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Kultur Dokumente
Three traits make up a Ninja. The most important one, honesty, is not only
required in Ninpo, but also applies to everything. A person with strength, skill and
intelligence will lose everything if he is dishonest. Honesty, purity and righteousness
are the path to enlightenment. When one walks an honest road, things learned
penetrate the body and heart like water entering sand. Then a person can judge
what is right and wrong with the heart as a mirror.
Ninja sometimes use a dishonest road, but only as an instrument. Diversionary
tactics (Kyojitsu Tenkan) are a temporary means and as such are not important. But
the dark way is not the true way. The true Ninja has the ability to use both honesty
and deception to arrive at an honest goal. Deception is not an end, only a means.
The second trait involves taking an interest in everything. This produces common
sense, general knowledge, and finally enables critical judgment. The Ninja's
essential techniques (Sanjurokkei) require this special insight or cultured spirit
(Seishinteki Kyoyo) because without this, in addition to having bad manners, an
agent can easily fall into enemy traps. The gate of martial art (Bumon), the gate of
spirit (Shumon), the gate of heaven (Tenmon) and the gate of earth (Chimon) must
be deeply understood. Knowledge of culture equates intelligence, but it is not enough
to be only an intellectual. It is important to be able to use cultural knowledge in
practical ways. Develop intellect with an honest heart, and unlimited wisdom (Chi-e)
results, leading to spiritual refinement.
The third trait involves effort. To be a Ninja, a person must have a level of
endurance that cannot be broken even in the most impossible of circumstances. To
achieve this trait a practitioner must train both the body and the mind to the point
of regurgitation. It is impossible to explain the way I trained to obtain my patience.
However, with this trait the most difficult or impossible barriers can be overcome.
Talent is not required for there is no relationship between talent and effort. Effort
alone can defeat even a genius. Lack of talent should not bring despair instead there
should be a commitment to try harder.
To be a true Ninja, develop these three traits to the best of your ability. Dojo
principles should always stress the development of these traits. Consider what these
time honored Dojo principles that go back to before the time of Takamatsu Sensei
emphasized.
1. One must learn patience within the time it takes a cigarette to burn.
2. One must learn that the way of man is righteousness.
3. Forget desire; forget easiness; forget stubbornness.
4. Think of sadness and grudges as destiny. One must comprehend the immovable
heart (Fudoshin).
5. Do not distance one's loyalty from one's parents and rulers. Try deeply to master
culture and martial arts.
"What are the martial arts? If you understand the answer, that is the correct way.
This is the most mysterious point which one gains without learning."
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(REI-HO)
(RITSU-REI)
(Shizen-Rei)
(Tenryaku Uchu Gassho-Rei)
(Futen Goshin Gassho-Rei)
(Hanno Bon-itsu Gassho-Rei)
(ZA-REI)
(Seiza-Rei) (Fudoza-Rei) (Jinchu-Rei)
(SHINZEN-REI)
(Ninja Seishin)
(When leaving the Dojo: Shitsurei Shimasu / Sayonara / Oyasumi Nasai etc)
(Junbi Undo & Seiri Undo; Pre- & post-lesson warm ups)
(Zenshin massage; Pre-lesson body massage)
(Junan Undo; Flexibility & breathing exercises)
(I. Rotate the toes, press the arch, rotate the ankle, flex whole foot. II. Flex the
things. III. Flex the back. IV. Forward leg stretch. V. Stretch legs over the head. VI.
Cobra stretch and shoulder stretch in Seiza. VII. Recline backwards in Seiza. VIII.
Rotate fingers, wrists, shoulders, neck, and eyes. IX. Stretch legs, knees, waist, and
elbows. X. Stretch and rotate arms and legs. )
(UKEMI GATA TAIHEN JUTSU 1)
(ZENPO KAITEN) (KOHO KAITEN)
(SOKUHO KAITEN) (TACHI NAGARE)
(YOKO NAGARE)
(JUN NAGARE)
(GYAKU NAGARE)
(ZENPO UKEMI)
(OHTEN) (YOKO KUTEN)
(ZENPO TENCHI TOBI)
(KOHO TENKAI) (HAPPO TENCHI TOBI)
(TOBIKOMI, TOBIORI, SHOTEN)
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IIZa Rei
a. Seiza Rei
Ones spirit as well as ones body should maintain its Kamae, or posture, at all
times, including when one is sitting.
Stand up straight and step back with the left foot; kneel on the left knee with
the ball of the foot firmly on the ground.
Then kneel on the right knee in the same way and settle the body weight
back onto the heels.
After a short pause, raise the body slightly off the heels and place the whole
instep on the ground, finally setting onto the heels once more. The toes of
both feet must always be side by side, with the hands remaining upon the
laps. This posture is known as Sei Za.
To bow, place the left hand on the floor in front of its corresponding knee,
followed by the right hand, having the fingers pointing to an apex.
Bend at the waist and elbows until the back is at about 45and pause,
After the pause, retrieve the left hand first, placing it on the lap and then
retrieve the right hand.
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b. Fudo Za Rei
Another name for Fudo Za is Karafu. Used by the Chinese for centuries (calling
it Kara), it was later adopted by the Samurai when on castle grounds or battlefields.
Since the Samurai wore a hakama (a pair of very wide flared trousers which seem at
first appearance to be a pleated skirt) and a short sword when inside a castle, this
posture made it difficult for an enemy to see what type of posture was being used,
because the hakama concealed the Samurais legs.
From this posture, it is easy to stand suddenly, using the sword when attacked.
On the battlefield, this posture was also appropriate because trying to stand up
from any other position while wearing armour would have been extremely difficult.
Again, stand up straight and step back, kneeling with the left leg and having
the ball of the foot firmly on the ground.
Then settle the left foot on the floor and sit on the ankle and heel.
Finally, bend the right knee so as to place the sole of the right foot on the left
knee. At all times the hands remain on the laps either with the fingers held
together or holding fists (Boshi Ken).
To bow, place the left fist on the floor in front of the left knee and then the
right fist.
Bend at the waist and elbows until the back is at about 45and pause.
To stand, do the whole sitting process in reverse order.
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c. Jinchu Rei
Jinchu Rei is only used for a real
fight whether it is on the battlefield
or in a Dojo, so one must look into
the enemys eyes at all times.
From a standing posture, kneel
with the left knee, keeping the ball
of the foot firmly on the ground and
having both hands on the laps. To bow,
place the left hand, converting it into
a fist (Boshi Ken) on the ground and
bend the left arm a little as well as at
the waist. Then stand.
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2. JUNBI UNDO
) Keikomae Zenshin Massage
Either sits or lies with the legs straight and pats the muscles and tendons of the
body using either the palms or fists. Do this moving towards the feet and not
towards the shoulders. This massage awakens the muscles before warming up.
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