Seminar Time!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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"

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!