Moonshadow
Nanadan, 7th degree
Training since 1991
"One can not deceive one’s self in the active moment of training.
This intimate self discovery can appear to be exhilarating or disturbing.
Releasing the judgment, releasing the attachment to the judgment, of these
experiences creates an opportunity, the space and the time necessary to
attempt to enter Soke's Bujinkan.
Beyond waza there is simplicity in the simple movement of being that awakens
and guides, however cognitive thought interferes with this process.
' NO THINK', Soke says.
Like meditation, simply clear the mind while following a breath. Be present
in the current moment. This is an ever vigilant task. To be so complete
in the present moment, movements, energy, atoms, molecules and cells connect
like unseen droplets in the flowing current of a waterfall.
We flow with it, in it, when we let go of it and become part of it, as a
single breath becomes wind.
A human body can only move this way when intelligently nurtured with pure
water, nutritious food, adequate rest and consistent full range movement
conditioning. Learning to control our own body by developing the body-mind
and honoring our instincts and primal intelligence opens us to the opportunity
of entering Soke's Bujinkan."
Michael
Glenn
Godan, 5th degree
Training since 1980s
"I'm always reflecting on how training holds lessons for life. A recent lesson I'm trying to understand in my training has to do with allowing things to come naturally to you. Letting opportunities arrive. Let an attacker lead himself to his own demise. Being an uke is about receiving. No forcing technique. Not grabbing, wrestling, or using strength and speed. Not predetermined, but instead receiving. Riding distance and will. Finding things and letting them go. Using what presents itself. And letting it go. It's something natural. Just being natural."
Michael is the instructor for the affiliated Santa Monica Bujinkan group. More information can be found here.
