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A
few years ago I was being interviewed by a Canadian Bujinkan
group who were attempting to find the answers to a number
of dojo and training related questions. One of the questions
that came up was; "Why do you produce videos of our
training when Hatsumi Sensei already produces his Quest
videos?" My immediate reaction was to respond with
the simple answer that, "While speaking with Hatsumi
Sensei during a recent visit, he simply asked me to produce
some videos of my seminars for the Bujinkan to examine".
Hatsumi
Sensei has gone to great lengths to produce the primary
collection of Quest training DVD's for us to learn from.
All the "hon waza" or foundational materials are
there, with a number of variations as well for us to study.
What I have attempted to do with my DVD series is two fold.
(1) Capture the seminars that I present worldwide as a future
reference for attending students and (2) display my own
body style movement examples and variations as they unfold
unrehearsed, during the creative process while under the
stresses of seminar presentation.
My
production efforts were never to be the primary example
of the exact kata as presented by Hatsumi Sensei for any
given ryuha. I do though, when presenting material always
demonstrate the base form, to the best of my ability, before
adventuring off into the infinite variations possible with
any given kata. Rather, Hatsumi Sensei has instructed me
to show my "take" or individual artistry as it
manifests without restriction. I am to investigate possibilities
regarding various environments, changing opponent numbers
and types, situational strategies, weapons combinations,
injury variables and simple "mistakes" as they
play themselves out. I am to present ideas, possibilities
and potential as my body works to position itself while
problem solving "on the move".
No
one can supercede Hatsumi Sensei's preeminent collection
of video materials that have been placed at our disposal.
I am simply attempting to display my understanding and innate
body knowledge of that which has been nurtured by his watchful
eye over the many years of our teacher student relationship.
I'm sincerely following what I was asked to do by Sensei,
now many years ago
present my unique blend of Taijutsu
for others to examine, quantify and dissect for their own
introspection and growth. Hopefully these DVD's will be
a collection of usable examples for others as they attempt
to find their own personal "art" of Taijutsu as
it develops within.
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