Archive for November, 2014

Ninja Warrior Conditioning: Mindset!

Monday, November 24th, 2014

fudomyooHey there ninjutsu practitioners and blog devotees!!

 

Well, it is 24 days into my new training once per day, every day routine and let me say I feel awesome!! Leaning out, getting stronger and feel more energized each day. So, I hope you have all started doing the same, whether it is flexibility, strength or cardiovascular conditioning, each day set aside some time and hit the floor with some physical conditioning. I am very surprised at my recovering flexibility!! Even at 50 years old, my flexibility has come way way back and I have been doing more each day to improve here(hey maybe it will help my snowboarding this year!!(LOL))

So the reason I started this post and Ninja Challenge is for each and everyone reading here to begin to develop a “Warrior Mindset”, to take on any challenge and succeed, push through those self limiting beliefs and do it anyway. I’ll be honest with you here, there have been several days where my body is hurting, my workout isn’t where I want it to be, and my energy is down. But that’s when I dig in and push myself to get out of bed in the wee dark of the morning, hit the trails for a run, or the basement dungeon for a strength and flexibility workout. My family thinks I’m crazy but yet, I do it anyway.

So have you taken up the challenge yet? Write back to me at Airyu@hotmail.com or post here to the blog, and I want to thank the 71 people who emailed me last week in response to my earlier post, I am getting back to each and every one of you so be patient!!

Bufu Ikkan

Airyu – “Living the Ninja Lifestyle”

A Way of Life

Sunday, November 16th, 2014

kajutsu For those of you whom have been reading my posts for the past several years, probably know that I truly believe that  the ancient strategies and tactics of ninjutsu are well suited to the Modern Combative arts that are practiced today.  One of the most important traits in ninjutsu that you must continue to hone and develop is an unwavering never  ending path of self-improvement and self –development. You must be the one that you and your training partners rely  on in combat and the only way to do this to develop a work ethos that surpasses those around you.

Look at each of your days and review what you have learned or added to your skill sets, do this daily until you see a  pattern of improvement. If you have read this site Facebook post on Daily training you should know what I am talking  about. As an example from that post I am now at 16 days of training each and every day. Running, strength building, flexibility and mobility drills, every day I add one session to help me improve physically, now that’s not to say I am not working on my weaknesses as well. As the last few weeks have seen my wife and I down at our shooting range ( yes, the benefits of living where I do is that I have my on range), at first I was a bit rusty on my engagement to multiple targets but that is quickly changing!!

Ninjutsu is a Way of Life and that way is on of self-improvement and self-discovery, learning about yourself your strengths and weaknesses, and working to stay on the path. Here it is Sunday night and I am posting encouragement to my fellow practitioners of ninjutsu, so what say you am I hitting it home this time?

Bufu Ikkan

Airyu – Living the Ninja Lifestyle

ps: Write to me here or at Airyu@hotmail.com with your suggestions or questions! Alot more coming very soon my friends!

Daily Cultivation of Fudoshin

Saturday, November 1st, 2014

fudomyooFudoshin is the start of mind where one has become peaceful yet in a state of total determination with an unshakeable will. It is here that we begin our short lesson for today; how do you cultivate this state of mind on a daily basis? But first you must understand that Fudoshin is our protection from the “four sicknesses”  or Shikai of the mind. Those being Doubt, Fear, Anger and Surprise. As a ninjutsu practitioner, becoming immovable in your determination to face life head on is the beginning of this journey of discovery on how to cultivate Fudoshin.

This week, start on the following:

  • Wake up early and whether it is dark, cold or hot and sunny, get outside and work out as hard as possible, 3 times. Force yourself to step outside your normal routine and push aside your doubts and just do it.
  • When the next person makes you angry, take a deep breath and let it out, and speak very calmly and deal with the situation without anger coming to the surface of your outward appearance. This is very difficult and will teach you a lot about your personal level of control of your emotional state.
  • Think about what you are afraid of and do one thing that challenges it to the maximum. Afraid of heights, go rock climbing, afraid of the dark take a flashlight and head out for a walk or a run. Control your emotional state and face down your fear.

“Mental Calmness and not skill is the sign of a mature Samurai”– Tsukahara Bokuden

Think on this, you are about to step out into a combative situation, you very calmly reach for your weapons, or approach with a deadly silent and cold hard stare at your opponent. Without hesitation or appearing at all concerned about their skill level or verbal assault, you psychologically have intimidated and owned your opponent. I have personally used this tactic in real conflict and watched as my opponent whom was one second before all tough and belligerent, suddenly changing their mind that they even want to now tussle with you. Fudoshin, can allow you to control a situation and or help you learn to deal with life’s shikai. Either way it is a skill that can be developed and should be a part of your daily training.

 

Bufu Ikkan