Japanese Martial Arts & Self Defense

If you’ve ever taken a Martial Arts class at a Bujinkan Dojo, you’ve heard those three somewhat difficult Japanese words shouted at the beginning and end of class: Shiken Haramitsu Daikoumyo. These words have profound significance – but only if you understand what they mean (much less say them). Here we’re going to translate this Buddhist mantra, and the meaning behind one of the most often used phrases in Bujinkan training.

I can speak from personal experience how Martial Arts can be a powerful tool in the fight against anxiety and depression. Before I began training in Martial Arts, I was struggling with anxiety induced depression. A combination of huge stress, existential crisis and feeling of inadequacy was leading to unhealthy places mentally and physically. It wasn’t until I started training in Martial Arts that I started to see light at the end of the tunnel.

m always obsessed with understanding the name of a gata. I believe the name can often provide insight into the intention of the form, or describe the proper movement.

In some cases (and ryuha) it’s pretty straight forward. Take Takagi Yoshin Ryu for example; many of the techniques simply describe what you’re trying to do. The clearest example is Ude Ori, or arm break. Not surprisingly, the forms discuss various methods of breaking the arm.

But some names can be quite esoteric.

Few groups in history are as iconic as the Ninja of Japan. The word itself conjures images of black clad silent assassins that seem capable of impossible feats. Their mystery adds to their intrigue, even 500 years later.