Munster Express Online

James Colman – graded 9th kyu

For the first time in Tramore the mysterious arts of Japan’s Ninja are being taught by a local instructor. Many people may have an image of the Ninja as mystical warrior figures dressed in black like an early James Bond, but are unsure whether these stories are fact or fiction. In fact this is an extremely old form of martial art, the origins of which are uncertain, but it may have originated in China.

A lot of these great martial arts masters in the 16th century were hunted down and killed off, but some escaped and in later years they were absorbed into the Japanese Secret Service. Contrary to widely held belief, not all Ninja were assassins. In fact a lot were village doctors or herbalists.

The Ninja art of today comes under two banners, one of these being the BUJINKAN under Dr.Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th in an unbroken line of grandmasters in Japan. The Bujinkan is comprised of three ninjitsu styles and six jujitsu systems.

While training in these arts in Tramore the students are guided in a relaxed, friendly environment, unlike some other forms of martial arts, which can be taught in a more military way. Plans are for a summer camp covering outdoor survival, tracking and bush craft skills.

To re-create the Ninja abilities to disappear at will or in a puff of smoke, students are taught advanced camouflage and deceptions. Students are also taught how to use a large variety of traditional weapons and unarmed combat skills. This martial art has more to offer and gives students a better sense of achievement than other martial arts involving kicking and punching.

Local man James Colman is the first member of Tramore Bujinkan Ninjitsu Dojo to be graded to 9th kyu in the martial art Ninjitsu. James successfully completed a grading which included front and backward rolling, body flexibility, evasion skills and pressure point work. James is also involved in Hapkido, a Korean Martial art that is also taught in Tramore, as he finds that both forms of martial art enhance each other.

The Tramore Bujinkan Ninjitsu Dojo opened its doors on 1st December 2008 and we would like to express our thanks to Shihan Richard J Van Donk, 15th Dan and head of the international Bujinkan Dojo Association. We would also like to express our thanks to Shihan Robert from the Wexford Dojo for all his help and support.

The Tramore Dojo can be found at the Church Hall,Church Road on Saturdays 11am to 1pm. Classes in Korean Sin Moo Hapkido, Brazilian Jujitsu and Kyusho Jitsu (pressure point fighting) are also held in the Church Hall.

Tags: around:tramore:sport:other