Kokoro no Katachi
The Image of Kokoro - Book Review
by Markk Bush

This is without a doubt one of the most important reads for the Bujinkan. I am almost at a loss for words when it comes to describing the impact this book had on me., but I will do my best to convey it here.

Mr. Hino describes, in a way that only he can, the relationship that Budo has to Japanese culture and how it (Budo) has all but vanished, giving way to the modern distortions of sport Budo.

This book takes us on Mr. Hino's long journey to find the essence of true Budo, which leads him to Soke Hatsumi, who he refers to not only as the Grandmaster of Ninjutsu, but the last master of Japanese Budo. That is a very profound statement that one should not take lightly, for Mr. Hino is well schooled in Budo and Japanese culture. Being an accomplished jazz musician, he was quickly able to see with clarity the change in application of Soke's techniques and likened it to watching an improvised jazz performance.

Mr Hino draws many parallels between jazz, architecture, dance and budo, explaining that there is an underlying essence that one must understand to become a master. These parallels help to explain the subtle points of Soke's Budo which elude us, the inversion of truth and falsehood.

It was very interesting to read of Soke's time with Takamatsu Sensei in depth. Through these words we are allowed to see how Soke evolved into the Master of Budo we see today, echoed by the anecdotes of Shihan Noguchi, Nagato and Oguri, who describe the evolution of Soke's training from "hard and painful" to a touch that is "similar to pure silk". Noguchi Shihan states, referring to the way Soke has changed over the years, "Yes, before he used to hit us with all his power and training came with a lot of pain, but today's Soke scares me a lot more than the previous one. This astounds me."

This book gives true insight into real Budo and Soke Hatsumi. Mr. Hino compares the experiences of Soke with that of other true masters from the past, Muneari Terada and Toru Shirai, confirming that the Image of Kokoro is the heart of true Budo.

Kokoro no Katachi - The Image of Kokoro
Akira- Hino
ISBN: 84-933469-4-2
www.seiganshop.com

Markk Bush is a Shidoshi-Ho under guidence of Ed Martin. with a mere 11 years in the Bujinkan. Markk can be found teaching at the Bujinkan Hayashi Shugyo Dojo in Dwight, Illinois and can be contacted via email at bushm@bujinmag.com.