New York Ninpokai

Tantojutsu-no-Senryaku

Today's workshop will involve the basic engagement strategy in tantojutsu, tantojutsu-no-senryaku, which is determined by the enemy's weapon and the ma-ai that exists between the combatants. Ma-ai is the concept of combat distance, and in tantojutsu there are four types of ma-ai: projectile distance; sword distance, knife distance, and unarmed distance.

The Four Ma-ai
Projectile distance is that where the combatants cannot reach one another with handheld weapons. At this distance, the enemy can only attack by means of projectile weapons, such as arrows (ya), throwing spikes (shuriken), or throwing stars (shaken). In such instances, the tanto must be held with the dominant hand forward and the body held flat behind the hand. Defending against projectiles requires knowledge of a special skill known as ya-dome , whereby the defender intercepts and deflects the projectile weapon before being struck by it.

Sword distance is that where the enemy's reach with his sword is superior to the exponent's, who is armed with the tanto.

Knife distance is that where both combatants are armed with similar weapons. At both these distances, the exponent's tanto must also be held with the dominant hand forward. In the case of sword distance, the exponent's strategy must be to get past the sword to negate its reach and advantage. In the case of knife distance, the exponent's strategy is to deliver the first telling blow and end the engagement before it escalates.

Unarmed distance is that where the enemy is forced to approach closely because he lacks weapons. Although it might seem suicidal for an unarmed opponent to seek engagement with another that is armed, pride, overconfidence, and unbridled rage can often induce a person to desperate measures. At this distance, the exponent's unarmed (left) hand and corresponding leg are oriented forward, and the tanto is held back in the dominant hand. The exponent's strategy is to block or intercept the enemy's blows -- whether hand strikes or kicks -- with his lead hand, and to counter with the knife against targets of opportunity.

An extension of the unarmed distance strategy is to attack preemptively. A tactic of this strategy is to direct a left knife-hand strike (te-gatana) toward the enemy's eyes or face, then following through with a thrust (mune-tsuki) to the midsection. Continue by directing a left hammer fist strike (tetsui) to the midsection, and following through with a thrust to the throat.

Tomorrow we continue our Shinobi-buki workshop on traditional Tantojutsu. Please remember to bring the appropriate training weapons.

In yesterday's session we discussed the fact that the term Tanto is a generic one, erroneously used to refer to every type of Japanese knife configuration. Tanto actually come in a variety of styles and sizes, including Aikuchi, Hamidashi, and Yoroi-doshi. From there we proceeded to the six primary Kamae stances and attitudes, and the proper way for holding the tanto when assuming these Kamae.
Kihon-gata followed, beginning with Kiri-waza, then moving on to Tsuki-waza. A unique close quarters killing method here was Tanden-giri. All told, it was a comprehensive first session for this month-long Shinobi-buki workshop. Follow up sessions on Tantojutsu will continue next week, starting with Mochi-gata, or traditional tanto gripping methods. Training knives and study guides will be available.
- Jade Balthazar, uchi-deshi.

Reminder: Today we begin a four session series of classes in traditional tantojutsu. Sessions will exhaustively cover:
- Tanto types, specifications, and variations
- Kamae
- Kihon Gata
- Tsuki-waza
- Kiri-waza
- Tanto kyusho
- Tantojutsu-no-Senryaku
- Tanto kaiten-waza, and
- Tanto-dori.

Bring the proper trainers. Training begins at 5:00pm. Kirigami will be available, pending successful evaluation. Interested guests, please call: 347-410-2691.

The Shinobi Yagen workshop went very well and brought together past and present yudansha members of the New York Ninpokai, along with their guests. Participants were introduced to TCM theory, In and Yo Duality, and Five Element Transformations. They learned and practiced Makko-Ho meridian stretches, and then moved on to Okyu (moxibustion.)
The next Shinobi Yagen Workshop will focus on Katsusatsu, and will take place in April. Email: [email protected] for further details. It is not enough to know how to kill; the ninja must also know how to heal.

Shinobi Yagen Workshop:
- Starts at 5:00pm
- Wear usual training attire or loose clothes
- Bring water bottle, pen, and notebook
- 609 Ave. X, between E. 7th and Hubbard Sts.
- Call 718.743.7283 to RSVP

Tomorrow we continue exploring the parallels between Takagi Yoshin-ryu and Daito-ryu, comparing Omote Kote Gyaku to Kote Gaeshi and other waza. We will also review henka variations to Take Ori. Come prepared.

We had an excellent training session last evening, exploring how to incorporate Aiki principles with Takagi Yoshin Ryu techniques. The blend of concepts made it appear as if the techniques were completely effortless. They were!