Apr 16 2008
Never Stop!
Once we understand our footwork, once you can hit solid kamae with your eyes closed, it’s time to move to the next phase of our training. The phase where we never stop. When starting your kata you do not start from a static position. When your kata ends you do not hold out your last attack as if to admire it. This holds true even when you are training alone. I should say especially when you are training alone.
For the most part, in the Bujinkan we do not spar. This is not because we are too deadly, or someone will get hurt. Getting hurt is a possibility regardless of the art. If you are too deadly how can you stop someone and stay out of jail? We don’t spar because this is not a sport. We are not trying to win, but to preserve ourselves and those around us. That said there are lessons to be learned from fighting. To get this experience we either have to go and engage in some real experiences or find the most realistic way that we can to train.
So we need to train realistically with the image of someone who is trying to win (or an uke who can imagine that they want to win without countering the technique because they know what’s coming). What are the attributes that we want in that opponent? Well lucky for you I am feeling generous and will tell you:
1. Punches of a consistent speed
To correctly work on a technique it doesn’t matter if you are moving fast or slow (I suggest start slowly and as you gain proficiency speed up) but the speed must be constant throughout.
2. No breaks in the attacks
When one attack is complete the next should be on it’s way. This will force the tori to preform the technique correctly in a realistic interval rather than the traditional ‘Bujinkan’ attack style, which in many cases is ridiculous.
3. Don’t ignore tells
This does not mean track, this means don’t ignore the fact that the defender looks to the side that he is moving and gives it away. Also as an attacker you are training your attacks, try to eliminate your own tells and make it hard for your partner to defend.
4. Start in motion, end with motion
Start your techniques while moving and after it’s done look around for other opponents. Remember if you see one unarmed person, he has a hidden weapon and some friends who would like nothing more than to beat you down. So you don’t stop to admire your work, you don’t stop to get engaged and lock him up. Look for more opponents, check for weapons.
That’s all I have got for today, if you notice any other points that are important for effective training which I have missed, let me know or post it here.