Bujinkan Stockholm Gyokuryu Dojo 武神館ストックホルム玉龍道場

Join us in the heart of Södermalm 🥷

Sofia Wijkström och Anna Appelbom tränade under bujinkanfirandet - Svenska Budo & Kampsportsförbundet Under den gångna helgen firade svensk bujinkan 50 år, med bland annat ett stort träningsläger i Åby idrottshall.

Leendena präglade svensk bujinkans 50-årsfirande - Svenska Budo & Kampsportsförbundet Vårvädret bjöd på kyligt regn, men i Åby idrottshall utanför Norrköping bredde värmen ändå ut sig. Ty svensk bujinkan firade 50 år.

Reflection:

As a practitioner of Japanese budo (武道), and in particular the path of Bujinkan (武神館), one is entrusted with a great body of teachings during each class at the dojo (道場).
The kihon (基本) and waza (技) demonstrated are rarely accompanied by detailed written instruction; rather, it is through direct transmission (口伝) and diligent observation that the essence is to be grasped. The names alone are often spoken, but their heart must be discovered through earnest practice.

The student is expected to anchor the foundation within the body during training, and if necessary, make notes to assist the cultivation of understanding. True learning arises not from reading alone, but from repeated immersion in the form and spirit of the teachings.

Do not hasten your steps along the path. It is neither expected nor required that all knowledge be grasped at once.
What matters above all is the spirit of shugyō (修行) — the continual, unwavering pursuit of growth, both within oneself and within the living art of Bujinkan (武神館).
Persist with a faithful heart, and in time, the true treasures of budo (武道) shall reveal themselves.

玉龍

The group enjoying the corrections of Japan!

The Japanese concept of 初稽古 (Hatsu Keiko) holds significant cultural and philosophical importance in traditional Japanese Budo

Hatsu Keiko translates directly to “first practice” and refers to the first training session of the year in martial arts. It typically takes place shortly after New Year celebrations and serves as a symbolic moment to recommit oneself to the path of self-discipline, mastery, and personal growth.

Cultural and Philosophical Significance
1. Renewal of Spirit (心機一転): Hatsu Keiko is deeply tied to the Japanese notion of renewal. Just as the New Year symbolizes a fresh start, this practice embodies the renewal of one’s dedication to Budo and the refinement of the mind, body, and spirit.
2. Reaffirming Etiquette and Respect: Traditional Budo emphasizes 礼 (Rei), or respect, as a cornerstone of practice. Hatsu Keiko often begins with a formal bowing ceremony (礼式), reinforcing the importance of humility and gratitude toward one’s instructors, training partners, and the martial arts itself.
3. Focus on Mindfulness (心): Hatsu Keiko is not merely about physical practice but also about mental clarity and focus. Practitioners reflect on their progress, goals, and the deeper meanings behind their training.
4. Connection to Tradition: It serves as a link to the past, where martial artists honor the legacy of their art and the teachings of their predecessors. Traditional rituals may accompany the practice, such as purification ceremonies or symbolic gestures.

Practices in Hatsu Keiko
• Ceremonial Bowing: The session typically begins and ends with formal bows to the dojo, the sensei, and fellow practitioners.
• Revisiting Basics (基本): Practitioners often emphasize fundamental techniques, aligning with the philosophy of starting the year with a solid foundation.
• Kagami Biraki (鏡開き): In many cases, Hatsu Keiko is closely associated with the Kagami Biraki ceremony, a New Year’s tradition where practitioners share a festive meal after training.

Symbolic Role in Budo

Hatsu Keiko is more than just a physical activity; it is a chance to align oneself with the principles of Budo:
• Discipline (修練): A reminder of the commitment required to excel in martial arts.
• Harmony (和): Strengthening bonds within the dojo community.
• Continuous Improvement (精進): Reaffirming the lifelong journey of personal and technical development.

In essence, Hatsu Keiko encapsulates the spirit of 始め (hajime), or beginnings, and represents a profound blend of ritual, philosophy, and action that continues to guide practitioners of Japanese Budo year after year.

Welcome to a new year and start!

Today we completed the ”big cleaning”. I say thank you!

Osoji (大掃除), meaning “big cleaning,” is a traditional practice in many Japanese disciplines, including budo (martial arts). Its purpose goes beyond physical cleaning and holds significant symbolic, practical, and philosophical importance. Here’s how it relates to budo:

1. Cultivation of a Clean and Orderly Mind (心を清める - Kokoro o Kiyomeru)

• Mental Discipline: Cleaning the dojo reflects and reinforces the importance of maintaining a clear, focused, and disciplined mind, which is essential in martial arts practice.

• Mindfulness: It fosters a sense of mindfulness and awareness of one’s environment, connecting mental and physical discipline.

2. Respect for the Dojo (道場 - Dojo)

• Sanctity of the Space: The dojo is not just a training hall but a sacred space where students cultivate skills, discipline, and character. Osoji shows gratitude and respect for this space.

• Shared Responsibility: Cleaning is a communal activity, symbolizing respect for the dojo, its instructors, and fellow practitioners.

3. Symbolic Renewal

• End-of-Year Tradition: Osoji is often practiced at the end of the year (December) to symbolize clearing away the old and welcoming the new. In budo, this can reflect the shedding of bad habits or limitations in preparation for new growth.

• Purification: It represents purification of both the physical space and the practitioner’s spirit, aligning with the broader Japanese cultural value of cleanliness and renewal.

4. Unity and Humility

• Teamwork: Practicing osoji together strengthens the bonds among practitioners, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

• Ego Reduction: By cleaning the dojo, even senior students or instructors demonstrate humility, reinforcing the idea that no one is above taking care of the shared space.

5. Preparation for Practice

• Practicality: A clean, orderly environment is safer and more conducive to effective training.

• Ritual: The act of cleaning serves as a preparatory ritual, focusing the mind and body before or after practice.

In summary, osoji in budo is not just about maintaining a clean dojo; it is a practice steeped in respect, discipline, mindfulness, and renewal. It embodies the principles of martial arts, connecting physical actions with spiritual and mental growth.