Kobudo Training and Attaining Kakusei Mushin, with Manaka Unsui

In this exciting kickoff episode of the Shugyo podcast, host Adam Mitchell welcomes you to sit beside him and his students, at a Dojo in Japan with his teacher, Manaka Unsui, to delve into the profound world of Kobudo training and the attainment of Kakusei Mushin.

This episode promises an enlightening exploration of Sensei's teachings, applicable not only to various martial arts, but also to personal journeys of self-discovery.

Key takeaways:

• Align Techniques with Individual Natural Physicality: Manaka Sensei emphasizes the importance of tailoring techniques to one's unique physicality, recognizing that mastery lies in this integration.
• Embrace "Kakusei Mushin": The concept of perceiving everything without fixation was a focal point in our discussion. "Kakusei Mushin" is about taking in the totality of one's surroundings without getting attached to any single element, a profound approach for personal and martial development.
• Understand the Phases of Training: We explored the phases of "Shu," "Ha," and "Ri" in martial arts training. From following instructions to breaking and rebuilding what we've learned, to ultimately creating something new, these stages exemplify the evolution of a martial artist.

So, whether you're a seasoned practitioner of Japanese Budo or new to the world of martial arts all together, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight that you won't want to miss. Tune in to the Shugyo podcast for an unforgettable journey into the heart of traditional Japanese Kobudo, and prepare to be inspired by the teachings of Manaka Sensei and future guest like him.

Visit our Dojo at: Yasuragi Dojo

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.