For the second time this year, Bujinkan Malta have hosted a seminar in Ninpo Taijutsu conducted by Mr. Norman Smithers. Mr Smithers is a 15th Dan Shihan (Master Teacher) in the Bujinkan, and leads the Bujinkan Kouryuu Dojo in Essex, UK. He has been in close contact with the local Bujinkan Dojo for several years and he has often visited our islands to impart his knowledge to the Maltese students of this martial art.

Following in the footsteps of his first seminar in Malta this year, this second seminar was held over two days. Mr Smithers focused on the Kukishin Ryu style, emphasizing on the unarmed combat techniques. The Kukishin Ryu is one of the nine styles taught in the Bujinkan school which has its roots in Japan. This Ryu is a battlefield style whose specialty is the use of many different weapons including spears, swords, hanbos, etc. Many of the weapon techniques in Bujinkan come from this school, which was reportedly founded in the mid 1100's.

Mr Smithers illustrated variations of these techniques as shown to him by the various Bujinkan Shihan (Master Teachers) and Soke (Grand Master) Masaki Hatsumi in Japan, where he regularly travels for training. In Mosta he taught the students how to utilize their natural movements to maximize the efficiency of their technique, illustrating how the small details are fundamental.

Towards the end of the seminar Mr Smithers commented that he was very satisfied with the good level of the students of the Bujinkan Malta Dojo. He said that he has noticed the continuous improvement that the students are making between his visits, under the supervision of their teacher Alfred Galea (8th Dan in the Bujinkan). Mr Smithers confirmed his ongoing commitment to the local group and said that he will be able to visit again on February 2008, after his next visit to Japan.

Bujinkan Malta is a martial arts academy that teaches three popular Japanese systems; the Bujinkan school of Ninpo Taijutsu (the ancient art used by shinobi, better known as ninja), Ryoi Shinto Ryu Ju Jutsu and Kenjutsu (the art of the sword). Tai Chi classes are also taught by one of the Black Belts. For more info about Bujinkan Malta you may visit their web site www.bujinkan malta.com or call Alfred Galea on 9942-4809.