Bujinkan Kongoshin Dojo

Brief Introduction to the Tradition of Anma:
Anma means to press (An) and rub (Ma). It also means to spread peace by rubbing or to calm with the hands. Anma is one of the oldest forms of massage in the world and it is the oldest form of bodywork in the Orient. This therapy comes from ancient China and is over 5000 years old. Some speculate that Anma's true origins lie in India and is well over 10,000 years old. Anma was first brought to Japan by warrior monks from China through Korea about 1,500 years ago. In China this therapy is pronounced Anmo. When Anmo was brought to Japan the technique was further refined and developed into its own therapeutic art form. Over the years Anma has influenced the birth of many other forms of massage. Such as Shiatsu, Tuina and Swedish Massage.

In June we will begin the first in a series of intensive Anma (Japanese Massage) training seminars at the Bujinkan Kongoshin Dojo located in Charlotte, Vermont. This first level training we will cover prone position techniques. It is important that anyone who is interested in learning authentic Anma (Japanese Massage) attend this event. All basic principles will be covered and must be thoroughly trained before you can move on to other levels of training.

I have training in three different lineages of Anma from Japan. I will be teaching a blend of each of these systems during the seminar. The fundamentals and theories of traditional Japanese medicine will be covered together with the proper 9 categories of Anma techniques outlined below. It is important to understand that in the West there is a tendency for people to want to master theory first. However, many neglect proper fundamentals and lack the real skill of being able to develop their physical skills to such a point year after year to where they can actually manipulate the subtle interactions of Kiketsu (blood and energy).

NOTE: This training will be conducted on a massage table. We will however look at how to adapt the techniques for working on a floor futon in a traditional manner. How to establish the Japanese way to connect with a client in a Host/Guest Relationship will be thoroughly drilled.

Current Events and Seminars
Below is a listing of our currently planned events and seminars. Please use our contact page to request more information or to register.


		Willy Iglesia from Argentina in Vermont TBA Willy, has been a practitioner of budo since age 6, with 31 years experience in martial disciplines. In the early 80s he traveled to Japan to live and train directly with Soke Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi. Willy was the first person from Argentina to travel to Japan to train. He became the first practitioner of the Bujinkan to represent Hatsumi Sensei's art in Argentina. His mission is to spread the art "as is" as practiced in Japan, with no additives or customizations. From a very young age, his family shared two passions, music and shooting. Willy became a shooting instructor with handguns and rifles registered in the Nations Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior and Justice Department. During the 90s he taught combat techniques with knives and firearms to various security forces including the Argentine Army, Argentina Federal Police, Police of the Province of Buenos Aires, and others. In 2001, Willy had the privilege of entering the American Pistol Institute (Gunsite) in Arizona directed by the guru of the pistol and creator of the modern shooting technique, Colonel Jeff Cooper. During this same trip, he received two awards for his teaching of Budo in the USA, one, the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment U.S. Army and the recognition of Brigadier General Robert L. Stewart U.S. Army. Willy has returned to Gunsite in Arizona on numerous occasions where he completed a series of training courses for their education, these were: Tactical Shotgun, Submachine gun Tactics (MP5), Advanced Pistol Tactics, Tactical Carbine (M4), as well as other courses. In 2007 during his stay in Japan, after more than 15 trips to that country, 30 years of studying martial arts and 20 exclusively dedicated to Ninjutsu, he received the highest rank of Kugyo Happo Biken Menkyo Kaiden. Willy currently works as a government official at the ministry of justice, security and human rights as technical advisor.

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		Duncan Stewart Seminar - August 14th and 15th 2010 Details TBA Soon Duncan has been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu since 1988 and is ranked Judan Kugyo. Duncan has lived in Japan since 2004 and trains weekly with Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Shihan, Noguchi Shihan and Someya Shihan. Duncan is often uke and asked to demonstrate at classes. He assists with dojo administration when needed. Duncan was Nagato Shihans sole uke at the Bujinkan Honbu for two years when studying directly from the Gyokko Ryu Densho and the Kukishinden Ryu. Duncan upon request, conducts seminars worldwide for those wishing to gain more exposure to current training in Japan. Duncan also runs his own training on Sunday afternoons at the Bujinden. Duncan co-coordinated the 2007 Australian Bujinkan Taikai. He has participated in many Japanese Bujinkan Embu and received the gold medal and certification for two Embu. Duncan has also studied Nihon Buyo under the direction of Noguchi Sensei.

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		Gyokko Ryu (Part 1) and Koto Ryu Okuden May 14th, 15th, and 16th 2010 Billy Ristuccia has been training in various schools of Japanese Jujutsu and bodywork medicine since 1976 and exclusively in the Bujinkan since 1988. He will be returning to Vermont to pick up where we left off with the last seminar covering the Okuden level of Koto Ryu and introducing Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.

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		ANMA: Japanese Massage Level I (Prone Position) Rescheduled - New Dates TBA Soon! Brief Introduction to the Tradition of Anma: Anma means to press (An) and rub (Ma). It also means to spread peace by rubbing or to calm with the hands. Anma is one of the oldest forms of massage in the world and it is the oldest form of bodywork in the Orient. This therapy comes from ancient China and is over 5000 years old. Some speculate that Anma's true origins lie in India and is well over 10,000 years old. Anma was first brought to Japan by warrior monks from China through Korea about 1,500 years ago. In China this therapy is pronounced Anmo. When Anmo was brought to Japan the technique was further refined and developed into its own therapeutic art form. Over the years Anma has influenced the birth of many other forms of massage. Such as Shiatsu, Tuina and Swedish Massage. In June we will begin the first in a series of intensive Anma (Japanese Massage) training seminars at the Bujinkan Kongoshin Dojo located in Charlotte, Vermont. This first level training we will cover prone position techniques. It is important that anyone who is interested in learning authentic Anma (Japanese Massage) attend this event. All basic principles will be covered and must be thoroughly trained before you can move on to other levels of training. I have training in three different lineages of Anma from Japan. I will be teaching a blend of each of these systems during the seminar. The fundamentals and theories of traditional Japanese medicine will be covered together with the proper 9 categories of Anma techniques outlined below. It is important to understand that in the West there is a tendency for people to want to master theory first. However, many neglect proper fundamentals and lack the real skill of being able to develop their physical skills to such a point year after year to where they can actually manipulate the subtle interactions of Kiketsu (blood and energy). NOTE: This training will be conducted on a massage table. We will however look at how to adapt the techniques for working on a floor futon in a traditional manner. How to establish the Japanese way to connect with a client in a Host/Guest Relationship will be thoroughly drilled.

		Register ǀ Download Event Flyer ǀ Visit Teacher's Homepage


		Norman Smithers Vermont Seminar October 16th and 17th 2010 Norman first started training under Sensei Hatsumi in 1983, In September 2002 Norman formed the Bujinkan Kouryuu Dojo. He was awarded Judan Chi-Gyo (10th Dan) in Japan in April 2001, then in April 2006, again in Japan, he was graded to Judan Ku-Gyo Happo Biken (15th) Dan, Soke also awarded him with the warrior name of Koryu, or Ferocious Dragon. In September 2008 Soke awarded him the Bujinkan Gold Medal for services to the Bujinkan. Norman was an active member of the French Foreign Legion from 1976 until 1981 where he was a corporal instructor. He saw active combat during the 6 months he was stationed in Tchad before leaving the legion and joining the British Special Forces (H.A.C) in 1983. He was called up for duty during the 1992 Gulf conflict, but the Iraqi�s gave up when they heard he was on his way!!! Norman has also trained in Close Protection, was a firearms instructor and a member of both the French and British Regimental shooting teams. He specializes in knife fighting and regularly runs knife fighting and firearms retention courses throughout Europe for police officers, military personnel and civilians.

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