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Current MembersWelcome to the members-only area of the U.S. Kobudo Club web site. While our web site was originally designed to serve as a promotional tool, providing basic Club information to inquirers, this area of the site is devoted exclusively to the needs of current members and instructors. Please let us know how you would like this area to evolve and what you would like to see posted here. Member input is always encouraged and welcome. Send your comments to our main email address: kobudoclub@hotmail.com. Thanks for your continued support of the Club!Student MaterialsAs you know, Tanemura-soke has published a new Jujutsu manual, KJJR Jujutsu Vol. I. Additionally, Kobudo Club members may benefit from several supplemental materials that provide information about Club background and class procedures. The Guide for New Members is intended to be an introduction to the Club. It provides more information about our name and purpose, as well as some basic procedural guidelines. While there may be slight differences from one training location to another, the information contained in this document should prove useful to all new Kobudo Club members. Also, new members will find this GWNBF-KJJR Terminology list helpful as they learn all the new Japanese names and terms. Kobudo Club Warm-Up Routine outlines the stretching, strengthening, and kobudo sets that we do at the beginning of every Jujutsu and Taijutsu class. The first set of Yoga-style stretches is to be performed with the whole class, while the strengthening and kobudo sets are done in smaller groups based on rank level (i.e., 10th - 7th Kyu = beginner level; 6th - 4th Kyu = intermediate level; 3rd - 1st Kyu = advanced level). Currently, Bojutsu and Bikenjutsu training is held at only one location, Marquette University. Students who have begun sword training will find Japanese Sword 101 a handy reference for basic sword history and terminology. Until a similar document can be developed for staff training, students may consult Bojutsu Shokyu for pattern names (in Romaji). Shinzen Rei (spiritual bow) refers to the ritual we perform immediately before and after every kobudo class. Instructors sometimes refer to this ritual as, "bowing in." New students are simply taught the external form of this ritual, though once they begin to perceive the spiritual dimension of kobudo training, we can teach them more. In the mean time, students should understand that Shinzen Rei is NOT a religious ceremony, but a traditional ritual for preparing the mind and heart for training. Shinzen Rei should produce a calm and alert state of mind, free of attachments, as well as a compassionate heart. Kobudo Club members are reminded about proper behavior, both in- and outside of class. If you have attended a Tai-Kai in Milwaukee, you have probably heard Soke talk about proper behavior. In fact, I cannot think of a single lecture, book, or article in which Soke does not at least mention proper behavior, and often it forms the core of his message. Soke consistently tells us to be compassionate, to practice humility, and to use our art to help other people. In Ninpo Secrets, he gives this topic a much fuller treatment, devoting several sections to dimensions of "Spiritual Refinement" and the proper "Heart and Spirit." Kobudo Club members are encouraged to purchase and read this important text. It is clear that Tanemura-soke's goal for us is not simply mastery of technique, i.e., Taijutsu, Jujutsu, and the various weapon arts included in our vast curriculum. Perhaps most important to the Grandmaster is our spiritual development, the type of person we become as a result of kobudo training. In his writing, Tanemura-soke has used the concept of "Warrior-Wind" (Bu-Fu) to describe the true warrior's heart. While not Soke's most recent musing on the topic, this treatment still holds great value. Assistant InstructorsEach U.S. Kobudo Club training group is directly supervised by either the dojo-cho/instructor or an assistant instructor, who is reappointed for this task each year. In addition to teaching duties, assistant instructors are responsible for all communication between their group and the U.S. Kobudo Club dojo-cho. Minimally, assistant instructors should submit a monthly report (for September, October, November, January, February, March, and April) to the dojo-cho no later than the fifth day of the following month. Assistant instructors are responsible for reminding their students about the annual GWNBF/KJJR membership renewal fee ($25). Each student will be invoiced by the dojo-cho sometime after the New Year. Students should be reminided that failure to renew one's membership can have serious consequences, such as suspension of training privileges and revocation of all certificates. Assistant instructors might be interested to read GWNBF/KJJR/JKWF/ATWF Rules & Systems, Part 9, which discusses Soke's policy on students "leaving" and "returning" to the GWNB/ KJJR. Assistant instructors should have each new or returning student fill out a Liability Waiver. Any completed forms may be held until submitting the next monthly report. Finally, assistant instructors may wish to use the spiritual poem, Ninja Seishin (or Budo Seishin), during Shinzen Rei. No other rituals may be added to the traditional bowing-in ceremony. Special Training OpportunitiesU.S. Kobudo Club and Futen Dojo are co-sponsoring a Shibu-Kai to be held March 14-16, 2008, at Marquette University. This regional seminar will provide students with an opportunity to review and advance their knowledge of Genbukan Taijutsu, KJJR Jujutsu, Koryu Karate, Goshinjutsu, Bojutsu, and Bikenjutsu. All sessions will be taught by Michael Coleman, kyoshi. Testing will be conducted in both unarmed and weapon systems. Please plan to join us! Grandmaster Tanemura has agreed to hold another International Tai-Kai in Milwaukee, July 17-20, 2008. More information will be released soon. Honbu Dojo NewsHonbu means "headquarters" in English, and refers to Tanemura-soke's home dojo. Like the trunk of a tree, the Honbu is the main source of life for all Genbukan and Kokusai dojo around the world. In this section, I will provide periodic information and news from the Honbu Dojo (www.genbukan.org). Tanemura-soke has extended his New Year blessings to all members of the Genbukan-KJJR organizations: "Shinnen Akemashite Omedeto!" Local NewsFollow the links below to view current promotional events or news for each of our local training groups.
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This book is the official training manual for all kyu levels (10th - 1st) in the Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei. In addition to the kyu-level techniques, the book contains helpful background material on Jujutsu history and meaning. All members are encouraged to obtain their own copy of this important book. New members must also join the KJJR organization. Print, fill out, and submit this