Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu?

[DoubleZ711]

I have been looking for a martial art that isn't karate or taekwondo because I just feel like they are really bland art forms since most places teach them, but there isn't much available in my area. However, there is a place nearby that teaches something called Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Can someone tell me what the primary focuses of this are? Like striking, grappling, ground work.. etc. Also, if you are familiar with this art, can you tell me if its an actual practical art or if its a slow art like taijiquan. Thanks!

 

[bluekey88]

I'm a novice in BBT. It is what is popularly referred to as ninjutsu. It's based on 9 schools (ryu) of traditional budo arts. It seems to cover a bit of everything...striking, throws, locks, grappling, weapons, etc.

I like the art. It really depends (like in all arts) who the instructor is and how well they teach.

As an aside, I also train TKD...also a fantastic art. Don't dismiss an art because it might have a competition element...soem of the hardest, most skillful guys I know do or have competed in their chosen arts.

Peace,
Erik

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Budo Taijutsu is a fun system to practice in with lots of variety and enjoyment.

Go check out a free class and see if the instructor and environment are for you.

 

[Chris Parker]

Hi,

The Bujinkan is headed by Hatsumi Sensei, and as stated teaches from nine seperate traditional Japanese Martial Arts, some of which are ninjutsu, and some of which are samurai systems.

The curriculum will vary from school to school, and teacher to teacher, but will most often include striking (hand/arm strikes, kicks, blocking methods, body strikes, and more), grappling (throws, limb controls, chokes, pins, submissions etc), ground fighting (striking, grappling from the ground, as well as techniques performed from a seated position), a wide range of weaponry (bladed, flexible, impact, projectile, hidden, distraction etc), footwork/body positioning (evasive, offensive, defensive etc), defence against weapon attacks (modern such as knife, baton, gun, traditional such as staff, sword, spear, short sword etc), defence against group attacks, and in most schools, modern self defence (goshinjutsu). In addition, there is a great deal of other knowledge (such as stealth movements, tracking, water techniques, principles of nature, disguise, meteorology etc), so it isn't really something that can be easily described. Even with this list, it really doesn't do anything to give you an idea of the art itself. Honestly, go and see how you feel about the art, the school, and the teacher. It's the only way to know. Enjoy!

 

[JadeDragon3]

From my observation though this is not a very effective art for modern day. It is geared more towards fuedal Japan (swords, kama, shuriken, blow guns, wearing the tabi boots (split toe shoe), etc...). This is why Stephen K. Hayes left and founded his sytem called To Shin Do. Hayes' sytem is based on his knowledge of Ninjutsu that he learned from Hatsumi Sensei but makes it applicable/practical to modern times. It is a very good martial art if your looking for a traditional art form.

 

[MMcGuirk]

I have been looking for a martial art that isn't karate or taekwondo because I just feel like they are really bland art forms since most places teach them, but there isn't much available in my area. However, there is a place nearby that teaches something called Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Can someone tell me what the primary focuses of this are? Like striking, grappling, ground work.. etc. Also, if you are familiar with this art, can you tell me if its an actual practical art or if its a slow art like taijiquan. Thanks!

I think you will be the best one to decide if it is pragmatic to you or not. This school has a lot of history but this doesn't mean it is useful for historical learning only. So far for me, it has covered every aspect of fighting I have seen or even heard and haven't heard of.

There are and have been students from the SAS(Special Air Service), Federal Air Marshalls, body guards and dealings with our own FBI. In fact, my first teacher's mentor taught the FBI the use of naginata.

How many naginata do you see on the streets? My first reaction as a youngster in the art was why? According to the Bujinkan teacher AND the FBI, distance, timing and angles in a fight are still as relevent today as they were four hundred years ago. The principles of fighting haven't changed, so the "modernization" to me is just a commercial selling point. The use of the naginata highlighted the difficulty of timing, distancing and angling. Once they went to unarmed, the principles were easier to apply and understand.

I can't recall which Daikomyosai, but Hatsumi Sensei was given a plaque of appreciation/thanks from the FBI for 20 years of support and teaching. I was shocked they still went to him after all these years but I don't live in Japan so I don't know what goes on there.(I assumed the FBI, like others, trained the "flavor" of the day)

There are only so many ways you can make a fist and deliver a kick. The delivery method and applications of what you learn vary from martial arts.

Only you can decide if it's for you so I wish you good luck. If you decide you like BBT, then welcome aboard!!

 

[Dale Seago]

. . .not a very effective art for modern day. It is geared more towards fuedal Japan (swords, kama, shuriken, blow guns, wearing the tabi boots (split toe shoe), etc...).

No personal disrespect intended, but this appears to be a popular view among people without direct experience of training in Japan with Hatsumi sensei and the shihan.

My very first training over there was on a military mission wherein my commander let me break loose for a couple of days to run down to Noda from Camp Sendai to train, and the instructor I was working with (whom I'd met at a U.S. Tai Kai six months previously) had me doing interesting things with a (non-firing replica) shotgun and submachine gun. That was just over 22 years ago, in January of '87, when SKH was still well known as a Bujinkan instructor.

I've seen plenty of application/adaptation to contemporary weaponry and tactics in training in Japan over the years since then as well. Therefore, for someone to say that "This is why Stephen K. Hayes left and founded his sytem called To Shin Do" is either ignorant or willfully deceptive.

I've heard Hatsumi sensei say on several occasions that a true martial art does not need to fundamentally change simply because technology changes: It simply incorporates the new into the existing knowledge base in a compatible way which will allow the practitioner to make the best use of it. The Bujinkan was doing that long before Hayes left it.

There are and have been students from the SAS(Special Air Service), Federal Air Marshalls, body guards and dealings with our own FBI.

At the 2003 US Tai Kai in New Jersey, which Hatsumi sensei had previously announced would be the last time he would teach outside Japan, I was in charge of his security detail. My team members included a NYPD detective; a US Marshal; an FBI agent; a couple of military EOD specialists just returned from Afghanistan; and a Secret Service agent. . .all of them Bujinkan practitioners.

 

[Bruno@MT]

At the 2003 US Tai Kai in New Jersey, which Hatsumi sensei had previously announced would be the last time he would teach outside Japan, I was in charge of his security detail. My team members included a NYPD detective; a US Marshal; an FBI agent; a couple of military EOD specialists just returned from Afghanistan; and a Secret Service agent. . .all of them Bujinkan practitioners.

Sorry for the OT, but is there a special reason why Hatsumi sensei needs such a strong security detail? And given that he is Hatsumi sensei, isn't he more than capable of dealing with a possible attacker?

No disrespect here. I am honestly wondering about this.

 

[Dale Seago]

I can't recall which Daikomyosai, but Hatsumi Sensei was given a plaque of appreciation/thanks from the FBI for 20 years of support and teaching.

I was there. If my memory is correct, that was at the 2007 Daikomyosai training event in Japan.

 

[Dale Seago]

Sorry for the OT, but is there a special reason why Hatsumi sensei needs such a strong security detail? And given that he is Hatsumi sensei, isn't he more than capable of dealing with a possible attacker?

Looking at it from a Japanese cultural perspective, it would be a huge embarrassment and loss of face for his hosts if it became necessary for him to do so.

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

At the 2003 US Tai Kai in New Jersey, which Hatsumi sensei had previously announced would be the last time he would teach outside Japan, I was in charge of his security detail. My team members included a NYPD detective; a US Marshal; an FBI agent; a couple of military EOD specialists just returned from Afghanistan; and a Secret Service agent. . .all of them Bujinkan practitioners.

Yes Dale and you did a very good job as I watched how you were working.

 

[MMcGuirk]

Sorry for the OT, but is there a special reason why Hatsumi sensei needs such a strong security detail? And given that he is Hatsumi sensei, isn't he more than capable of dealing with a possible attacker?

No disrespect here. I am honestly wondering about this.

And I sometimes wonder who is protecting whom! LOL

At the 2002 St. Louis (Illinois) Taikai I had some dojo mates part of the event security. They informed me of a participant who had brought a pair of handguns to the event. Why? We never found out. Needless to say this was cause for concern and the local police couldn't do anything about it because he could legally carry the firearms. Needless to say his picture was passed out amongst the security detail and he was watched carefully. I don't know if he stayed for the rest of the event.

This isn't the first time apparently. Earlier Taikais involved organizers having to carry hidden firearms also. Sad, but that's how the world works. In my own opinion there are always nuts out there wanting to make a name for themselves.

 

[Bruno@MT]

Looking at it from a Japanese cultural perspective, it would be a huge embarrassment and loss of face for his hosts if it became necessary for him to do so.

Looking at it like that, it makes sense.
Thanks Dale.

 

[Chris Parker]

The other thing to consider is to take a look at what a typical security detail does. They are there to ensure the principle's day goes smoothly, that they are not accosted by unwanted individuals, that cars are there to meet the principle, and to essentially blend in with the surrounds. Although someone like Hatsumi Sensei could "look after himself", as could many others who utilise a security detail, the idea is that potential disruptions are spotted, intercepted, and neutralised before reaching the principle themselves. In this sense, if it got to the point where Hatsumi Sensei was approached and reached by someone (not necessarily an aggressive one, either; it could be an overly friendly person who has read one of his books, or maybe seen a dvd or two, who wants to take more of his time than can reasonably be given), and he was forced to act, then the security team failed. The day was disrupted.

This can be looked at culturally, in terms of loss of face, but should be universal to any professional security detail. And if you were to see one of these details working, if they are doing their job well, you wouldn't notice them. They're not Secret Service (who are there to protect their principle [under more threat than others, admittedly] and do so in part by being obvious, and intimidating. But if you watch them work well, there are many times when watching someone like the President where even the Secret Service do a great job of blending in until required.

 

[Dale Seago]

Excellent post, Chris, and absolutely correct.

 

[Chris Parker]

Thanks, Dale.

Oh, and as for "From my observation though this is not a very effective art for modern day. It is geared more towards fuedal Japan (swords, kama, shuriken, blow guns, wearing the tabi boots (split toe shoe), etc...). (posted by JadeDragon3)", I have always felt that the art (techniques) is less important than the method of training. Yes, the Bujinkan (and other Ninjutsu organisations) techniques can be lookes upon as being less than appropriate for today, and would certainly be if only trained as written. But that's not the way they're trained. The art is alive because it is adapted, utilising the strategies, tactics, and principles of the ancient bodies of knowledge, allowing modern practitioners to find answers to modern dilemmas.

The trick is to find a teacher who understands how to fight in ancient Japan, and on your particular countries modern streets, and what the difference between them is.

 

[JadeDragon3]

No personal disrespect intended, but this appears to be a popular view among people without direct experience of training in Japan with Hatsumi sensei and the shihan.

My very first training over there was on a military mission wherein my commander let me break loose for a couple of days to run down to Noda from Camp Sendai to train, and the instructor I was working with (whom I'd met at a U.S. Tai Kai six months previously) had me doing interesting things with a (non-firing replica) shotgun and submachine gun. That was just over 22 years ago, in January of '87, when SKH was still well known as a Bujinkan instructor.

I've seen plenty of application/adaptation to contemporary weaponry and tactics in training in Japan over the years since then as well. Therefore, for someone to say that "This is why Stephen K. Hayes left and founded his sytem called To Shin Do" is either ignorant or willfully deceptive.

I've heard Hatsumi sensei say on several occasions that a true martial art does not need to fundamentally change simply because technology changes: It simply incorporates the new into the existing knowledge base in a compatible way which will allow the practitioner to make the best use of it. The Bujinkan was doing that long before Hayes left it.



At the 2003 US Tai Kai in New Jersey, which Hatsumi sensei had previously announced would be the last time he would teach outside Japan, I was in charge of his security detail. My team members included a NYPD detective; a US Marshal; an FBI agent; a couple of military EOD specialists just returned from Afghanistan; and a Secret Service agent. . .all of them Bujinkan practitioners.

Stephen K. Hayes said this himself. Here is a quote from his web site......

"An-shu Stephen K. Hayes' To-Shin Do martial arts training leads to the ability to live life fully, fearlessly, and freely. Ours is a thorough system of personal preparation for facing the kinds of conflict and opposition that can surprise us in the course of daily life. To-Shin Do techniques are based on an ancient and well-tested system of warrior disciplines handed down by nine historical Japanese family lineages. At the same time, our training program is built around a very modern approach to handling the kind of threats and confrontations most likely in our own contemporary culture."

So I'm not ignorant nor am I willfully deceptive.

 

[Cryozombie]

Stephen K. Hayes said this himself. Here is a quote from his web site......

"An-shu Stephen K. Hayes' To-Shin Do martial arts training leads to the ability to live life fully, fearlessly, and freely. Ours is a thorough system of personal preparation for facing the kinds of conflict and opposition that can surprise us in the course of daily life. To-Shin Do techniques are based on an ancient and well-tested system of warrior disciplines handed down by nine historical Japanese family lineages. At the same time, our training program is built around a very modern approach to handling the kind of threats and confrontations most likely in our own contemporary culture."

So I'm not ignorant nor am I willfully deceptive.

Bear in mind a big part of how Hayes "modernized the art" was by "giving" blackbelts in Toshindo to Taekwondo schools after an expensive 2 day seminar and saying "you are now Toshindo". I agree, doing THAT is a modern concept, not traditional.

well, ok...the one "modern thing" I'll give the quest centers, although to be fair I have seen a number of Bujinkan schools, including the one I train at that do this, is that they don't just train against the taijutsu punch, they train against modern jabs, hooks, crosses, etc.

 

[JadeDragon3]

Bear in mind a big part of how Hayes "modernized the art" was by "giving" blackbelts in Toshindo to Taekwondo schools after an expensive 2 day seminar and saying "you are now Toshindo". I agree, doing THAT is a modern concept, not traditional.

well, ok...the one "modern thing" I'll give the quest centers, although to be fair I have seen a number of Bujinkan schools, including the one I train at that do this, is that they don't just train against the taijutsu punch, they train against modern jabs, hooks, crosses, etc.

Thats crazy. Giving TSD bb's to TKD students. Has Hayes sold out?

Does anyone know the status of Hayes and Hatsumi's relationship? Are they friends and still talk or do they not talk at all? Was the split bitter?

 

[MMcGuirk]

Hayes is no longer recognized as a member of Bujinkan for a while now. He had been doing his own thing for years. I'm not going into details here. There are plenty of other sites that will rehash this if it's really that important to anyone.

I'm only posting this for the OP of looking for a Bujinkan dojo.