Ninjutsu Sword forms??

B

bluemarch15

Joined
Apr 4, 2001
Messages
4
Hey, I've been looking into Ninjutsu and was told that it has a unique sword form?? If anyone could give me some opinions as to all this I'd appreciate it, Thanks
 
All of the Japnese sword schools, whether ninjutsu or samurai, came form the same roots. Therefore many similarities exist. The sword stuff in Bujinkan is very direct, and encommpasses several samurai and ninjutsu traditions. But if you look around at any Japanese sword forms with the suffix "jutsu" rather than "do", you'll find they are mostly combat-based, from centuries of use on the battlefield, not watered down for sport.

Peace,

Brian.

------------------
Brian Jones
Co-moderator
Wilderness & Survival Skills Forum
 
The Bujinkan dojo ninpo, as taught outside Japan, will usually draw a raised eyebrow from other traditional Japanese ryu--ninjutsu, kenjutsu, iai-do, or otherwise. I take with a grain of salt any technique that bears the ninjutsu label; this is from experience with experienced instructors from Japan. As evidenced by the April issue of Black Belt, a Bujinkan 'black belt'is now available via video correspondence-course.
Assuming that the Bujinkan ninpo is directly related to traditional ninjutsu training, the footwork differs greatly from traditional iaijutsu or kenjutsu techniques. As taught by Hatsumi/Hayes, ninjutsu uses the same basic footwork for H2H, knife, sword, staff etc. This is not true of many samurai-related disciplines.
Also, the use of the sword in ninjutsu is almost always geared towards specialized use outside of dueling (iaido) or battlefield use (kenjutsu).
Hayes and Hatsumi have put out many informative books on Bujinkan ninpo, most with pictures to illustrate the techinques. While no substitute for real training, these pics compared with similar book on iaido, kendo, or kenjutsu will give you an idea of the differences between the styles.

------------------
Condition Yellow: for a longer, happier life.
 
The Black Belt "correspondence course" is not from the Buj per se, but from Richard van Donk. I saw Richard move at the '96 Tai Kai. Let me find a way to say this...if I had to fight a martial artist with years of experience, please let it be van Donk.

Hayes has gone on to create his own martial art ( "To-Shin Do"), and can therefore not be said to represent the Bujinkan or ninpo in any way. With some experience and knowledge under my belt (I began my training at Hayes' dojo in '94, and have since trained with 3 other "x-kan" teachers, and seen many more in action), I can say he never really represented them, anyway. Let me say something good about the man: his wife is (or was, when I knew her) extremely skilled, and his two girls are great kids.

The "x-kan" (primarily Kukishin ryu) kenjutsu I have seen is not dissimilar from other kenjutsu schools.



[This message has been edited by Spectre (edited 04-06-2001).]
 
IIRC, a Bujinkan instructor that is at the godan level or above can make his own ranking system. The black belt home study course is Richard Van Donk's ranking system and does not apply to any other Bujinkan dojo. Richard will allow people to test by video up to 1st kyu, but the shodan test must be done in person. Also I was told this is for people without instructors in the area. The ad is not new, I think it has been in Black Belt monthly since 1994.


For the original poster, go to www.ninjutsu.com and look at Hatsumi Sensei's videos "Ninja Biken" and "Kenjutsu".
 
Although many of the schools in the major Kans are Bujutsu, the actual "ninja" style of swordfighting (called Bikenjutsu) is a bit different.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top