TAIJUTSU
TRAINING SKILLS
|
NINPO TAIJUTSU |
|
TAIHENJUTSU Body movement
skills |
DAKENTAIJUTSU Striking
techniques |
JUTAIJUTSU Grappling
techniques |
UKEMI Rolls and break
falls |
KOPPOJUTSU Bone attacks |
GYAKUWAZA Locks and controls |
TOBI Leaping |
KOSHIJUTSU Muscle-tissue attacks
|
SHIMEWAZA Chokes |
Initially, training begins with the student learning to
recognize their own body's natural movements. Taihenjutsu (body
movement skills) focuses on a number of different skills which include
learning to fall and roll safely, leaping, posture, and avoiding attacks. Ukemi,
which in the broad sense means injury prevention, is stressed strongly in the
early stages of training. As training progresses, katas are introduced to
teach the basics of Dakentaijutsu (striking techniques) using
the entire body as a weapon to strike or block; and Jutaijutsu
(grappling techniques) using and escaping from locks, throws, chokes and
holds. These katas (Kihon Happo) form the basis of Ninpo Taijutsu, and go beyond teaching basic striking and grappling
techniques. Through practicing the Kihon Happo repeatedly the student
will begin to understand the most important principles in actual combat -
timing, distance, balance, rhythm and flow. In later stages, Randori (free response) is
introduced to help the student to learn to create and explore openings which
naturally appear in the opponents movements, and to apply techniques based
upon correct taijutsu principles. Randori is initially done
slowly so students can learn to move freely and to adapt to the opponents
movements. It is often said, that this free flowing style and adaptability is
one of the most important aspects of Ninpo Taijutsu training. A confrontation is a dynamic, constantly moving
process, and to succeed, it is vital to be able to adapt and respond to the
opponents changes. In a real situation, speed and power are far less
important.
Training can be both soft and hard. Soft, gentle training
allows the student to concentrate on developing proper taijutsu
fundamentals, and to understand how to respond correctly with both heart,
mind and body to the opponents various changes. At the same time, hard
training is not neglected. Always practicing proper taijutsu
principles, hard training helps the student to build the mental and spiritual
character necessary to continue in a life or death struggle even if hurt or
injured.
As students begin to understand taijutsu, basic
weapons training is introduced. This has two purposes: First, students learn
how to avoid or defend against weapon attacks, and overcome any fear of the
weapon, Second and more importantly, weapons training helps to perfect proper
taijutsu principles. If a students taijutsu is weak, this will
be magnified in weapons training.
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