KAMAEMAIL

March 2001 issue 5 volume 2

kamaemail@budomart.com

Please forward this newsletter to all the people you know in the Bujinkan (570
readers today). Kamaemail is FREE and our objective is to make it a positive
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Dear Kameamail readers,

After nearly one year of silence, it took me some time to be able to send
Kamaemail again. As you know Kamaemail is free but is very time consuming. I
will do my best in the future to have an issue every one or two months.
Kamaemail exists because you send us articles, news or seminar information. So
please do not stop sending us material!
Have a nice time reading it.

Arnaud Cousergue
Kamaemail Editor
arnaud@budomart.com

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~~~~~IN THIS ISSUE~~~~

a.. KAMAEMAIL ISSUE 6

b.. WHAT'S NEW?
c.. NEXT SEMINARS
d.. DAIKOMYOSAI 2000 by Ruairi QUINN
e.. JUPI SEMINAR by Pierre-henri STEYT
f.. FUSUI - WIND &WATER by Pete REYNOLDS
g.. SHI TENNO IN DUBLIN by Ruairi QUINN
h.. SEKININKAN: THE WAY OF RESPONSIBILITY by Arnaud COUSERGUE
i.. THE RHYTHM OF NATURE by Benjamin BOESLER
j.. AMATSU TATARA SCHOOL by Chris ROWORTH
k.. SELF-DEFENSE FOR GIRLS transmitted by Jeff Smith
l.. TAIKAI NORWAY 2002 by Elias Krzywacki
m.. VIDEOS AND BOOKS

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~~~~KAMAEMAIL issue 6~~~~

Send your personal contribution to:

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Japan. At the end put your name, Dan grade, country, email (and website).
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We will not accept any article or information criticizing or attacking any

individuals, whether they are members of the Bujinkan or not. As we don't want
to transform your articles, have someone speaking English correctly read it
before you send it.

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~~~~WHAT'S NEW?~~~~

§ For those waking up just now, the theme of the year is Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu
and Daisho Gatana. :-)

§ Marie-valerie Saumon from France has been promoted to 10th Dan during
Daikomyosai 2000. Another woman in the Shihan's club. Congratulations!

§ The Paris Taikai in march 2001 and the Helsinki Taikai in July 2001 have been
cancelled by Hatsumi Sensei as he received a new award form the emperor and will
be very busy until august 2001.

§ The Madrid Taikai in October 2001 will be the only Taikai in Europe for 2001.
Book your reservation now if you do not want to be left at the door!

§ Tim Bathurst has started a small dojo in Tokyo. Do you have his email?

§ For those in Australia and New Zealand (and the Oceania region), here is a
comprehensive list of instructors and dojos
http://bujinkanbrisbane.freeyellow.com/dojolist.html

§ Get your Hatsumi videos online at http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/ (more than

50 titles). The "What's martial arts?" video by Hatsumi Sensei is available
there. This is the last one available with English subtitles.

§ Hatsumi sensei is preparing a series of videos on the other martial arts. The
first title should be "What's Judo and jujutsu?" the other s will cover Karate,
Aikido etc.

§ On march 3rd 2001 Some high rank students have been promoted to 13th Dan. The
Menkyo was given during Daikomyosai by Hatsumi sensei but the validity begins on
the 3rd day of the 3rd month of 2001 which is the anniversary of the date where
Takamatsu Sensei gave Sokeship of the Togakure Ryu to Hatsumi Sensei. Arnaud
Cousergue - arnaud@budomart.com

§ Ben Cole has left Japan to go back to America and attend graduate school.
Thanks to Ben for all the translation work he has been doing whilst here (8
years) and also to those others who translate (Doug Wilson, Mark Lithgow, Kenji,
Richard Neal, Andrew Young, Mark O'Brien to mention a few). These are also the
people who may be able to assist you when visiting Japan to talk with Soke or
other Japanese Sensei )another often asked question.

§ Nakadai Sensei's Dojo in Omotesando has celebrated its 10th anniversary. For
those that don't know he now has a 1 year old daughter.

§ In the last Shi Tenno Seminar in Dublin organized by Steve Byrne

skibyrne@indigo.ie, more than 80 people from six countries gathered to train
together. Thank you Steve! Peter king, Sveneric Bogsater and Arnaud Cousergue
taught many techniques of the Gyokko Ryu.

§ "Gyokushin Ryu and Kumogakure do not have any Densho in writing!" >From a
discussion between Hatsumi Sensei and Arnaud Cousergue in Noda.

§ All Shihans travelling to Japan to train with Hatsumi sensei can use the
Honbu and give classes when Sensei is not teaching. Ask sensei for t he keys.
§ Tip on the Gikan Ryu. When you move (attacking or defending) try to keep your
feet pointing in the opposite direction on one line. This will put you off
balance at the beginning but little by little you get more balanced. It is very
efficient once you have it! arnaud@budomart.com

§ Sveneric Bogsater is writing a new book on Budo Taijutsu. No publishing dates

so far. We are sure the new book will be as informative as his "first book" was.

§ Bujinkan group in Greece, url is: http://www.bda-ninpo.com/ - Nikos Kalantzis

§ Peter King will teach some classes during the Winter Bujinkan University a
seminar organized by arnaud Cousergue to replace the cancelled Taikai. This 5
day seminar will take place next march in Paris.

§ Soke has mentioned that people who would like to be considered for grading
when they visit Japan should mention it to him upon their arrival so that he has
opportunity to see and judge during their visit. Anthony Brien
abrien@optusnet.com.au

§ Oguri sensei has started teaching on a regular basis at Honbu on Monday

nights.

§ If you come to Paris, you are welcome to train at the Bujinkan France dojo
with Arnaud Cousergue. We train on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Ctc
Bruno Vicaire bujinkan.france@wanadoo.fr

§ Pedro Fleitas will return soon from Japan where he stayed with a big group of
Spanish and south American students.

§ We inform you of a "Teacher's class" in Brazil from march 3rd to October 7th.
A total of 150 hours of training! More info: Fabricio Vegini fvegini@zaz.com.br

§ "Kosshi" is related to the use of fingertips in the techniques but is also

related to the backbone. Then your Gyokko Ryu techniques should emphasizes the
use of your spine flexibility. arnaud@budomart.com

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~~~~NEXT SEMINARS~~~~

Send us information about the seminars you organize, we will put the information
in this section. Please precise city and country.

§ MARCH 10 & 11 DENMARK - BRIN MORGAN - Gyokko Ryu Seminar - More info
http://home.inet.tele.dk/bujinkan - Michael Schjerling mjms@post.tele.dk

§ MARCH 10 & 11 GERMANY - BOCHUM - KOSTAS KANAKIS 9th Dan - Bujinkan Budo
seminar in Bochum. Theme Kosshijutsu & Koppojutsu.
BKD-Budokai (Germany & Greece). More info seminare@bkd-budokai.org -
http://www.bkd-budokai.org - kanakis@bkd-budokai.org

§ MARCH 17 & 18 HUNGARY - SZEGED - DEAN ROSTOHAR 10th Dan - Theme: Taijutsu,
Tanto, Hanbo, Bo. More info rosny@freemail.hu

§ MARCH 23rd to 27th - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE & PETER KING - WINTER
BUJINKAN UNIVERSITY (5 days)- More info wbu2001@budomart.com

§ MARCH 17& 18 ENGLAND - WREXHAM - PETER KING: Seminar hosted by the Bujinkan
Tengu Hiryu Dojo in Wrexham, featuring 13th Dan Shihan Peter King. For any
further inquiries please contact goldenshield@ukonline.co.uk 07971 748 361/
07870 512 833
§ APRIL 7 & 8 GERMANY - CHEMNITZ - KOSTAS KANAKIS - Seminar Theme: Kosshijutsu,
Bojutsu in Chemnitz / Germany. Info: Andre Kahl, Tel.: 03727-613623 or 0172-
4423919

§ APRIL 7 & 8 ENGLAND - LINCOLN - ALEX MORDINE 10th Dan - More info
poryu@hotmail.com

§ APRIL 20th to 22nd - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE - YARI & KEN - More
info arnoyari@budomart.com .

§ MAY 5 & 6 GERMANY - LEIPZIG - KOSTAS KANAKIS - Theme: Gyokko Ryu Jo Ryaku no
Maki. Info: Nico Richter rinic@web.de

§ MAY 12, 13 & 14 - FRANCE - PARIS - ARNAUD COUSERGUE - Theme: JAPAN 2001
TECHNIQUES (3 days) - More info arnojapan@budomart.com

§ MAY 26 & 27 - DENMARK - COPENHAGEN - SVENERIC BOGSATER - Theme: Kosshijutsu

and Daisho - More info http://home19.inet.tele.dk/bujinkan Michael Schjerling

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~~~~DAIKOMYO SAI 2000~~~~

Eleven Irish Bujinkan practitioners recently made the 5,000 mile journey to
Japan with Irish chief instructor Steve Byrne to train under the Grandmaster of
the Bujinkan Dojo, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi.

The group stayed in Noda city outside Tokyo and trained at the Bujinden Dojo,
the international headquarters of the Bujinkan Dojo. Hatsumi Sensei founded the
Bujinkan, which translates as 'Divine Warrior Hall,' in honor of his teacher,
Toshitsugu Takamatsu Sensei.

The highlight of the course was the three day Daikomyosai training festival,
timed to coincide with Grandmaster Hatsumi's birthday. Held in Tokyo's famous
Budokan martial arts center, this year's seminar attracted close to 200
participants from around the world and focused on Hatsumi Sensei's theme for
2000, Koppojutsu from the Koto, Gikan and Gyokushin traditions.

"Koppojutsu is often translated as bone breaking methods, and is usually a very

hard form of martial arts, but in Japan Hatsumi Sensei emphasised an alternative
interpretation, saying that it is more important to take the balance and break
the spirit of the opponent than to break their bones," said Shidoshi Steve
Byrne.

Koppojutsu is one of several different styles of martial techniques studied

within the Bujinkan's nine schools. These arts were developed on the ancient
battlefields of Japan; six are old samurai schools, the remaining three are
schools of Ninjutsu. These historical roots provide a mine of rich teachings
that are equally applicable to modern situations.

The Japanese way of teaching is different to that usually found in the West.
Each of the Shihan first demonstrated traditional Koppojutsu Kata from the
schools, offering guidance and ensuring that everyone understood the core of the
technique before moving on to work on variations and to explore the principles
found in the Kat.

Hatsumi Sensei also taught the importance of understanding the principles of

underlying strategies, not just the mechanics, because this is what counts in
the flurry of a real fight.
This practicality is the Bujinkan's biggest draw for thousands of practitioners
around the world, many of whom are involved with law enforcement, military and
personal security.

While the Irish group was there, it was announced that Hatsumi Sensei had been
presented with his second prestigious award in a year on behalf by the Japanese
Emperor. The World Cultural Grand Prize was given to the Grandmaster in
recognition of his work spreading Japanese culture around the world. He is the
first martial artist to receive this prestigious award.

"Hatsumi Sensei himself often says that learning his martial arts is a lifelong
process and to really understand what he is doing you must visit Japan and see
the Bujinkan in its natural habitat," said Shidoshi Byrne.

Other teachers the group studied with during their trip included Nagato Sensei,
Noguchi Sensei, Oguri Sensei, Someya Sensei, Shiraishi Sensei and visiting
westerners Peter King, Sven Eric Bogsater, Jack Hoban, Bill Atkins and Arnaud
Cousergue.

On the first day of the Daikomyosai, Bujinkan Ireland fourth Dan Alex Meehan,
successfully passed the Sakki test, and was graded to fifth Dan (Shidoshi). In
this test, the candidate kneels with their eyes closed, while Hatsumi Sensei
stands behind them with a bamboo sword.

To pass, the candidate must successfully sense Hatsumi Sensei's Sakki, or killer
intention, and avoid a lightening fast downward cut from behind. "I'd been told
that the only way to pass is to trust yourself and not try to actually do
anything," said Alex Meehan.

"It's not a test of physical strength or stamina. You can't prepare yourself for
it by doing extra press-ups or running set distances. It's about whether you've
reached a certain level in your training. It's more a new beginning then an
achievement, " he said.

When it is conducted by the Grandmaster outside Japan, the fifth Dan test is
normally done only in the presence of Shihan, but all 200 participants of the
Tokyo course witnessed on this occasion.

Other people graded during the trip included Shidoshi Alan Hughes to 6th Dan,
Shidoshi-ho Marcus Dwyer to 4th Dan, Mark Cleary to 4th Dan, Jackie Mooney to
4th Dan, Henry Walsh to 3rd Dan, Pol MacFionmhacain to 2nd Dan, Tom Clements to
Shodan and Alacoque Meehan to 6th Kyu.

In a great end to the visit, Irishman Pol MacFionmhacain was invited to play the
traditional Irish Oileann pipes in the Hombu dojo at the party to celebrate
Hatsumi Sensei's birthday. MacFionmhacain is currently living in Japan, teaching
English and studying at the Hombu Dojo.

By Ruairi Quinn, Bujinkan Yonkyu - Dublin Dojo

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~~~~JUPI SEMINAR~~~~

Well... I'm exposed to a real challenge, having to write a small report on the
last Jupi without using any of the superlatives which come first to mind !
For those who don't know, Jupi seminars are annual special summer events
designed, hosted and conducted by Arnaud Cousergue, aimed at student truly
willing to progress in their Taijutsu - and in their overall understanding of
what Budo Taijutsu has to offer to all of us... To my knowledge, those seminars
are absolutely unique - and such was certainly the last edition.

While pointing out that "what is really of significance surely lies in what is
NOT put into words" (a quote from Charles Daniels after Soke asked him to put
his impressions on writing after he successfully passed his godan test), I'll do
my very best to deliver some personal impressions of general interest (or so do
I hope !).

What could be remembered of last edition is that WORK and PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT
surely pay off in the end. It is really amazing to finally realize that what
Arnaud had repeatedly outlined year after year...just happens to be so simple
and utterly true. How could we have ignored what Arnaud kept on telling us for
so long ? How deaf and blind were we, really... It was right in front of us all
the time - but maybe were we not ready yet for such a simple and fundamental
acknowledgement ?

I know you really aren't fishing for compliments, Arnaud, but honestly I'd like
to thank you again for keeping faith in what the Way could - can - make out of
us...

Here's an attempt at summing it up : "Just do it"... Get rid of your ego, get
rid of the technique, get rid of the failure complex... and just go for it. The
really "funny" thing is that... it works !

Another decisive turn was the new and rather fresh look we now have on the
"written thing" - or even on the "shown thing" by the way. While Densho and
manuals of all sorts certainly serve as an excellent basis for training, they
are not to be considered as absolute anymore (they may be inaccurate... and even
downright inexact to some extend) but merely as hints as how a certain technique
was executed at a certain occasion. We all "know" of course that the spirit and
feeling of a technique are much more important than the mechanical ways to
achieve it - but to deeply feel and understand it in one's body and mind is
truly enlightening. Yet if having felt it is already a major step taken towards
a more detached and natural Taijutsu, only hard work and training will keep that
bright but tiny light alive and further nourish and develop it...

On a more personal level, I think I came to a better understanding of the term

"Jissen" - real fight / real life - in the sense that I think I now more closely
relate what happens on the mat and in the "real" life...

That very seminar, Arnaud, was a major experience for all the participants.
Thank you for having allowed us to be there - and many thanks also to the group,
for I believe that each one of us decisively contributed to the undisputed
success of this summer's edition of the Jupi...

Pierre-Henri Steyt
Bujinkan Dojo Brussels Yondan Shidoshi-Ho
bujinkan.brussels@pi.be

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~~~~FUSUI - WIND & WATER~~~~

We've gotten off to a whirlwind pace here in 2001! Hatsumi Sensei thus far has
been primarily focusing on Gyokko Ryu and Daisho (long and short sword). That's
been the physical foundation on which he has been building the feeling and
understanding of Fusui, written with the kanji for air and water. Fusui like
Gyokko Ryu has its origins strongly entrenched in China.
Fusui is more commonly known in the west as Feung Shui. Most westerners have a
limited idea of Feung Shui, specifically as it pertains to properly placing
furniture and using appropriate colors to have a harmonious flow of energy
through your home or office, and the average Japanese is likely to think it's
fortune telling. These misconceptions give but a limited insight into the full
meaning of Fusui.

Fusui is the understanding and awareness of the natural flow of energy and the
forces of nature, both on a tangible and intangible level. Hatsumi Sensei has
given a number of examples to help us gain insight into it. One example given
was the cycle of precipitation. Water falls from the clouds in the form of rain
or snow and eventually finds its way back to the sea. Water falls from the sky
and flows downhill due to the force of gravity. Once in the sea, water rises in
the form of vapor overcoming gravity via evaporation. As it rises, it forms
clouds that are then driven by the wind back over land where the process starts
all over again. This cycle involves Fu(wind), Sui(water) and the natural forces
and energies of gravity and heat.

That is all fine and well but how does it relate to my Budo training you may
ask. This is where some of Hatsumi Sensei's other examples help us gain a
measure of understanding. It's all about being aware of and using these natural
forces at the appropriate times. His first example was using Juryoku or gravity.
He referenced Sir Isaac Newton and the apple falling on Newton's head and
demonstrated how to use the weight of your body or the weight your weapon in a
natural and advantageous way.

Hatsumi Sensei has also been saying that we really shouldn't try to avoid the
attack, we should move like Kaze or a cool breeze. To shed more light on this
concept he referenced what the Japanese call Jiryoku. Jiryoku, notice the
difference in spelling from Juryoku(gravity), is an attracting or repelling
magnetic force. Here we should look at the way two magnets clang together when
the north and south are brought near each other. This is a clashing that we
should generally avoid. Instead, visualize passing two north ends or two south
ends of a bar magnet past each other. Almost magically, they glide by each
other, each one subtly repelling the other. We've all experienced this, haven't
we, if not go out and try it immediately. This is the feeling we should have in
our movement!

This is only meant to be a brief introduction to Fusui and hopefully it has shed
a little light on the subject. It certainly isn't an easy concept to fully
grasp, but as Soke divulges more, be assured additional articles will follow. So
until then in the words of Hatsumi Sensei, "Gambatte kudasai" which means work
hard please and keep going!

By Pete Reynolds 5th Dan - Florida (living in Japan) - pete@sta.att.ne.jp

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~~~~SHI TENNO IN DUBLIN~~~~

The Bujinkan Byrne Dojo recently played host to the 4th annual Shi Tenno, or
four kings, seminar in Trinity College, Dublin, focusing on Hatsumi Sensei's
theme for 2001 - Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.

Spread over two days, the training was guided by three of the most highly ranked
Bujinkan teachers outside Japan, English Shihan Peter King, French Shihan Arnaud
Cousergue and Swedish Shihan Sveneric Bogsater. With over 100 participants on
the mat, this year's seminar had the largest attendance ever, with Bujinkan
members from as far away as Finland and the United States.

Kicking off on day one with the three basic Kamae (stances) of Gyokko Ryu
(Tradition of the Jeweled Tiger), each of the three teachers showed their
interpretation of the characteristics of each stance.

Starting with the basic Ichimonji stance, Peter King demonstrated how slightly
turning the lead foot enables the body to protect itself against an attack to
the groin. Sven Eric Bogsater, commenting on the same stance, warned against a
'hanging knee'- that is, to ensure that weight was not distributed on the rear
leg in a way which might eventually lead to injury.

One of the superb things about the Shi Tenno seminar was the fact that the
teachers circulated through the crowd during training, correcting mistakes and
answering questions. My training partner and I were able to ask Sveneric about
how he had altered basic stances to suit his Taijutsu more closely. He also
demonstrated up close his method for kicking more effectively from hicho no
Kamae. Arnaud Cousergue subsequently demonstrated how the transition from the
Ichimonji stance to the Jumonji stance requires only a small movement of the
body.

Next, the training moved on to the basic Kata, or training patterns, of Gyokko
Ryu. Kata in the Bujinkan are usually performed by two people and teach a
specific principal instead of the more usual one-man kata found in modern
martial arts, such as karate.

As these kata are recorded in text format only, there is ample room for
different interpretations. This became apparent as each of the Shihan emphasised
different ways of using the body according to their individual style of
Taijutsu.

In one technique Arnaud Cousergue used his conditioned thumbnail to good effect,
throwing his Uke, or training partner, by his ear. Peter King performed a
technique where he trapped his Uke's punching arm and kicking leg before using
these as handy levers to lift and drop his attacker from shoulder height.

A kata dealing with grabs and attacks from behind was practiced both in unarmed
format and against an opponent armed with a Tanto, or knife. Arnaud Cousergue,
commenting on this kata emphasised that in feudal Japan a weapon (such as a
katana) would usually have been worn on the left hip, but in a modern
application of the technique this would obviously not be the case.

When training officially ended on Sunday evening, there was a general consensus
of satisfaction that a lot of ground had been covered, and host Shihan Steve
Byrne finished by thanking all for attending and, of course, the guest
instructors.

Despite the bruises, what can only be described as a carnival atmosphere

prevailed among participants. Irish and foreign participants exchanged e-mail
addresses and there was a great deal of discussion, training related and
otherwise. Dissecting the weekend's training offered new insights into the
future training and the coming year.

One foreign Shidoshi, or teacher, commented to me that this was what he really
enjoyed about this sort of seminar: meeting Buyu (martial friends) and
reinforcing links between all the people training in the Bujinkan. People of
different age, background, profession and grade circulated and interacted
freely- a lot of them vowing to be back for next year's Shi Tenno seminar.
Pictures from this event are available for viewing at www.bujinkan.ie

By Ruairi Quinn, Bujinkan Yonkyu Dublin Dojo

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~~~~SEKININKAN: THE WAY OF RESPONSIBILITY~~~~

Recently I have been thinking about the real meaning of responsibility. Being a
high rank student of Hatsumi Sensei implies a lot of responsibilities toward
him, toward the others and toward yourself.

It is obvious to everybody that parents have a responsibility toward their own

children. But how are we responsible outside of the family? What does the word
"responsibility" means? If you look in the dictionary (Oxford University Press)
it says that "Responsibility is to be accountable". To be responsible :
"involves the obligation to make decisions for others and bear the blame for
their mistakes". It also : "involves the obligation to make your own decisions
and bear the blame for your mistakes. This is crystal clear.

Now when we look at how the Society develops we are surprised to see the
contrary. Our lives become more and more irresponsible. As we grow, we learn to
protect ourselves behind laws, illusions, dogmas etc. Whatever we do it is never
our fault; we find excuses for everything; we did not mean to do it, the others
made us do it etc. At home, young people stay longer with their parents. It is
common to see people aged 25 or more still living with their parents. Instead of
creating their lives they prefer the security of the family cocoon where
everything is given. They do not fight for their own evolution, they wait to
receive an already pre-lived life. No risk, no sweat, no pain.

In fact, without us noticing it our world is changing dramatically, Society

little by little develops in our brains the habit of being irresponsible. "True
Reality" (TR) disappears and a new, more common, easier to live "Virtual
Reality" (VR) takes over.

Ok, you ask yourself where the hell is he going to? I want you to take your own
lives into account, I want you to be responsible of your acts and be ready to
bear the consequences of your decisions. As you are familiar with Japanese
culture, I am sure you all know about "Giri": duty, obligation. It comes from
"Gimu" and "Gimu" has nearly the same meaning as "Sekimu" (obligation, duty)
that leads to "Sekinin" (responsibility), "Sekininkan" (sense of responsibility)
and to "Sekininsha" (a responsible person).

Now back to our art. When you are Tori you are supposed to win. I write
"supposed" because in a real fight both opponents are "Tori". The guy attacking
you does not think he is going to lose. He thinks he is going to get you.
Mentally HE is Tori. On the other hand, you do not want to be defeated. From
your perspective, the attacker is a potential Uke and YOU are Tori!
On the mats, sometimes you are in the same situation: two Tori are fighting.
This gives two solutions: you lose or you win. If you lose, YOU were Uke. If YOU
win, you were Tori. If you train a lot, if you train hard then sometimes your
attacker in the Dojo gets you. When this occurs do not feel angry against him,
feel angry against you. This is your fault if you moved badly. Footwork is the
key to our art, if you do not "play" 100% when you train then you will be hit.
And if you are, this is your own mistake. Often this situation occurs when you
think, or when you underestimate the speed of your opponent, or his willingness
to get you. If you are not committed to what you are doing then you have to pay
the price. And the price is always pain, mentally or physically.

This is why many practitioners in the Bujinkan stay in the VR. They do not
attack strongly (attacking strongly is not attacking with violence) so that
their partner can do the movement softly. When they change they expect their
partner to be as nice to them as they were to him. This is a lie! You are lying
to yourself and to your partner. You give yourself a sense of power you do not
really have. You are in the VR of efficiency and this can have negative
consequences on your life if you have to fight for survival.

One day in Japan I trained with an 8th Dan. I do not remember the technique but
I tried to be realistic in my attacks so that he could reacts properly and in my
defending moves. After a few moments he stopped me and said: "arnaud don't hit
so hard, I am here for a month and I don't want to be injured". The next day a
6th Dan had approximately the same comment. This made me wonder if I was
training properly so I went to Sensei's house and told him what happened. I
asked him if it was wrong to train the way I was training. His answer was clear:
"Bujinkan is not about dancing, it is about fighting. Don't injure them but
don't listen to them, please continue to train the way you do".

If you want to be a real practitioner, try to be a true Uke (i.e Tori when you
attack) and a true Tori. This will improve your technical skills. In the
Bujinkan you learn techniques, you learn weapons but above all if you are real,
you develop an increasing sense of responsibility. In a way we can say that true
training teaches you the mechanisms of adulthood.

Each person is a mix of three persons: the one perceived by the others, the one
you want the others to see and the one you are in reality. By being responsible
on the mats you become responsible of your behaviors in life (TR). The masks
(VR) you are wearing fade little by little and you become one with your Self.
Thanks to the Bujinkan arts and to Hatsumi Sensei you have a chance to grow
rapidly to become a Tatsujin, a skilled human being. Please accept the
consequences of your behaviors whether they are positive or negative. This
capability of choice and of accepting the result of your choices is the main
difference between man and animal.
So stop being animals and try to become real human beings, real Sekininsha!

Arnaud Cousergue - 13th Dan - France - arnaud@budomart.com

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~~~~THE RHYTHM OF NATURE~~~~

A few weeks ago I red an article about the history of the Togakure Ryu. The
words said, that the very origin of this school (and of the other Bujinkan Ryu
too) lies in nature. All the Bujinkan Ryu tried to live close to nature because
they used nature for living, for defending, for loving, for being...
Six years ago I wrote a letter to Hatsumi sensei, asking him why the studies of
the real martial arts makes people feel happy and their lives become more
comfortable and peaceful. (We do train fighting techniques!).

Why do people like so many Buyu (and Soke of course) always walk with this smile
through life? Sensei sent back a photo on which was written a Japanese
character. A friend told me it should be something like "Keep going!" I did not
understand. But I kept going. I have never thought about my question again. Now
I think it is time to tell my feelings and thinking to others.

Practicing this martial art (for Bujinkan it is better so say "Living art"
instead of "Martial art") we learn to live close to nature - with nature and in
nature, with all of its aspects. And this is one of my (the) keys to happiness,
the peaceful life and "the smile". We feel comfortable when we respect the
rhythm of nature, when we live according to this rhythm. If you do not live
exactly this type of rhythm and timing you feel sad and your worries will grow.
The closer you live to nature, the less problems will appear. You will find life
much more easier. If there is no difference in timing and rhythm between you and
your environment you will feel the smile in your face, you will be able to feel
the power of happiness in your heart. If you do not respect nature (nature
means: environment, people, feelings, worries, regrets
etc.), if you absolutely do not live in this rhythm, you will not be able to
live a happy and peaceful life.

Today I ask myself "What you wanted to hear from sensei to this question?" -
today I know that there is no answer - everyone has to experience and live his
life because there are so many timings and rhythms of nature like places in the
world. Timing means to realize the time you live in.

It is not only the year 2001, it is more. You are surrounded by many things in
daily life, working in different times, they are in different stages of their
development. You have to deal with all these.

Basically rhythm in the USA is so different to the rhythm in Germany. Two towns,
same country - different rhythm. Two persons, same area - different rhythm of
nature. But one principle - Keep going! This is the way. Thanks so much to all
the people I was able to meet - shining for me (still shining). Everyone has
his/her own personal individual rhythm. The way to this rhythm is Budo with so
many wonderful lights shining for all of us. We are all scouts on our way to the
rhythm of
nature - the way to happiness.
Find the rhythm and timing - respect nature and then live nature (naturally).

To all lights: keep shining.

To all scouts: keep going.
To everybody: keep shining while you keep going.

Benjamin Boesler - Shidoshi-ho 3. Dan - Bujinkan Budo Dojo - Schwaebisch Hall -

Germany
www.wdh.net/bujinkan - bujinkan@wdh.net

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~~~~AMATSU TATARA SCHOOL~~~~

Perhaps we have met or trained together over the years. Like you I have a GREAT
INTEREST in the Bujinkan and have had the privilege of Training with our Soke in
Japan since 1985, whilst there I had the privilege of being treated by Professor
Hatsumi, with traditional Japanese Amatsu medicine. Since this time I have
received numerous treatments and education in his medicine. In 1995 along with
two other people (Dennis Bartram and William Doolan) I received Menkyo Kaiden in
Amatsu medicine (Medicine from the Bujinkan schools) and Menkyo Kaiden in The
Hichi Buko Goshinjutsu Ryu, (Said to be the foundation tradition of martial arts
and natural medicine). In recent years we have taught these methods to people
throughout the world and continue to receive countless enquiries on these two
traditions connected with the Bujinkan dojo.

Recently James Gough (5th Dan Shidoshi Bujinkan and Okuden in Amatsu medicine)
and I have opened a Dojo in Estepona Spain. This Dojo is the Honbu Dojo of the
Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu and is dedicated to Bujinkan martial Ryu, the Hichi
Buko and the Amatsu Tatara. Covering 250 square meters, it consists of a Dojo,
changing rooms and lecture areas, with two clinic rooms.

On February 3rd and 4th 2001, we held a successful seminar on the nine schools
of the Bujinkan, with demonstrations on Amatsu Medicine and the Hichi Buko
Goshin Jutsu Ryu. This was a special 'Fiesta seminar' for Bujinkan people, with
an introduction to Amatsu medicine and the Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu.

We welcome all fellow Bujinkan members to experience Amatsu medicine along with
the Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu. Estepona is a Coastal town located on the Costa
de Sol, with beautiful beaches and plenty of night life! Interested? contact us
in writing either by letter to C/ Valladolid. 12. Estepona 29680 Malaga Spain or
by E-Mail Amatsu-tatara@excite.com

Live life to the full

Chris Roworth Bujinkan Shihan 11th Dan (Menkyo Kaiden)
Menkyo Kaiden in Amatsu medicine
Menkyo Kaiden in Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu Ryu

James Gough 5th Dan Shidoshi

Okuden Amatsu Medicine

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~~~~SELF-DEFENSE FOR GIRLS~~~~

A friend of mine sent this and I thought it was interesting.... , not much of an
advocate of the school she is describing but seems like good info! ANGIE

"I just finished taking the most amazing self-defense class, sponsored by
Shandwick, and I wanted to share some really valuable info with you before it
goes out of my head.

The guy who taught the class has a female friend who was attacked last year in
the parking garage at Westport Plaza in St. Louis one night after work and taken
to an abandoned house and raped. He started a women's group and began teaching
these classes soon after. This guy is a black belt in karate and trains twice a
year with Steven Segall. He and the others in this group interviewed a bunch of
rapists and date rapists in prison on what they look for and here's some
interesting facts:

The #1 thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most
likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other
hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman
with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women whose
clothing is easy to remove quickly. The #1 outfit they look for is overalls
because many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing and on overalls the
straps can be easily cut. They also look for women on their cell phones,
searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because
they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the early
morning, between 5 and 8:30 a.m. The number one place women are abducted
from/attacked at is grocery store parking lots. Number two is office parking
lots/garages. Number three is public restrooms.

The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly
move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about getting
caught. Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year
sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years. If you put up any kind of a
fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for
them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-
consuming. These men said they will not pick on women who have umbrellas, or
other similar objects that can be used from distance, in their hands. Keys are
not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them
as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

Several defense mechanisms he taught us are:

* If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in
an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a
question, like what time is it, or make general small talk, I can't believe it
is so cold out here, we're in for a bad winter. Now you've seen their face and
could identify them in a lineup, you lose appeal as a target.

* If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell
Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a
woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back.
Again, they are looking for an EASY target. If you carry pepper spray (this
instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes),
yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

* If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by
outsmarting them. If they grab your wrist, pull your wrist back so your hand is
in waving position (palm facing forward) and twist it toward yourself and pull
your arm away. It is hard to hold onto wrist bones that are moving in that way.
They stumble toward you and you stumble back, so you can use that momentum to
bring the same out and backhand them with your knuckles in the forehead, nose or
teeth.

* If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either
under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh. HARD.
One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a
guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin
and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in
those places as hard as you can stand it. It hurts.

* After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly
unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's balls (sorry to be graphic) it
is extremely painful. You might think that you'll piss the guy off and make him
want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that
they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble and
he's out of there.

* When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend
them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as
possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure and I ended up
on my knees and both knuckles racked audibly.

Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your
surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior,
don't dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel a little silly at the
time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really
was trouble."

Transmitted by Jeff Smith jefsmi@hometel.com

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~~~~TAIKAI NORWAY 2002~~~~

Finally, we have the great pleasure of inviting you to Norway Taikai 2002. This
is Norway's first Taikai, and it is being held in Stavanger the 5. - 7. July.

For this honorable occasion we have made a website to help spread this
information. Both the invitation and the website have been translated into
English, German and Spanish.

-English website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-English.html

-German website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-German.html
-Spanish website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002-Spanish.html
-Norwegian website: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/Taikai2002.html

On the website you can also download an MS Word-version of the invitation, which
can be handed out in your dojo. (Advice: Print 2-sided).

-English invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-English.doc

-German invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-German.doc
-Spanish invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-Spanish.doc
-Norwegian invitation: www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com/NorwayTaikai2002-Norwegian.doc

Please help us inviting the whole world of Bujinkan, by forwarding this e-mail
to all your friends (chain-letter-style).
If you are not on the mailing list and want to receive further Taikai-
information, please send an e-mail to NorwayTaikai2002@mail.com .
Information about prices will follow.

To register please e-mail Elias Krzywacki on Bujinkan@online.no , and then join

the list http://bujinkan.whispereddreams.com/Taikai/TaikaiPeople.php .
We look forward to meet you at Norway Taikai 2002. So start saving money now!

Best regards,

Bujinkan Dojo Norway www.BujinkanDojoNorway.com

P.S. Feel free to use Taikai-logo and -links for your own webpage.

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~~~~VIDEOS & BOOKS~~~~

§ Save at least 20% up to 40% on your Hatsumi Sensei videos made by Quest videos
in Japan. Solkan Europe is the official distributor in Europe for Quest videos
in Europe. All our videos available in Pal, Secam and Ntsc and concern Budo
Taijutsu and other martial arts. Visit our Website
http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/

§ The Bujinkan France Memento leads you from 9th Kyu to Shodan. It is a helpful
tool that goes with the ProTek. Available in French only. Price 80 FF. More info
at: http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/

§ You can buy your belt with Japanese embroideries at:

http://www.budomart.com/acatalog/

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