IAIJUTSU (居合術) The Way of the Samurai
Soke; Anshu Christa Jacobson
IAIJUTSU – 居合術
Photo taken – 2.2012
Budo Ryu Hombu Dojo
“Outside of Japan, people think Bushido is synonymous with harakiri. Actually, the meaning of Bushido is to achieve something in this world and then to be able to throw away this body and accept death. But this concept is very easily misunderstood. It’s really quite different from just going out and dying. If you fail to achieve something and say “Oh, I must kill myself” it’s not a very productive way of thinking. Bushido rejects that irresponsible way of thinking. There is also in Bushido the concept of continuing to live even though you may have to live in shame. If there is a way to right the wrong you’ve done, then you should do so. This is the real Bushido.”
Risuke Ōtake (大竹利典)
Shihan (Teaching Master) of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū
Risuke Otake of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu (one of the oldest koryu bujutsu, dating back to the middle Muromachi period) said in an interview that the popular idea of Bushido is over-romantic and misleading.
I hope that you enjoy today’s lesson and insight!
Take Care, Be Safe and Good Luck in your Journey of Budo:
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu; School of the Warrior Way
21st Soke of the Tomo Ryu Tradition
4th Soke of Kosei Ryu Kempo
Founder of the Budo Ryu Online University
Owner of the Ninjutsu Super Store
Chief Editor of the Shinobi no Mono Magazine
Founder of the Ninjutsu International Federation
Professional Model and Artist
35 METHODS OF SRATEGY – HEIHO PART 4
Soke; Anshu Christa Jacobson
35 INSTRUCTIONS ON SRATEGY – PART 4
Hyoho Sanju go kajo — Miyamoto Musashi; 1614
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In 1614 two years before he wrote the Gorin no sho (Book of the 5 Rings) Musashi wrote a work called “Thrity-five Instructions on Strategy”. It was written for Lord Hosokawa, by his guest Miyamoto Musashi. The Gorin no sho (Book of the 5 Rings) is considered a more elaborate piece off of this work. To truly understand these teachings and the nature of this text is extremely difficult as Musashi used special terms and verbal meaning to express his respect for Lord Hosokawa, which is very hard to understand the exact meaning to translate into English. In the translations I am using the terms that was used in the Gorin no sho (Book of the 5 Rings) as they are the more popular terms for identifying Miyamoto Musashi’s works.
STRATEGY EIGHT
(REGARDING STATE OF MIND)
The mind should be neither solemn nor agitated, neither pensive nor fearful; it should be straight and ample. This is the state of mind that should be sought after. The will should not be heavy, but the depth of ones awareness should be; in this way you make your mind like water that reacts appropriately to shifting situations. Whether it is a drop or an ocean with blue depths, it is water, you should examine this well.
I hope that you all enjoy your lessons today from the Hyoho Sanju go kajo. Thank you all for your support! I wish you all the best in your journey of the arts!
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu; School of the Warrior Way
21st Soke of the Tomo Ryu Tradition
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu – School of the Warrior Way
Founder of the Budo Ryu Online University
Owner of the Ninjutsu Super Store
Chief Editor of the Shinobi no Mono Magazine
Founder of the Ninjutsu International Federation
Professional Model and Artist
Anshu Christa Jacobson 