Bujinkan Santa Monica

  黒門 Kuromon: the Black Gate This morning I made my way into Tokyo to visit the 黒門 kuromon, or black gate. This was one of the few structures from 寛永寺 Kan’ei-ji that survived the battle of Ueno (上野戦争, Ueno Sensō). During the Boshin War (戊辰戦争, Boshin Sensō), and the gate marked the spot where the 彰義隊 Shōgitai lost a decisive battle against the Imperial troops. Today it is riddled with bullet holes and cannon scars. The Shōgitai were the last of the Tokugawa Samurai. They had swords, arrows, and spears. But they were no match for the 官軍 kangun, the Imperial army led by 西郷 隆盛 Saigō Takamori, who used Snider rifles and Armstrong Cannons. 黒門の半分見へて春の雨 the Black Gate is only half visible – rain in spring 〜Kobayashi Issa, 1805 My visit to the black gate was marked by the gentle fall of Ginkgo leaves. A quiet peaceful morning helped me reflect on such a fierce battle. Maybe one of the reasons I am allowed to be here was because of this war which led to the end of the Tokugawa ...

I’m off to Japan again. Every trip has a hidden influence so it feels fresh for me. I get excited leading up and preparing for travel. I get excited in the airports, on the planes, and on the trains. I always make big plans to do things in Japan, to visit places, to learn from specific teachers, to meet with friends I haven’t seen in a long time… But when I get there, Japan has other ideas for me. The reality on the ground decides for me. I let Japan decide what I will be doing on that day, or on that trip. Then each trip becomes a unique experience in itself. During one class with Hatsumi Sensei, he spoke of 幽玄の世界 Yūgen no sekai . He said it was like purposely taking a picture that was out of focus. He said you don’t want the focus to be too sharp. Instead you feel it with your eyes, your skin, and your heart. I drive my curiosity just by noticing things. I try to notice the little details the country and the culture. I record things, I take notes in the dojo. This allows ...

I start off my Japan Report Four video going to Hatsumi Sensei’s house and the Bujinkan Honbu office. I do this on every trip because this is how I submit my rank paperwork for my students. In the video I talk about my “secret” route to his house. I also recall past times when I could just visit and have tea with Soke. During my walk to his house, I review some of my notes from old classes with Soke. During one class he said 自分の第六感兼ねあいうち Jibun no dairokkan kane aiuchi. This is when you make your intuition match reality. Or, more directly, your intuition is combined with something concrete such as a strike. Later in that same class, Hatsumi Sensei said 意識をさせない Ishiki o Sasenai. He was telling us not to allow our opponents to sense our intentions. Don’t put out any intention for your opponent to read. I thought it was fascinating to think about dairokkan and the use of intuition while also hiding your intentions. Hatsumi Sensei’s classes were full of subtle lessons lik...