What is training in the Bujinkan like?
• Taihenjutsu (body changing skills), which include falling, rolling, leaping, posture, and avoidance; • Dakentaijutsu (striking weapons body techniques) using the entire body as a striking tool/weapon – how to apply and how to receive; and • Jutaijutsu (Supple body techniques) locks, throws, chokes, holds – how to apply and how to escape. In the early stages, weapon training is usually limited to practicing how to avoid attacks – overcoming any fear of the object and understanding the dynamics of its use from the perspective of “defending against” (while unarmed). In the mid and later stages, once a grounding in Taijutsu body dynamics is in place, practitioners begin studying from the perspective of “defending with” the various tools/weapons. In the early stages of training, kata is provided as examples of “what can be done here” and “how to move the body to achieve this result”. However, as the practitioner progresses they are encouraged to explore the openings which naturally appear
