Sapient, for me Taijutsu is the best form out there. It is extremely martial and very practical. As mentioned, it was developed as a combat art for peasants in rural Japan some 900 years ago. Yet for all it's tradition, it has continued to be flexible and adaptive, evolving with the climate and needs of it's students. Check out this link for information straight from the source - Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th Soke of the Togakure Ryu.
I grew up with a romanticised view of ninja's. After watching many of the ninja movies of the early 80's (most all of which, in retrospect, were complete crap), I bought a copy of Hatsumi's "Ninjutsu: History & Tradition". I think I was about 12yrs old at the time.
Fast forward 10 years to Santa Cruz. I was absolutely stunned to find out that a high-ranking Shihan was teaching just a few miles from where I was living in Santa Cruz, Ca. I began study under Shihan Richard Van Donk (who, incidently, has a questionable reputation as a businessman, but is an indisputable martial artist). Van Donk has worked closely with Hatsumi, as do all credible teachers, to accurately disseminate the current interpretations from Japan. Most of my direct training has been from Van Donk's apprentice, Godan Ken Balanon, who has an excellent reputation within the community.
The training began with the basics of body movement (rolling, breakfalls, flexibility, and conditioning), and the fundamentals of taijutsu - the basic forms and katas. My intial impression, and the feeling I have had ever since, was that this was a REAL martial art. We were being trained to fight, not spar. Indeed, sparring is very limited within ninjutsu because many of the fundamental moves are designed to injure. Most of the katas followed this form: Defend against a strike (usually with an opposing strike), grapple, restraint, take-down, submission. The principles require the least amount of movement, and leverage the basic principles of physics and anatomy. It is quick and to the point. IN the past few years I have been training directly with Ken and another black belt, usually in public parks and often at night. Although I have been laying low for the past couple of months due to a back injury (funny you should mention yours), I have great memories of last winter, training hard in darkness, outdoors in 50 dgree weather. Very cool and illuminating.
The other side of ninjutsu is the spiritual aspect. The forms are usually done within the context of the elements. Earth, air, fire, water, void. Each has a different feel and one may be more appropriate in a given situation. In the higher dan's, the core of ninjutsu - mikyo & kuji - is taught. This is a very powerful and profound spiritual system which has been maintained for several hundred years. I think the link above speaks to some of the fundamental spiritual principles of the art. But, simply put, taijutsu is defensive and should be carried with humility and responsibility to protect those innocents around you. As a warrior you have the responsibility to fight for love and life.
Well, this is turning into a bit of a long ramble - you can see that I am quite inspired by the topic. My advice to you if your interested, is to find a good instructor with good credentials - find a Bujinkan school - then try it for a little while. Don't be intimidated by more advanced students, but you have to be able to drop all your other training at the door. I would also recommend Escrima, De Cuerdes or Serrata. PM me if you've got more specifc questions.
Cheers. |
