belt!

I realised that there is a way,

to get what you want anytime any day!

The secret & the trick is to first want IT

& then go after it - without any BULL**IT

then know ur strengths & weaknesses & become aware

get connected, get moving and practice your fare!!

Believe it & You can become one of the Gods

You can get the power to conquer all odds

all you need to do is believe...

and like I did - your dreams you will achieve

so from today take a "panga" with life

make your passion your wife

flying, dreaming perceiving right & being free

every obstacle becomes a victory!!

It hardly feels like yesterday since I started training and started this Blog. And today I blog from Japan. This afternoon at the DKMS Shihan Arnaud Cousergue walked upto me and asked me IF I was feeling ridiculous wearing a green belt among hundreds of black belts from around the world. Before I could gather my wits to give him an answer he had handed me a blackbelt and the Indian Buyu were clapping and photographs were being taken....

Actually Im still in a state of shock - even though I knew its time for me to get my black belt. Im in shock becuase it came as a surprise even though i was expecting it. I am in shock because I feel I deserve it, but dont know If I am worthy of it. I guess like my 9th Kyu Grade now I will have to deserve it!

For all of you spoilt by the commercialization of Martial Arts - Frankly a Black Belt is NO big deal. Its a hoax actually. Whats important is that you understand the unlimited potential inside you and endeavour to discover the keys to unlock that. Its a Hoax that a world plays on our minds to make us think we have reached somewhere. Its a trick seniors play on juniors to make them believe in something and aim at something. It is what most art practicioners use to make you help make them rich!
Trust me - the whole concept of a black belt is flim flam - its a joke played on the gullible. The black belt is in your head. Imagine if one could free themselves of the options of a limited goal. The possibilities are limitless once this kind of free thinking is achived.

Today I was given my black belt. But i believe Today is the day I AM accepted as a student. Today is when I will start learning. Till now I was learning how to learn - and now I am ready, perhaps.

The trick is to not want success - or failure. Its to just be and keep doing things. Try to focus on your training, there is no substitute for that. The more time, mind and energy you devote into that - the faster you will see results. 1
Afterall showing up is winning half the battle! SO today - Decide to be present - in your present. Become aware of the moment and Enjoy it. AND JUST SHOW UP!!!

Henka - Change

2010-11-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

Its been long since Ive posted here. Everyone said after the Shinken Gata (6th Kyu level) your opinion of Budo changes, and thereby life itself changes. Around the same time (after my shinken gata) someone also told me the best way to grow in Budo is "SHUT UP AND TRAIN". I guess I did take this too seriously! :)

This December I head to Japan, and soon I might even have my black belt (Have been given my 4th Kyu a couple of months ago). I fear all my Kyu experiences will fade away and I wont remember anything. And so Ive promised myself to devote at least 1 blog per week sharing my growth in the path of Budo with the world, with you.

Over the last 3 months we (Bujinkan India Dojo) have had the privilege of being visited a International Shihans including Arnaud Cousergue, Darren Horvath. and Robin Doenicke seminar. All these Shihans have opened my eyes to the possibility of us being able to control our lives. If you dive into and fully explore the idea that we create our own reality, you discover that it logically follows that this means we create or choose our own life and death experiences.Training in Budo Taijutsu gives you a practical platform to test out those experiences.

These Shihans have also opened my eyes to the true meaning of the techniques taught by the Bujinkan. And the answer lies in the fact that there are NO techniques. No form. Only variations.
In fact every technique is henka waza, as you have to adapt it to size, speed and quality of uke.

It isnt a coincidence that my Martial name (everyone is free to choose one) is "henka"

Today I truly feel the power of the Martial arts that I'm training, Today I realize that training isn't life, but Life is training. I feel martial arts consuming me. I feel it absorbing itself into every aspect of my life. I feel change seeping through my every pore.
I feel Henka Change is the only constant, its the signal for rebirth and its the egg of the phoenix!

Wish you Happy Changing too! :)

Being One - through Shinken Gata

2010-07-19T04:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I graded for my 6th Kyu. The grading involved a test called the "Shinken Gata". The matrix of meanings that the words "shin" and "ken" can have are innumerable. But some basic ones could mean - spirit, soul, heart, self, truth, real etc.

Shin can be written using different kanji characters 真, "true" , 伸, "extend" , 新, "new" , 心, "heart", 晋, "advance" 信, "belief" , 進, "progress" , 慎, "humility", 紳, "gentleman"

Ken could mean Sword, fist, weapon among many other things. The dictionary definition of Shinken Gata could be "Real Combat Movement/training"

I have previously spoken about the lack of hitting, no violence and non existence of a sport like sparring situation in this martial art! Yesterday's grading was the anti thesis of all the conditioning I had in my head about the art. This form is as real as REAL can be and yesterday I WAS in a real fight with 6 black belts... and more with "Myself".

I was thrown around, hit, smashed, poked. I even have war bruises, poke marks and blod clots as proof!
No Im not saying the form propagates violence - but I also realised the only way to understand nonviolence is to truly study violence. Kind of like discovering motion in stillness.

Shinken Gata is used as a way of sharing the seriousness with which we are to approach the art. Shinken Gata is a real-life application of the moves we learn with the physical and spiritual consequences associated with taking such encounters seriously. This idea of "one encounter, one chance" (ichi-go, ichi-e) is what separates all budô (martial ways) from sports or mere exercise.

When your body tires and has no energy left, you wonder where to go. People speak of a certain "inner inspiration" and "mind over matter" - last evening I felt it.
I realised training in a martial art form is all about being able to be in this "Zone". And staying there! After my Shinken Gata yesterday Ive learnt that the body has its own thinking and is only infinitely connected to the world and the surroundings through the mind.

Once you acheive this "one"-ness your body will automatically move - without help from your mind. There is no thinking involved. Just the pure essence of feeling.

Once you let this connection control you, you derive energy from everything and everybody around you letting you be calm and composed while actually exerting tremendous physical energy. These connections are omnipresent and are easy to tap. All it needs is a certain "letting go".

Ive always prided myself on being articulate but the feeling of oneness that you achieve after the "shinken gata" cannot be described in words. Like most things in life the only way is to experience it. in the DOJO or Outside.

Ive realised that tiredness or fatigue is a state of mind and pain is in your head. If you take your thinking out of the situation and your mind out of the equation then your Taijutsu becomes Shinken Gata.
I also surprised myself a few times and on reflection am still wondering how I did those things. Now my next aim is to achieve this "natural movement" one-ness more often and perhaps even bring it to REAL Life applications

After reading this I hope you are inspired to find new meanings for "being one"

Ninjaan Turns One

2010-06-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Its been a year since I started Training in Ninjutsu. Over the last year life has changed terribly. I am not too sure if my Life is affecting my training at the Dojo or its the other way round, but I definitely feel different! Read my First Blog Post on Ninjutsu Here

The biggest learning for me over the last year is reconfirmation of the fact that there are NO Coincidences! Nothing happens by Chance! Everything has a Reason and these reasons are invariably
controlled by Intentions.

Ive always believed in being able to control what happens to one - and Ninjustu just helps you understand it and train it. I might confuse you with this next line - but we truly train to not know - thereby knowing. We train to let go - there by gaining control. We train motion thereby achieving stillness. Ironic? Yes!

This art form reconfirms my belief - Life is like a football. It goes where you kick it! (World Cup is on now as I write this btw)

The Bujinkan - besides being a banner head for all the Ninjutsu ryuha (schools) is a community for with powerful intentions. We believe in the power of intentions. It might sound like something from a "Laws Of Attraction book" but is much more than that!

Ive seen magic happen over the last year and This magic is what keeps me attracted to this art form.
Having met have lots of other martial artistes, fighters and sport fighting practitioners, People keep asking me why practitioners don't get involved in mixed martial arts tournaments?

After all, if the Ninja are the cream of the crop (some claim us to be) and at the top of the martial arts food chain, why aren't they "taking it to the ring?"

While it would appear, from several different perspectives, that ninjutsu - the art of the ninja - is..

Just another martial art among the many martial systems out there, and...
No different from mma since ninja mix striking, kicking, grappling, etc.

The truth is that there is much more to the art of Ninjutsu than meets the eye. Read here where I try to explain what i mean!

Here are a few of the differences between Ninja training and mixed martial arts:

The ninja are first and foremost warriors. They are protectors - not fighters.

The first skill to be developed by a ninja is seishin teki kyoyo, "spiritual refinement" - not competitiveness and a sense of sportsmanship and fair play.

The ninja is a no-limits person. The rules inherent in a sport competition-based system run counter to the strategies and philosophy of ninjutsu.

The Ninja balances the lessons and tools for producing results in combat with those that achieve success in society. A true ninja would never use something like sport aggression to make a name for him or herself.

Add to this the techniques, tactics, strategies, and weapons of the ninja - all designed for one purpose - winning - quickly, easily, and completely. To a ninja, fighting - if conflict cannot be avoided - always comes as a last resort. Not as a means of entertainment and ego-gratification.

This isn't the list that most people expect when it comes to see what Ninjutsu has that MMA, or any other martial art, doesn't. But then, authentic ninja training isn't what most people expect either!

Ive been here for a year, Ive been training all my life!

Welcome to My world! - hope some magic touches you! :)

The Art of story telling!

2010-05-24T01:22:00.000-07:00

We just finished an intensive 2 day "Bo Jutsu" (Stick Fighting) seminar.
We were extremely happy to have 15dan Shihan Shihan Arnaud Cousergue come down to Bangalore dojo to hold another seminar - and this time on one of the most important weapons of Buki Waza (weapon training)

To me the last two days were an intensive course in "Story Telling".
Ninjutsu's main teaching can be summarized as the ability to convince your opponent that he has lost. Now this happens only if the practitioner himself has the conviction that he is victorious. Winning is a relative term, and so is Loss. Once you understand there is actually no victory or loss you have conquered the fight! Its only about surviving! And the best way to survive is to tell stories.

Takamatsu Sensei with the Bo

The traditional definition of Storytelling is an ability of events, thoughts with improvisation or embellishment. The medium differs from person to person. For me Ninjutsu helps tell stories and the Bo is the perfect medium for the narrative.

The seminar taught us to tell stories. To use the bo as a sheild, as a rope, as a sword, as a spear and even as a bo itself. The seminar covered some elemental, fundamental points of the bo staff.

Historically the Staff was the one of the most important weapons in the ninja's arsenal. It is generally around 6 feet long, made of hard wood or bamboo. In most cases it was hollow. The reason for the hollow was another trick of the ninja trade. By flicking the bow with great speed, the ninja could launch a poison tipped dart or small knife out of the open end of the staff, often catching the opponent off guard.

The great thing about the bo is that it CAN be found in real life, taking on the guise of various everyday implements. You can find it in brooms, pool cues, thin branches, mops, etc.

Although the bo staff is a versatile and commonly found weapon, let’s face it – it’s a big stick. You can paint it, and sprinkle it with kanji-adorned mystisism, but it’s still a big stick. And even this weapon - being a big stick has its basic Principles (Kotsu)

Use the maximum distance of the bo (hold the ends)
Keep at least one elbow close to the body
hold the bo lightly so it can slide
When holding in hira no kamae - ur hands are on ur thighs - hold it with a smaller grip so u can get
Always keep hands closer to the centre so its well balanced
Always strike (tsuki) with the tip of the bo - not the sides.
Remember angles of the bo and use it to maximum impact

Bo staff spinning (Bofuri) was one of the first things we learnt when studying bo staff, personally it’s certainly one of the more impressive techniques. Its also called Long Staff Rolling Shield - and Like with all elements of Bo Jutsu, you’ve got to start off slow and practice hard.

At this juncture I’d like to remind you that you have to mentally separate the acrobatic and tricking aspects of the bo from the applicable and self defense aspects.

The spins and tosses get pushed to the wayside exceptionally quick when trying to use the Bo as a weapon rather than a tool for entertainment.

This seminar taught me that , if one can master distancing and timing along with simple thrusts, pokes, and quick strikes, you’ll be on your way to learning the traditional nature of the weapon!

And remember no matter how much you read about martial arts online There is also kuden; things taught personally from teacher to student, so please find a good teacher and study with him/her.

Happy Storytelling! :)

Seminar Time!

2010-05-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

So its time for a some intensive ninjutsu training this time its through a Bo-Jutsu seminar!

Bōjutsu 棒術, can be translated into Staff Warfare and is the art of using a stick or a staff (Bo)

The history of the "Kukishin-Bo" dates back to the days of the warrior Kurando - who while fighting with a spear had the sharp end cut off by his opponents swords. He therefore devised techniques with the use of the stick - and managed to fight off the swordsmen.

Staffs are probably of the earliest weapons used by mankind. Basic techniques include swinging, hitting, slashing, stabbing. Others involve using the staff as lever to vault or as a shield during to hand strikes or arsenal warfare.
The Ninja Turtle u see above - Donatello also was a master of the "Bo"!
I would see the main principle of Bojutsu is using momentum of the spins to strike. Bōjutsu in the Bujinkan is one of the core weapons of training.

Even though the poster is self explanatory (and really cool if u ask me) here are the details for the blind ones!
Seminar Dates - 15th, 16th of May, 22nd, 23rd of May (4Days)
Time - 9am to 5:30pm
Venue - Nani Arena, Sona Towers, Millers Road

Lemme know if you want me to book a seat for you. Shihan Arnaud Cousergue a 15th Dan master will cover all techniques with the Kukishin Bo starting from the basics all the way to advanced use of the weapon.

This is something I have really been looking forward to. Hopefully after this seminar i'll be able to tell ya'll the story of the master of the twirling staff... muhahahahaa *evil laugh echoing*

To be Majicked

2010-04-26T06:01:00.001-07:00

Isnt it strange how spending just a little time with certain people can change your perspective completely. The Last sunday was such an experience for me. The seminar by Shihan Darren Horvath. from Australia was anything short of mind altering. Now think of it this way. the fact that you are reading this now - Is it a coincidence? Is it an Accident? Or Is it Providence?

And will leave a comment? Will you to know more about my art form? Was it planned or did it just happen? His constant assisted self introspection leading question and contagious calming is something that one has to be wary of. I say wary because he had us charmed by the end of his session. Its almost like we were controlled by imaginary strings and he was the puppet master. At the end of the seminar all of us were truly Magicked.

Looking back now, I realize how powerful training in Budo is. In Darren's own words "All I have to do is make you feel something. I can create a feeling in you". This art actually to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the natural Within nature we can discern universal principles that are common to all life in its myriad shapes and forms. Seeking to discover the essence and origin of these principles leads to an acknowledgment of the simple yet profound truth that we all participate in a shared existence on our planet, itself participating in the context of the universe at large.
Maybe this is what the Buddha meant when he said - "I alone am Exalted"
Or when Lord Krishna Said "Follow me for the truth"
Or when Jesus said - "I am the One"

Equipped with this truth, i know that I truly dont know and i feel magicked! And I know that i can elicit the same reaction in things and people around me. I figured this art is about realising that Its not real and its not a lie - its just! You are what you decide to be. False Evidence appears real and then creates fear.

I realized Ninjutsu Its about creating a picture it in your mind, and then being aware of point at which you become what you think you are. When you arrive - you are done. This art teaches you to Pierce to the other side And then Keep Going. Bufu Ikkan Budo to me is the extension of our life, enlightenment of our daily lives and the fulfillment of our mission in life, and Darrens Seminar made me realize something yet again. So I leave you with a few questions

術 is the Kanji for Magic and Anji in japanse means "To be Majicked" Ironic Eh? That it has to match with my name?

Are there accidents? Are there coincidences? Or is it all providence? Do you control your destiny? Or does your destiny control you? Does destiny exist at all? Do you create the ? Is your future already created?

Darren also pointed out "Sensei" said that "One Has to be centripetal" And when you do - you might have some answers!

Be Zen, My Friend

2010-04-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

In stillness, enlightenment comes easily.
Take a moment to be still,
And embrace the tranquility.

Wisdom as a reflection upon a still lake.
Be Zen, My friend

Introducing The Brand new Bujinkan India Website.
Check it out ----> http://www.buj.in/

The OZ connection!

2010-03-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

After my announcement as the Brand and Tourism Ambassador for India by Tourism Queensland Australia, there seems to be more and more OZ connections sprouting up in my life.

The most recent to be the announcement of a seminar by one of Australias most Eminent Martial Artistes - Shihan Darren Horvath. Shihan Darren is one of the highest ranked representatives of Bujinkan. He is a 15th Dan Shihan (Master Instructor) of the Bujinkan tradition, as taught by the Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi. To get more information about Darren, you can go here.

I had written about the previous seminar and I reiterate - To watch one of the best Martial Artistes in the world show you the ropes, is a privilege and opportunity doesn't knock often.

Seminar Details

When : 28th of March 2010 Seminar starts at 9am and go to approximately 12pm
Where : Bujinkan India Dojo (Vasanthnagar, Bangalore)
What :

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Weapons Training

Main Instructor : Shihan Darren Horvath (From France) Note :- Classes are held in a non-competitive atmosphere. You do not have to be an existing student to attend; beginners and new students are welcome.

Darren will be the First OZ ninja that I meet! :) And Train Under

Ninjutsu is a complete and efficient martial art, proven on the field. Complete because, in addition to the hand-to-hand combat, I always appreciate the fact that I can train with the sword, the stick, the knife and lots of other weapons.

Efficient? To be convinced of this, it is enough to see that the Indian Police, the American Army instructors, the FBI, numerous other fighting groups are using the Ninjutsu techniques.

It is reassuring to know that, in a real situation, we’ll be able to provide an adapted response and come out of it with the least harm possible.

This sunday I look forward to furthering my skills and gaining more knowledge.

This Seminar looks to be extremely appealing. And Im sure Darren is super fun - after all he's an OZ right?

Hiding in the Shadows!

2010-01-01T03:43:00.001-08:00

So its the first day of the year and everyone around me is making resolutions. I never really have looked at new years as a time to make a resolution, but things change.. and things are changing. So I have a deep wish today. I have a resolution for 2010!

That wish is to learn to Hide in the Shadows

All of us have heard of martial arts stories of Shadow Warriors and an unattended shadow was also thought by some cultures to be similar to that of a ghost. I've always been fascinated by the Shadow. And this year I aspire to become it!

Besides the Literal meaning of hiding in the shadows - which Ninja's are supposed to be famous for, this wish has a deeper spiritual meaning. Let me explain

You know when you can tell someone has entered the room even though there is no sound? Its the “inner flame” of that person that attracts your attention. This Flame is something which everyone has. By learning how to control this flame you learn how to control your self and reach the pinnacles of awareness. Wikipedia describes "A shadow" as area where direct light a light source cannot reach due to obstruction by an object.
At a physical level It is very possible to pass through a field of vision and not be spotted if your movements are quick and uninterrupted. At this stage the spiritual self also becomes muted and almost intention-less thereby avoiding conflict. Being in the shadow of your opponent makes it tough for him to attack you. And the shadow keeps moving so you have to be dynamic enough to be in the shadow. Maybe this is the true meaning of the shinto concept of Naka-ima or "being in the moment"

I know that Ninjas believed in making themselves one with their surrounding spirits and environment to control this inner flame. They could dim it or brighten it as they wished.
Since most of my Job and workspace - Events, Live shows, Radio, Stand up Comedy, EmCeeing includes being completely in the Lime Light... this form helps me define another side to my personality. A side that loves being hidden, undercover and almost incognito! In the Shadows!

Training in traditional martial arts, whether for the acquisition of power or self-perfection, is a long drawn Process. Last year I often found myself pushed in directions that I wasn't sure I wanted to go. And this year i predict there's going to be more of those times. Over last year ive discovered more things about my physical, physiological and spiritual self than all my life put together. Training Taijutsu the Bujinkan way is taking me in many directions!

One of those directions for sure is to become a better martial artiste by understanding the true self. By controlling my inner flame and not giving away intention, by understanding the true meaning of Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo! This year I hope to realize that

the avoidance of conflict is the easiest way to overcome one's adversary.

Ten Chi Jin

2009-10-09T07:29:00.001-07:00

They say the Mind of a True Warrior is different from that of other humans. In fact, some go to the extent of stating that it even differs from the mind of any usual soldier or fighter.
Traditionally a true warrior is free from all worldly attachments. All his possessions are known to be temporary. The beleif is that attachment leads to weakness within the warrior.

After having successfully compelted the Ten Chi Jin Seminar conducted by Arnaud Cousergue - 15th Dan Shihan. (See Photo of my Certificate here) I can confidently say that the True warrior actually exists within each and every one of us.

Let me explain. The Beauty of the martial Arts that we practice - Ninjutsu - is the emphasis of "returning to zero" and not being bound by conventional, rigid judgments, and preconceived notions. Which is why I think we study movement which is waza based (technique based) as opposed movement in Karate and other forms which is kata based (form based)

Shihan Arnaud and my Shidoshi Shiva teach Ninjutsu as it was transmitted in Japan when they first received it. This includes bowing, using titles and all the formal rituals common to that time and which link us to past traditions of the Art. All the techniques we learnt were from the The Tenchijin Ryaku No Maki (Heaven, Earth and Man Strategy Book). TenChiJin is the basics. It teaches us to empty our minds so that it can fill up with substance. To Fill an empty container is easier - Bigger the Kokuu (Empty Space) the more there is to fill.

If we accept the premise that the purpose of a Martial Art is dealing with confrontation (on all levels from mental to physical) then an appropriate method of study is how others have done it successfully in the past. Theoretically, if I do (act, think, and believe) exactly like someone else, over time, I should get similar results. This is what I would call mentoring or role modeling or being a Guru!. This is the dominant way culture is passed and the basis of much of our learning patterns. If I act, think, and believe like my successful Art tells me, I should be able to duplicate its success for me... shouldnt I?

So to Sum up this Seminar's Learning!

TEN - Deals with learning the footwork and Distance

CHI - Deals with the bio mechanical aspects of the Waza

JIN - Combines the Ten and the Chi levels to acheive Natural Movement

This martial art - Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu- allows us as students to adapt the sequences of a confrontation (with various scenarios) to what speaks to them personally almost immediately.
So where does the question of the True Warrior Come in? After this Seminar, I have come to the conclusion that the true warrior lies within, and he can be your best friend or worst enemy! I am thankful to Shihan Arnaud for being such a fantastic mentor and for having opened out yet another beautiful facet of this form in our lives. It'll be a memory I cherish for a long time.

BUJINKAN INDIA Goal - Looking for the merging of body, mind & spirit to let go of all appearance and develop the being in permanent adequacy with our human and physical environment

"If you understand, things are just as they are.

If you do not understand, things are just as they are"

Zen Maxim

2009-09-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here's Some exciting news for all Martial Arts lovers. Bujinkan India is having a fantastic 5 Day seminar covering all the portions of the Ten Chi Jin Syllabus. The seminar is one of a kind opportunity. The seminar will be held in Bangalore, India and will be conducted by Shihan Arnaud Cousergue (From France) (aka Kuma).

I suspect the main theme of the seminar will be on the concept DAT - distance, angles and timing. This training helps one to control space, particularly emphasizing the idea of effective fighting without form.

The seminar is open to even beginners. To watch one of the best Martial Artistes in the world show you the ropes, is a priveldge and opportunity doesnt knock often.

Seminar Details

When : 2,3,4,5 and 6th of October 2009 Seminar starts at 9am and go to approximately 5pm Where : Bujinkan India Dojo (Golf Course Road)
What :

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Weapons Training
Defending Others

Main Instructor : Shihan Arnaud Cousergue (From France)
Note :- Classes are held in a non-competitive atmosphere. You do not have to be an existing student to attend; beginners and new students are welcome.

"I often give seminars around the world, but the quality of the depth of the commitment I encountered here, was really refreshing to me. And I want to thank you all for this as it is the promise of a successful future for the Bujinkan community of India" - Quoted from Arnaud Cousergue’s Bujinkan weblog after the 2008 Seminar.

Drop me a line if your coming by, will book a slot for you.

The Number "9"

2009-09-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Number 9 – “The Just before” Factor
Some numbers have an effect on you. I find the number "9" very fascinating. Today being the 9th day of the 9th month of the 9th year in this decade (yes its 9/9/9), this post declaring my captivation with this number seemed appropriate. I think this number has an inherent beauty of deception in it.
The number 9 underplays its importance. Besides its mathematical importance of being the highest single-digit number and the first composite lucky number, It is first odd non-unitary square. (3squared). The number 9 is also a Motzkin number.
Here is a number which has been cunning and deceiving about its true value. The number 9 is the number of the Ninja. Let me explain why.

9 is a deceiving number because It’s the “just before” number. To me Life is all about the “just before” factor.
“Just before” sleep is the best moment every, “Just before” dawn is when the world stands still, “Just before” sunset is when the sky looks most magnificent, “Just before” you bit into that juicy burger is when you lust it the most, “Just before” an orgasm is true bliss!!
In Ninjutsu too – “Just before” the attack – not earlier not later – is the best time to act, Just before the punch touches your body, is the best time to evade. To sense the intention is the highest form of this martial art. And that is why the number 9 is truly the number of a Ninja!

And here's a sweet photo of 9 Ninja's .

Number 9 Connections
There are many associations you can make with the beautiful number 9.
My life has been filled with instances of 9. My First Salary was 900 Rupees. My old radio Show started at 9pm. I’ve had 9 ex girlfriends (serious relationships). I came back to India in my 9th Standard. All my bike and car number (for some strange Hindu reason which my parents didn’t have an explanation for) have totaled to the “lucky” number 9. I also very fondly remember the Sho Kosugi movie - 9 Deaths of the Ninja where he plays Spike Shinobi!! :)

You can find many connections in Ninjitsu too. The most apparent one is that there are 9 systems of martial arts (Ryuha) in the Bujinkan – the school that I study in. One has to pass the 9 kyu’s before they receive their black belt! There are 9 possible directions of attack (considering up + down as 1 direction). It took me 9 classes to get my 9th Kyu Grade (read about it here) A perfect training space is 9 blocks of training mats. And I joined ninjutsu in “09”. The connections can be endless if one gets creative.

In life too one can find many connections with this fascinating number. A human pregnancy normally lasts nine months. We all know legend of cats having nine lives. In the christian angelic hierarchy there are 9 choirs of angels. Nine, as the highest single-digit number symbolizes completeness in the Baha'i Faith. Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer, is the ninth month of the Islamic calender. Important Buddhist rituals usually involve nine monks.

Hindu's worship the Navagrahas - or 9 Planets. Before 2006 (when Pluto was officially designated as a nonplanet), there were nine planets in the solar. The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle. (maybe thats because the decimal system originated from the Indian subcontinent way before 3000 BC). And there were 9 Avatars of Vishnu till now - We're still awaiting the 10th - Kalki. And 9 is the last digit card that will help you total to 21 in Blackjack! :)

I also found this fascinating website – talking about the Magic of number 9 <- Check it out. I remember our trip to Hongkong staying at Kowloon which literally means nine. I also remember the beatles hit "Revolution 9", and its main line repetadly saying - "Number nine...number nine...number nine..."

BTW has anyone played the video game Ninety Nine Ninjas?

The story of Kuki – Nine Demons
In the history of the Bujinkan, there’s a story of a nija and expert in different bujutsu called Yasushimaru Kurando. During a nightly escape rescue mission the blade of his naginata (spear) was cut off by his adversary.
Kurando defeated his foe using the secret bojutsu technique of Gyaku Juji. Thus was invented the “Bo”. The learning in this story is in the understanding of the situation and the adaptation skills of a ninja. Kurando was able to save the emperor he was rescuing by using the very essence of Ninjutsu. The emperor then gave him the name of “Kuki for he fought like the nine demons!

Some Trivia about the Number 9 (thanx to Wikipedia)
A polygon with nine sides is called a nonagon or enneagon.[2] A group of nine of anything is called an ennead.
Casting out nines is a quick way of testing the calculations of sums, differences, products, and quotients of integers, known as long ago as the 12th Century.[4]
The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art is a Chinese mathematics book, composed by scholars between the 10th century BC, and the 1st century AD; it is the one of the earliest surviving mathematical text from China.
Nine is the binary complement of number six:
Nine is the atomic number of fluorine.
Nine ball is the standard professional pocket billiards variant played in the United States.

Nine is strongly associated with the Chinese dragon, a symbol of magic and power. There are nine forms of the dragon, it is described in terms of nine attributes, and it has nine children It has 9×13 scales, 9×9 being yang (masculine, or bad influence) and 9×4 being yin (feminine, or good influence).[7]
The dragon often symbolizes the Emperor, and the number nine can be found in many ornaments in the Forbidden City.
Nine (九 pinyin jiǔ) is considered a good number in Chinese culture because it sounds the same as the word "longlasting" (久 pinyin jiǔ)[citation needed].
The circular altar platform (Earthly Mount) of the Temple of Heaven has one circular marble plate in the center, surrounded by a ring of nine plates, then by a ring of 18 plates, and so on, for a total of nine rings, with the outermost having 81=9×9 plates.
The nine-rank system was a civil service nomination system used during certain Chinese dynasties.
Nine, as the highest single-digit number (in base ten), symbolizes completeness in the Bahá'í Faith. In addition, the word Bahá' in the Abjad notation has a value of 9, and a 9-pointed star is used to symbolize the religion.
The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle in the decimal system, which originated from the Indian subcontinent as early as 3000 BC.
Important Buddhist rituals usually involve nine monks.
The first nine days of the Hebrew month of Av are collectively known as "The Nine Days" (Tisha HaYamim), and are a period of semi-mourning leading up to Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of Av on which both Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed.
Nine is a significant number in Norse Mythology. Odin hung himself on an ash tree for nine days to learn the runes.
The Fourth Way Enneagram is one system of knowledge which shows the correspondence between the 9 integers and the circle.

Its 9 o clock somewhere in the world right now. I hope they know the importance of this magnificant number and are celebrating it!

The Seminar!

2009-07-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

Away in a monastry of 'chimon', way up in the mountains lived a prophet and ninja master of unmatched talents. His name is Shiva Subramanium. He saw the future of mankind and knew the actions to take at specific times in future places, but had no way to propel himself to the time where mankind needed him most. But in a town far over the deepest river lived a mystic ninja sensei with powers only told over dark camp sites in hushed tones, and some that were unspeakable. His name was Shihan Arnaud Cousergue.

On the darkest of most evil days, a day when locals said the devils from below had concorded the heavens and killed the sun, the two omint beings sat together at a bar "Gyokuro" n the localised valley town of "BooGodai" and a plan was hatched to save mankind. With the blessings of their supreme lord and grandmaster - Masaaki Hatsumi they proceeded to initiate some more beings into their way of life.

The "kuma" as the mystic ninja was fondly called used his powers to stir together a potion of the most delicious and addictive mixture for saving mankind. They decided to hold a seminar to partake of their deadly knowledge of the flesh, mind and spirit. With each swift lessen the they helped make men out of mice!!

They Say A teacher affects eternity:he can never tell where his influence stops. Many people would absorb the above story at many levels. To every person who reads this, the above story might have a different meaning. This is how I saw the story of our seminar with Arnaud Cousergue (in the above photo) fold out. I feel what we learnt on the day of the seminar cannot be given a value, and cannot be quantified. This form is truly mystical and grounded at the same time.

The seminar had 30+ attendance. We even had our very own custom made Kuma Tshirts! :)

We realised that A master can tell you what he expects of you. A teacher, though, awakens your own expectations. We found out sometimes this was the best motto - "Do One Brave thing today and then Run like hell!" :) . We played, we laughed, we ate, we cried, we sweat, we fell, we jumped, we learnt to go back to 'chi', we kicked and we grew. At the end of the session you realise that you cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. You have to put the ox to the field and sweat it out in the sun.

Nine-tenths of education is encouragement and "Kuma" has been the most encouraging teacher I have seen till now. This seminar will be an important and memorable event in our quest to be deadlier Ninjas and better humans! :)

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember.I do and I understand. - Chinese Proverb

Women - The Superior Race

2009-07-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

It is a universally accepted truth that men and women have different wavelengths in communication. Both genders develop their intimacy, relationships and emotional + spiritual connections differently.

It is Man's eternal need and necessity to understand women. The smart ones have figured out that we never will. After sharing almost 3decades with the other sex I have concluded that a true, deep, infallible understanding of how their mind works is still a long way off. Being able to understand them completely is true understanding of a woman. Their complexity actually lies in their simplicity. I'm sure men from all walks of life will agree with me on this.

This blog is actually part of a "book idea" on how to understand women - my feeble attempt to create an ode for this fantastic kind created to keep man company (read in control). You will have to settle for the sneak preview of the book (ive written 4 pages out of 365).

In the practice of Ninjustu by the Bujinkan, a female ninja is called a Kunoichi.

As days go by I realise that a lot of my personal beliefs are echoed in this class. One of them is that women are the more powerful than men and they are a superior Race. Women also make better Ninja's. It is an accepted fact that women are more sensitive. There are scientific and spiritual reasons for this. Some of them include -

They are natural givers and know how to give.
They have built in intuition and a sixth sense.
They actually train (to be intuitive) daily through life instances and situations *(when they walk on the road, enter a pub, hug a guy.. etc etc)
They take in more energy from the cosmos as they have an extra orifice.
And according to a recent study women averaged 34 nerve fibers per square centimeter of facial skin while men only averaged 17 nerve fibers. Despite psychosocial expectations for men to be tougher than women when feeling pain, these findings illustrate that women's lower pain tolerance and threshold are physical.

In our DOJO - we DONT hit Girls. We know they already feel the pain. They dont have to be physically exposed to it to understand it. I think this is a fantastic thought! (But just becuase we cant hit them, doesnt mean they cant hit us... Ouch!). And if you meet a Female Ninja - Beware!! You dont want to mess with her!

The essence of all Marital Arts and military strategies is self protection and the prevention of danger. Women excel in this aspect as they naturally have the ability to protect and prevent.
The threshold of pain that women can reach cannot even be fathomed by men. From their monthly defrosting, to childbirth, to the pain of their son moving out - Women really know how to face pain. Hats off to them.

This blog also is inspired by extraordinary women I had the pleasure to give company to - a 2 evenings ago at the Daughters day Celebrations organised by PRCI.
There were discussions of empowerment and gender bias - and I was asked if I beleive its a biased world. And I Said "Yes, I believe theres disparity - Women aren't weak, they're just more 'important' than men. Ive always believed women are more powerful & I'll stand by it any day!"

I am looking forward to this weekend because Shihan Arnaud Cousergue is coming down to Bangalore. Feelings of excitement, anticipation and curiosity rush through me as I share this with you. Arnaud is a 15th dan in Budô Taijutsu. He also has a couple Menkyo Kaiden's - the highest level of license that exists, and the highest rank achievable.

All my Budokas(Friends in martial arts - training partners) are all ecstatic about Arnauds arrival. And since we're on the topic - my Budoka Teja tweeted me and told me the difference between Sensei, Shidoshi and Shihan.
Heere's His tweet.
"@AnjaanRJ I've not heard the term sensei used (in the Bujinkan context) except for Soke and Takamatsu Sensei. Shidoshi is used for teacher. Shidoshi is 5th dan and above, which Shihan is 10th dan and above."

I guess everyone makes mistakes and learns from them right? Afterall it is about learning new things everyday isnt it? But, if I was a woman I wouldnt have made this mistake! Men will never be perfect will they?

After reading this, go buy some gifts for your Mom, Sister, Wife, Daughter, Best friend, or any lady you know - because you now know she's more powerful, so you might as well start sucking up to her! *grin*

And pssst - dont be Fooled by her innocent looks - She has the most lethal weapon in the world!!! She has the superior weapon called Tears! :)

The "Black Belt" Sydnrome

2009-06-26T01:26:00.001-07:00

I got a grade yesterday. *yay* When the Sensei Shiva announced “9th Kyu”, (after a display of what I thought was a foolish but heart felt improvisation to a technique) the depth of what had happened hadn’t hit me. In fact way before I could absorb what he meant, the entire class started clapping. I did read that the school of Bujinkan had 9 levels before a black belt but I didn’t even know they were called the 9kyu’s. I had to ask people and read up on it to actually find out the various grades and the syllabus for grading (yes just like any school we have a curriculum too). Kyū ranks progress from the larger number to smaller. It starts from the 9th kyū and goes all the way up to the 1st kyū before you reach the black belt.

The episode got me thinking. It made me wonder if getting a rank or a grade was that important. I remember when I was younger; the children in my friend circle would be excited at the thought of a “black belt”. As kids we would only wear black belts with our “Gi” or costume for functions and even fancy dress competitions! I also remember commercial schools often used to put up advertisements saying, “get your black-belt,” as a sign up feature. I’ve heard it even ‘ups’ your bargaining power when applying for a job and increases your market value during marriage! Hehehe ! *grin*

The fascination to get a grade or a black belt is something which every martial artiste has. But to what extent that influences your actions is something to be thought about. I firmly believe that one should train because you love the art and want to improve, not because you want a black belt. Getting a black belt should not be an eventuality of martial arts training. One should do it for love of the art and the want to learn self defense. Just showing up in class doesn’t make one deserve a rank.
A story I’ve heard is that in ancient times students received the white-belt, and that was the only belt they ever received. It had turned frayed and became a black belt because of repeated use and handling over many years.

The disservice the colored rank system does to some students (in many other schools and dojos) is that it gives them the impression that with each rank they are gradually becoming more skilled. It makes them believe they are gaining expertise regardless of how much they may or may not have trained while the truth may be far away.

This Reminds me of a Sanskrit Sloka - “Karmanye Va Adhikarasthe, Maa Phaleshu Kathachana” "U have the right only to the action, and not for the fruit."

And that does not mean one should stay idle. One has to do what he has to do - and not wait for the results. When the rain clouds gather, rain will fall automatically. I guess a lesson learnt is that one has to keep going from one action to another, from one activity of activity, from one moment to another without wishing for the result or trying to control the outcome.

Maybe I feel this way because I truly don’t know the value of the 9thKyu. And sometimes when you don’t know the value of something it comes to you easily. When you know the value, you end up wanting it, and then you don’t get it that easily. Maybe the trick is to know its value and at the same time not want it?

I don’t know why I was granted a grade so quickly into my joining the school. Maybe someday ill find out. I personally believe I was way better on the day I started than I am today, because I knew less than and accepted more openly. Lol

For now I’m just going to enjoy the feeling of being a “green belt”. And since all enjoyment is momentary, I’ll leave you with a line my sensei left me with and it still resonates in my being.

“Congrats Anjaan, you have been graded the 9thKyu, now you have to deserve it!!”

WTF???

The First Class

2009-06-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you knew nothing will ever be the same again, a moment in your life where you realized, discovered, learned, or became something new? Everyone has one of these moments, for some more unique than others. One doesn’t know when these moments will happen and therefore will never know how to react.

I would like to think of myself as a student for life, learning from each experience I encounter along the way. I firmly believe that anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. It is shocking to find how many people do not believe they can learn, and how many more believe learning to be difficult. Learning can sometimes be finding out something you’ve known all your life and realizing it that maybe you actually don’t know it at all!

I know I sound profound but... that has a reason. I’ve just been through one of the most profound experiences – life changing if you may – of my life! (I mean its fuelled me to start a new blog at least right – lol)

I Started training in the martial art form of Ninjutsu today. I cannot remember exactly how many years it’s been since I stopped training in martial arts, but today (er… yesterday …heh… can’t sleep) was the first time in quite some time. I have had some basic training in Shitō-ryū and in the Shaolin form of Kung-Fu (or its diluted Indian version at least - lol). But its best I forget those classes and start afresh. As promised, here’s a recount – not just because I promised but also because I need to unwind my brain.

Many people feel that training in martial arts is worthless in the modern day and age. Even though there are many forms of training and exercise that are just as effective as martial arts for improving physical fitness, there is no training which requires physical confrontation with another human being. There is something different about “martial arts”, there are the mental and spiritual aspects which take them out of the realm of mere physical fitness. It transforms the marital way into a total way of life and living.

There are people who accidentally achieve the mental focus of a martial artiste when engaged in other sports, but the beauty of martial arts is that they are designed to bring out the Zen mind by individual effort.

True martial arts begin by trying to achieve the mental state of Mushin, which translates 'no mind', and refers to the mental state of nondiscrimination. No preconceived ideas exist in this state, thus a person learns to see life as it truly is, rather than as their preconceptions would lead them to believe. This is so that the right decisions can be made, in self defense, but more importantly in life.

I grew up captivated by Ninja movies. My first martial arts posters were of Bruce Lee and Ninja movie star Sho Kosugi. I had a poster of Sho Kosugi clad in black Ninja Gi performing a flying kick with two swords reading something like, "Mystery is a line in the Ninjas Sword, cold steel cloaked in the black of night."
Of course along the way there influences ranging from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to Jackie Chan and even Akshay Kumar! *Grin*

Like any student, the first class is the one you are "most lost". My dojo trains in the Bujinkan way. The system taught by this group, called Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu, consists of nine martial arts traditions. The sensei (even though he detests being called that and insists he is only my friend who shows the path) Shiva Subramanium is a 5th Dan Black Belt in the form. He also holds 3 other black belts *(yes you have to meet him to believe him). The key to the success of any programme is the instructor and I personally think I'm extremely lucky to have found the right one for my wish to train in Ninjutsu.

There is always moments in life which make you look at things in a totally new way. His worlds still ring loud in my head “This class will change your life” and I’m sure as I go by I’ll understand this statement more and more.

I learnt today that the martial form of Nunjitsu is truly an “Art”. It evolves with each student and adapts person to person. This form teaches one to fight in an actual battlefield with actual opponents. It’s a martial form which helps the warrior conserve energy. Its helps one last longer in a real-life scenario. It keeps you aware of circumstances and your environment. It develops an overall awareness of the self and your surroundings.

My first class was also special – because it felt as if everything the sensei said was specifically for me. The simple zen logic of how “every power is within you”, and it is more important to “feel” than “think” not only encompasses how a marital artiste in this form thinks, but also reflect how one should be approaching life.

I’ve always believed that the cosmos and the universe has found a way to give me whatever I want till now. Today I learnt that lesson again. I was brought to this class for a reason. I joined this dojo for a reason. Someday soon hopefully I’ll know what that is. Or maybe I wont! Or maybe knowing it will make me understand that I truly don’t know!

For now I’m going to try not to think too much cuz either way I’m gonna get my A** kicked! And someday soon I’ll be able to say with complete calmness –
“I wont hit you – because I know I can”!