Bujinkan Saigen Dojo
107 Stockton Point #1 T1S 1A3 Okotoks, AB, Canada

Tonight we practised a Shiraishi Sensei version of Muso Dori and incorporated the concepts of "bumping into an opponent", "keeping opponent on a string" and "controlling the slack" as shown by Sakasai Sensei. --Doug

Kuzushi in Budo sports Is very often thought of as simply pushing or pulling. Kuzushi means unbalancing the opponent to gain advantage over them. The methods o...f effecting kuzushi depend on maai (combative distance) and other circumstances. It can be achieved using tai sabaki (body positioning and weak lines), taking advantage of the opponent’s actions (push when pulled, pull when pushed), atemi (strikes), or a combination of all three. At more advanced levels however it is much more than that. For example, kuzushi can also be achieved by breaking the opponent’s rhythm, fake attacks, strikes, changes of body position or grip, or a sudden change in speed or tempo. A critical element in kuzushi is that it should disrupt more than the body. Kuzushi is very much a mental thing. Kuzushi should always disrupt the opponent’s concentration, resulting in a momentary opportunity for an attack. strong and positive mental attitude can often dominate a weaker state of mind, resulting in effective kuzushi. please feel free to specify the above addition.

A moment in remembrance...

Oguri Sensei et Senno Sensei, deux âmes devenues des étoiles dans le ciel.

With the advent of the phase 2 of the Alberta Relaunch, we will be training again starting Tuesday June 16th. We will be training outside as much as possible and maintaining good physical distancing. Thanks and I look forward to seeing everyone again! -Doug

Given the current situation with Covid-19, Bujinkan Saigen Dojo is closed until further notice.

In Memory! 130th anniversary of his Birth !

A little bit of information should you be planning a trip to Japan.

Happy New Year! Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. Helen Keller

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

New belts for a fun and dedicated group. A real pleasure to train with these guys. Well deserved. ... Before and after photos...

Holiday hours: We will closed December 24th, 26th, and 31st.Holiday hours: We will closed December 24th, 26th, and 31st.

A huge thank you to Carlyle for sharing some Budo from his recent Japan trip. We had a great time!A huge thank you to Carlyle for sharing some Budo from his recent Japan trip. We had a great time!

A huge thank you to Katja for sharing some Budo from her recent Japan trip. We had a great time!A huge thank you to Katja for sharing some Budo from her recent Japan trip. We had a great time!

There is no class today to allow for a Ryujin Tournament. See everyone Tuesday! -Doug

No class today! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!No class today! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Holidays are over. Back to training tonight! 8-930pm.

Well it has been a busy couple of weeks. Congratulations to all who were recently promoted!!! Job well done. An awesome and successful seminar is now past and the work on the material needs to begin. But, I am now on Holidays and the Dojo is closed until September 10th. We will pick it up then. See you on the Matts! -Doug

Today we worked on Rokushaku Bojutsu. We reviewed Kamae, Ukemi, Ashi Barai, and Menuchiharai Gata. After some basic sword review we proceeded to work on the Kukishinryu Bojutsu Shoden Kata.

Today it was an honour to have two of my Sempai at the Dojo. It was great to see you again Larry!!! And as always, thank-you Carlyle for your input and insights!

A big thanks to Anton! Anton dropped by the dojo today and helped us refine our basics. It was very insightful and helpful.A big thanks to Anton! Anton dropped by the dojo today and helped us refine our basics. It was very insightful and helpful.

Very true. Last night we warmed up with the Koshi Sanpo Gata and Ukemi (Jun Nagare, Gyaku Nagare, Zenpo Ukemi, Koho Ukemi, Sokuho Ukemi and Kuten Ukemi). From there we worked Hanten Uchi (hanbo jutsu) and Omote Gyaku Kensabaki.

Happy Canada Day!!!

No class today. Happy Canada Day weekend.No class today. Happy Canada Day weekend.

Not all wounds are visible

Thinking of the many that have helped me over the years. I was and am very lucky.

Pretty tired. It has been a busy weekend. So good seeing Bill again. The training was awesome. The people there made it more awesome. Thanks to Aric for hosting and to Bill, David, Garth and Phil for showing their stuff. Much to work on and it will be worth it. - Doug

Today we lost a great teacher a friend and a mentor in life. Takamatsu Sensei once said Smile in the Face of Death. This man’s smile could change the world a...nd he did. Tonight at Honbu Soke provided a moment of silence in respect of Seno Sensei. He was family, he was pure and he will forever live on in our hearts. It is the feeling that matters, not the form. Bufu Ikkan Smiling Dragon. Photo by Harry Mitrou See more

Tsuki or not to Tsuki.

Happy Easter! No Class today. Enjoy the day with family and friends.

Agreed. As an example, we incorporate the research and training from Blauer Tactical Systems. This has proved to be a great way to survive an ambush so we can use our training.

You never know how much you can do, until you try to do more than you can. -T. Blauer

Something new hanging in the Dojo. A loan from a friend in Budo.

Happy New Year everyone! No class tonight after all. We will start the new year of training on Sunday January 6th, 2019.

We are now closed for 2018. Next class is January 3rd, 2019. Have a great holiday season.

Starting today, in preparation for Mike Loonam seminar next week, we will be practicing our hanbo jutsu. Happy Remembrance Day.

The Dojo is closed until September 4th. See you then!

Insight into what we do.

In the commencement of studying the classical forms of budo, the tsuki ( thrust/stab ) has immense teachings for both unarmed and armed fighting.

Longust weekend! No class today. Enjoy the holiday!

Congratulations to Dylan and Shannon for advancing to their next kyu level. Well done.

The essence of the Sanshin no Kata: Speaking of the Sanshin no Kata in Budo terms, understand this as mind, technique, and body (shin-gi-tai) -- Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai

No class Sunday July 1st. Happy Canada Day!

Save the date! Mike Loonam seminar in Okotoks! November 17-18, 2018..

Today will train Bojutsu outside. The plan is to work on the Gokyo Gokai Ihen Sabaki Gata.

Introduction to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Special. Two week free trial or $20 for a trial month.

Today we will be working on Renyo no Kata from the Joryaku level of Gyokko-ryu and Shito no Kata from the Shoden level of Koto-ryu. Happy Father's Day!

The wall is beginning to look like something! #budo #Bujinkan #ninjutsu #okotoksmartialarts

It was very nice to get reacquainted with this man. Always so kind and pleasant.

After a great trip to Japan, I am looking forward to regular classes again at home. I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday! In the picture, the wolves ornament was a gift from me to Soke. I was very excited to see where he put it. -Doug

Congratulations to Dylan and Shannon for advancing to their next kyu level.