Aikuchi Dagger
The aikuchi is tanto (smallest of Japanese short swords) without a tsuba (guard) mainly used in Tokugawa period – 15th Century Japan. Because of its short blade, the Aikuchi and Tanto are more commonly refereed to as a dagger. This weapon was often paired with the Katana and Wakizashi. Very effective against the enemy as a close range weapon, grappling or when fighting on the ground. It could serve for attacking the enemy at a distance by throwing it. Smaller aikuchi style knives such as the kaiken and other easy to conceal weapons, were popular with the Yakuza and typical for women samurai as a weapon for emergencies and suicide.
The article teaches more about stick self-defense and the reality of weapons in the martial arts.
If you are learning realistic self-defense, you will need to learn how to use a stick. In almost any environment, you can find something to resemble a martial arts stick (or escrima / kali stick) to use as an improvised weapon or what we call an “Environmental Weapon.”
Roof and Wing Block with Stick
In this video, Sensei Rick Tew demonstrates the basic roof and wing block with a couple of sticks that were picked up from the ground in Lumpini Park, Bangkok. These sticks or natural clubs were already here and we simply added them to our morning training exercise to drill and practice the strategies of stick fighting in a more street combat or realistic environment.
The roof block is simply the idea that you are creating an angle with the stick, similar to what you might see on a typical A frame style roof of a house. The idea being that it can still protect what is underneath while providing a shield but also ensure that whatever lands on the roof also has the ability to roll or fall off of it. For a house that would be rain or snow, but with stick fighting it would be another stick, club, staff or other weapon like a pipe or crowbar. This is more of an offensive strategy. The pro is that you have more space to move, react and you can see more of your opponent and do not obstruct your vision on the side that you block as much as you would with a wing block.
The wing block is applying the concepts of the roof block, only you are resting your weapon onto the arm / shoulder that it is closest to. This is more of a defensive strategy. The pro is that you can rest your weapon onto the arm to provide a more solid base (great against multiple attacks) or to simulate a shield. The con is that you will partially obstruct your view on the side you are blocking on. This tactic is similar to a turtle pulling in its head. The shell offers a protective barrier but it is at the cost of some visual benefits.
In the Martial Science the idea is not to have one tactic or another, but instead, to learn both so you have a good balance and you can adjust or react accordingly. If you are trained in only one strategy, you will be limited and also robotic in your movements.
When practicing any of these types of drills – especially with environmental weapons like the stick – be sure to pay special attention to your EYES. It is suggested to wear eye protection if you are not used to this type of training. New students will discover that unlike a stick used in the DOJO environment that a weapon from the wild is unpredictable. It can break or dirt and debris can easily fall from it and into the eyes. One strategy we use in Modern Ninjitsu is to pull the loose part of bark and dirt from a stick with a single swipe and use it as a distraction or a way to temporarily blind our opponent. Read the rest of this entry →
How to develop a Natural Reaction in the Martial Arts
If something comes close to your eyes, it is natural for your eyelids to close and protect the eyes. Most of us do this without having to think much about it. It is a natural reaction for our bodies.
In the Martial Science, a natural reaction is a trained response that comes naturally in the time of need.
Do you have to think about walking? At this point in your life, walking comes naturally. But the truth is, you didn’t know how to walk as a baby. You had to train and practice in order to make your movements as simple as breathing.
In a dangerous situation, you will have no time to evaluate and come up with a multitude of logical defenses. Your body must move reactively. When practicing, you must perform maneuvers over and over until your body will react and no pause for thinking is involved. Evasion can not be categorized into a technique – since it involves so many natural elements.
There are 4 steps involved in creating a natural reaction with anything that we do or learn: Read the rest of this entry →
To be a Member, please create a free account to receive your free NinjaGym Newsletter as well as weekly e-mail that keep you up to date regarding martial arts events and ninja training camps. Read the rest of this entry →
This section includes the weapons of the hand and arm. Utilization of strikes are a major factor that determines your combat skill. The following is a list of strikes and their primary applications, study and learn the list.
Because these strikes can be used in so many variations, we must classify them in their own section. However, one must realize that when studying RTMS nothing can really be classified at all. We must keep a constant open mind and use what we learn to help us adapt to our movements as a whole.To categorize would be to systemize the art and that only serves its purpose commercially. So remember, when training, do not program yourself to a set number of techniques or angles. That’s a process of limitation and the Total Warrior is never limited.
If you haven’t done so already, be sure to review Rick Tew’s Martial Art Strikes and Kicks form by following the link below:
