We refer to this as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, translated literally as “Bujinkan Martial Way Body Techniques.” It is not a martial art so much as an approach to life which includes attitude, body movement, meditation, combat techniques and many other disciplines. Budo Taijutsu does not refer to a specific style but to a group of arts, each with a different point of view expressed by the different ryu. The physical dynamics of each ryu vary – one ryu may focus on redirection and avoidance while another may charge in and overwhelm. Budo Taijutsu includes the study of both armed and unarmed combative techniques, strategy, philosophy, and history.
Budo Taijutsu is divided into different subsystems:
Dakentaijutsu (Striking and Kicking) Koppojutsu (Strikes against bone structures) Kosshijutsu (Strikes against muscles and nerve points)
Jutaijutsu (Grappling) Nagewaza (Throwing techniques) Shimewaza (Strikes against muscle and nerve points)
Taihenjutsu (Breakfall Techniques) Ukemi (Breakfall and injury prevention techniques) Kaiten (Rolling techniques) Hichojutsu (Leaping and jumping)
It is extremely important to study Taijutsu thoroughly. To be really good at any weapon your Taijutsu must be nearly perfect. Putting a weapon in the hands of a person often shows how good his Taijutsu is. Good Taijutsu does not mean you have to know many techniques. The goal is to place yourself in a position that is advantageous to you so that an effective response can be employed. It is important to use the entire body for movements and techniques to provide the most power and leverage.
The main principles of Taijutsu are:
· Kamae (Postures)-The physical and emotional “stance” that you embody. · Ma-ai (Distance)- The ability to know the distance of your opponent and his weapons. · Nagare (flow) – The ability to do the techniques without stopping, even if you have to change the technique because the previous technique didn’t work. · Timing – The ability to do the appropriate technique at the exact moment, not too late and not too early.
All Taijutsu techniques should be done effortlessly, that means no or very little muscle power is involved. The technique must be done with the whole body movement, this is what is known as Taijutsu. When done correctly it looks very simple, as if he didn't do anything special. The Taijutsu basics of Bujinkan come from the nine Bujinkan ryuha where Gyokko-ryu seems to be the most important. There are several basic Kata that students are encouraged to study well these are known as the Kihon Happo. |
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Budo Taijutsu |
