Isegrim ([info]isegrim) wrote in [info]martial_artists,
@ 2008-11-30 17:43:00
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Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
How many people here practice Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and what experiences have you made so far? Is it a martial art you would recomment and, if so, why? Also, can somebody explain to me the semnatic difference between Bujinkan and Ninjutsu? I've been looking for the "right" martial art for myself for years, and Bujinkan looks interesting. I'd like to learn a feasible form of self defence, no fancy kicks but something that actually works, in case I ever need it (which I hope I won't).

Any input is welcome. Thank you!

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[info]tylik
2008-11-30 05:28 pm UTC (link)
A number of friends whom I respect a great deal as martial artists practice Bukinjan. (Which doesn't mean I know crap, and I certainly don't know about differences between schools.) We talk more general theory a lot, and they seem to be well clued. So if you don't get plenty of responses, drop me a line and I'll see if they're up for an introduction.

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[info]darth_qonfused
2008-11-30 05:43 pm UTC (link)
My guess is that it would depend on the instructor of the ninjutsu school. Ask at the Bujinkan dojo if the local instructor has a shidōshi menkyo. Without one, you can't be certain of their rank according to their actual system.

That's about all I can tell you, since I don't practice the art.

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Oooh me me me
[info]lula_vampiro
2008-11-30 08:52 pm UTC (link)
I've been in the Bujinkan for a couple of years, training at this dōjō, and I like it a lot. A great deal of my appreciation for this art comes from the people at my dōjō, but on the whole I find that Bujinkan folks are friendly, helpful, and realistic in their outlook.

While there exists a basic self-defense curriculum of simple, easily applicable kata and techniques that every Bujinkan member will learn, the Bujinkan actually teaches a combination of six samurai and three ninja martial schools. In my time training, I've only rarely seen the same kata twice (except for the basics), but this eclectic mindset imparts habits and principles really well and teaches you to apply familiar principles to unfamiliar situations.

Semantically: the word "ninjutsu" refers to the (rather extensive) skill set that a ninja studies, from self-defense to tactics to philosophy. "Bujinkan" means "Warrior God Training Hall," and refers specifically to Dr Hatsumi's martial arts organization. Hatsumi used to call the style "budō ninjutsu," but switched the name to "taijutsu" because of popular erroneous associations with the term "ninjutsu." Misconceptions about straight swords and flying aside, "ninjutsu" really does describe the Bujinkan as a whole much better than "taijutsu," which refers specifically to "body skill" (athletics, conditioning, unarmed combat) and doesn't quite cover some of the stuff we might study in class, so I like using the term in hopes of reclaiming it.

I can talk a lot about the Bujinkan, but do you have any specific questions? I'm happy to answer.

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[info]madcat2183
2008-11-30 11:59 pm UTC (link)
I've trained in Bujinkan for a year in the US and two years now in Japan proper. The truth is Bujinkan is 9 different schools brought together cohesively as one martial art, three were traditional Ninjutsu schools and the others were of the Samurai arts.

Truth is a martial art is really only as good as your Sensei. I've had two excellent Senseis and also taken seminars with the Shihan and the grandmaster Hatsumi Sensei. I've experienced teachers that run the whole gamut from the best of the best to pretty mediocre.

As for the practicality, it is an extremely practical martial art as long as you find a teacher who can give you the modern applications of the traditional moves and forms you learn (my most recent teacher almost always does the same lesson twice a week, once traditional, once modern.)

Ask people you can trust in your area and try to find a good teacher because that's ultimately what will either keep you in or push you away from any martial art. Be discriminating, 10-dan Senseis may not necessarily be personally as good for you as someone of a lower rank.

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[info]extra_minty
2008-12-01 12:42 am UTC (link)
I've trained in Bujinkan for a few years now. I agree with the above comments about the system and the importance of having a good teacher. The dojo I'm at also stresses the importance of not only developing your skills physically, but mentally too. It is a martial art which can be challenging, but encourages you to grow as a person.

It teaches you how to defend yourself in different types of situations and how to avoid conflict. I like it as a system because as you progress there is less importance on kata and more on your natural movement and flow.

If you've got any more questions feel free to ask. :)

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[info]sd_flyer
2008-12-15 08:22 pm UTC (link)
Look not for a style, but for a good teacher

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