MMAdaisuki wrote:

As people have pointed out on the other thread most of these materials/drlls are taught by Scott Sonnon from Florida.

Papa-san wrote:
Well if done (sparring) in carefully controlled boundaries the answer is probably yes. The problem as I see it is that this rarely happens. It quickly sinks into a "me or him" contest and little beneficial can come of that.

A lot of real negatives can and will. Any injury to your body will be paid for throughout your life, it just doesn't go away. Avoiding that experience is something really worthwhile. No matter how much you fantasize about being "made of steel", you are not! You can, and if you constantly put yourself in unneeded danger, will have injuries.

Training is a gradual process, skill doesn't just happen. It takes your work and time while directed well.
Now listening to your teacher is an excellent idea, He or she has a lot more experience then you. If you don't trust their teaching then find another whom you can trust! You need to gain enough knowledge and skill to make your own good choices and a trustworthy teacher is a major aid in this. The bottom line is always, "does it work," "does it work for me." You can gain information from the internet, BUT you must be very selective in what you accept. It is far better to work with a teacher you trust and if you have questions ask him/her!

Zenigata wrote:
Good points.

On the effectiveness of ichi no kamae vs the stance of a capable boxer, I think my kamae (or rather the foundation of taijutsu from my kamae) is there to support my goals. If my foundation is stronger than the boxer I will come out on top, if the others boxing is stronger than my ichi no kamae then he will win. The variables within this are too large to go into.

A good fighters leg kick in undefendable anyway since it is a combination of the right timing, distance, effective range and strategy in order for both of us to be in the position to cut me down with that kick.

Papa-san wrote:
The only way a "match" could occur is if one from another art really attempted to harm a Bujinkan practicioner. I think this whole idea is a fruitless attempt to see "who is best" rather then "who will survive". Like it or not, what we in the Bujinkan do is DEADLY when understood. It is not designed for stupid ego gratification and contests. Anyone who doesn't understand that doesn't understand the whole purpose of the Bujinkan. We are a combat art not a sport art and the two can never mix.

A good student of boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, BJJ or MMA will cut through a fair swath of the Bujinkan before being really tested.

RJHIII wrote:
Marty,

It cheapens the transmission of the art

Papa-san wrote:
I get very annoyed with people thinking that rank should guarantee something

After sho-dan the learning begins, the skill should (again IMO) improve making them more able to deal with real situations, hence my use of two attackers at ni-dan, three at san-dan, and four at yon-dan. Also the muto dori as getting out of the way with minimal movement is a needed skill. Also dealing with more and more unscripted and unknown attacks of every kind.

How well you do this is not measured by "how good you look" but how well you deal with reality when it knocks on YOUR door. You wanted to know my reasons and method Robert, well that is what I use.

Papa-san wrote:
We can only make certain that what we do and teach works Goran, we can't make the determination for someone else..... I only show what I do know works.

Papa-san wrote:
I found out a long time ago that all of us have glass houses, just maybe you shouldn't be throwing rocks. ---- or encouraging others to do so.

jibran wrote:
What frightens me is that an unknowing student might join a dojo led by students who learned from a video. Sure, the "American Bujinkan Dojo" patch would be a clear warning sign but
a) There may be video students who stop the official ABD affiliation after godan.
b) I'm sure that many new students will mistakenly assume that ABD is some sort of official US administration for Bujinkan (sort of like national federations for Judo, karatedo etc) and not see the warning.

I just saw an ABD instructor boasting about his connections with Frank Dux ( http://manabi-masho.com/ShihanMarkMurdock.html )

Ending up with this sort of instructor is what makes many people regret their time spent in the Bujinkan.

We are now an affiliate of Ed Martin "Papasan" 15th Dan in the Bujinkan. All Rivers Edge Bujinkan Dojo Bujinkan ranking will now go through Ed Martin and/or Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi