Our first monthly theme of 2018 (Year of the Earth Dog) is Taihenjutsu. Our training BEGINS with Taihenjutsu. It is the first thing we learn when we walk-in, fresh off the street, as Shoshinsha (“new heart”/white-belts). Taihenjutsu translates as, “body changing arts.” The groups of physical skills we learn under the term are rolls, body-drops/break-falls, leaping, and “walking” methods. These movements are the foundation of our Taijutsu, and they can be trained alone. In the beginning, this should be the focus of at-home training.

Improving our Taihenjutsu allows us to receive more techniques safely. The more techniques and attacks we experience, the less likely we’ll be injured if we encounter those attacks outside of the dojo. In addition, we also increase our safety as we move about our day. The better our Taihenjutsu, the better our ukemi (ability to receive). If we slip and fall, we are more likely to stay safe, protecting our bodies from self-inflicted harm 😊 Naturally, we also become more capable of receiving things life throws our way and can protect ourselves from being unbalanced in those moments. This is an effect of training in Taihenjutsu.

Taihenjutsu, on a deeper level, is the “How” of our Taijutsu, beyond rolls, body-drops/break-falls, leaping, and “walking” methods. Taihenjutsu exists in every movement we learn in the Bujinkan. How do we, “Bujinkan style,” evade a punch? How do we throw a punch? How do we move out of the way in our sword evasion drills (Muto Dori)? We learn how to move from Shizen no Kamae to Ichimonji no Kamae in an efficient, balanced, and effective way. As we learn how to accomplish these movements, we’re learning Taihenjutsu. Anytime we study the details and specifics of how to properly move, we are studying Taihenjutsu. Remember this as you train.

Taihenjutsu is the first level of understanding Juppo Sessho. Juppo Sessho is the foundation of Ninpo Taijutsu which is the foundation of Muto Dori. Muto Dori is the most basic level of understanding for the 2018 Bujinkan Theme. These are all abstract concepts Hatsumi Sensei and the Dai-Shihan have spoken about in recent years. What Hatsumi Sensei is teaching begins with Taihenjutsu. This point is important to remember… Everything is connected… If you have questions about these concepts, speak with your Shidoshi and Shihan.

This is Kuden and must be experienced through training.

Gambatte! Ninpo Ik-kan!