*You can also view the latest announcements & activities at our official Facebook page. Please visit at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/chikushinarts/
JANUARY 28TH, 2022
Happy New Year!
Updates have been made throughout the site, which includes new content. This update is also related to Chikushin Martial & Cultural Training Group’s Martial Arts Training and Cultural Studies schedule for the year. There will still be 3 days of Martial Arts Training offered, but certain segments have been combined. Cultural Studies has been moved to Wednesdays from Saturday as well.
Please visit our Location and Schedule page under the “Join” tab to learn more this years scheduling. Don’t forget to also browse throughout the site to see what’s new.
August 19th, 2021
On August 12th, we had our annual Shochūgeiko event. Shochūgeiko means “training during a hot summer day”, where the point of this is to condition practitioners to endure above normal heat temperatures.
Our event was a 3-hour training session in both kenjutsu and taijutsu, held at Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, NYC. On top of wearing our keikogi on this humid weather, we chose the beach due to its varying conditions, which includes shifting sand. Starting early in the morning, we meditated in preparation to endure the heat, then challenged ourselves in various exercises. Afterwards, we conducted several sessions of dojo jiai (道場試合), which is a competitive exercise against 2 practitioners. Both either used fukuro shinai (clothed bamboo sword), or one used a fukuro shinai while the other used the much longer take yari (竹槍, bamboo training spear).
Congrats to those who were able to make it to this event, and doing a great job lasting to the very end!
JULY 2ND, 2021
It has been a long, challenging time for everyone around the world since the pandemic took rise early 2020. We all had to adjust to a change in lifestyle, especially in areas where lockdown was a must, keeping people within their homes for long extended times. Our sympathy goes out to all, including the many lives that were lost.
While our martial arts training didn’t take a pause, all members in Chikushin group were impacted, as we took much precaution to keep ourselves, family, and friends safe by refraining from training together in person for several months. As a supplement, recorded videos and documentations through email were used as a means to assist in passing on instructions. Later, when gatherings were OK in public areas, we took the opportunity to meet in parks and such, but continued to take precaution by training with masks on, using hand sanitizers, and alcohol sprays.
Now in 2021, NYC is in a state where many have received vaccinations. Current members have taken the time to do the same, thus we are able to once again train safely. Due to this, we will soon resume indoor training! We are looking forward to continuing our study, to the fullest extent, of Japanese classical martial arts together with familiar faces, as well as potential new training partners.
FEBRUARY 8TH, 2021
I’d like to announce a special collaboration with Matsuda Kazuyo, where 2 of my Chiba Sana articles from Light in the Clouds blog are featured on her new website, “Fine Ladies Kendo Worldwide”. Kazuyo and her team publish articles and other content to support women who make great strides in the kendo community. There is also a subscription option to receive magazines which feature exclusive content.
You can read both articles on Chiba Sana in a one-article setting, along with Japanese versions of the same articles, at the link below. You can also support this website by not only bookmarking it to visit regularly, but also opting for a monthly subscription.
AUGUST 23rd, 2020
Light in the Clouds, the official blog of Chikushin Martial & Cultural Training Group, has been updated with a new address! Below is the following:
If bookmarked, please update accordingly.
AUGUST 14TH, 2020
A small update to the site:
- New section “Media/Publication” has been added. It includes the “Media” page, as well as a new “Publications & Projects” page.
MARCH 24th, 2020
Here’s the latest updates:
- We now have the “Chikushin Group Instagram page”. Link to this is included in the “Links & Resources” page
- Social Media menu added (found at the bottom of the page)
Our Instagram page is another means to introduce our interests in classical Japanese martial arts and Japanese culture, as well as connect with many communities. Be sure to visit for exclusive topics, pictures, and videos.
FEBRUARY 2nd, 2020
Some recent updates have been made:
- Update to training and study locations being designated to Brooklyn, along with update in schedule times in “Location & Schedule” page
- Added description on useful links in “Links & Resources” page
Some other small touch ups were made throughout the site.
JANUARY 12th, 2020
On Sunday, our group held an event called “Kagami Biraki” (Opening of the Mirror), in recognition of the New Year. For this event, we had a few guests who attended. We opened with a small talk about the Japanese tradition of Kagami Biraki, and its significant meaning in starting afresh. It is especially significant for kobudō, as it signifies each practitioner of martial arts to put for their best foot and do even better in their training throughout the year.
Following the small talk was a ritual blessing, as a sign of bringing good luck. Next was an enbu (demonstration), where we performed select kata (forms) and waza (techniques), choreographed specifically for public presentation. Afterwards, everyone treated themselves to some homemade yaki-mochi (roasted rice cakes). Mochi also plays a key role in Kagami Biraki.
Thank you to all who attended, as well as to all members who took part in this event!
JANUARY 8th, 2020
This is an announcement of the current updates to the site.
- Additional page “Curriculum” added to “Paths to Learning”
- Small update to “Cultural Studies” page located in “Paths to Learning”
- Update of schedules found in “Location & Schedule” page located in “Join”
- Additional tab “Media” to the menu
Recent changes reflect the direction of publicly sharing what we do in Chikushin Martial & Cultural Training Group. This is especially true for the Media section, where you can find pictures and videos of members in action. Before to check out the sections to view the new/updated contents, and look out for more updates coming up soon.
DECEMBER 29th, 2019
This month we had our bōnenkai (end-of-the-year party), where both students and friends of our group sat down and spent time together to enjoy great food and wonderful conversations. Truly a memorable night!
Looking back at 2019, there was much internal growth within the Chikushin group, as the structuring of lessons, and the progression of classes, are developing solidly. As a young group, we continue looking forward as we work hard and better our skills in kobudō.
Stay tuned for what’s in store for us and our website in 2020.
SEPTEMBER 15th, 2019
This is announcement of a new book coming out in September.
Here’s the information:
Title: Ninja: Secretes of the Unsurpassable Heart
Author: Teruhisa Komori
Publisher: One Peace Books (August 14, 2019)
Publication Date: August 14th, 2019
Language: English
It is a unique book that not only gives a genuine overview about the origins, activities, and techniques of the ninja (aka shinobi, spies during the warring periods in Japan), but incorporates Mr. Komori’s research on their physical, mental and spiritual fortitude and how they were able to succeed in their missions. The studies conducted give many hints on how these traits of the ninja can also benefit people in today’s technologically & socially-driven societies in terms of dealing with stress and issues that arise through it.
Originally a book published in Japanese, Curtis Abu (founder of Chikushin Martial & Cultural Training Group) was recruited to translate the English version.
This book will be available through your typical retail bookstores and online stores. For those looking for a more analytical and detailed look into what made the ninja who they were and the methods they used to do so, pick it up and give it a good read!
JUNE 25th 2019
A small event promoting the kobudō we study was held on this day. The theme was about the importance of kamae (posture) as a kihon (basic component) in classical martial arts, and how kamae supports all of our movements. A few guests participated and did a great job in the training exercises prepared for the event. I want to give a big thank you to those guests for the excellent experience!
Chikushin Martial & Cultural Training Group 