My journey took me by the memorial website of Mark Hodel today. Mark was a pioneer and major contributor to ninjutsu in the US and no doubtedly influenced many world wide. Whilst I had heard the name I wasn’t too familiar with Mark and his philosophies on training. After reading an interview with him in 2002, I find myself positively inspired to continue to practise this fine art and to find out more about Mark; his life, and contribution to the Bujinkan.
The following are some sections from this interview, and invite you to visit the site and read the whole interview.
http://www.markhodel.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=1
Please note that I have deliberately taken these sections as I believe these words are also the truth for Mr Bo Munthe and his Mu Te Ryu practise; and very much true of my own approach to training.
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It may seem strange that he (referring to Bujinkan Grandmaster Hatsumi) teaches “no technique” and then directs us to train within a defined structure, but I don’t think it is, even if it is frustrating to the student*. I think that Sensei is talking about an end – no technique – and a means to that end – the lesson in the waza.
I believe that all the lessons of Ninjutsu are coded in a three dimensional language called taijutsu, but that their meaning – the waza’s essence – is different, or changes, for the student as a he or she progresses in skill level.
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What aspects of training should budoka concentrate on? Their health, family life, personal economics, then balance training activities. Don’t think about it too much, just do it.
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If you could contribute one thing to the Bujinkan “Book of Knowledge” what would it be?
One thing? Well, I suppose it would be three admonitions.
The first is that simulating violence and talking about it in training is not the same as experiencing it. (It is easy to say “cut here” it is not easy to cut “here.”)
The second would be that the budoka treat his or her skills like a sacred trust, be careful when you apply them and to whom you teach them.
The third admonition is that the student must realize that when you apply your skills on a real enemy, your life will be changed.
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What is the best way I can improve my training? Keep going.
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http://www.markhodel.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=1
Please visit this site and expand your vision.
