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    Bojutsu: Hanbo, Rokushaku-Bo and Jo
    Bojutsu: Hanbo, Rokushaku-Bo and Jo
    Bojutsu: Hanbo, Rokushaku-Bo and Jo
    Ebook141 pages3 hours

    Bojutsu: Hanbo, Rokushaku-Bo and Jo

    By Duncan Mitchell

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    About this ebook

    This book offers a detailed exploration of Bojutsu, the traditional Japanese martial art of staff techniques. In this comprehensive guide, you'll explore the techniques of the Rokushaku-Bo (long staff), Hanbo (half-staff), and Jo (walking staff/cane) as practised within the Bujinkan.


    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBudo Dokokai
    Release dateAug 12, 2024
    ISBN9780648960836
    Bojutsu: Hanbo, Rokushaku-Bo and Jo
    Author

    Duncan Mitchell

    Duncan Mitchell has trained in Bujinkan Dōjō Budō Taijutsu for over three decades and has been an instructor since 1995. Duncan lived and trained in Japan from 1990 to 1995, where he studied directly under the grand- master Masaaki Hatsumi-sensei and senior Bujinkan instructor Isamu Shiraishi-sensei. He continues to return to Japan yearly to further his study in the martial arts of Japan.

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      Book preview

      Bojutsu - Duncan Mitchell

      INTRODUCTION

      Bōjutsu, the art of using the Bō (staff), is a core element of the traditional Japanese martial arts. In the Bujinkan, training in Bōjutsu includes the Rokushaku-Bō (long staff), Hanbō (half-staff), and Jō (walking staff/cane).

      Taijutsu (body technique) is the foundation of the Bujinkan martial arts; however, unlike sporting contests, actual combat is not about facing an opponent under equal conditions; it requires us to defeat the opponent by any means necessary, where losing could result in severe injury or death. Additionally, as we age, physical decline is inevitable. Therefore, the notion that a martial artist should always engage an opponent unarmed, especially in unequal situations such as facing an armed attacker, multiple opponents, or a much stronger adversary, is unrealistic.

      One of the fundamental aspects of being human is our ability to utilise tools. Even prehistoric humans instinctively picked up sticks or stones to defend themselves. In the Bujinkan, weapon techniques are seen as extensions of Taijutsu, transforming everyday objects into effective weapons. Bōjutsu embodies this philosophy, allowing items such as canes or umbrellas to be used as weapons, all while grounded in the basics of Taijutsu. This adaptability empowers us to defend ourselves in various situations.

      In Bōjutsu, the staff is not seen as an external object but as an extension of one's body. The Bō moves in harmony with us as we skillfully manage its balance, centre of gravity, and length. Like a dance partner, the staff follows our lead. It is essential not to cling to the weapon or let it dominate our mental focus; practice should continue until the Bō becomes an integral part of us, seamlessly incorporated without being the focal point of our conscious intention.

      The first stage is to ground oneself in the basic kata of Bōjutsu, repeating the exercises repeatedly until they become ingrained in the body. Establishing a good foundation requires a high degree of precision and accuracy in training. Next, one must release from the form of the technique and internalise its feelings and principles.

      My purpose in writing this book is to provide both new and experienced Bujinkan students with a simple reference guide to the basic techniques of Bōjutsu. This volume brings the Kata for Rokushaku-Bō, Hanbō, and Jō together in one convenient resource.

      This book is not intended as a how-to or teach-yourself guide to Bōjutsu. I believe that martial arts can only be studied correctly under the guidance of an experienced instructor. As such, I have avoided overly detailed technique descriptions and illustrations, providing just enough detail for the book to be helpful as a reference guide.

      How to Use This Book

      This book is divided into three parts:

      Part One: Hanbōjutsu (half-staff)

      Part Two: Rokushaku-Bōjutsu (long staff)

      Part Three: Jōjutsu (walking staff/cane)

      I should make clear that this book is not a literal translation of the Densho⁠* but my description of the basic technique and Kata. In researching this book, I have reviewed original Japanese handwritten documents, books, and DVDs produced by Hatsumi-sensei, my training notes, and my study with various Japanese teachers over the years.

      In writing the Kata, I have outlined the basic forms as simply as possible and avoided nuanced terms, histories, philosophical ideas and differences between the schools.

      Hatsumi-sensei suggested that Kata should not be read as a set of instructions but as a story or history retold from one generation to the next. To practice the Kata is to retell the tale and walk for a moment on the path of our ancestors in the art. In keeping with this feeling, I have described each Kata in the first person.

      It should be noted that different teachers in Japan have diverse and contradictory interpretations of how basic techniques and Kata are performed. Rather than listing all the conflicting views and variations, I presented a singular version of each technique that I feel most closely represents the basic form. It should, therefore, be noted that this book is only a reference guide and that instruction from your teacher should always take precedence over any description or illustration provided in this book.

      Finally, I would like to express my sincere hope that this book provides you, the reader, with some guidance and direction on the rewarding and lifelong journey of Japanese Budō.

      Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions, corrections and requests for future editions of this book.

      www.budodokokai.com

      [email protected]

      * 伝書 Densho: Scrolls of transmission of the secrets for the art.

      PART I

      HANBŌJUTSU

      半棒術

      CHAPTER 1

      HANBŌ (HALF-STAFF)

      半棒

      The Hanbō (half staff), alternatively referred to as Sanjakubō (3-shaku staff)⁠*, is a hardwood stick measuring half the length of the Rokushaku-Bō (6-shaku staff)⁠*.

      The Keiko Gata⁠* of the Kukishin Ryū forms the basis of Hanbō-jutsu in the Bujinkan. The weapon is then applied within variations of the basic Taijutsu techniques of each Ryūha⁠*.

      The distancing of Hanbō-jutsu closely mirrors that of Taijutsu. The opponent’s attack is first evaded, then followed up with the stick being used to strike, thrust or employed in Gyaku-Waza⁠*, Nage-Waza⁠*, or Shime-Waza⁠*.

      The Hanbō can also be adapted to sword techniques. This principle is encapsulated in the secret teaching of the stick becomes a sword.

      The Hanbō lends itself well to self-defence applications, in which the weapon can be substituted for everyday items such as a walking stick, umbrella, pool cue, or golf club. In addition to practising the historical forms, it is essential to occasionally incorporate such everyday items into your training to reinforce your understanding of real-world applications.

      History

      Various legends are attributed to the formation of Hanbōjutsu from the Kukishin Ryū.

      One tale suggests its development from an ancient weapon: a stone ring mounted on the end of a stick and utilised as a club or mace in combat. Another legend attributes the foundation of Hanbō-jutsu to an incident of a spear being cleaved in half on the battlefield and the remaining length of the shaft being repurposed to defeat an adversary.

      Although once there were most probably specific techniques for clubs and maces, and there may have been techniques for using weapons that have been broken in combat, the current repertoire

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