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Other events 2011 : |
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The next Amatsu Tatara seminar, for 2011:
Module 4 level 1
October 22sd & 23rd, 2011.
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International events 2011 : |
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| Testimonies |
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"Since I have joined the dojo, I have begun to learn the true meaning of Ninjutsu (perseverance) and have gained a family away from home"
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Melitsa, Kukyû, January 05, 2011
After doing dance for so many years, I finally decided I wanted to try something new. Naturally, I turned to martial arts because my brothers had done some too.
After discussing the subject at hand, I discovered my brother wanted to join as well. Later on we discussed about martial arts in specific and came across Ninjutsu. Not knowing where to start, we went straight to the Internet, where I found this site. After more discussion we agreed to try it. The next day I called the Bujinkan Dojo Montreal and was slightly intimidated by the voice on the other end, responding my call with a “yes?” It quickly disappeared after our conversation started and I was sure where I was calling. Coming Friday, I visited one of the dojos with my father. Unknown to the premises, we entered the karate class downstairs. While there, we heard thumps coming from the ceiling, making us curious, at one point we even thought it would fall on our heads…. |
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We went back outside to again view the building, noticing there was another door leading up the stairs. When we got there, we were kindly greeted by Estelle, one of the instructors, who, despite her “petite” size, was as equally intimidating as the person over the phone. Sadly we were late, so she let us watch them. After watching them train, seeing how much fun they were having, despite the complex-looking movements, I was sure that this was what I wanted to do.
The next week I joined the class with my brother and we have been training with them ever since. The techniques were complicated at first but, with the help and close attention to detail of Manolo, Estelle and my sempais, I understood the moves much better. Since I have joined the dojo, I have begun to learn the true meaning of Ninjutsu (perseverance) and have gained a family away from home. Also, it has kept me in better shape than dance ever had and brought my brother, my best friend and me closer together. The Bujinkan Dojo Montreal is a great place to learn Ninjutsu and some of life’s valuable lessons :).
Melitsa |
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"One aspect that I have really come to appreciate is the recent realization that the training has taught me to relax in all different types of tense situations or confrontations, including business situations like negotiations."
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David, Nikyû, December 22, 2010
I started Ninjutsu in the Fall of 2008 because my son Erik had started the kids program and I thought it would be a fun activity to share. I also figured it would be better for me that just watching TV at night. While we typically do not take classes together, there are some special classes we can do together, as well as demonstrations and working out together at home. I look forward to when he will be able to do the adult classes in a couple years and we can ramp up the work out intensity.
I also enjoy Ninjutsu for my own sake. I tried Karate long ago but it never caught my interest. There are several aspects to Ninjutsu that I appreciate:
· The fighting style allows many options in a confrontation – how to escape, how to control and defuse the situation, or how to fight and win,
· Learning a new physical and mental skill,
· Learning how to fall and roll, which is both fun and very useful,
· Learning to fight with the Katana (sword) and Bo (quarterstaff) is a lot of fun,
· The emphasis on adopting techniques to the situation instead of rigid definitions
· Manolo and Estelle are very good teachers and are especially good with the kids |
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One aspect that I have really come to appreciate is the recent realization that the training has taught me to relax in all different types of tense situations or confrontations, including business situations like negotiations. When people first start Ninjutsu, they are typically very stiff in their stance and movements. Over months of being attacked as we practice the different techniques, you can see people relax and become more fluid. Over time, being attacked becomes normal and the brain switches from the “flight or flight” response to being able to think through the situation calmly. In a recent series of very tense negotiations, I noticed that this training had carried over from the dojo to the meeting room, allowing me to be much more effective.
Lastly, I started at 48 years old so do not think that age is a barrier. |
"That day I found the answers
to my questions concerning my martial arts practice"
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Fabrice Lhermitte, Shidoshi, September 30, 2010
I met Estelle and Manolo in 2004. I had been looking for a long time for a Bujinkan dojo and, when I came back to my native place, Normandy, I contacted her to take part in a seminar she was organizing at that moment.
I had already visited a few other dojos in the various regions I was in, but they were missing that special something that had won me over years before, when I was a judoka, while reading an interview with Hatsumi Sensei in a martial arts magazine. That day I found the answers to my questions concerning my martial arts practice, and the small number of dojos that were open then taught me patience.
When I walked on the tatami with my wife, I knew I was in the right place. There were distinguished people there, whose faces were familiar to me from all my Internet searching, book reading and video viewing.
You could feel the overflow of passion, the obvious competence, the love of effort and continuous hard work, and an atmosphere you don’t find very often.
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Estelle and Manolo are passing on the teachings they’ve received and they constantly question themselves in order to improve again and again. All the martial arts teachers can talk about improving themselves, but how many of them are really doing it?
Their teaching methods, theirs movements, their understanding complement each other and it’s fortunate to have two teachers of their level for the price of one. I understood this very quickly when they left France to move to Quebec. They are also very much human: it is allowed to make mistakes, but not to cheat or pretend.
I’ve been Estelle’s student for six years now. I know that when she says something that concerns me I don’t need to ask myself questions; she’s certainly doing it for my development. Just because I don’t understand it right away doesn’t mean she’s wrong. It simply means she’s farther along the road.
She won’t try to “sweeten the pill”. Her concern will always be to make you aware of your very best.
When I opened my dojo, inviting her to France seemed essential to me. Just like it did coming with my first students to Bujinkan Montreal’s first big seminar.
For my first trip to Japan, after all that waiting, going to Hatsumi Sensei’s classes could only be done while being at her side.
Today, my teacher is at six hours away by plane. It could have been easier to change for another one closer to me from the geographic point of view. But I wouldn’t break this connection for anything in the world. She taught me to be independent and that no one else could do the work for me.
What other teacher can be better than the one who teaches you to be yourself? This is what Sensei is teaching, too: how to learn to be yourself, a better human being who develops within the family your heart chose, the Bujinkan.
Thank you, Estelle and Manolo, for having made my dream come true and for being my friends. |
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"As a practitioner I’ve been transformed by it, even outside the Dojo"
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Gerald, Kukyû, March 26, 2010
I’d like first of all to thank Manolo, Estelle and the friends at the Dojo for their warm welcome at Bujinkan Montreal.
From my very first class they considered me as one of their own. In the beginning, I was afraid I might not be able to assimilate all that was taught. But I found out that in the Bujinkan Dojo there is a bonding “brotherly spirit” that accompanies us during our progress (the older students practice with the new ones).
Ninjutsu is “The art of perseverance”, it’s what helps us overcome our difficulties…As a practitioner I’ve been transformed by it, even outside the Dojo.
Once again, thank you. I hope to be part of your family for a very long time.
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"Which makes me feel that I’m bringing forth a strength I never knew I had"
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Tara, Mukyû, March 20, 2010
It was really a challenge for me to try to put everything I feel about this class into something short and sweet, because there are literally too many great things to say about it! So forgive me if this is too long! Here it goes...
I have been interested in martial arts and self-defence since my early teen years; my experience with it has been somewhat limited. I took Jujitsu and women’s self-defence courses when I was 15 years old, but I never became very inspired by them or even encouraged to pursue them. There was no challenge! But my passion for martial arts always remained in my heart. Now, 17 years later, a door was opened for me into this very special world of Ninjutsu and I am very happy to walk through it! |
| I’m finally in a place where I really feel that I will be able to conquer some of my oldest fears, challenge myself and take my body and mind to their extremes. Which makes me feel that I’m bringing forth a strength I never knew I had. This is the only martial art I have ever come across that makes you want to go as far as it will take you and you just can’t wait to get there! Every time I go to a class, the feeling of “The sky’s the limit” takes over my whole being and all I want to do is give 110% so that someday I’ll touch that sky!
When I interact with the other students, sometimes I get the feeling of being part of a vast family committed to a higher purpose or good. There seems to be an unspoken bond that slowly forms with each person that you work with and everyone is so different and talented in their own special way. I really value the time that I have with the students and I feel that we are always learning from each other.
Every time I learn something new in class I feel privileged for the knowledge I am receiving, and the respect that I already have for this art makes me want so much to perfect all the movements and lessons. Moreover, I must be patient and take things one step at a time. This will probably be my hardest lesson to learn, because it is very easy to get excited at what you are learning in this class, which can make you forget that all truly great things come to those who can wait!
I am so happy to be going through this period of time in my life, I just want it to last forever.
Just a special word to Manolo and Estelle: you are both so welcoming and have such a wealth of knowledge to give and never-ending support and encouragement! I can never thank you both enough for your guidance in this truly amazing and life changing martial art.
Sincerely,
Tara |
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"What was once a way to kill has now become my hobby, my practice, and what I aspire to become"
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Daniel, hachikyû, February 26, 2010
When I first came here, I was just a kid who just got bored of having too much free time, and just happened to note the building on the way home that read “Karate”.
Then I became interested, but a little cautious of what I was getting myself into, so the first time I ever came into the building I was already late, and decided to stay on the sidelines to have an understanding of what karate actually was; then, at the end of the class, the Sensei came up to me and said his intention was for me to join in with the rest of the class. I felt embarrassed to say the least, but he told me that there was another class after his, Budo Taijutsu class, and introduced me to Manolo, one of the scariest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
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And I also met my other Sensei, Estelle, who seemed very nice and less intimidating then Manolo (but later I would fear them both the same), and the rest, as they say, is history.
What was once a way to kill has now become my hobby, my practice, and what I aspire to become, and I owe it all to my two Sensei and to the people who help me train.
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"I’ve discovered an art that suits me"
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Malik, Shodan, February 25, 2010
I was passing through Montreal and I needed a Dojo where to train. On my teacher’s advice, I decided to try Bujinkan Dojo Montreal. When you go in this Dojo, you enter one of the numerous Bujinkan clubs around the world, this big family of practitioners, brought together by their love and their passion for Bujinkan. Welcoming, friendly and very generous, knowing at the same time to be strict too if necessary, Estelle and Manolo are worthy representatives of this spirit that seduced me years ago, when I was looking for something else in martial arts. |
Having tried a bit of everything I had at my disposal in this domain, I’m happy I’m able to say “I’ve discovered an art that suits me.”
Once we’ve armed ourselves with will and perseverance, we can start investing ourselves in the practice; it’s the only way we can finally educate our body and spirit, the latter being very whimsical and difficult to tame. But, guided by two Shihan who have an unfailing patience and who use very good educational material to this aim, this task becomes a little less difficult. |
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"once you start you never want to stop"
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Tamara, Mukyû, February, 2010
When I was eight, I took Tae Kwon Do for several years and loved it. Unfortunately, my teacher retired and I believed that was the end of my martial arts career. Since then, I have always wanted to take up martial arts again, but never really got around to it until this year. I had learned about the Bujinkan Dojo Montreal from web surfing, and a friend of mine who used to study martial arts had heard nothing but good things about the club.
I decided to check it out. As soon as I walked in the door, everyone was very welcoming. Manolo and Estelle were more than willing to answer any of my question. |
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I was initially intimidated by the fact that all levels we put together in the adult classes, but I was assured I’d be able to keep up. I really appreciated that nobody took it easy on me my first class because you learn best from being challenged. I was thrown into the lion’s den, so to speak, and I would not have had it any other way. If there was anything too complicated for me, the more experienced students were always willing to explain it. Manolo and Estelle always had time during and after class to go over the theory behind the moves and personally show me anything I did not quite understand.
The environment at the Bujinkan Dojo is fantastic. You are expected to be disciplined, work hard, and be respectful, but you are also expected to have fun. Everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves. Everyone is there because they want to be there.
I also love the style of Bujinkan Ninjutsu. It is not showy. It is not about competition, since there is no competitive league. It is about practicality. Everything you learn, every move, every gesture, is there with a purpose. I also appreciate that part of your training is learning the terminology and the history of the Bujinkan. There is a philosophy to be gained in your training, aside from mere physical skills. As a member of the Bujinkan Dojo Montreal, you really get a well rounded education on this wonderful marital art. It is a real privilege to be a member of the Bujinkan Dojo Montreal, and once you start you never want to stop. |
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"I can challenge my limits every day and be safe at the same time"
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Cristina, Nanakyû, January 29, 2010
I believe that some things in life are meant to be, or to happen the way they do. They are written in the stars, ahead of time, because they will help define who you are. Meeting Estelle and Manolo and rediscovering Ninpo Bujinkan was for me one of these star written events.
Being one of the restless spirits ever, I always challenged myself and tried to discover my limits. To surpass them if possible. To live my fears and then to overcome them. To be better than I was the day before.
And this quest brought me to Bujinkan. An art that is in the same time tradition and innovation, science and “magic”. And Bujinkan Dojo Montreal is the heaven where I can challenge my limits every day and be safe at the same time. Because Estelle and Manolo are always making sure that you learn in the best possible way. They accepted me with my “black”, my “white” and my shades of grey and with every training I learn more about myself and the world we live in. |
I still have a long way ahead of me on the Bujinkan path, but I enjoy every moment of my journey. Because I have the best guides: my teachers and my colleagues.
Because of them, I live beyond my fears. |
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"The diversity and the philosophy that can be applied to real life make Bujinkan a unique martial art"
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Jonathan, Kukyû, January 26, 2010
I started Bujinkan training with Estelle and Manolo a little more than a year ago, for a couple of months at first.
But I had to stop for a few months to study, without forgetting however all the fun I had training with them.
Since I have practised some martial arts in the past, I have very high expectations from my instructors. I have to say that I’m very impressed by the quality of their teaching, based on experience; their passion for Bujinkan is contagious and inspires all the students; the result is an incredible dynamics in the Dôjô. |
| The diversity and the philosophy that can be applied to real life make Bujinkan a unique martial art.
Thank you Manolo and Estelle. I’m already looking forward to the next class.
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"this is it: my art is the Ninpo!"
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Eli, Nanakyû, January 29, 2010
Some time ago, I decided to really practise a martial art. After some research, my choice was Ninjutsu. I decided to visit Estelle and Manolo’s dojo. The day I had my first class, I immediately had the confirmation of the art of my choice: art that combines completeness, complexity and simplicity, endurance, philosophy, knowledge and understanding of human beings, sense of everyday reality ... this is it: my art is the Ninpo! |
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Estelle and Manolo made me quickly understand the scope of their art by their teaching method which is very structured and pedagogic. Their attention to detail, their understanding of our difficulties and their willingness to help us move forward are some aspects that make returning to the dojo a big event every day. |
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"we must evolve ourselves to adapt ourselves to what’s thrown at us"
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Benjamin, Mukuyû, December 18, 2009
I have always wanted to be a ninja ever since I was young. The first book I read was titled “The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art” by Stephen K. Hayes. After reading the book, I came to a true realization of what a Ninja was. There is so much depth in ninjutsu and so much knowledge to be gained. Ninjutsu isn’t only a method for physical combat, but it also entitles psychological Warfare as well as providing a road to enlightenment.
I have studied numerous disciplines from Asian martial arts to brutal street fighting. They all come down to a basic theory and a method for their mayhem. |
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Watching Manolo and Estelle demonstrate and spill out there knowledge on body manipulation awed me. They showed that you must embrace danger and manipulate it to your advantage. Every situation is different in its own way so we must evolve ourselves to adapt ourselves to what’s thrown at us.
One day after class I asked Estelle how long it would take me to gain my black belt. She told me it all depends on the practitioner and is only the beginning of the journey.
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"I had seen more than I knew even existed in the training"
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Michael, Mukyû, December 24, 2009
I've been training at the Bujinkan Montreal Dojo with Manolo and Estelle since September of 2009. Prior to that, I had trained on and off in another dojo due to lack of motivation. In just my first trial class, I had seen more than I knew even existed in the training. I was truly amazed. I have seen and learned many things in such a short period of time.
It wasn't until last week, however, after attending my first seminar, that I learned what may be one of the most important concepts or lessons in both my training and my life: "Success lies not within the destination but rather in the journey". |
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This is especially true in ninpo taijutsu, because this martial art is not a sport or a videogame. It is a way of life and an endless road of evolution. It is quite mentally and physically challenging at times, and embracing this philosophy I find is the only way to stay motivated and stick to rule number one in ninjutsu which is: "never give up". You don't become a ninja as soon as you walk into the dojo. It takes years of training.
I consider myself to be trully blessed to have discovered this dojo and to have Estelle and Manolo for teachers. Domo arigato gozaimashita (thank you very much) Manolo and Estelle.
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"I discovered a life style and a whole new self-awareness in space"
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David, Kukyû, October 16, 2009
I won’t begin my story by talking about Ninjutsu. Like many others, I started being interested in martial arts as a teenager, when a new Tae Kwon Do International school opened in my town. Your must know there are two main styles of Tae Kwon Do: world and international. The world style is more of a “sports” type, while the international one is closer to a “martial art”. I trained for many years and, to be honest, I really liked it.
But I had to stop training to focus on my education. |
For many years, I missed practicing martial arts. When I decided to go back to training, I was set on taking every option into account and search the Internet for various martial arts in order to compare them. As a matter of fact, Wiki has very good lists about this subject. During the process, I realized that Tae Kwon Do, despite it being widespread, had significant gaps at the practical level because of its big accent on the kicks. Studying the lists, I discovered that Ninjutsu was still being taught nowadays and that, according to the critics, it was among the most efficient fighting arts. My curiosity stirred, it only took me a few clicks to find the Bujinkan Dojo Montreal website and a few steps to go to my first classes.
I was very nervous at the idea of learning a new art, especially THE ONE that marked my childhood imagination. Estelle and Manolo gave me a warm and very professional welcome. But I discovered more than just people worthy of blind confidence and an efficient martial art; I discovered a life style and a whole new self-awareness in space. I must confess that it is also a very good therapy for one’s self-esteem.
I’m clearly not the best at remembering the names of the techniques and I have obviously lost a lot of my previously acquired flexibility, but I can’t stop going to class several times a week to take one small step ahead each time. So, I will continue on this path and keep studying this fascinating art. In any case, one can only keep going, for such is the way of the ninja.
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“Natural Movement”
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Kian, Nanakyû, December 17, 2009
I remember the first time I showed up at a training in Bujinkan Dojo Montreal; I was asked if I was lost, and I wanted to answer “Not anymore.”
Well, I did get a little lost on my way there … but what I mean to say is that I already knew that I had found what I needed. |
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What did I need? (Besides a map of the city that is) Something to help me become a better person, or the type of person that I want to be; something that would allow me to break myself down to see different aspects of what makes me who I am, so that I can put them back together the way I would prefer them to be, and no, I’m not referring to the Terminator movies. A way of getting closer, a little bit at a time, to who I want to be.
From my previous experience training in Ninjutsu several years ago in Budapest, I already knew that joining Bujinkan Dojo Montreal would be the answer to what I needed.. The problem was the 5 years in-between during which I stopped not only training, but also most physical activities. The fact that I was going to be training under two Shihans in that bad shape and while I had forgotten most things I used to know, or the things that I ‘thought’ I knew, didn’t help much with the nervousness and embarrassment. Oh, I already knew the atmosphere of the Dojo was family/friendship oriented, and as well as respect and discipline there was warmth and closeness; I believe that is the way for most real Bujinkan Dojos. What I didn’t know was how much I was underestimating the welcoming and caring natures of Estelle and Manolo. It is as if they apply the “Natural Movement” to how they give attention and guidance to each and every student and how they relay their knowledge, experience and passion for the art; they make it seem effortless and as if it’s the most natural thing to do, and before you know it, you find yourself enjoying the training and feeling eager to do your best, and learning as much as possible.
There is one complaint that I just have to make though … The way Estelle, Manolo and everyone are in the Dojo and during the training, could easily cause big amounts of regret about not joining in sooner. If you’re reading this and are still not sure about whether or not you should join up … consider yourself warned.
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"Through the Ninjutsu techniques, I learnt so many things that are important in life to me"
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Kazuyo, Kukyû. July 19, 2009
Ninjutsu... When I heard about it for the first time, I thought that Ninjutsu was a game, like "Chanbara Gokko", which is a game for the children in Japan. When I was in Japan, I never heard about Ninjutsu
Mika, who lives in Quebec (she is black belt at the Bujinkan Québec) said to me that Manolo and Estelle were looking for a Japanese language teacher in Montreal. That's how I met Manolo and Estelle, and it is that how I began to teach Japanese to them, as well as to their friend, Luiza.
I was already interested in martial arts, because I practice contemporary dance. And I had heard that the movement in martial arts looked like the dance movement. But although I had already tried other martial arts for almost six months, it did not attract me too much. So, even though sometimes Manolo was asking me when I was going to begin Ninjutsu, I hesitated a little bit. |
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Then one day I went to Quebec, and Mika took me to a Ninjutsu class and I tried it for the first time. It was so much fun! I found Ninjutsu very interesting. And since then I started to practise it.
Ninjutsu classes with Manolo and Estelle are always brilliant. Through the Ninjutsu techniques, I learnt so many things that are important in life to me. For example, the way of moving the body, the distance, the right moment (neither too early, nor too late), of having the eyes opened to see everything, etc....
Besides, every time I had problems, they helped me.
I am lucky to have met them and I’m going to practise Ninjutsu to improve myself.
Thank you,
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"this well-being sensation right after the Ninjutsu classes/seminars, added to this kind of internal balance directly linked to my Ninjutsu practice."
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Yannick, Sankyû, September 27th, 2009
In order to make a good testimony about Bujinkan and more particularly about Bujinkan Montreal, I needed to practice enough time here at the dojo, and then to take a step back and have a look at the situation.
After more than 4 months training at Estelle and Manolo's dojo, I think I'm ready to write this testimony, even if I'm on the point of leaving Montreal.
Many very interesting things have already been written in the previous testimonies, but even if it looks a bit like some of them, this is at last my personal experience … shared!
As an appetizer: my arrival in Montreal. Having already trained for some time at the dojos of Belfort and Toulouse, in France, I decided to move to Montreal. I already knew the main actors of Bujinkan in France, but I still didn't know anything about Bujinkan in Montreal and in Canada. However, everybody kept advising me: « if you move to Montreal, you have to meet Manolo and Estelle ».
That was such a good idea to follow this advice!!! (Thanks Christophe, Bruno and Arnaud!)
During our first meeting, I felt exactly what was described in a previous testimony: Estelle and Manolo didn't know me at all, however they welcomed me as part of the family, Bujinkan family. Instantly, light came through the shadows: I felt once more « at home », in the family.
On a human level, Estelle and Manolo are extremely kind and attentive, with a heart of gold. |
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Add to those great humane qualities some first-class technical skills (indeed, one does not always have the opportunity to train with Shihan!) and some educational qualities (which is not that easy, according to the big variety within the students), and you finally get some outstanding Ninjutsu classes!
One can feel this thanks to the great atmosphere during the classes and the good feelings between the students who soon understand that they are part of the same family.
More than learning techniques, above the complexity and depth of this martial art, or the efficiency of natural movements, what is important for me is this life feeling and this well-being sensation right after the Ninjutsu classes/seminars, added to this kind of internal balance directly linked to my Ninjutsu practice.
Beyond all the virtues of this martial art, it is thanks to people like Manolo and Estelle that Ninjutsu practice really makes sense.
Bujinkan is a big family part of which I'm really glad to be! |
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"Would work, regardless of the shape I'm in. This would include old age."
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Serge, Kukyû. November 01, 2008
I started training in the Bujinkan in 1998. Before that, I dabbled in a few other styles, all very valuable, but none of them would fully satisfy me. Back in those days, the ninja hype was pretty big and I was traveling a lot. I needed a style that would travel well, and I had a few criteria I needed to meet. I wanted a style that...
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1. I could train in in any city, no micro-style or "I'm doing my own thing" style sensei...
2. Would work, regardless of the shape I'm in. This would include old age.
3. Would not be water down to be a sport. Sport styles are great, but I have no intention to be an athlete, nor the time it would take to invest in.
At that time, the Internet was already well established, and the Ninpo community was already using it to publish themselves. That's how I found Court Elliott's group. With Court, I was able to get into a martial arts that would change my life. It also opened the doors to a lot of Dojos all around the world. Knowledgeable teachers, seminars, Taikai, Daikomiosai, all great events and people to learn from.
Then I stopped. Kids (4), work, life, other priorities took the upper hand. I was still "doing Ninjutsu" in my mind, but I was not actively practicing. Slowly, I was forgetting all the lessons I had by great teachers, which was a shame. Then, it was time to pick it up again, time to go back to a Dojo. Doing the now common "Googling" I came across the Bujinkan Montreal web site.
At that point, I found what I was looking for with Estelle and Manolo. Great teachers, and a training schedule I can live with. Weapons and free hand training. Moreover, I didn't lose what I had learned before. I “just” needed to get my body to "relearn" it, and continue from there. The approach they promote allows me to see where I am at, and what is to come in the basic training. Of course, being true to the style, there is a lot of innovation and unexpected techniques, but all in all, you know where you're at in your training, and where you're going. Which I find to be really great.
Now, if I can only breathe, and remember the names of the techniques.... |
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"I train because I love it – the challenge, the focus that it requires, the classes that leave my brain fried, etc."
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Arjun, Shodan. January 12, 2009
Hello!
For those who haven't met me, I was recently (Dec 2008 – Jan 2009) in Montreal where I trained with Estelle and Manolo. This was the first time that I'd met them and yet I felt I was with family – they invited me to stay at their home and we even rang in the New Year together.
My time in Montreal was very enriching, not just in terms of training but also in understanding better the meaning of family.
I started training in Bujinkan Ninpô Taijutsu in late 2006 while I lived in India. I am Nikolaj Kielland's (Shihan for Bujinkan India) student. |
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As I let my mind wander over the years since, I come to believe that one of the greatest gifts that Bujinkan has given me is to be accepted in a tightly knit family of teachers and fellow students. I train because I love it – the challenge, the focus that it requires, the classes that leave my brain fried, etc. – but family is what keeps me going through the moments of despair and inadequacy that are also part of the training (and life in general).
I am presently separated from the members of my Budo family (by national borders, oceans, continents, etc.) but I know that when we meet again I will feel like I've come home. |
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Hector, Mukyû. November 04, 2008
For me the way of Ninjutsu is the path to achieve everything in your life.
It's a way to be and feel at the same time Alive and Self-Confident in what ever it's going to be on your way, and no matter what happened.
You know you're ready to confront failure and success and learn the best from both. |
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Rudy, 2nd Dan. September 29, 2008.
Hello everyone! When I was asked to write about why I practise Ninjutsu, I found myself in difficulty … I had never really thought about it. When I started at Estelle’s Dôjô in Louviers, a while back already (oh boy!), it felt so obvious and natural to do this, that I just kept on going. I still ask myself what impressed me the most: the teacher’s fluidity and natural way of being, or the efficiency of the art itself. I know now that all of this is tightly connected. |
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So, what can I say? Well, I practise Ninjutsu first of all for my pleasure. During these few years (4, I think) I had the chance to discover new horizons and meet new friends. Thus, I was able to develop through Ninjutsu my interest in the world and share knowledge, culture information and ideas with some really wonderful people. That’s what Ninjutsu is to me: respect and opening yourself to others. Of course, it is a particularly efficient martial art, but most of all it is a way of life that teaches us real values in order to help us improve our respect for others.
I know it can be difficult or intimidating at first, but, believe me, you are worth it (hey, that reminds me of something…) and everyone is welcome.
So, what are you waiting for? Stop reading me and come join us, not just to watch, but to really practise; I promise you, you will love it. See you soon! |
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Philippe, sempai, Gokyû. September 25, 2008.
Like many teenagers of the 80s taken with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris movies, I started practising martial arts. After I’ve experienced a couple of times, in a more or less convincing and not so fruitful way, a martial art I won’t name, I met my first teacher in Quebec, in 1999. It was, as the poet would say, love at first sight, the ecstasy of a summer night under the stars, with no one but the crickets as witnesses. |
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What seduced me, beyond the technical and mystical aspect of Ninjutsu, was the fact that the student’s personal development was placed at the centre of the training. No competition, no ambitious teacher nourishing sweet dreams of Olympic medals and pushing his students too hard. Our teachers apply the good old principle of sharing knowledge without waiting for something in return, which establishes a real instructor-student relationship and the mutual respect that goes with it. As the founder of Aikido – Morihei Ueshiba – said: “measuring forces is not the true Budô.” (Budô: the way of the warrior, a.n.)
This teaching philosophy reflects in the technical aspect of the art. Ninjutsu is a complete and efficient martial art, proven on the field. Complete because, in addition to the hand-to-hand combat, I always appreciate the fact that I can train with the sword, the stick, the knife and lots of other weapons. Efficient? To be convinced of this, it is enough to see that the American and Canadian army instructors, the FBI, the Mossad and numerous other fighting groups are using the Ninjutsu techniques. It is reassuring to know that, in a real situation, we’ll be able to provide an adapted response and come out of it with the least harm possible.
Leaving aside the realistic and practical aspects, the training takes place in a friendly atmosphere and we have wonderful teachers. Everything to make you stay! |
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Luiza, Mukyû. September 22, 2008.
My teachers asked me to answer a question: how does Ninjutsu make me feel? “Nothing easier”, I said to myself. But I discovered it was a lot harder than I thought.
I thought about it for awhile. To tell you the truth, it’s not the answer that is hard, but the explanation of that answer. |
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Ninjutsu makes me happy. Why? Hum…Because it helps me know myself better? Because it teaches me how to defend myself? Because it keeps me in shape? Yes, all that and much more: because, thanks to it, I have discovered a fascinating world; because, thanks to it, I have the feeling that I belong to a big family; because, thanks to it, I now have wonderful friends.
I don’t need to look for many reasons to love Ninjutsu. I may not be very good at doing the techniques right – or at remembering their names for that matter – but I know how I feel every time I go to classes: a huge happiness. And it’s all the reason I need. It’s the engine that pushes me forward, that makes me want to improve, to do my best so that my teachers can be proud of me … and that I can be proud of myself. |
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