Winter Ninja Training - Means for Survival in the Wilderness VI held

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The past weekend we held our first seminar in the new 2016. The participants shared their impressions on our Forum after the end of the event, and with that wrote this Report.

„Each of our ‘koryu adventures’ has its story. Firstly, I would like to say I’m really happy to continue this seminar’s tradition with a fair number of participants, always more than ten. I’m especially glad that the beginners started to show interest too. Kosarche participated the event too, who started following the Path and with the help of Taki’s lessons found her way easily in the group.
Although some of the things we study are repeated every time, every year we need to be reminded of the lessons so we could better our techniques. This time Sensei presented the task of building the shelter to me. After I gathered everybody and explained what they were needed to do, we started working. Even though I thing we did a good job with the hut, I have two remarks. We were too loud while laughing and talking, and secondly, we were too slow building the shelter.
I would like to mention the new things we studied: how to prepare fried eggs, how to roast a pumpkin in the ground, different ways to keep the fireplace burning, how to make a door for the shelter to be protected from animals, how to keep our equipment dry from snow and rain, as well as other things Sensei mentioned during his lecture.“ (Marko Opachikj)
„We drank directly from the source and learned useful ‘tricks’ on how to survive in winter conditions. We did that directly instead of watching all kinds of videos on the internet 🙂
I have watched a thousand times on TV how to build a shelter to spend the night, but everything goes in vain until a man really sees how it’s done. I was glad that we were gathered on one place and I can’t wait the summer version of this seminar. Who knew that lilies could be so soft and comfortable, and the ‘snake salty snacks’ could be so delicious!“ (Martin Petrevski)
„When I was little I really wanted to run around in the woods and build shelters. That’s why I find this seminar, along with the „Life in The Wilderness“, to be great. And that’s why I say that Bujinkan Macedonia makes my childhood dreams a reality.“ (Taki Gakovski)
„Understanding, warmth, love and laughter was spreading through the air during the whole event. I must mention the most delicious salty snacks roasted on a wooden stick that Sensei made, as well as the super vitamin roasted pumpkin. Unfortunately the day ended and we had to return home. I await the next outdoor seminar impatiently. Thank You for everything Sensei!“ (Tamara Gjorgievska)

„I’ve eaten two hundred pumpkins, and from various sources I’ve heard that I am a big one too, but so far not one stayed in my mind that long as that one dug from the ground. Maybe because of the constant thought that I will be eaten by wolves, but this was a day to be remembered. I didn’t doubt Sensei’s experience and knowledge for a bit, neither the elder students from the dojo that are well trained for these kinds of seminars. I only doubted my ability to learn something, or that I would be something more that a big crutch for the others. Sensei proved that his purpose is not ‘archiving’ the knowledge for his own good, but putting it to our disposal, as long as we are willing to learn.“ (Damjan Serafimovski)
„During this seminar I learned a lot of things, I especially liked the socializing with the older members of the dojo. I was really impressed of the preparation of the egg in a can, as well as the roasting of the pumpkin dug in the ground. It was great to be part of this kind of an event.“ (Kosara Dovezenska)

Winter Ninja Training - Means for Survival in the Wilderness VI

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In 2015 the members of Bujinkan Macedonia passed through many adventures that made the year unforgettable. The amazing journey continues in 2016, and the first destination is Mlaka. This forest on the bank of the river Kriva Reka will again be the place where our warriors will learn and better the techniques of winter survival. The snow that has piled up these recent days, along with the low temperatures, is a great challenge for an event like this.

As you already know, the warriors of Bujinkan Macedonia always considered that training solely in dojo,where a safe and friendly atmosphere surrounds us, can make anybody a good „sportsperson“, and a great „lounge ninja“. However, what makes us different from the rest, is the knowledge and the confidence that we feel when we are confronted with the toughest dares while we are far away from the cities that we live in. Actually, we experience the cruel nature as a natural habitat where we feel as a „fish in water“, and we find ourselves in our natural surroundings.

This seminar is a scenario-based where we are snowbound or lost far away from our home, somewhere on a mountains or in the woods, and we need to take precautions to be able to go through the night and increase our chances of survival. On this event, shidoshi Igor Dovezenski is going to teach these exact techniques that represent the required arsenal for a more serious approach in the art known as ninjutsu. 
Required equipment: those we attended already know, those who hadn’t are going to find out directly for the next year.
Warning: the temperatures will most likely be below zero. The terrain is open and windy. The presence of wild animals is normal this period in the year. You will be exposed to extremely cold weather constantly for about seven hours. Everyone comes at their own responsibility.
Bring warm clothing with you.
Date: 10.01.2016 (Sunday)
Location: Mlaka
Program:
08.00 o’clock – departure from Skopje
09.00 o’clock – arrival
09.30 – 16.30 o’clock – theory and practice
17.30 o’clock – return
This year besides the members of Bujinkan Macedonia/Taiyou e no Michi, the seminar is open for all interested. Questions and applying by e-mail, phone, in the dojo, or on the Forum.

Report for 2015

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When we thought that the last year’s success with 19 held seminars wouldn’t be repeated, this year we literally surpassed all our expectations. Ladies and gentlemen – 29 seminars in 2015!!!
Let’s break this number down so you could see transparently exactly what we worked on this whole year.

We begin with the international seminars organized by the Organization „Taiyou e no Michi“.
In April, our teacher for Daito ryu Aikijujutsu, shihan Antonino Certa held his regular seminar in our dojo, where he transmitted new „secrets“ of this ancient samurai tradition. The next month Sensei Erik Louw arrived in the Hombu Dojo of „Taiyou e no Michi“, together with his students from the Netherlands. During his one week stay he tried to pass along as much as he could from his rich experience in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu Bujutsu. Our friends from Romania, the members of the Shingan Dojo from Iasi, arrived for this seminar too.
During the summer we had our well-known Summer Camp, this time beside the instructor Dovezenski, his friend from Russia – Sergei Babkin had the role of a teacher too. Despite being an instructor for Katori Shinto ryu and for Yoga, Babkin is a representative in his country for the classical Japanese martial art Kukamishin ryu Hyoho too. We had the opportunity to study that art during this event. 

Regarding the seminars that instructor Dovezenski had taught, the list goes like this: six held outdoor seminars (in nature), eight in the Hombu Dojo under Lipac, same in the dojo in Skopje, as well as two in Romania in the dojo „Shingan“ in the city Iasi. Additionally, in 2015 Dovezenski took part in several international seminars under the leadership of well-known teachers for classical Japanese martial arts. We would mention them chronologically: in February in Athens (Greece) on a seminar for Katori Shinto ryu with Erik Louw; in June in Gradara (Italy) on a seminar for Ono ha Itto ryu Kenjutsu with Sasamori Takemi Soke; in September in Carigrad/Istanbul on a seminar with the shihan for Katori Shinto ryu – Nobutoshi Otake. On the last event Marko Opachikj and Darko Bozhinovski (who gave a blood oat (keppan)) accompanied Dovezenski. 

We would also like to express our pleasure for the established collaboration with the „Shingan Dojo“ from the city Iasi in Romania. Their leader Catalin Soreanu chose instructor Dovezenski as a sempai (an older student – mentor) who is going to help him with the study of the oldest traditional Japanese martial art Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu Bujutsu, under the leadership of their mentor Erik Louw. That being said, the members of the Romanian section visited Macedonia twice this year to learn the basics of the school, and in addition they invited Dovezenski two times to teach seminars in their dojo.
Besides the previous, it is worth mentioning these events too: sempai Todor Angelovski and kohai Martin Gachevski held a lecture for the kids in the kindergarten „Srnichka bambi“ in the municipality Aerodrom; we have opened another ninjutsu children’s section (Ninja Kids II); we have celebrated 20 years of the foundation of „Taiyou e no Michi“ and Bujinkan Macedonia; our youngest members from the kids group were guests at the Macedonian National Television where they successfully demonstrated the arts of Bujinkan, and later they visited our Hombu Dojo where they studied the school Koto ryu Koppojutsu, as well as the basics of Japanese sword-fighting; Igor Dovezenski earned second dan (nidan), and Marko Opachikj first dan (shodan) in Daito ryu Aikijujutsu.
We would like to highlight the founding of the „Eastern Cultures Laboratory“ as one of the most important events. On 14th of September with a proposition from Igor Dovezenski, the Expert Council of the Institute of ethnology and anthropology from the University „Ss. Cyril and Methodius“ decided to greenlight the Laboratory, with the sole purpose of studying the physical, social and spiritual culture of the nations of the far east, with a special emphasis on Japan. 

Various Workshops and Seminars on different subject are organized in the Laboratory, and the lecturer Dovezenski holds classes on a daily basis for Daito ryu Aikijujutsu and for Junan Taiso (exercises to stretch and balance the muscles of the body). With that, the classical Japanese martial arts rose to academical level in Macedonia and finally took their deserved place.
At the end we would like to thank all members of the Organization „Taiyou e no Michi“, especially our students from Bujinkan Macedonia who with their hard work took us to the wonderful journey around the world of the traditional Japanese martial traditions (Koryu Bujutsu). We cannot make a promise that the next year will surpass this one, but we can guarantee that as long as we breathe this air, our love for the classical arts inherited from the generations before us won’t be diminished.
Taiyou e no Michi. One dojo – one family. Bujinkan Macedonia. My story – my life.
Ninpo Ikkan!!!

Last Hanbo Goshinjutsu seminar for 2015 held

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With the yesterdays seminar on subject Hanbo Goshijutsu (self-defense using a short stick), we’ve almost finished our responsibilities from this years program of Bujinkan Macedonia.

Two regular training sessions remain, as well as the kyu testing that is happening on Wednesday (30th December).
This time for this seminar we are going to share the impressions of kohai Sanja Simonova written on our Forum:
„On my pleasure, we finished this years „book“ of seminars with the hanbo. My love for this weapon dates back when we trained on the wooden floors and I remember the pain that came along with it and the sound it made when it would hit the floor. Its beauty, in my opinion, is that it’s „hidden“ in many objects that we name otherwise: an umbrella, a walking cane, a trekking staff, a rolling pin…
As Sensei said, the hanbo is completely legal, we can carry it everywhere and anytime. To be able to wield this weapon is a great advantage. Firstly, because it is big enough to make enough damage to an aggressive attacker that doesn’t need to be visible to the eye, and at the same time it is small enough to „pack it“ and carry it around with us. The Hanbo is such a small, and at the same time a big thing.
We were eight on this seminar, and we’ve gone through eight kata – each one better than the previous one. At first I though that we would start off with the basic postures and forms that I’ve encountered before, however Sensei surprised us with specific scenarios for defense from various continuous strikes, grips to a part of the clothing, or, attempts to take away our weapon. The kata had „character“, as sempai Marko would have said. We could feel the explosive potential of the weapon, and the pain on contact was present at all times. That was the undeniable proof of its efficiency.
The atmosphere during the seminar was excellent and everyone did their best. The intensity of the training contributed to the change of color on the beginners’ faces, and for the older students it increased the stability, the speed, and the ease of use of the weapon. It’s a great feeling when you consider something known, and then you will discover a new move that makes a big difference and you will feel the enthusiasm from repeating a kata and the reveal of another of its hidden pearls, which in turn creates even greater hunger to keep going further!“

Igor Dovezenski held a seminar for Ninpo Ne Waza®

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The leader of Bujinkan Macedonia, Igor Dovezenski, organized another Sunday seminar in the dojo of Bujinkan Macedonia in Skopje. This time the subject was about martial techniques on the ground, i.e. Ne Waza.

Shidoshi Dovezenski selflessly shared his knowledge from this martial system during the event, and the students tirelessly absorbed all the details, while showing a huge degree of interest for the ground fighting combat methods. Most of the attendees were beginners, who approached learning this subject with genuine curiosity, while the experienced veterans gave their best getting the maximum out of them.
Besides the postures and means to control an opponent, Dovezenski taught choking techniques, as well as ways to control an aggressive attacker.
Happy with what they learned, the students at the seminar said that they would love to attend the next seminar dedicated to this subject.

Great seminar for Nage Waza in the dojo of Bujinkan Macedonia in Skopje

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Another successfull seminar from the winter events series in Bujinkan Macedonia. This time too, the number of participants didn’t go under ten, which means that the members of the Organization „Taiyou e no Michi“ still highly nurture the martial spirit.
During this seminar, the students of the dojo practiced the basic throws that are used in the classical Japanese martial arts, but of course, instructor Igor Dovezenski taught several new techniques that were well received by the participants. Especially effective was the performance of the throw Harai Goshi, that the students accepted easily and in short time learned to implement it.
Further we have yet to improve the Nage Waza techniques, that were always known for their efficiency and practical use in combat with an aggressive opponent that means us harm or physical injury.
For the next week we have scheduled a seminar for combat on the ground (Ne Waza).

Junan Taiso seminar successfully held

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In the dojo in Skopje the seminar for Junan Taiso (body stretching exercises) was held today, which was organized by Bujinkan Macedonia. On this event around 15 participants were present, most of them members of the Organization dedicated to the study of classical Japanese martial arts „Taiyou e no Michi“, and their close relatives and friends.

During the seminar, shidoshi Igor Dovezenski taught exercises that are used to maintain balance of the body through stretching or strengthening several muscle groups. Beside that, we practiced special techniques that increase the mobility of the joints, and as expected, we couldn’t avoid the meditation techniques.
During the whole event, intrusctor Dovezenski pointed out the importance of Junan Taiso in the development of every kobudoka (a person that practices classical Japanese martial arts), with special attention to the need of flexibility for those who practice the ninjutsu arts. 

The seminar in Romania with instructor Dovezenski held

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This past weekend in the Romanian city Iasi the instructor Igor Dovezenski held a seminar where he taught techniques for sword fighting (kenjutsu), including ways to fight with a staff (bojutsu). The event was organized by the leader of Shingan Dojo, Catalin Soreanu, and by his request the event was invitation only and meant for the advanced students of his dojo.

During the first day, Dovezenski taught the techniques on how to quickly draw and cut simultaneously with a Japanese sword (iaijutsu) from a sitting and standing position, as well as the basics of combat with a katana.
The next day the basics of the staff were mainly practiced, and near the end of the seminar Dovezenski taught several advanced techniques of bojutsu.
As always, the host Katalin Soreanu proved that as a great organizer he pays attention to the smallest details, and also his students ensured that the seminar went along with an incredible atmosphere.
At the end, the instructor Igor Dovezenski thanks all participants from the Shingan Dojo for the good training and the time spent in laughing and socializing.
Till the next time…

Second seminar in Romania with Igor Dovezenski

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The leader of “Bujinkan Shingan Dojo”, Catalin Soreanu, has invited shidoshi Igor Dovezenski to hold a seminar once again. This time, the theme is “Kenjutsu and Bojutsu”.
The event will take place on the 7th and 8th of November, in the beautiful city of Iasi, known as the “center of culture”
in Romania.
The seminar will be of an international character, meaning anyone interested can take part, regardless of their level of
knowledge or style.
For further information, feel free to contact the organization at contact@shingan.ro
To get familiar with Shingan Dojo, visit their web page: www.shingan.ro

More information about instructor Dovezenski can be found here: biography
See you soon!

„Women Self-Defense Workshop® VII“ held

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The participants of the seminar with sharing their impressions practically wrote the report for the seventh Women Self-Defense Workshop:

Sanja Simonova – „The first training lasted two and a half hours. Sensei introduced us to this years theme, answered our beginners questions,and immediately after that we started training. The scenarios that we worked on were the most likely to happen in reality, and beside training how to anticipate an attack, Sensei explained us what situations and which postures we were to avoid at all cost. And if they were to happen, how to react accordingly.
The time flew by as the intensity increased and the atmosphere was getting fiercer.
We used the break between the training sessions for a walk in the surrounding area, visiting the legendary Dackos’ village store, taking photos of the beautiful Dovezence, having lunch, child’s play and getting chased around the dojo.
The second training also lasted two and a half hours. We were working on techniques on the ground, but our spirits were still high. Sensei was training with us all the time and taught us with his every word and contact.
In the evening we had a small party around the fire, we started a chatter as women usually can, we treated ourselves with a glass of homemade liqueur, and tired and happy we went to sleep. The fireplace glistered and warmed us, the night was clear and it looked like a great morning was about to come.
The second day, Anichka lit up the fireplace, we got out of our bags and went straight for a tea and breakfast talking about who is in pain of what from the training. The temporary pain cannot put out or put in shadow the constant determination and love. Soon Sensei came and we started the morning training. In a fun and practical way, we went over a part of what we trained the previous day. We continued with so many new scenarios, and we finished with a really good stretch that leaves you strengthened and energized. We used our break for a walk to Zdravkin Kamen. The sun was shining above us, bu it didn’t set for us. Everything was wonderful, magical and uniquely beautiful. The last training session was less demanding, but only because of the pain that each of us had from the previous intensive sessions. After a quick warm up, we burned through two hours without a problem. The last training in the Hombu is the hardest at the start, but the best at the end. There is a point when it’s really hard, but suddenly it becomes unbearably easy, and that is a special feeling that I don’t know how to describe.
We cleaned our dojo, we packed, hugged several times, and left. We had written another unforgettable page on the Path, we gathered even more knowledge, we strengthened our friendship and we wished for it to last a long time while we joyfully await our moments together.

This was my fourth Workshop in a row. Each one had its beauties and moments to cherish, but this year there was unseen friendship, jokes, and closeness. All of us, literally all were like one. We haven’t been this organized, we shared food, water, and everything we brought was as if one mother put everything out there for us. We helped each other for everything, and that kind of rarity, unity, love, dedication, respect, and loyalty are gained only in the club. When one really great and exceptional man stands in the middle of this, who we love from the bottom of our hearts, who sacrifices himself for the tiniest details, we cannot stop improving ourselves.
Thanks to you Sensei and thanks to all that were part of this wonderful weekend!
p.s. Maja, seeing you made me so happy that I can’t wait to see you in a kimono in the dojo.
Well girls, strong is the new sexy ;)“

Elena Angelovska – The stream hurts. Yes, you read that correctly. Not only every muscle in my body is sore and in pain, not just when I try to tie my shoes, not just when I try to reach for something. Even the stream hurts. Yes, the stream from the shower, that is, and every drop of water that hits my body, every cell, every pore. And some might say – why the hell do you come to this workshop every year, since it makes you suffer for days afterwards? And to that someone, how do you explain that each of those drops that hurt carries life in itself,
so that it can’t even be compared to the river that keeps on flowing in front of my eyes.That drop carries such heat that heals, makes you stand straight, makes you exist. That’s that exact alchemy in those two days by the magical paradise called Dojo. Not a regular Dojo, but our own “Bujinkan
Macedonia”.
Tamara Georgievska – “First seminar, first impressions. It would be hard to describe how it was in just a couple of sentences. The feeling when you’re there, in the Hombu Dojo, is simply amazing. Those that have been there, know what I’m talking about. 
During the two days, Sensei taught us techniques connected to the topic of the seminar. Time passed quickly, we didn’t really feel it. Training, walks through the village, having fun with Kosara and Ksenija, conversations without end. You can’t describe sleeping there. Everybody next to one another, in bags and under blankets. The second day, after training, Sensei gave us a tour to Zdravkin Kamen. We came back just in time for the second session, and when it ended, we couldn’t believe it was already time to leave.
I didn’t want to go home. It was beautiful in the dojo. So much love and understanding in a single place. Something you can’t forget. 
Thank you Sensei, for everything!”