Bo Staff - Samurai Sword Conditioning and Japanese Physical Training
Class Details
There are Three Way to Be Involved in these Classes:
1. Body Conditioning Class
1/2 Bo Staff, 1/2 Sword
Black workout clothes required along with ZEM Gear Ninja Tabi Shoes (or similar)
As a Basic Body Conditioning Class that allows you to subtlely learn the art of self-defense from the Classical Combat Martial Arts of Japan. A combination of flexibility exercises, agility exercises, stretching and aerobic/anerobic exercises, using a 6 foot stick (Bo Staff and a Wooden Samurai Sword, based on the philosophies of Bujutsu (classical combat martial arts). This is a great class for those that want to experience more than just standard aerobics, and learn a new skill while they are at it. This class can also prep you if you decide that you want to start studying the full length classes of Bo Staff and Sword Conditioning. (OPEN CLASS- No student Limit)
2. Mind-Body Awareness Conditioning Class
(All Bo Staff or All Sword Class)
More Traditional Clothes Required
Where most Bugeisha sought to perfect only their physical techniques, swordsmanship and bo staff can be a means of quieting fears and inner doubts. Instead of practicing a cut only to achieve proficiency in it, you can continue to repeat the striking movements again and again losing yourself in it, until consciousness is consumed in the action. Then beyond ragged breath, under painful muscles, you will discover a peaceful, flowing quiet, within the violence of swordsmanship and bo staff training. The way of the sword and bo staff are not only in physical techniques, not just in victory on the battlefield, but also in the realm of the spiritual.* You will acquire a much better understanding of the relationship between mind and body, and begin to understand how your thoughts control what happens in your body. You will learn to cultivate Mind over Matter. (Fudoshin - immoveable spirit) This class can also prep you if you decide that you want to start studying Bujutsu/Kenjutsu & other weapon techniques. (Private or Semi-Private class)
3. Unleashing the Inner Power of Your Subconscious Mind
(All Bo Staff or All Sword Class)
This class is for those that have made this training a lifestyle
Traditional Samurai Hakama Required
Keep your feelings low. Learn to regulate your breathing, during practice and at rest. Sink your consciousness into your hara (the lower abdomen) from where all spirit emanates, according to the philosophy of the bugei. "Too tired just to use muscles, too tired to think to keep rhythm. Body finished, then spirit takes over"** The Bugeisha were flexible in the physical, mental and spiritual realm, which gave them a greater choice of options in life. If we are willing to look deeply, we are rewarded by the true power and beauty of ninjutsu/bujutsu. With this class you have the option to explore and connect the mind-body & spirit. This class can also prep you if you decide that you want to start studying Bujutsu/kenjutsu and other weapon techniques (Private or Semi-Private class)
No matter how you decide to be involved in these classes,
I truly believe you will benefit from the experience.
*small group classes are available for those 50 and older, who want to increase their strength, flexibility, endurance and balance utilizing the bo staff and sword as well as using Japanese Physical Unarmed training.
*loosely adapted from the book by Dave Lowry - Autumn Lightning, the Education of an American Samurai - pg 67-68
** Autumn Lightning pg 81
