I had the great opportunity to exchange emails with Mr Hayes. I told him that I wondered where his mental/spiritual practices (as outlined in his books) came from since the current Bujinkan did not seem to place a great emphasis on that type of thing.
Mr Hayes replied that in the early days was a much deeper experience practiced by only a few people. Mr Hayes stated that he used to stay after class for hours talking with Hatsumi Sensei about all topics ? real fighting, spiritual aspects, secrets of the warrior mind-set, ninja tactics.
Mr Hayes then stated that he went on to seek out additional sources of information beyond the dojo at Hatsumi Sensei?s suggestion.
By the mid-1980s, the Japanese instructors seemed to choose to reduce emphasis on depth inner training in order to make room for more people who might not be inclined to pursue such depth.
It would seem that the Bujinkan has changed over the years. The pursuits of the 70's are not the same as the pursuits of the 00's. Just like the training then is much different than the training now.
I remember it being said that back then the training was hard and never fun. Now it seems every one has a good time.
This reminds me of the difference between aikido and aikijutsu.
Mr Hayes replied that in the early days was a much deeper experience practiced by only a few people. Mr Hayes stated that he used to stay after class for hours talking with Hatsumi Sensei about all topics ? real fighting, spiritual aspects, secrets of the warrior mind-set, ninja tactics.
Mr Hayes then stated that he went on to seek out additional sources of information beyond the dojo at Hatsumi Sensei?s suggestion.
By the mid-1980s, the Japanese instructors seemed to choose to reduce emphasis on depth inner training in order to make room for more people who might not be inclined to pursue such depth.
It would seem that the Bujinkan has changed over the years. The pursuits of the 70's are not the same as the pursuits of the 00's. Just like the training then is much different than the training now.
I remember it being said that back then the training was hard and never fun. Now it seems every one has a good time.
This reminds me of the difference between aikido and aikijutsu.