THE SENJO CEREMONY

(See bottom of page for the pronunciation of the Japanese Titles mentioned)

Senjo is a battlefield strategy taken from the writings of Miamoto Musashi and the Book of Five Rings. 

As the name Battlefield Strategy suggests, this formation was used by the Shogun to meet and strategize with his generals and advisers behind the lines during a battle. In those days they would have met in a large tent or on the bare ground, so security was a serious concern for the Shogun. His most trusted people were closest to him with the lower ranked sitting further out as the circle and square expanded. 

His most trusted man (that wouldn’t ‘stab him in the back’) sat behind him while to the front right sat his most powerful warrior general (within range of his ‘right’ sword hand). All those positioned behind him were people whose traits were generally less ‘ambitious’ (and therefore less dangerous) than those sitting in front of him.

However every one of these advisers was an expert in their field and by always taking the same position the shogun was able to call on them as needed while everybody else also knew the hierarchy and who was in charge of what.

Anderson Bushi-Kai utilises the strategy as a concept for the personal development of student character. Each position denoted within the battlefield represents a different personality or character trait. These traits we may already possess or they may be ideals that we wish to develop.

The Shogun comprises all of the colours mixed together. this position is the pinnacle of student achievement. It represents mastery of the self and surroundings. At either side of the Shogun is the first and second house - named this way from Japanese history. The Shogun's closest generals resided in these houses depending on who was first or second in line of succession.

Forming a triangle around The Shogun are three pivotal warriors:

Yamabushi - (Spiritual - Mountain Warrior) - this is the self controlled person at the front left of the triangle, represented by the colour blue.

Hatamoto - (Most Trusted One) - this person is the Shogun's most trusted person. At the apex of the triangle immediately behind the Shogun and represented by the colour yellow. Those who follow this path are revered as loyal and trustworthy.

Yakuza - (Fighting Warrior) - person with the most aggressive personality and fighting skill represented by the colour red.

The primary colours in the triangle form the basis for the other colours and hence the character traits of Senjo. Circling the triangle are eight essential character traits of the samurai warrior:

• Reshiki          (etiquette)
• Kokkishin    (self-control)
• Kandai           (benevolence)
• Seijitsu          (truth)
• Chuijitsu       (loyalty)
• Meiyo              (honour)
• Adashi-koto (justice)
• Yuuki               (courage)
  

You will see, at the twice yearly Senjo gradings, a representation of this formation when the Senjo Bow-In is performed. During this ceremony all of the high ranks of ABK will come together and honour each other. However, you will also notice there are people who are circulating around outside the structure of the Senjo but still part of it, these are known as the Etherals.

As a style, Anderson Bushi-Kai, under the leadership of Kin Shinden Malcom Anderson, is enquiring and developing beyond the purely physical aspects of the Martial Arts and exploring the mindset (emotional & spiritual) areas to enable our practitioners to mature as fully developed human beings, not just warriors.

The term "Ethereal" within Anderson Bushi-Kai is an extremely high level of understanding and is the advancement from the Battlefield Strategy of Senjo.

The word Ethereal in English terminology has a number of simple meanings, but its influence within ABK reaches far beyond those meanings. Simply put it is the principles which have been derived from the methodology and manifestation of conceptual thought within the physical, mental and spiritual (body, mind and soul) realm.

The Ethereals are the counsel in preventing mayhem and disorder.

Many Martial Arts styles don't develop their higher ranks beyond the physical yet the biggest battles you will have in life will be the battlefield of your own fragility and the demons within. This is why we are developing higher ranks within our ABK system to have a strong body, mind spirit and essence.

The journey quest is a way of life strengthened and enriched through Martial Arts.

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Kokoro is the higher level order of Ethereal. This level in ABK is only attained by those Grand Masters who have given a lifetime to our martial arts style developing their warrior persona, spiritual armour and soul exploration for their true essence. With 40 years of experience they are black belts with 8th or 9th Dan and above. Ranks are attained through grading or achievement, they are earned not given.

Whilst a layman explanation of Kokoro is to say it gets to the heart of things, the Warrior spirit knows it is much more than this. It is impossible to know another's Kokoro by looking at them as it cannot be seen or touched. It is hidden in the invisible, in the ether, but it seeds the outside world through intent, energy, light, shadow, creation and intellect transcending thought being the pre-cognition of action and outcome.

The principle of Kokoro is the inner centering of essence, merging the Ethereal entities and weaving consciousness through chakra levels. It is a manifestation of the conjuring, evoking and invoking - the stuff of future dreams and enlightenment

Kokoro is separate but the same, it is universal but unique, always the same but eternally different. The Zen psyche electric and anima awakened linking past with future, intent with purpose, life spark with truth. A bond between worlds internal and existential, known and unknown.

It is an ideal for a way of life using the human imagination and will seeking to to express an absolute truth about life and the innermost nature of things.

The ABK Kokoro are the divine heart of our Warrior style.

O'kokoro is an advanced position within ABK recognising the attainment of passing through Senjo, Ethereal, Shaman and Kokoro levels. It is the right hand of the Golden Temple - Kin Shinden Malcolm Anderson.

O'kokoro is the realm beyond Kokoro It is the only path between Ethereal and Temple. It is simultaneously all Kokorobut at the same time it is not any single one of them. It is a changing, orchestrating the melding of opportunities and guardian of our foundation. It sees the seers, speaks to the oracles, guides the dreamers and inspires the creators. The source of great awakenings.

O'kokoro resonates vibration and is the whisperer to the blacksmith of the undrawn sword. Moon on water and the sun at dawn O'kokoro is strong and ever present in guiding the warrior to become his potentialities and activate his gifts.