Henka is a term we use quite frequently in training and it refers to change or variation. BujinkanMartialArts.com is all about the Henka, in this case it's about being transformed through the changing of our thoughts (mind ), words ( spirit ) and actions ( body ) and in the process finding some enlightenment along the way.

Most likely this Henka tag will be reserved for misc items that may pop up from time to time or some Honbu News or announcements. As stated previously, the site will always be a work-nin-progress and can change entirely at a moments notice just like Taijutsu.

There are many misconceptions about training in Japan, some might think just because you train in Japan that you are highly skilled and/or have been given the Grandmaster's secret wisdom or approval, this could not be more further from the truth.

It's true that training in Japan will no doubt give you a higher level of exposure to the Grandmaster and other Japan Shihan and this exposure combined with self training can give you a good feeling of Hatsumi Sensei's Budo however, this is not always the case.

I had the opportunity to view this video on the Human Weapon vs Ninjutsu and have to say, it was a big disappointment however, I expected it to be prior to watching it. I never did liked the show in the first place or other shows like it. These guys are not real Martial Artists, only tournament fighters, there is a big difference between the two.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uUeHEqDe40

  It simply amazes me every time I see a website portraying Ninja as a soldier, or commando, the display of Ninja along side someone dressing up in a soldier uniform with a machine gun makes me cringe to say the very least, what are these people thinking.

One of the things I do my best to avoid is politics, especially in the Bujinkan. There can be a wide variety of things (mostly childish) that can cause rifts and breaks between students and teachers alike, this is a common occurrence in the Martial Arts and sometimes unavoidable.

  There will always be students and teachers in the Bujinkan who will stray from the path and want to do their own thing or they may have this idea in their head that they know more than they really do and want to change things according to what they think it should be.

This year's 2008 training theme is Togakure Ryu Ninpo, all things Ninja, so break out your Shuko, Shuriken, Ninja-To, Kyoketsu Shoge and anything else you got hidden in your Gi pockets. I already had a feeling that it would be tied into Ninjutsu this year it should be an exciting time for us this year.

Stay tuned for more updates ~ ~

A word about Training Themes in the Bujinkan

  One disappointing thing I see often in Japan is the increasing number of what I refer to as "Ninja Enthusiasts". Now, before I go further and to prevent any finger pointing, let me first define what I mean by Enthusiast.

  You know who they are, their the ones looking for something, they only show up when there's a rank to be given, they are the first in line to get a uniform patch or steal a photo. They are more focused on appearance and looking like they know more than they really do and training with them can be a real bare.