Bujinkan Midlands Dojo

The Dojo is delighted to announce a one day workshop with Bujinkan Dia-Shihan, Amatsu Therapist and Feldenkrais practitioner Alan Butler.

The workshop will be take place over two sessions, The Feldenkrais method in the morning and Taijutsu in the afternoon.

Alan with share and demonstrate how the two compliment each other.

Participants are invited to attend one or both sessions.

Please DM us to be put on a mailing list and for more details.

Noguchi`s party message, Fukuoka, and Tsutsui Sensei! I am thankful for all my friends from around the world! Much Love PaulDonations: Paypal [email protected] Askew Post:https://www.facebook.com/sean.as...

Fudoushin 不動心 or the "immovable heart" is an integral aspect of Budo. This heart isn't cold nor harsh, but rather an emotionally intelligent heart, unwavered by change or surprise.
In the Bujinkan, this change without surprise is referred to as Banpen Fugyou 万変不驚.
It's quite interesting that Sôke started painting this quite a lot recently up until his routine changing earlier this year. ShinShin Shingan 心神 心眼 can be translated as “Divine Heart, Eye of the Heart”. Soke was preparing us for this trial as martial artists though his training and artwork. Not everything can be transmitted via Taiden 体伝 ( physical transmission ), that’s why there are two other ways, Shinden 心伝 ( heart transmission ) and Kuden 口伝 ( oral transmission ). As a student with an open heart, everything said, felt, and observed is a possible teaching and lesson of the highest that could save our lives.

This is a time that's testing everyones utsuwa ( capacity ). We are subjected to living differently and, for an unknown period of time. Only the persons who can adapt ( henka ) will survive physically and mentally and come through this period of craziness to live fully again.
This is why it’s so important to gain a larger capacity within ourselves. As martial artists, we are taught this through the living teachings of Hatsumi Sensei. He has always said that relying on power, speed, or technique will get you killed, and that Henka 変化 ( adaption ) and Kyojutsu 虚実 ( interchange of truth and falsehood )is the key to survival and understanding true martial arts.
In the dojo, we are always subjected to change. It is a test of our Sainou 才能 ( talent/skill ) Tamashii 魂 ( soul/spirit ) and Utsuwa 器 ( capacity ). We feel challenged, uncomfortable, out of our depth, awkward and not in control. However, we continue and accept the environment and learn to live within it. Those that require everything to be "set" or cannot understand/endure with this idea or approach, will always return to what makes them feel more comfortable and at ease. This is a weakness. Look what happens when people cannot change and do anything to stay the same. It's not about how many techniques one has memorised, It’s not about strength,weakness,technique,
speed,skill,intelligence or who's more powerful - it’s about Kankaku 感覚 or "feeling/sense". What is the feeling or sense? To me, it is being able to accept and adapt to what happens, live from moment to moment, be pragmatic, and do what's necessary to survive, all with the unwavering heart ( fudoushin ). Easier said than done but worth trying to live by and grow from!
We must be able to walk the talk. We must be able to focus on positively manifesting the art we have been studying to protect us in times of hardship.
This is a chance for us to understand and truly discover if we possess 忍耐 ( patience ) and can live by the first code of the Bujinkan Dojo:

忍耐は、先ず一服の間とぞ知れ.
"Know that endurance is simply a whisp of smoke".

Soke and the Dai Shihan teach us in a way where classes are enjoyable. We smile and have fun in their classes. We test ourselves but keep a light heart free from stress. The dojo is like a sanctuary for us. This light heart yet with a sense of serious purpose is often described as Majime Asobu 真面目遊ぶ or "serious play/enjoyment."
It is this heart that helps us maintain Heijoushin 平常心( calm daily mind regardless of internal or external influences ) even in times of change and perceived hardship. It enables us to take everything in stride and come to a closer understanding of bushido 武士道 - life in every breath.
This is a time where we can all consider more deeply what we are doing with our lives and re-establish our heart and reasoning for studying the martial arts.

Writing this, I'm sitting outside with the warm afternoon sun on my face. There is a slight cool breeze and the chirping of birds with the smell of freshly cut lawn.

I'm enjoying this moment and giving thanks for it.
My best in health and happiness to everyone.

Bufu Ikkan
武風一貫
"Follow the martial wind"

南虎

If anyone is looking to pick up a few epub books on Japanese Budo you can pick up a bargain here. The Dave Lowry books are highly recommended.

Humble Book Bundle: Live Like a Samurai by Shambhala We’ve partnered up with Shambhala Publications to help your physical and mental wellness. Plus, pay what you want & support Lotus Outreach!

Following us having to cancel our seminar planned for June 2020 with Pedro due to COVID , I am delighted to announce that we have rescheduled this event for June next year and all Bujinkan Instructors and students are welcome.

If you haven't seen Paul's Youtube channel you should check it out. Both his English and Japanese channels have some brilliant vidoes up.

How can ninjutsu be destroyed? The secret is so close as to be undetected.. We discuss the wisdom left to us by reknown (alleged) ninja Momochi Sandaiyu. Enjoy the views as you hear the ancient words of our ancient ninja ancestors. ...

Reminder Marcus’s anniversary zoom seminar is coming up next week.

Muji Ryu and Bokuden Matsugo Ryu reproduction makimono from Japan.