Over 30 Bujinkan students from around the country gathered in anticipation of the next two days training. There was an exciting feeling in the air as students introduced each other from the various dojos and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere was present. The theme for the two days was Kukishin Ryu a Japanese armoured fighting school of the mid 1500`s. The focus was range weapons from this school, paying particular attention to Naginata, Biken Jutsu, Kodachi and Unarmed Taijutsu.

Day one: Tim opened the class with a brief history of the Naginata its practicality on the battlefield and how one should be aware of the range of the weapon. The class started with Kamae (Postures) As we explored the various techniques students could appreciate the numerous layers of understanding of how to use the Naginata with both efficiency and safety. The first 12 waza was demonstrated and practiced from Kesa Kiri through to Tobi kiri. Each technique was explained in great detail. ``When you practice using the Naginata you should drop the blade into your opponent and not a chopping motion like an axe`` Use the end as a shield between you and your opponent Tim explained`` The lesson was full of training tips and useful information, ``Use the beak of the Naginata like this to enter, and use the same opening to run your blade through`` explained Tim.

Day Two: The second day began with cutting and blocking practice, the correct use of kamae and distancing when cutting at your opponent to gauge the range of such an attack. Emphasis was placed on guarding your centre line and not moving into unsafe positions just because you are wearing yoroi.