Spiritual Refinement -
This is ultimately the highest goal of the warrior, the forging of the spirit
through the fire of discipline and service. At the highest levels this
spiritual refinement allows the warrior to overcome his adversaries or
adversities through sheer force of will, to win without fighting. Every
training session begins and ends with a period of quiet reflection and a
reminder that “You will never know joy unless you have a pure heart”. After
expressing our desire to learn from all that we experience, we proceed with three
bows; to the heart of our dojo, the teachers, and to each other as fellow
students.
Philosophy and Strategy – Philosophy here pertains to the development of the proper mindset for the use of the various methods of combat skills and tactics, as well as right conduct for one following the path of the warrior. Strategy is the specific methods and manners used in dealing with combat; from individual and group encounters to large scale troop movements.
Methods of study begin broadly with classics of Chinese and Japanese Heiho such as Sonshi’s Art of War and the Budo Shoshinsu of Taira Shigesuke and progress to the specific details of the ryu-ha we practice.
Empty Handed Combat Methods – In the Bushikai Bugei Dojo empty-handed combat is called
Within
There are four main precepts that
govern the teaching of
The second precept is “Using
strength or force within a waza is not using the waza to its full potential”. The third precept is “Keep
it simple”. Bear in mind that simple is conceptual - all things are
simple when one gains understanding. The fourth precept is “The ultimate aim of our Ryu has
nothing to do with combat or fighting”. The waza
and kata (forms) of the Ryu train the students’ body, mind, and spirit through
physical action. The byproducts of this training are many; of course including
outstanding fighting skills, however, our goal is the experience of life at its
fullest. So understand the feeling of the kata and move with the motions of the
waza and simply enjoy!
Jujutsu: Within the Bushi Shinden Ryu, jujutsu is much more than just grappling. Every throw or joint lock is to be worked so that the Uke (opponent) is incapable of rolling or escaping. Its characteristics are circular in all directions around the Uke and the movements force the Uke to over reach and be pulled into the techniques. Also includes Shimewaza (chokes) and Jissen Newaza (True Combat Ground Fighting).
Dakenjutsu: Also known as Karate-jutsu, Dakenjutsu movements strike the Uke and cause damage to all areas of the body. This is to render the opponents’ body incapable of functioning or being able offer an effective counter. The movements are very stationary, making techniques short and direct. The throws that are part of Dakenjutsu are made straight down so the Uke has little time to react.
Kosshi
jutsu: This method uses precise striking
techniques to attack the weak points of the body along with organ/muscle
ripping techniques. Its characteristics are circular on a horizontal plain,
moving around the Uke so as to make the Uke feel helpless and unable to counter
the attacking techniques.
Koppojutsu:
The powerful striking techniques of Koppojutsu attack
the weak points of the body along with bone breaking techniques to stop the
Uke. Its characteristics are aggressive, angular, and forward in motion to
overtake the Uke and give no time to react.
These are the blade methods of the
Tantojutsu
– Dagger Methods
Shotojutsu (Kodachi-jutsu)
– Short Sword Methods
Daitojutsu (Odachi-jutsu)
-Sword Methods
Ryoutojutsu – Dual Sword Methods
Battojutsu – Sword Drawing Methods
Suemonogiri – Cutting Practice
Stick and Staff Arts taught at the Bushikai Bugei Dojo:
Rokushaku Bojutsu - 6 foot Staff
Jojutsu – 4 foot Staff methods
Sanjaku Bojutsu - 3 foot Staff
Iron Truncheon Fighting Methods
Spear Fighting Methods (Yari jutsu)
Japanese Halberd and Glaive Fighting Methods
These are Small Arms Methods taught at the Bushikai
Bugei Dojo:
Bundo Kusarijutsu – Short weighted chain methods
Kusari Gamajutsu – Chain and Sickle methods
Bo Shurikenjutsu to Shakenjutsu - Throwing Spike and Blade methods
Tessenjutsu – War Fan methods
Hojojutsu – Rope restraining methods