The Japan Cultural Society and Research Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania, LLC.

Interview Excerpt

The following is an interview of James Benson (JB) Senior Managing Director of The Japan Cultural Society and Research Institute of NEPA LLC. and founder of the Bugeikan. The interview was conducted in Japan during the month of April 2008 by Mr. Toshio Tanaka (TT), an apprentice serving within the Bugeikan, Benson Juku, Matsuyama Japan.

TT Benson Sensei, when and where did you begin your study of Bujutsu?

JB It was in Brooklyn, NY in 1966, my first instructor was Dr. Li Ahn Wai. Dr. Li was a medical professional while on the Chinese mainland and had left to escape the cultural unrest widespread throughout China in 1966. His original family name was Ma.

TT What where you taught?

JB I was very young at the time. All of my training (2 or 3 hours per day, 7 days per week) was dedicated to basics. This included development of strong stance, proper breathing, and what teacher referred to as Iron Body.

TT Iron Body?

JB Yes. This form of training takes years to develop but is an essential part of any true foundation within the Chinese Bugei (Heaven, Earth and Man). I would be hit with long bamboo poles across my midsection and upper back while maintaining a strong stance with good center. Hard strikes (while maintaining a loose yet connected body) were executed against padded telephone poles with my forearms, palms and fists. Thick Coke (the soft drink) bottles where rolled up and down my shin to deaden nerves for low kick practice. Proper timing of my breath was also continuously monitored.

TT How about the names of the styles taught?

JB Teacher Li was a Chinese Muslim. At that time, most of the training was dedicated to the Muslim forms of Hsin Yi, and Baji. I would also be introduced to Taoist circle walking, Hak Fu and several other forms of palm exchange years later. The way that teacher taught was very “old school” extremely practical with much contact involved. No equipment or padding was allowed during “exchange”. Many folks, including myself, lost a few teeth and stuff like that during our sessions. Very different from the way that things are taught within schools of today in many places, although I can’t blame many teachers for teaching the way that they do these days.

TT What do you mean?

JB Well…too many negative legal ramifications associated with contact. Much of the stuff being taught today is far removed from original intent, watered down a bit and many of the instructors are also. This is our own fault, too many rights and far too much consumer advocacy.

TT I understand.

JB. Do you?

TT What other schools have you trained in?

JB Well, after the death of my first teacher, I floated around a bit. I lived in China Town NYC and trained with various instructors in a local park and then eventually transitioned to the study of Oyama style Karate and Japanese Bujutsu. By the time I was 24, most of my instructors were Japanese however, I have worked for several decades now as a consultant within Asia. My “job” has taken me to places such as Taiwan and Mainland China. I have studied from several “teachers” during these trips. I eventually moved here (Japan), purchased some property here and now split my time between the United States and Asia.

TT Benson Sensei, who were some of your Japanese instructors?

JB Well, in the States I trained with Oyama, Fujiwara, Kishi, Oishi and spent a brief time with Kanamura as well as Kimura. Here in Japan, at Nihon Dai, I trained hard with several senior students of Sumo (non competitive). While I was a resident of Tadotsu, Kagawa Ken, I trained at the old Nippon Shorinji Kempo Hombu and I also coached Ashihara Karate students at a university while on Shikoku.

TT Almost all Karate instructors?

JB Yes. But after marriage, I was introduced to a thing called Yagyu Ke (Yagyu Family) Bujutsu.

TT Iaido?

JB No. Iaido is a fairly modern invention. In Yagyukebujutsu we focus on various body management exercises (Taijutsu), Sojutsu, Kusarigamajutsu, Bojutsu, Naginatajutsu and of course Kenjutsu.

TT How is Kenjutsu different than Iaido?

JB In our way, most of the training is based on timing, distance and feeling during full contact exchange while using Bokuto.

TT Full contact! Isn’t that dangerous?

JB Perhaps. But facing and in-turn overcoming fear is what separates a true Bugei from some of the other stuff.

TT What do you mean?

JB Attitude. Attitude is the key. Without the proper attitude how can someone relate to a combat art? You face the issue, you endure and ultimately you overcome. No matter how hard the training or how difficult the obstacle, you never quit. If you quit, you will never discover the truth and without truth you live in a world of fantasy.

TT Fantasy?

JB Yes. I find it ironic that many (not all) who claim to teach Heiho (military strategy), “Budo” or “Bujutsu” never served their country in the military or actually faced any true threat to their own life. Some of these instructors have lost focus and are teaching what the consumer wants as opposed to what the Bugei are.

TT What is the difference between a Bugei and a Koryu?

JB Technically all Koryu or Ryuha are attempts to catalog, promulgate and continue a line of a Japanese Bugei, so there should be very little difference. But I know of several instructors outside of Japan that have removed Japanese Bugei from their Shinto roots yet claim to teach an “authentic Koryu”. Many of these instructors believe that they are promoting and in-turn “helping” to continue a tradition. The unfortunate truth is that by removing these ways from the source, and teaching outside of the family circle that retains the actual “truth”, they are causing more harm than good. Although this in-turn supports growth, teaching this way supplies the student with limited insight and understanding of the Bugei and supports growth of the wrong type. This method of poor interpretation and sharing supports nothing more than a consumer oriented illusion. Many also “borrow” and misuse terms from a language that they do not comprehend. Terms such as Omote and Ura, or titles such as Soke or Shihan. I typically ask these instructors to either define or even spell these titles. Most cannot. I have also seen abuse of antiquated titles of status such as Samurai and using the Koryu as a form of hobby or as a vehicle to promote published works. When it comes to Yagyukebujutsu, many “gentlemen” actually claim allegiance to the study of Yagyu Bugei yet they have no association whatsoever with Hotoku-Zenji. Have these instructors been misled? Perhaps. Or perhaps they intentionally use the Bugei as a form of financial gain or even possibly as a form of escape/refuge from responsibility. Some are simply children that have never grown up. Many also dress up in elaborate “costumes” in an attempt to act out their interpretation of a bygone era. Instant Samurai! You pay a monthly fee and “join” a “traditional Ryuha” and you become part of the illusion.

TT You sound like you are speaking (based upon) personal experience.

JB Possibly. I have met many Koryu “experts” here in Japan. Some are quite sincere. Some realize that true Bugei are not to be taught “systematically”. Some realize that true Bujutsu are ways of daily life, which are very difficult to follow, and were never intended to be cataloged or shared with the general public in the commercialized form of a Ryuha. On the flip side, many are no more than chain-smoking drunkards that victimize the wallets and inflate the egos of the well intended (Japanese and foreigners) that come to study something that they think still exists. Once again, the original intent has deteriorated. Many Koryu are so well organized that they include a curriculum with a class schedule similar to a university course of study. How absurd! True Bujutsu training is a life long apprenticeship. No start time. No end time. Always making yourself available for training and continued research. A way of life. Very simple.

TT But Benson Sensei, people have to work. People need a schedule to adhere to. Without class time (schedule) people may not be able to train in a “true Bugei’.

JB Exactly! Bujutsu training is not for everyone and was never intended to be. Class time was never meant to start or end at a specific time of day. It was never meant to end with the obtainment of a title such as Menkyo or Menkyo Kaiden. There should be no graduation ceremony nor should the Bugei be bundled in the form of a package for “Joe consumer’. It is not a part time product for hire. It is life itself!

TT So, the Original purpose has changed?

JB Yes! I think so.

TT Why?

JB These changes are mostly based upon perception and “need” and are present even among some of my teachers here in Japan.

TT So, these traditions are currently taught in a non-traditional way?

JB Well…some say that I am non “traditional”. Actually, I believe that my views and the methods of transmission within the Bugeikan are “ultra traditional”. One must understand what the Koryu and associated Ryuha were (and still are). They were products developed to “share” the Bugei with the commoner. During the Edo period, this included teaching many that had NO comprehension of self-discipline or exposure to battle. Training was open to merchants, farmers, anyone that could afford to pay the “fee”. Of course what was being taught had to be modified and watered down a bit. The goal was to promote something that was “in demand” and to fulfill the desires of consumer oriented expectation. This newly marketed interpretation did not produce warriors or help to continue to spread an effective form of Goshinjutsu. The Bugei became trendy and everyone that could afford it was welcomed to learn the “way of the warrior”. These “customers” would “train” and then talk about newly acquired “deadly” methods over drinks and entertainment later that evening. Even if you weren’t of Samurai or Bushi lineage, it was in vogue to pretend to be.

TT So you do not support “organized” training or rank within a Bugei?

JB I support a process that begins but never ends. Training begins with and revolves around "family". As far as titles or ranks of proficiency are concerned, I myself am listed as a “Rokudan” and was offered sponsorship supporting the title of “Kyoshi” with the Dai Nippon (Nihon) Butokukai in Kyoto. I feel undeserving of such a title and DO NOT support membership in such an organization. My close friend and teacher of Musashi Bugei, Reverend Imanishi Tokisada, also feels the same way about his offer of “Dai Hanshi” within the same organization. Most of these ranks and titles are bestowed in support of politics, power or money and ultimately stem from insecurity.

TT Reverend?

JB Yes. Imanishi Sensei is a high priest of Kasuga (Shinto). My course of study within the Japanese Bugei supports the original triangle of Katori, Kashima and Kasuga.

TT So you are a practitioner of Shinto?

JB Yes. I am deeply involved in the study of several old forms of Folk religion responsible for “spawning” the Bugei such as Taoism and Shinto. Both share much with the bounty of nature and the natural process of life. However, I am not a supporter of the many modern forms of “organized” religions such as State Shinto. I also study Rinzai (Takuan Orthodox) and have been a direct student of Reverend Hashimoto, senior priest of Hotokuji (a facility which was established by Takuan for the introduction of Zen to the Yagyu Family) and curator of the Yagyu Family repository. Unlike Taoism or Shinto, I do not consider Zen to be a religion.

TT Benson Sensei, when did you start Shinken (live blade) training?

JB I was introduced to knife fighting as a government employee, prior to my involvement in private security. I have since continued my research and currently teach knife fighting as part of the Ryukoseishin Goshinjutsu method. I did not start to learn how to handle a Katana until about 10 years ago.

TT That was after 35 years of training?

JB Yes, give or take a few years. It was at a Taikai in Osaka. My close friend and a teacher of the Japanese sword, Mr. Seto, asked me to “perform” at an event. Although I was a bit skeptical and did not support the attitude of the gentleman that was “running the show” I said, OK and in-turn gave it a try. I had just flown into Japan from China very early that morning, was running a fever and had never cut tatami omote before. At the event I was handed a Japanese sword and asked to cut. I didn’t even know how to get the blade back into the saya! That was then. Now I can cut 6 tatami with Gyakukesa with a direct draw from the saya. No big deal. If you have a command of Taijutsu and after a little dedicated effort, cutting tatami omote is not as difficult as people may think. From what I understand, it has become a form of competition and is viewed as a barometer to measure ones understanding of Kenjutsu. Perhaps this is justified. But I think managing the weapon with proper footwork, timing and distance without a prearranged agreement to pattern is a different story.

TT Now you teach these things?

JB Not to everyone.

TT Why not?

JB The focus of my training is and always has been Goshinjutsu. It is Jissen. Antiquated Buki such as Naginata and Katana, are considered tools for body management. As in my case, Kobujutsu is introduced sometime in mid life. Far after you have forged body, mind and spirit through grueling contact and have acquired appropriate maturity as well as an understanding of martial intent.

TT Please explain.

JB It is my personal opinion that many people rush the process and want to learn how to run before they have learned to walk. The current trend is to learn and collect “art forms” and to change the original purpose and application of the Bugei. This desire is once again based upon pure fantasy. Any student of Chinese or Japanese anthropology can see this. The Katana, Broad Sword, Naginata, etc. are weapons. The original intent was to use Bukijutsu for the most effective kill with very little ceremony attached. In the case of the Japanese sword, all one needs to do is have a conversation with either a survivor or member of the Japanese war effort. The modern art form of Japanese Iaido is beautiful but is in my opinion far removed from the field of battle.

TT But how can people train for “practical” application in our modern world?

JB Ah… that’s the million-dollar question. The answer can be based upon either theory or personal experience. Ikken Hissatsu is a very scary concept. Most will never personally experience the application of such a thing. So why train with this intent?

TT Exactly. Why should we train in such a way?

JB Many people train for many different reasons. This, once again, is indicative of a consumer-oriented mentality. One from column A and two from column B. That’s great if you are ordering from your favorite restaurant menu but true Bujutsu was never meant to be treated as a product of retail. The original intent was Goshinjutsu and it was typically only taught to those deserving of its benefits. As previously mentioned, there was no “syllabus” or graduation day. If you stopped training, your Waza would become dull and you would possibly lose your life as a direct result. Once you started to train… you stopped with your last breath. You needed the training as part of your daily survival not as a form of entertainment. If we change the original path or intent, we lose essence. How can anyone place a price tag on the value of yourself or the life of a loved one? I am not stating that change is bad. Growth as long as not in the form of cancer is a good thing.

TT So, are you saying that other schools are ineffective and not serious about their methods of transmission?

JB Not at all. However, they may support a different purpose. In our way, and in the empty handed forms of Kempo as I teach it, every motion, every thought, should be treated as your possible last. No second chance. It is not a game. It is not a product developed for the consumer. Various paths of execution all applied with one constant… survival. This is not as common a practice of training as many are led to believe, even here in Japan. I have benefited in many ways by teaching…but NEVER financially.

TT So… we are a school of tough guys.

JB No. That is not what I am saying. What I am trying to say here is that confidence is a powerful ally. False confidence on the other hand, may prove detrimental. Hard training should instill values and morals akin to “making the weak man strong and the strong man kind”. True Kempo or Bugei is a very tough and difficult path but training should always mirror life cycle and maturity.

TT What do you mean?

JB When people approach me and ask to learn. I always ask them why they want to train? I ask them about their expectations. Few people are realistic when it comes to these things. Most approach me with preconceived ideas of the Bugei and are in turn way off the mark. Either way, the application of well-honed Waza can be deadly. The line between survival and total commitment is very thin. That is why I say that attitude is key. Bujutsu is not a toy. Like a loaded firearm, it should not be used as an empty threat and is best kept as a “treasure in your pocket”.

TT What do you look for in a student?

JB One must have true respect and appreciation of life to learn Kempo. This is an essential ingredient and if it is not present and I do not see it in the individual in front of me… I will not teach them. With the exception of sporting an appropriate attitude and the respect for life, Bujutsu training is all about the individual. Things such as Kata or prearranged role play scenario, are part of training but need to be custom tailored to fit the individuals age, comprehension and overall physical condition. All of which must be treated as a process specific to appropriate life cycle management.

TT Do you have many students?

JB No. Not many direct students. But I have many fans.

TT So, why don’t you teach these fans?

JB Well, once again, I offer something that follows the path of original intent. One can be weak physically, mentally or both. To overcome any weakness one must challenge themselves. This goes back to the case of the individual. You do not have to be the best in the group, but you should always strive to be the best YOU can be. I had a guy come to see me at one of my residences here in Kobe a while back. He asked, “Benson, how can you train in Yagyu Family Bujutsu! It doesn’t exist!” I asked him to pick up a Bokuto and to please stand opposed. He complied. I asked him to take a swing at me. He replied, “what type of swing?” I said, any type. He complied. I in-turn almost broke his wrist with the shock of the strike of my Bokuto. I never heard from him again. Here in Japan, many claim original intent and “Jissen” this or that. That’s fine. Who am I to disagree? But I find the paper tiger mentality that often accompanies many of the Ryuha and how it is associated with their promulgation pretty annoying and I also feel as though it promotes a disservice as well as a lack of respect to those that have sacrificed their lives in true battle. Jissen Waza is spontaneous. It must come from within and can only be fostered through Renma and a dedication to self-understanding. That is my opinion anyway.

TT So, what you now teach is Japanese?

JB Not exactly. I have been involved in my studies for over 4 decades. My personal journey and course of study has involved Chinese as well as Japanese Bugei. The “roots” or core of the Bugei that I currently teach originated within China and made their way around the world… including Japan. While in Japan, many of these Bugei became much more “organized” in their methods of delivery. Within China, some practitioners of methods such as the Hak Fu or Fu Jow, Hsin Yi and Baji have worked hard to retain the original purpose and “non- commercial” approach associated with these arts. I now teach Six Harmony Mountain Mist Shadow Art. Six Harmony Mountain Mist Shadow Art belongs to me. I created it after extensive research and over 4 decades of dedicated training/exposure to various Bugei here in Japan as well as China and Taiwan.

TT What is the most important element of Six Harmony Mountain Mist Shadow Art?

JB Well, that question is better answered through personal exposure. However, if I were to label one item as the most important it would be Fa Jin.

TT Fa Jin?

JB Yes. As I may have already mentioned, many practitioners think it best to learn the “Forms” first prior to understanding the application. The way I teach (and the way I was taught) is just the opposite. The students must first learn about themselves. The essence of the Bugei is “self discovery”. If you practice the forms prior to establishing an understanding of your weak and strong points, you are just going through the motions established by and for someone else! It should only take one well-executed technique to end a confrontation. If you practice many techniques you will have a huge library to draw upon. However, you must first isolate and condition your mind, body and spirit to accept and comprehend the individual move prior to stringing them into a pattern. Each individual movement must have Fa Jin if it is to become a well-executed “Waza”. Fa Jin cannot exist without matching the Omote and Ura of the Six Harmonies of mind, body and spirit. This includes Li Qiao (strength Skills) acquired through Song Luan (relaxed circular revolution in various patterns).

TT So, each student is taught different things?

JB Yes. Each student regardless of his or her background or previous school of training must be thought of as an individual. Each is subject to flaws and preferences. A teacher may dedicate years developing “spiral power” in a student. One may dedicate years to teach and develop a strong “Tiger Claw”. One student may have years of previous training but may need work on “bridging the gap”. Of course each teacher has a specialty, a “Gokui”. As a student, I would always do my best to seek instruction in these things from the source. As an example, if I wanted to develop a “heavy Punch”, I would talk to Mr. Kimura. If I wanted to work on my “iron body”, I would talk to Mr. Li. I would then dedicate months (years) of training attempting to sharpen that one particular skill into well-honed Waza. So, if I were to use Yama Zuki as an additional example, I know many people that can apply this but I know of very few that can apply Yama Zuki from almost every conceivable angle or imaginable stance. Many are familiar with Yama Zuki but very few have made it their own.

TT I don’t understand. Benson Sensei, do you teach Budo?

JB Sorry. I will attempt to explain from my personal perspective. Budo is a relatively recent term that has been used in an attempt to collectively organize and simplify the fighting arts of Asia. All this talk about “Do” and “Jutsu” just adds to the pile of confusion and further supports the abuse of this often-misused term. As many writers attempt to share various Asian terms with their western audience, much is lost in the translation itself. Throughout this interview I have mixed Japanese, Chinese and English terms. Although we pronounce things in Japanese, Chinese or English differently, if we write this down on a sheet of paper while using either Chinese or Japanese characters, it generally translates as the same thing. The Chinese character for “WU” is pronounced as “BU’ in Japanese and possibly “Military” in English. Prior to the introduction of the Bugei to the consumer and “general public”, all true Bujutsu also essentially shared the same purpose… Goshinjutsu (self preservation). This training involved very little ritual with the exception of following the path of Goshindo (the way of Gods). In my opinion, far too much concern is now expressed over labeling something and in-turn organizing what was never meant to be labeled or organized. True Budo is a natural path of freedom obtained through rigorous training and self-sacrifice. We train to augment our natural abilities or strength while continuously monitoring and attempting to overcome our weakness. We are each unique in our physical and mental capabilities. Conformity is a method of behavior modification. This is not natural. How can we expect to bring out the natural gifts afforded to each of us by playing a game of “follow the leader”? I am not condoning chaos in training. Just the converse, I am a firm believer in “Shu, Ha, Ri” and truly support this process. Thus the paradox.

TT I am A Japanese. Even I am very confused.

JB True Budo is a state of being. It is the individual result of walking down a unique path. This unique state of mind, body and spirit is achieved through rigorous training in the Bugei. No one can teach Budo. The student of Bugei will realize his or her full potential through constant challenge. This is the path that we each choose as an individual. This is Bugaku. This is the path of Bu. This is Budo. This is the path of life.

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