Budo Taijutsu Workshop, 15/16 November 2008, London, England

In this workshop, Shidoshi James Morganelli will once again focus on the Bujinkan Dojo's theme, Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, to further explore the concept of Tsunagari, "connection," and its relation to the art's core principles. Using examples of the Tonso Gata, Happo Bikenjutsu, Togakure Ryu ukemi as attack, and the application of weapons, James hopes to refine not just the technical aspects of Taijutsu, but expand the very perspective by which it is understood. Please bring a hanbo, shinai, rope, knife, bo, training shuko, and shuriken.

Tomoko Horikawa will again lead morning and afternoon sessions of Makko Ho, a Japanese stretching art, focusing on Hara Kokyuho, abdominal breathing, and Hodo Taiso, supplemental massage techniques that use Taijutsu to improve the circulation and well being of another. Makko Ho has only four poses (similar to the Ryutai Undo of Junan Taiso) and concentrates on core strength of the Kosshi, lower back, and Tanden, lower abdomen, through breathing and bowing movements. Tomoko is one of only three licensed instructors in the United States.

James' training philosophy replaces static, repetitive imitation of techniques with a direct connection to the ebb and flow of martial principles that are in constant flux. This focus results in efficient and contextual understanding of the art's intent, fostering the continuous creative adaptability necessary for students to claim ownership of their training to 'be good today' instead of always training 'to become good.'

James has participated in martial arts for more than 28 years, studying Eastern and Western styles. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a major in philosophy, he moved to Japan in 1995 to study under Dr. Hatsumi and his Shihan. In 1998, James passed the Godan, fifth-degree black belt test, shortly before leaving Japan, becoming one of a select group to receive a Shidoshi, teacher's, license from the Bujinkan Dojo. James currently lives in Chicago, Illinois, USA, where he teaches through his Shingitai-Ichi Dojo.

Time: 11:00 - 17:00 (both days; please arrive early to register)
Venue: London Buddhist Arts Centre, Eastbourne House Bullards Place, London, E2 0PT
Fee: £55 - Please notify Shidoshi Stephen Kovalcik at bujinkan.london@gmail.com of your intention to attend.


Additional training opportunities:
On Thursday, 13th Nov, James will lead training at Shidoshi Kovalcik's dojo, from 19:00 - 21:00. The fee is £5. Everyone is welcome to this session, particularly those who have never met James before.

On Friday, 14th Nov, at the London Buddhist Arts Centre, Tomoko will lead a class solely focused on Makko Ho. Everyone is welcome (bring your partner!). This session will be from 19:00 - 21:00. The fee is £10, but only £5 if you are attending the seminar over the weekend as well.

If you would like to attend any of these sessions, or have any questions, please feel free to drop Stephen an email at bujinkan.london@gmail.com .

James' website:
http://www.sgtidojo.com/

Budo Taijutsu Workshop, 08/23/08

We had good fun at last Saturday's workshop, which included plenty of training, questions from friendly passersby, a download of info from my recent Urban E&E seminar, including escaping capture from handcuffs and flexcuffs, and even an impromptu Taijutsu demonstration for curious officers of the Chicago Police Department. In fact, we had such a good time, I'll be hosting another workshop while we can take advantage of the weather.

Come join us on Saturday, August 23, 2008, from 12:00pm-6:00pm, at the same location, the park located at Lawrence Ave and North Simonds Road, just next to Lake Michigan in Chicago. Take a left onto N Simonds Road (which doubles as the parking lot), training will be near a small grove on the right-hand side, about 60 yards in from Lawrence Ave.

We'll again look at Togakure Ryu, Happobiken, and of course, Tsunagari "connecting" with the opponent. This will be outdoor training, so pack a lunch, drinks, and snacks. And you may want to bring something to grill, as we may have a hibachi with us. The cost will be $40.00.

Please let me know if you plan on coming by shooting an email off to me. Thanks!

Hope to see you there,

James