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 Shihan Simon Gaunt, originally from the UK, has been studying Martial Arts for nearly 30 years, the last 22 solely dedicated to the Bujinkan system. He has taught internationally for many years and has hosted some of the worlds finest instructors. Simon travels to Japan at least once a year to advance his own studies directly from Soke (Grandmaster) Hatsumi.
He also trains with Nagato Shihan, Senou Shihan, Oguri Shihan and Noguchi Shihan whilst in Japan. Simon resides in Hamilton with his wife and daughters and brings to New Zealand a wealth of knowledge.
History of the Art - Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Budo Taijutsu is a combat Martial Art with over 3000 years of tradition, with no sporting connotations Taijutsu is not about competitions but about survival. There are many reasons that people train in Taijutsu, protection of yourself, your family, your community or your country. Some are drawn to train by curiosity, some because they know of its origins and application in Japan and China but after a short time those training realise what a real, gracious and deep Martial Art they have found.
Previous Soke Takamatsu
The nine schools that make up the Bujinkan, came together for the first time in one remarkable man named Toshitsugu Takamatsu. ` Moko no Tora (Mongolian Tiger) was without a doubt one of the greatest martial artists of all time. He was recognized as the last practicing ninja, he was employed as such by the emperors of both Japan and China.
Born in 1887 into a family of warriors, he was taught by his uncle Masamitsu Toda, a phenomenal warrior of samurai lineage, from whom Takamatsu Sensei inherited the martial art schools of Shinden Fudo Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Koto Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu and Gyokushin Ryu.
Soon after, Takamatsu entered the dojo of the Takagi Yoshin Ryu, where he learnt Jujutsu from its master, Mizuta Yoshitaro. He mastered it and went onto inherit this school as well.
When he was 17, an old master came to work at his fathers match factory as security. This old man was Ishitani Matsutaro, possibly the greatest of Takamatsu`s teachers. Ishitani’s sword style of Kukishin Ryu was stronger that Takamatsu had already mastered. Ishitani passed onto Takamatsu the schools of Kukishinden Happo Hiken and Gikan Ryu.
A year before his death at the age of 85, he told his student Masaaki Hatsumi that he had taught him everything he knew. He had faithfully transmitted the lineages that were in his custody.
So the 9 schools are taught collectively as Budo Taijutsu
- Togakure Ryū Ninpo
- Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
- Gyokko Ryū Koshijutsu
- Kukishinden Happo Biken
- Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu
- Kumogakure Ryū Ninpo Happō Biken
- Gyokushin Ryū Ninpo Happō Biken
- Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu
- Gikan Ryū Koppōjuts
Present Soke Hatsumi
Soke Masaaki Hatsumi was born in 1931, after progressing through various martial arts, he found his life’s mentor, Takamatsu Toshitsugu and studied under him for the next fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu and eight other martial arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system.
The Bujinkan (The hall of the divine warrior gods) is headed by Hatsumi and comprises of the 9 Ko Ryu (Old Schools). Each school is represented for its specialty, 3 being of Chinese origin and 6 Japanese. Out of the 6 Japanese schools, 3 are Bushido (Samurai) and 3 Ninjutsu (Ninja).
While traveling the world, teaching thousands of individual students, as well as law enforcement agencies, he received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. He has worked a professional osteopath, acted in a popular television series, and as the author of many books on Ninjutsu. For many years he was Chairman of the International Department of the Japan Literary Artists Club.
- - - Buy a DVD - - -
Tim Bathurst Hamilton Seminar 2007
Over 30 Bujinkan students from around the country gathered in anticipation of the next two days training. There was an exciting feeling in the air as students introduced each other from the various dojos and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere was present. The theme for the two days was Kukishin Ryu a Japanese armoured fighting school of the mid 1500`s. The focus was range weapons from this school, paying particular attention to Naginata, Biken Jutsu, Kodachi and Unarmed Taijutsu.
Day one: Tim opened the class with a brief history of the Naginata its practicality on the battlefield and how one should be aware of the range of the weapon. The class started with Kamae (Postures) As we explored the various techniques students could appreciate the numerous layers of understanding of how to use the Naginata with both efficiency and safety. The first 12 waza was demonstrated and practiced from Kesa Kiri through to Tobi kiri. Each technique was explained in great detail.
Day Two: The second day began with cutting and blocking practice, the correct use of kamae and distancing when cutting at your opponent to gauge the range of such an attack. Emphasis was placed on guarding your centre line and not moving into unsafe positions just because you are wearing yoroi.
2 DVD set
Within NZ
$39 NZD plus shipping of $6.90 NZD Couriered bubble pack. (Payments can be made direct via internet banking, you can post a cheque or PayPal)
or
International
$39 NZD plus shipping of $16.90 NZ anywhere in the world. (If you prefer international tracking it is $38NZD & PayPal available for your convenience)
Duncan Stewart Hamilton Seminar 2007
Residing in Japan, Shihan Duncan Stewart visits Bujinkan Hiryu Dojo for the first time. A fresh new approach to Taijutsu, filled with useful training tips and on the spot insights to the current theme and training in Japan. Duncan shared valuable lessons from his personal training with Soke and the Japanese Shihan and left us all with a clear message of how we should be practicing Budo.
Over two exciting days techniques from Kukishin Ryu- an Armoured Fighting School were explored. Duncan gave his unique perspective on the school adding his own experiences to flavour the training.
4 DVD set with around 6 hours of footage.
Within NZ
$55 NZD plus shipping of $6.90 NZD. Couriered bubble pack. Payments can be made direct via internet banking, you can post a cheque or use PayPal.
Or
International
$55 NZD plus shipping of $16.90 NZD anywhere in the world. (If you prefer international tracking it is $38NZD) PayPal available for your convenience)
Buy Both DVD sets
Within NZ
$94 NZD plus shipping of $10 NZD. Couriered bubble pack. Payments can be made direct via internet banking, you can post a cheque or use PayPal.
Bujinkan Hiryu Dojo – New Zealand
www.bujinkannewzealand.net
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