Newsletter
"The Source"
Q
and A Sessions
with Richard J. Van Donk, Shihan
Question:
What was one of your most synchronistic experiences with
Soke Hatsumi?
- Answer:
Soke
Shrine story Fri, 10 Jan 1997
I was very fortunate to be in Japan when Soke Hatsumi
moved out of his house when it was rebuilt. I helped
taken down the Kamiza (Shrine) with Manaka-Sensei at
3am. I also by coincidence came back the day he moved
back in some 7 months latter. Manaka-Sensei and I built
the shrine and put it up again in the new Bujinkan office.
Moving out I held and examined many, many old weapons
even some hidden under the floor boards of the old house.
On the moving in among many other things I carried the
box that held the scrolls. Soke took some of them out
and showed them to us. This as you can imagine was quite
exciting for me. There has never been a time that I
wanted to know fluent Japanese and old Chinese Kanji
more than at this moment. What is in the scrolls I can't
tell you. The future will have to tell this matter.
I already have more information that any one person
can master in one lifetime already.
Happy
Training!
Dear
Mr. Van Donk:
I have been studying ninpo for about two years in the
Midwest. I just purchased some of the black belt
home study courses to supplement my training. I
have enjoyed them immensely and they will be a valuable
asset to my training. I did have some questions
I hope you would answer. In the video ( I think its 3rd
kyu ) you demonstrate moving out of range from a punch.
When the attacker fully extended his arm your face was
about a foot away from his fist. You mentioned that
one should "feel"
the energy emitted from the opponent's hand. This is what
guides you to safety versus only using sight. However,
you really did not mention how one "feels" this energy.
What drills can I perform alone or with others that will
enable me to sense this energy?
In the 95 Tai Kai naginata video Dr. Hatsumi frequently
mentioned to capture the "feeling" of what he was doing.
What is he talking about? Is it identical to the
"feel" in your video or is it something different?
How does one as Dr. Hatsumi says "Capture the feeling"?
- Shihan
Van Donk Answer:
The art of Ninjutsu is a feeling art. Sensitivity comes
through constant training. Touching is one form of feeling.
Learning to feel the energy and intent of the attack
will again bring your humanity back out.
Close
your eyes when someone punches and learn to feel their
body coming towards yours. Once you touch someone
close your eyes and take them to the ground.
Practice
these first. There are many drills. If you can come
to our Mastering Ninjutsu Camp we will help you learn
this.
Happy
Training,
Shihan Van Donk
Dear Shihan VanDonk,
What importance, other than procreation and temporary ecstasy,
does sex play in life and spirituality. I know that it can
be a very beautiful thing but it can also be very
damaging at the same time. Please give me your views
on this dilemma. Thanks for your time, —Jon
6/12/98
Jon,
There is no dilemma enjoy your life. Choose what brings
you joy. When you know joy then you can keep it forever
and will not chase things in life to falsely get it.
Suffering is not the path to Ecstasy or Enlightenment.
Be fulfilled in the joy.
Shihan Van Donk
"It's
not so much getting a Black Belt
as it is in what you become in
the process."
—RVDonk
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