Buyu Camp Review

In the middle of September, I took the opportunity of attending Buyū Camp East. I have been taking part in these camps since 2006, and in those years, I can only say that they keep getting better. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the co-operation and strong desire to learn, the level of training and instruction, it keeps pushing the boundaries and evolving from the year before.

Friday Night

Sui no Kata

On Friday night, Jack Hoban took us through some of the Sanshin no Kata. The focus was on how the 5 basic patterns can be mapped into to 3 different perspectives during an attack:

The ethical goal creating context of the situation
The tactical strategy for achieving the objective
The physical method (taijutsu) required to deliver the execution of the tactic.




 I could spend a great deal of time discussing the role of ethics in martial arts, and how it is a framework for long term sustainable success. However, you could also just get one or both of the two in depth books which are already published on the subject:

http://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Warrior-Values-Morals-Service-ebook/dp/B00AEU157I/
http://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Protector-Police-Tactics-Techniques-ebook/dp/B00N7S16OG/

Regarding the strategy, the 5 basic forms were broken down into the way one might recognize, obtain and control a particular tactical space. From there we can gain an understanding of suitable timing, distance, and kamae that would allow us to obtain the strategic objective without violating our ethical objective.

Finally, the movements had to be executed in an efficient, integrated, and smooth manner. Jack explained the importance of body alignment, skeletal organization, and muscle activity, while executing any movement. Using the ground surface, and gravity, to isometrically activate the body, transferring energy through the hip girdle and along the spine to create more effortless, but incredibly powerful and stable, movements.

The Sanshin no Kata came to life through this process, and soon different, more modern looking, attacks were introduced. We saw that the tactic might change slightly, but that the ethic can remain constant, and even the taijutsu need only be mildly refined. Ed Martin also demonstrated that even if the movements become smaller, the principle of the Sanshin no Kata can still be there, although less clearly noticeable to the untrained eye.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, after Ed Martin warmed us up through his breathing routine, Jack walked us through the Kihon Happo.

Ura Shutō from Hichō no Kata

The Kihon Happō are often referred to as the basic building blocks of the Bujinkan system, and even the root of Budō. However,  as we all saw, even the basics are not basic.

Onikudaki 

Following on from the Sanshin no Kata the night before, the Saturday morning session taught us the importance of capturing the opponent in a trap. By correctly taking the space, it is possible to guide the resisting opponent into the exact technique we were looking to create, with minimal effort. The important aspects being soft hands and good footwork, not strong hands and no footwork.

Saturday Afternoon

Fighting from the ground

After a lunch break I attended one of the optional breakout sessions. There were two excellent teachers, Craig Gray teaching ground fighting principles and Phil Bradshaw with modern interpretations of Gyokko Ryū. I ended up in Phil's group on this occasion, but I have trained with Craig before and his classes are extremely helpful.

Ura Gyaku leading to Omote Gyaku - Renyo

Phil focused on progressing us from one basic move into a modern practical application. From here, he then incrementally introduced us into a series of logical next steps. Within a short time we were all executing an entire sequence of flowing forms. He then pointed out that we were doing a sequence that closely resembled the full kata of Renyo from Gyokko Ryū - Jō Ryaku no Maki. At the start of the process we were all focused on a specific technique, but soon we learned to flow from one technique to the next, not fighting for a specific outcome.

Using Kōdachi to close the Kukan

In the next session we could choose between Steffen Fröhlich on the grass or Ed Martin indoors. I found myself in Steffen's class on Gyokko Ryū Kata with Kōdachi. It began to rain a little, but this made the training feel exposed in a good way. Slippery grass challenged our footwork as we tried to play with the concepts Steffen offered us. Opening and closing the space to confuse the attacker, while at the same time maintaining a steadfast and serious feeling.




After training I attended the no-host dinner. It really was nice to eat and drink with old friends and new. Enjoying the company of many Buyū.

Sunday Morning

Controlling an attacker with multiple points of the body

On Sunday morning, Ed Martin again led us through his breathing routine. He then taught a class on defending against knife attacks. He started off with up-close scenarios, and then progressed to how we might protect someone else in a similar situation. Next he progressed to a more ranged attack, and then again focused on how we might use the same principles to protect another person in the same situation.

Controlling with Kuzushi before attempting a Gyaku

 Steffen once again took us through Gyokko Ryū kata, this time very much focusing on the importance of having the correct thought process for dealing with an attack. A good thought will generate a good and powerful feeling, connecting with the Uke and bringing a serious realism to the encounter. Some of the kata we worked on were Danshu, Danshi and Gyaku Nagare of Gyokko Ryū - Jō Ryaku no Maki.

Using the stick like a paintbrush

Next we had a session from Mark Guest focusing on 'the stick'. Mark relayed the importance of training with a variety of styles, shapes and sizes of stick. He also showed the importance of finding the balance point of a weapon as well as developing the ability to quickly familiarize ourselves with any that we should pick up. He also talked a lot about the feeling of the stick, it's blunt edge being very primitive, and the need to defend and control a center line with seriousness.

Sunday Afternoon

The rest of the day was broken into two sections both led by Jack Hoban. First of all, learning to find the balance point of the opponent, so that no matter how much they resist, they only make the technique more effective. Second, defending others, and ensuring we do not get caught up in the techniques and forget our mission to protect another.

Protecting others with Muso Dori

Summary

Overall I had a wonderful time. The teaching was excellent with high level teachers from near and far. The atmosphere was very co-operative and friendly. I made new friends and had a chance to catch up with old ones. I really am grateful to be a part of something so positive.

If you are interested in training at Buyū Camp next year there is already a webpage and a facebook event with more information:
http://www.winjutsu.com/seminars/buyucampeast/index.htm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1231270993566555/