Author: DANNY ROBERTS
TALENTED instructors and students alike gathered for the 1992 Bujinkan Ninjutsu Summit, with representatives from many Australian Bujinkan Dojos all eager to participate in this greatly anticipated annual event. The summit was held within the Hunter Valley NSW this year, and all in attendance participated one hundred percent in their efforts to make the weekend successful.
Without a doubt the overall success of this year’s summit was primarily due to the energy and unique skills and knowledge of the Australian Ninjutsu Academy’s Chief Instructor, Bujinkan’s Shidoshi Michael Tattoli (5th Dan) and leading Bujinkan instructor from Taree, Sensei Chris Somerville (3rd Dan). The combination of Tattoli Sensei and Chris Somerville’s skills and understanding of the art meant that all participants were exposed to a diverse array of subjects in traditional Ninpo.
The aim of the Ninjutsu summit was to bring together instructors and students from a wide range of Australian Dojos, and to concentrate on intense training using traditional techniques applied to the Australian natural environment.
Tattoli Sensei opened the proceedings with an informal lecture and welcomed one and all to the summit. As the rain began to fall, the students were led to an area for training in Taihenjutsu, with the emphasis placed on harmonising with the rough terrain.
The morning training session continued with various techniques and stimulants in Bojutsu (Bo and Hanbo) and Shinobigatana (short sword), and covered the principles and applications of these weapons and their use in natural surroundings.
The afternoon session began with instruction on emergency first aid procedures Gust in case) and an invigorating bush run. Students were then instructed and participated in climbing and rope-traversing techniques, which included high speed aerial coverage. The late afternoon session dealt with securing an area for defensive purposes, which included techniques for trapping and warning for the approach of intruders.
As evening fell the students were instructed in the ancient art of Ninjutsu’s concealment techniques. This was immediately followed by the ever popular night movements exercises. Students were required to utilise all their Ninjutsu skills to arrive at a set destination undetected by sight or sound. Needless to say, this exercise was enjoyed by all participants.
The next day began with extremely enlightening spiritual exercises within the tranquillity of the Australian natural environment. This enabled students to prepare for the day’s training in a much enhanced state of awareness.
Students were then put through their paces with a rigorous obstacle course. All participants showed great perseverance and endurance, and many wills were put to the test as they traversed, climbed, leaped and dive-rolled over trees, logs, scrub, ropes and pits whilst being ever vigilant for the hidden armed attackers they constantly encountered along the way. The students were then further instructed in rope traversing techniques to enhance movement across the tree-tops.
After a short break Tattoli Sensei presented an excellent lesson (in the pouring rain) on knife fighting techniques, using applications of Ninpo taijutsu. Many of these tantojutsu techniques have never been taught in Australia before and all students benefited greatly. Students were then divided into two teams and were given the opportunity to exercise their skills in all aspects of Ninjutsu by applying their tantojutsu skills by confronting each other within the bush environment. During these knife-sparring encounters all students showed good technique and control, with strong combat attitudes and commitment to survival being evident throughout all grades.
After another enlightening meditation and awareness exercise, Tattoli Sensei formally closed the camp with an inspiring lecture on the responsibilities of following the path in the Martial Arts, and warmly thanked all for their tremendous effort and spirit.
