Friday night began with us training Sanshin no Kata and Kihon Happo. Jack Hoban took us through the basics, highlighting many of the key points: Alignment, distance, timing.
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| Boshiken |
There was a wide range of participants there, from those who have been training several decades, to those who were experiencing Bujinkan Taijutsu for the first time. It felt like everyone had something to learn from this review, and it primed us all us all up well for the weekend ahead.
On Friday night some of us staying at the camp enjoyed a warm campfire. It was a pleasant evening for weary travelers who had spend many hours on the road, and added to the feeling of the camp.
On Saturday morning, after a warm up by Ed Martin, the group assembled to practice some Kukishinden Ryu Dakentaijutsu along with some variations. Jack explained how we could use the concept of Shu-Ha-Ri (守破離) to first study and learn the form, and then to break the form, and finally to lose the form. He also demonstrated the concept of capturing the Ukes balance, and using this balance point to topple the opponent. Either sending the uke flying, or taking them down to the ground and submitting them.
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| Uke Nagashi |
After breaking for lunch there were several breakout sessions, where we could choose which instructor we wanted to train with. This was also repeated on Sunday morning.
Mark Guest taught a class on Bojutsu
Ed Figueroa demonstrated how good Taijutsu could be used in everyday life
Ed Martin explained the principles of escaping a knife attack and protecting others
Murray Taylor and Phil Bradshaw talked about the Hokken Juroppo (16 Striking Treasures)
Miki Fujitsubo showed some Taijutsu concepts
Craig Gray worked on ground fighting tactics
Josh Reis taught pistol and knife work
Josh Sager and myself also held a class for Kihon (basics)
It was a very busy time of sharing and learning. With teachers from the east coast, the west coast, and Europe, there was more than enough knowledge and information available for the participants.
On Saturday night, many of us attended a no host dinner at the local Colts Neck Inn. A great chance to unwind and compare notes, as well as getting to know each other a bit better.
On Sunday afternoon Jack brought forward some 'what if?' scenarios, including multiple attackers. Connecting the opponents to each other was key, so as to capture the balance point together.
We also practiced Hanbojutsu, using kyo-jitsu to draw out the attack and using the Hanbo tactically to control the kukan.
By the end of the weekend my cup was completely full, mission accomplished.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!
