The View from the Bottom

Last night, at training, my form wasn't particularly good. I've been a student of Tatsumi Ryu for several years now, and it was frustrating to be making so many basic mistakes. I came home all pent up, and sat down at the computer, trying to think of things to do to relieve the negative energy I felt. I jumped onto Flickr, and immediately saw the photo above. In that moment, this photo, taken last year in the Otway Ranges National Park, wasn't a group of trees. It was a metaphor for where I stood in Tatsumi Ryu and for the many who had climbed to lofty heights before me. It might have simply added to my woes, this symbol of my inexperience, but there is a bright glimpse of sky through those trees. Those trees are all looking up too, at the clouds, which have climbed higher still.

A Tatsumi Ryu Snapshot

I study Tatsumi ryu (立身流, Tatsumi-ryū Hyōhō): a Koryu, or classical tradition. It originates in the Sengoku Jidai period in Japan, and was founded by Tatsumi Sankyo, who was born in what is now Ehime Pefecture, on Shikoku Island. I won't delve into the history or essential principles of the system; after all, it isn't my place as a student to be telling the world about Tatsumi ryu. For that, I suggest visiting the Wikipedia entry here or Liam Keeley Sensei's home page here. But I thought people might be interested in seeing photographs of the art. Some are available at the links above, but I have a couple of interest that aren't available (or, at least, not in the resolution I've provided them). The photographs were taken by Neill Smith in 2006.

Without giving too much away, it is worth noting that this particular ryu obviously uses more than the sword. In fact, it classifies as a sogo bujutsu: an integrated, composite martial arts system. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to study it.

Along with the links above, anyone interested in the koryu should at a minimum read Hunter B. Armstrong's "The Koryu Bujutsu Experience" in Koryu Bujutsu: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan (by Koryu Books). It is a very good essay on not only the historical qualities of the koryu, but also the philosophical and technical distinctions between the classical arts and modern budo.

Katori Shinto Ryu -- you must read this!

Koryu.com, one of my listed links, has just produced a new book that any serious student of Japanese martial arts should get their hands on. It is dual language, with many black and white photos throughout. While is concentrates on omote techniques, it is nevertheless a valuable resource if you're interested in gaining an insight into the thoughts and techniques of one of the greatest living swordsmen.

clipped from www.koryu.com New from Koryu Books: Otake Risuke's Katori Shinto-ryu: Warrior Tradition

My New Katana

In keeping with my koryu bent (for an indepth discussion of koryu, visit Koryu Books), I have bought a new car. 'A new car?' you ask. Yes, a new car. It is the type of car that anyone fascinated with Japanese Sword Arts should buy, because it is the automotive equivalent of the katana. 'What is it?' I here you say. Drum roll...wala.

Yes, it is a Mazda MX-5. Like the katana as a sword, the MX-5 isn't the most powerful or weighty of cars, but it is sublimely agile and designed for a single purpose: to fuse driver and car as one. It does what it was engineered to do to perfection. Here in Australia, it won Wheels Car of the Year in 2005, which is our most prestigious car award. Read the article, and it gives you a taste of the absolutely joy the MX-5 is to drive. It has also won a host of other awards, and has been otherwise buried beneath voluminous pages of praise.

I had half a mind to get a private number plate that reflected the MX-5's purity of concept, but private number plates are, basically, a bit silly (apologies to any who own one).