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Rob_
Starting Member
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
 Posted - 06/01/2003 : 07:45:37
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I am thinking about signing up to a bujinkan course, but I have a few queries. Firstly, I would like to know if bujinkan is a fun to learn martial art, with variaty (always been fond of weapons training). Also I wouldl ike to know if they're any dojo's in the north london area (willing to go to london aswell).
Thanks
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mog roith
Frequent Member
Canada
117 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2003 : 14:08:29
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I can't say anything about dojos in your location unfortunately, but hopeful I can give some insight into your other questions.
Ninjutsu is perhaps the most varied art I have ever seen, within the combat aspects we have a total of 9 separate styles of combat, each with unique properties. Each style is a martial art in it's own right. This also means we have 9 styles worth of weapons with which we train. Those I have personally trained with (I am only a 6th kyu, and I only mention those I've been officially trained with, not those I've farted around with) are hanbo, jo, and bo (half, 3/4, and full staves), katana and ninja-to (long and short sword), tanto (knife), and shuriken (throwing stars). I've also seen spear, axe, sai, kusari-gama, and others I either can't remember the name of or which don't really exist (my dojo acquired a decommisioned fire hydrant last year, and we constantly make jokes about environmental weapons...).
As for fun factor, it really depends on your instructor. Some are more easygoing than others. This is true in pretty much every art, but ninjutsu perhaps has a better sense of humour about itself than many other styles do. This may be because, unlike many arts, much of what we practice will kill an opponent. Since what we do is so serious, humour is an almost necessary addition to prevent everyone from focusing on the darker aspects all the time.
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Tarek
Regular Member
Canada
34 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2003 : 20:47:11
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'Fun' is a relative term... most of us think it is... but we also like to come home with bruises. There is a huge variety in taijutsu but, as with all martial arts, patience is required. If you are willing to put the time in, you will learn more about yourself and become more aware than you have ever been.
S
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Zer0
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2004 : 07:51:52
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hi all, you mention all those cool weapons, i was wondering how 'real' are they, i looked at other sites and some use wooden replica... for obvious safety reason, but i was wondering if you eventually use more real weapon, like actual katana instead of bokken??
thanks
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druss
Regular Member
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2004 : 16:20:22
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Speaking about the training weapons. Generally, the only difference between the training weapons and real weapons are how lethal they are. A bo, jo, or bokuto are all wooden, but each is a "real" weapon. Sure they won't decapitate you but they can crack your skull. Bokken and the various other "practice" weapons differ from their "real" counter-parts in how lethal they are. Bokkens will break bones, but then again bokkens represent a katana and therefore are not used to "whack" or "chop" but to SLICE! Training weapons are near the same weight as the real thing in most cases, so there is a sense of realism in handling them.
On the other hand, I would guess that the use of live weapons on each other wouldn't happen very often since training in the Bujinkan is not generally a solo or no contact training. Taijutsu (with or without weapons) requires lots of contact.
Being an 8th Kyu I am still fairly new to the Bujinkan, but that is the way I currently see things and it is subject to change over time.
Keep going,
David
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mog roith
Frequent Member
Canada
117 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2004 : 22:13:44
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Another primary reason the Bujinkan doesn't use 'real' (or at least blunted blades and such) weapons in training; most of the focus is not on the weapon. It's on the dynamic of the motion involved, one which often applies to different weapons just as much, and even unarmed combat. Indeed, one of the first things my dojo tries to teach with weapons is not to focus on the weapon; if your opponent grabs your hanbo and tries to wrestle you for it, let him have it. While he's focusing on the hanbo, he's ignoring your fists and feet, so while he's trying to wrestle it away from you, your tactially better off dropping the weapon and kicking out his knees, or something like that. Pick your stick/sword/etc back up after he's dead/unconcious/screaming in pain and trying to crawl away.
And, as Druss mentioned, don't discount the lethality of training weapons. IIRC, Miyamoto Musashi once won a duel with a bokken he carved out of a wooden oar, against a live steel blade. By killing his opponent. It's not that they're less lethal, it's that their lethality is more controllable. You have to whack someone pretty hard with a bokken to hurt them, but letting a live-blade katana slide across their skin gently is probably going to require medical attention.
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paperdragon_413
Starting Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2004 : 13:46:18
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i agree with that! i'm only a 7th kyu, but i've gone home with a nice collection of bruises from a "training" weapon before. It's all in the way you use them. and keep out the way is the first thing i got taught, then worry about what to do back to your opponent!
Only in the dragon's mouth can you escape his claws |
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druss
Regular Member
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2004 : 15:09:08
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HAHA, we get plenty of those even without weapons. Some of the Kihon techniques such as Jumonji no kata can leave you with bruised ribs and arms. I have had more bruises than I can count, so far.
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LCPLPunk
Frequent Member
Canada
236 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2004 : 10:19:50
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After my first class, i couldn't wait for more, its a blast, and you learn stuff too. :)
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stebucky
Frequent Member
United Kingdom
110 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2004 : 05:50:57
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Still training with a broken leg and dislocation from training, crutch makes a pretty good hanbo, just a pity no uke will attack me
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LCPLPunk
Frequent Member
Canada
236 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2004 : 14:27:43
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Sorry to hear about your injury, i hope you heal quickly.
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stebucky
Frequent Member
United Kingdom
110 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2004 : 04:42:11
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| Thank you, great to know all the buyu family care, think next time though i'll break an arm, less hassle |
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stebucky
Frequent Member
United Kingdom
110 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2004 : 18:35:50
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Is it worth it.
OOOO HELL YEAH!
How serious do I take training?... How serious do you take life?........ |
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LCPLPunk
Frequent Member
Canada
236 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2004 : 11:07:01
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Is your life worth it?
Aaron Lucia
Maitland/Orlando Bujinkan |
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stebucky
Frequent Member
United Kingdom
110 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2004 : 20:38:33
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To LCPLPunk, yes it is. it is what makes me different from all of you, I am prepared for the sacrifice. Maybe you should look at your own heart before asking others.
How serious do I take training?... How serious do you take life?........ |
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LCPLPunk
Frequent Member
Canada
236 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2004 : 00:56:46
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Oh boy..i'm hoping that wasn't directed directly at me in response to my comment. Mine was just a general question to those asking.. :P
I didn't spend a year in Iraq unwilling to sacrifice. :P
Aaron Lucia
Maitland/Orlando Bujinkan |
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Is it really worth it?
