Mike Hammond Gyokko Ryu Seminar

This weekend just gone I attended the Ninjutsu Seminar run by Jissen Dojos International in conjunction with Takanoha Dojos Australia. The presenter was Australian Ninjutsu pioneer and 10th Dan, Mike Hammond. Some folks might remember Mike from Blitz Magazine articles during the 90's. Mike has a strong background in Close Personal Protection, Emergency Medicine and Education, as well as the martial arts.

Saturday started with Introductions and was follwed by Mike demonstrating the Kosshijutsu of the Gyokko Ryu system. Mike's medical background was evident in his accurate descriptions of the anatomical landmarks used to find the intented targets. A huge variety of points were covered, most demonstrated with painful effectiveness on me. I didn't mind as I'd volunteered, as feeling is believing! When the technique is done on you, you know where the target is, how to attack it and exactly how effective it is. We covered targets ranging from fingers, to ears, subscapular plexus, brachial plexus, insertions of bicep and triceps, thumbs, mastoid process and a whole lot more.

Other topics covered included the stances and basic receiving techniques of the kosshi sanpo, sanshin and torite goho. These were shown at a beginner level but also at a advanced level (ie blackbelt). Also covered were the Go Dai 5 element attitudes in combat, using the same technique but changing its 'flavour' with the different elements.

Some of the esoteric facets of ninjutsu were covered, including the healing side of ninjutsu and exercises based around the Sakki test.

Footwork was covered in great detail.

We practiced grappling and anti-grappling techniques, which Mike had learned a BJJ practitioner associated with the Gracie Family.

We covered knife defense and disarms. These Mike neatly summed up as 'IOU'; inside, outside and underneath.

Mike also entertained us with stories from the early days of ninjutsu, both in Australia and on from his travels to Japan to train with Soke Hatsumi and other senior Shihan. Mike also passed on anecdotes and advice from Soke Hatsumi.

I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar, the first Mike has consented to teach in nearly a decade. It is a testament to Sensei Johnstone for his tenacity and persistence. It is also a testament to the mutual respect between Sensei Hammond and Sensei Johnstone.

Hopeful we will get to do it all again next year.

For further information try these links:

Takanoha Dojos Australia

Jissen Dojos International

Bujinkan Hombu Dojo