Tag Archives: kihon happo

The “Incomplete” Kihon Happo DVD Review

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Chuuto Hanpa Kihon Happo or, The “Incomplete” Kihon Happo, is a new DVD by Bujinkan instructor, Rob Renner.  Rob has been training in the Bujinkan since 1986 and living in Japan since 2005.  He trains with Hatsumi Soke and the Shihan, senior instructors, typically 5 to 6 days a week.

This DVD is, as Rob points out, not the “official” version of the foundational techniques of the Bujinkan, but rather a synthesis of each Japanese Shihans’ take on the techniques as studied and interpreted by Rob.

The DVD begins with Rob’s expanation of Hanmi, or “half-body” kamae.  This incomplete Ichimoni no Kamae has the hips at a 45 degree angle forward to facilitate structure, stability, and mobility instead of the traditionally taught kamae with the hips completely sideways while the head looks forward.  Not only is Rob teaching 1/2 kamae, but as each technique is analyzed, he shows how to utilize 1/2 the distance, and 1/2 the time as well to create more efficient, and effective, technique.

Each technique of the Kihon Happo is then presented, first as they are usually performed in Bujinkan Dojos worldwide, followed by a discussion of common problems and mistakes when done as shown.  Make sure to pay attention here as you may recognize some of your own mistakes.  This discussion alone is worth the price of the DVD! 

Rob then moves on to demonstrating and explaining how to use the principles of Bujinkan Taijutsu to effectively do the techniques.  Each section begins with a quick bulleted list of principles that will be taught for each technique.  This is an effective way to prepare the audience for the material to be reviewed in the section and also serves as an effective reminder as the same principles are presented, and added to, each time.  Throughout the principle-based discussions, Rob constantly stresses the importance of correct kamae by using hips, knees, feet, and shoulders in alignment to be able to control distance and move in any direction. 

In the Torite Goho section of Kihon Happo, Rob makes a very important distinction between translating kuzushi as “breaking balance” versus “breaking structure”.  When you break an opponent’s structure, he is still very much on balance, but simply can’t generate force in any meaningful way.  And, since his balance is not compromised, he still believes in his mind that he is okay.  Hmm… sounds like kyojitsu to me.  However, when breaking an opponent’s balance, his body will automatically endeavor to correct it and suddenly you’re in a fight.

Kihon Happo Techniques Taught on the DVD

Koshi Sanpo:

  • Ichimonji no Kata
  • Jumonji no Kata
  • Hicho no Kata

Torite Goho:

  • Omote Gyaku
  • Mushadori
  • Onikudaki
  • Ura Gyaku
  • Ganseki Nage / Musodori

In the final section of the DVD, Rob uses the Torite Goho to show examples of Hatsumi Sensei’s movement as it is today.  This is done by following all the principles espoused in the earlier parts of the DVD and through manipulation of the kukan and kyojitsu.  It’s a great way to wrap up, pull everything together, and show a progression of the material all at the same time.  This is a very well done DVD with tons of detailed instruction.  Highly recommended!

For more information, and to purchase the DVD, please see Rob Renner’s website, Bujinkan Zeropoint Dojo.

Basics Ain’t So Basic After All

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As a teacher and student of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, I often hear the same question over and over again – how can I improve my skill?  What should I practice to get better?  Since I remember myself asking that question several times (probably several hundred times if you ask some people!) to my teacher and seniors in the art, I always take time to give a thoughtful and honest answer.  And, my answer to these sincere seekers is always the same  – practice the basics. 

Basic Does NOT Equal Simple 

I think maybe the term “basic” itself is a little misleading.  When someone says, basic, most of us immediately translate it in our minds to “simple”.  Nothing could be further from the truth for the basics of our martial art.  What I’d like us to do today for the purposes of our discussion is to suspend the judgement that basic = simple.  Instead, replace the word basic with foundational.  How do you continue to build upon a skill set indefinitely?  Well, the foundation must be strong.  It must be broad.  And, to keep going higher still, it must be deep.

Each January, every year, for the past 20 years I have been training in the Bujinakn, my teacher, Jack Hoban, spends the entire month with us reviewing nothing but the basics of our art.  This sets the tone for the year and helps to increase the capacity of the entire class to absorb the higher level lessons for that year.  Guess what?  Invariably, I learn something new each time Jack teaches.  Every year, just by practicing the basics… eh… excuse me… the foundational training of our system new ideas, new concepts are born as we go deeper into the details and application of the techniques.

Shu Ha Ri

In traditional Japanese arts, there’s a concept called Shu-Ha-Ri.  This is a method of progression, or more accurately, a cycle of progression, for learning any art.

Shu – “Protect” the form. 

Ha – “Break” the form

Ri – “Leave behind” the form

This process is a continuous cycle in our Bujinakn training.  In order to progress higher in the art, our base must be solid, so we protect the form.  In order to understand the art, we must begin to break the form.  In order to master the art, we must leave the form behind.  Yet, this is not a linear progression at all!  Working on the foundation is never a step backwards.  Think of it more as a ratcheting back to spring forward.  Want to surpass your current level?  Strengthen the foundation.

Think you know the basics?  Think again.

I will be sharing my interpretation and experience of the foundational skills of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu here.  Please come and check it out!