B u j i n k a n  N e v a d a

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Current Training

Some guidance for non-beginner students

As you develop, you should become better and better at using the space around you, no matter what situation you find yourself in.  Become more aware of that space.  The limits you put on it, even those you are unaware of, can mean the difference in a real life battle.  And life is full of battles.  As you get better, the space around you becomes more safe.

If you are 5th kyu or above, continue to use and discover the feeling of the Go Gyo in each technique.  Outside the dojo as well, notice the living interplay and working of the Go Gyo and San Shin.  

If you are 3rd kyu or above, seriously begin to look at the requirements for Sho-dan.  With regard to the physical training (PT) test at the beginning of the Sho-dan test, be sure you are checked out by a physician and cleared for the test.  Your testers can request proof of this.  Training to run two miles will get you good at running two miles.  There is a lot more test after that.  Train to run three to four miles, so the PT test is no problem and you have endurance for the coming hours.  Seriously study the Kihon Happo and henka thereof.  Most importantly, refine your manners.  Take care of the lower ranked deshi and look after them.

Some Reminders:

Be familiar with the rules of the Bujinkan and abide by them.  It is no one else's duty to ensure that you do so.  They will be enforced here.

Be sure that yearly dues are current.  They can be paid through your instructor, or directly at the Yamaneko Dojo payment site here.

Promotions beyond 7th, 5th or 3rd kyu will not be given if the current Menkkyo is not held.  Remember that you are not that rank if you don't have license from Soke.  Due and Menkkyo are just basic courtesy to Soke.

To those who have the responsibility of preparing tea:

You must wash the cups with hot, soapy water after each and every use.  Care must be taken to keep cups clean and sanitary and free from damage.  No one person should be stuck having to prepare tea week after week.  It should rotate among all green belts.  This is a basic responsibility of having rank in the dojo.  If you are serving tea, no one should have to ask you to start serving it after class.  You should just take it upon yourself to look after your fellow students.  It is rude to serve yourself, so if you are being served tea, make sure that the person pouring for everyone gets some too.  The person pouring should not have to sit there without a cup of tea, waiting for someone to remember his or her duty.  Likewise, no one's cup should be allowed to become empty as long as there is tea left to be poured.  Politely ask if they would like more tea.  Here again, the person serving tea should not sit down to join the conversation at the neglect of their duty to make sure that cups stay full.  Having to be reminded that someone is out of tea is cause for shame at the poverty of manners being displayed.

On being Uke:

Take a moment and re-read the section about being Uke in the Yamaneko Dojo Handbook.  A copy can be found in the dojo binder or on www.bujinkanusa.com.  Pause and remember what it is we are doing.  Then realize the great responsibility that you bear when you are a training partner for someone.  It is a moment to moment balance of enough resistance to help them grow, but allow them to learn also.  Relax more as you train and move.  Tensing up to show someone that they don't have the technique can be a quick way to get injured.  Moreover, it reduces your own learning.  As skill increases, so can resistance to a technique.  When skill is great enough, resistance was futile from the start.  If you have good heart, it will show when you are Uke.

On Rank:

Rank is a touchy subject for many people.  It should represent a level of development and capacity, particular to that person.  It is a reflection of where they are on their Way (Do).  It does not equate to competence.  Truly, rank is what you can do at the time it is needed.  Being that we have tests for rank in this dojo, passing a test should mean that you have demonstrated those basic skills and will maintain those skills and improve those skills!  Otherwise, you may have a license, and all the privilges that come with it, but you are not truly that rank.  We increase in responsibility as we increase in rank.