Kobudo Going Forward, with Manaka Unsui

This is the video episode, recorded at the Shunpukan Dojo, in Noda-shi, following a week of training with Unsui Sensei. He sat us down to discuss how we should approach our study of traditional Japanese martial arts into the future.

In this conversation, he highlights the importance of preserving the original Japanese mindset and the impact of technology on the human condition and the martial arts. Sensei emphasizes the need to return to a natural, primitive state for training, allowing martial artists to discover their potential and find balance.

PLEASE NOTE: Sensei chose to have this conversation in english versus his native Japanese. We are thankful that he did this for us and ask for your patience as you listen.

What you'll take away from this episode:

1. Understanding the Original Mindset: Sensei emphasized the importance of understanding the original way of the Japanese mindset prior to World War 2 and how much of Bushido was implemented in their study. How can we maintain this mindset and apply it to our training today?

2. Embracing Nature and Tradition: Sensei discussed the impact of technology on our lives and the importance of aligning with nature. As we become more reliant on technology, maintaining our connection with nature and tradition will be crucial in our pursuit of both self and martial mastery.

3. Return to the Primitive Self: Sensei's message encourages us to step away from the constant input of technology and revert to our natural state. Whether it's through rigorous training, spending time in nature, or disconnecting from modern distractions, rediscovering our primitive selves is essential for personal growth and martial arts development.

Publishing of this interview was approved by Unsui.

ABOUT MANAKA UNSUI
Fumio Manaka Sensei, who also goes by the martial name “Unsui”, has 70 years of experience in the Japanese arts of kobudo, having started training at the age of 14 as the first student of Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei. Unsui Sensei holds certificates of mastery (menkyo kaiden) in several martial schools and has formal training in many others. In 1996, Unsui Sensei founded the Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan.

For many years Unsui Sensei made regular trips to the United States and Europe to conduct training seminars and to directly instruct his students. From April 2001 to May 2004 Manaka Sensei lived and trained in Baltimore, Maryland. His goal in this move from Japan was to allow martial artists in the United States and Europe easier access to him and to raise the level of training in these areas. With his goals achieved, he returned to Japan in June 2004 and now teaches from his hometown of Noda, Japan.

Thank you for visiting and supporting my work in preserving the Traditional Japanese Martial Arts of Jissen Kobudo at the Yasuragi Dojo.

If you enjoyed this video, please continue to support by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

If you are interested in stepping further into my work, below are links to help you better understand the Yasuragi Dojo and opportunities that may help in your path in Kobudo study.

Once again, thank you for spending time here ~ Adam

OUR DOJO: https://yasuragidojo.com

MORE ABOUT THE YASURAGI DOJO
The Yasuragi Dojo is a school of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts, teaching the traditions of our teacher, Manaka Unsui and the International Jinenkan organization. Our Dojo preserves the arts of Ninpo, Jujutsu, Kenjutsu and Classical Weaponry. Collectively, our art is called Jissen Kobudo.