Early Bujinkan Days Were FERAL — Here’s What We Learned

Are Bujinkan martial arts practitioners really open to change?
Or are they just saying they are?
(time stamps below)
www.openbudo.com

For decades, we’ve heard people claim, “If I found something better, I’d do it.” But when faced with new training methodologies—like Ecological Dynamics and more realistic training approaches—many retreat to old habits and defend traditional methods, no matter how flawed.

In this discussion, we explore how early Bujinkan practitioners navigated their training, why good-faith criticisms get dismissed, and how modern coaching methods can elevate skill acquisition without abandoning tradition.

📌 In This Video:
• The early days of #bujinkan and why it felt more “outcome-based.”
• The evolution of training methodologies—and why some resist change.
• The “Not My Teacher” defense: Where it comes from and why it’s problematic.
• How Ecological Dynamics aligns with the original intent behind traditional training.
• The role of cultural appreciation vs. gatekeeping in #martialarts today.

00:00 Introduction: Martial Arts Evolution
00:23 Early Taijutsu Training Experiences
00:50 Defensiveness in Bujinkan
01:29 Diverse Martial Arts Backgrounds
01:58 Challenges in Early Training
04:07 Outcome-Based Training Approach
05:15 The Role of Curriculum Development
06:31 The Influence of Japanese Training
06:51 The Sage on the Stage Phenomenon
07:17 The Elephant Analogy
08:19 The Evolution of Teaching Methods
15:27 The Importance of Cultural Appreciation
17:31 Conclusion: Embracing New Training Paradigms

🎥 If you’re serious about growing as a martial artist while honoring tradition, this video is for you.

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