Mizu Tama Dojo

A recent article found in both the Herbal Path Montly Newsletter (Dover, NH) March 2007 and Inner Tapestry Magazine, both online and hard cover Febuary/ March 2007.

Shugendo Yoga ™
…a gentle yoga with spirit; a complete healing system in its own right.
by Dee Hassen

“Precepts or self-discipline lead to deep concentration,
from which wisdom arises,”    ...Namo Amitabha

Who is teacher, man or nature?

Shugendo Yoga is part of Kosho Hoho Yooga (Old Pine Tree method of Unity and Self-Discipline) martial arts system. Shugendo comes from the ascetic spiritual practice of the Japanese Mountain priests, the Yamabushi.  Yoga is from the Sanskrit, meaning to ‘yoke God and man’. Together, Shugendo Yoga is designed to harness the esoteric, mystical practices which link man to the Divine Wisdom of Creation through Natural Law.

Most people notice a difference in their first session of Shugendo, though daily practice is encouraged. Do not let its simplicity deter you to its effectiveness. Classes may be structured, for instance, on a specific need, such as general balance, grounding, attachment, or on a medical condition or specific chakra. Compelling results can be as simple as:

• Immediate relief from pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, impatience, or stress
• Enhanced immune system
• Improved self-esteem
• Calmness and relaxation
• A deeper understanding or enlightenment, ultimately

Shugendo Yoga classes are a potent self-healing modality for body, mind and spirit. Practice is divided into five components. We utilize prayer, or talking; meditation, to listen inward; self-healing; gentle asana (body posture); energy cultivation, all along with breath-work. A typical session lasts 45-60 minutes, though similar, no two sessions are identical.

The first component is prayer, or speaking to God, the Divine (term practitioner wishes to use). The goal is when breath and mantra (sound) become one; which takes practice. Center consciousness on the third eye, the spot between the eyebrows and the whole being will gradually attune to the transcendental vibrations of the mantra, to create a desired healing response. In our left hand, we use a mala and repeat the selected phrase (mantra) for each bead. A mala is similar to a string of prayer counter beads or rosary, preferably made of natural materials; usually 108 beads plus a mother bead - though many use 54 or 27 and repeat 2 or 4 times, respectively (in Buddhism the number 108 had significant sacredness; many temples have 108 steps leading up to them and it is felt that at anytime there are 108 Bodhisattva’s walking the earth to assist others). By repeating the mantra 108 times the sacredness of the sound and its intention come into fruition. For example, repeating “Yee Hong” will facilitate balance, as it works to harmonize the 12 major meridians.  A simple technique you can use to produce a comfortable relaxation while waiting in line, while caught in traffic, or while trying to rest your mind for sleep, repeat “so” on the inhale, and “hum” on the exhale [Deepak Chopra also references this sound in his relaxation methods].

Next, a self-healing technique is taught, self massage or shiatsu (acupressure) may be used for preservation of care. One of my favorite methods is a massage to the entire ear. The ear is said to be a homunculus for the body. Each part of the ear correlates to a body part, so in effect, as you massage the ear, you massage the entire body. You can do this anywhere! Ever notice a pain on your ear, check to see with which body part this
is associated.

Next of the series, asanas are repeated no more than 3 times in a 10 minute period. On average, the class does three positions, we strive to hold each one, and breathe through it slowly. They may be modified to work from a chair for those unable to get onto the floor mat. Downward facing dog is a basic one that strengthens arm, legs and feet; provides an overall stretch, especially shoulders, legs, and spine; as it removes fatigue; rejuvenates and increases blood flow; strengthens the immune system; calms the mind; lifts the spirits; and improves digestion.

Once revived by asanas, we practice simple, yet powerful, Chi Kung techniques for enhancing health and chi flow throughout the body. Most energy workers are familiar with energy cultivation or Chi (Ki, Qi, or Ji) Kung, (if not, come to a class!). Shugendo practitioners understand the connection humankind has with Mother Earth, as well as Divine Heavenly Spirit, and blends both energies into the lower dantien, or chi ‘storage vault’, for reserve and use to assist in their own healing. It is this union of Mother Earth, and the Heavenly Creator, that arrives with human being; an interpretation of the holy trinity at work.

We end each session with meditation, where meditation is the path to self-realization. Class may be a guided meditation, or primordial sounds, such as drum or singing bowl. Meditation is when we sit silently and listen to the God within and hear that Divine message meant just for us; often an answer to prayers at beginning of practice. The Divine speaks to us all; some hear it, fewer listen to what is said.

Shugendo Yoga is practiced by persons of all ages and abilities to efficiently fight dis-ease within their lives, and may be modified to meet personal restrictions or needs. At the end of a session practitioners often comment on feeling rejuvenated, balanced, or even blissful; a refreshing contemplation, among all the negativity in the world.

Shugendo Yoga™ was developed by a Registered Nurse who is also a Martial Artist, Soke Christopher Bashaw, as part of his complete system, Kosho Hoho Yooga™. Traditional Japanese teachings include eight aspects: Energy Cultivation; Japanese Yoga; Philosophy; Meditation; Healing, Folding, Escaping, and War Arts. Currently Shugendo is being taught at only two schools in the United States. Teacher certification is planned for near future.

For information on classes: http://www.freewebs.com/kosho_hoho_yooga.

Dee Hassen is an aspiring writer, currently employed in the field of marketing communication, with several published articles. She is a practitioner of both Kosho Hoho Yooga and Shugendo Yoga.

By Christopher J. Bashaw, Soke,  RN, DD, PhD/MA, RMT, CNFT

We have all hear stories of the shinobi and the sohei of Japan; stories that speak of  walking through walls, invisibility, and extraordinary healing and martial skills.  For those who understand the natural laws associated with movement know that much of this can be explained by superior physical skill and understanding. And the other? Explained by exaggeration of the facts?  Maybe, but what if you

found that there are a few systems of training that work the esoteric aspects of ability, mostly forgotten in today’s age. 

One of those systems is Shugendo Yoga, a sub-system of Kosho Hoho Yooga.  This system, as mentioned , an integral part of Kosho Hoho Yooga (lineage to the Japanese  sohei) and can be studied as part of the whole of Kosho Hoho Yooga system or separately as a single system itself.  Students of this discipline have found it to promote health and wellness, improve ki flow of the body, in-turn enhancing martial ability, as well as develop latent psychic ability and awareness.   Few remaining martial systems include yoga as part of their training. 

Martial arts and yoga may appear to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, for one is more about destruction and the other is closer aligned to healing. But in both philosophies and systems at the advanced levels of training, the idea of opening ones self  and increasing one's internal energy for health and a better quality of longer life prevails as well as along the way you get a great workout, increasing

your core-strength, coordination of body-mind-spirit, balance, and flexibility. So to combine their practices one truly enhances their training as the two disciplines complement each other. 

Both disciplines use and teach: 

• mental and physical practice as a instrument toward self-knowledge and understanding; 

• meditation and introspection; 

• different ways of bringing the opposing forces of a dualistic world into complete and true harmony and balance 

• power of the core and breath (they use different  names for the center of gravity: in martial arts, dan tien or hara, and in yoga for example, udhyana

bandha). 

Both disciplines teach that an ego that is too strong or inflated can cause imbalance and dis-ease. Humility and respect is what both disciplines encourage.

Traditionally all yoga systems were considered to be a preparation for the inner evolution and outer transformation for which Shugendo Yoga, is a catalyst.

In the context of life as we understand it, a life in which true change is not only very rare but seldom understood, that Shugendo Yoga works amazingly quickly. Yoga comes from India and it means to “yoke” or “union” with the Divine.  Yoga is said to have a 5000 year old history which is rich in philosophy and teachings, and unfortunately here in the west has taken to mean hard, sweaty stretching, in tight leotards and body suits for those already with a body to show for it, removing the deeper esoteric and philosophical nature of its very essence. Shugendo Yoga strives to bring back the deeper practices based on Sanskrit, Buddhist, and Taoist beliefs in-turn providing a complete system of yoga to the west. The term Shugendo comes from the Japanese Yamabushi monks and simply implies a magikal  understanding of working with natural law on all aspects. 

Shugendo Yoga practice is simple for it adapts postures to the individual, focuses on the spiritual connections we as humans have regardless of religious affiliation, includes mantra, mediation, qigong, and self-healing modalities into a simple 1 hour practice session. ShugendoYoga blends breathing, movement, stretching, meditation, chanting and the science of yoga into a specific sequence that produces almost instantaneous results. Students of Shugendo Yoga note

great relief of physical malady or increased psychic and intuitive awareness in as short as their first class. Advanced students are able to move and control their ki and others ki to heal or harm. Shugedo Yoga to many becomes a daily practice in self realization and the upside is personal growth, increased core strength, increased vibrational healing and limiting dis-ease. I have seen students of the practice, through their training alone develop skills making them accomplished psychics, mediums, enhancing already existing healing arts and outcomes, and becoming formidable martial artists beyond those who do not practice this art. Students 8-80 have sat in on classes and made this practice a standard in their

life seeing phenomenal personal results. 

Not much is required to practice; a 108 bead mala, yoga mat, mediation bench or pillow is helpful but not necessary, comfortable clothing, and a willingness to

reach outside their own self-imposed boundaries.  Currently there are only two certified instructors in the United States who have shared this with martial artists, lay persons, yoga practitioners, and healthcare practitioners all with similar results. Because of  the positive responses and amazing speed and safety that one can advance their health and vibrational level,  Shugendo Yoga Instructor training is now being made available to the general populous. Training has been organized to be 200+ hours in length similar to standards set by the Yoga Alliance. The difference is that Shugendo Yoga Instructor training has been divided into separate sessions allowing the practitioner to take training on weekends. Where most yoga instructor training sessions are start to finish

4+ week sessions, this allows individuals to minimize time away from home or work; it also allows payment to be done in segments, again decreasing financial strain on families and individuals. And the cost is approximately half of most yoga instructorships. This does not mean the quality of training is any less; it implies that the training is meant to be affordable so that anyone can train and prosper. 

I cannot promise you that if you study Shugendo Yoga you will walk through walls or disappear in a moment of invisibility.  But imagine if you had more intuitive skills that allowed you to be more insightful on a combative situation; if your health improved; if your ki level vibrated higher so that the healing or martial defense was more profound. Then wouldn’t study in such a system improve your existing practice and practice of your students? Then also look at the financial aspect, add a new program to your current curriculum and bring others into your school. For learning True Self Defense is more that hitting and kicking; it includes harmonizing the body, mind and spirit.  Shugendo Yoga can and does enhance lives allowing the practitioner to assume the drivers seat and maximize individual knowledge, wisdom and power. 

About the Author: Christopher Bashaw. Kosho Hoho Yooga is an American eclectic Martial Art, developed by Christopher Bashaw, soke, Family Head. Kosho Hoho Yooga, or "Old Pine Tree Method of Unity and Self Discipline", a martial blending of Kosho Ryu Kempo and Tai Chi. Kosho Hoho Yooga takes the traditional conceptual teachings of the Japanese Warrior Monk of 1235 AD (true self-defense, healing, and spiritual arts) and makes it applicable for the 21st century. Christopher holds black belt ranking in Shaolin Kempo Karate, Mugei-Mumei no Jitsu, as well as certification in Yang style Tai Chi. He was awarded his Hachidan (8th degree black belt) from the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006. In January 2007 Christopher was inducted into Action Magazine Martial Arts Hall of Fame. And in June of 2008 Bashaw will be inducted into the World Karate Union as “Founder of the Year”. Christopher has been a Registered Nurse for over 2 decades, including pediatrics, military, pain care, recovery room, occupational health, drug and alcohol recovery, insurance case management, and rehabilitation. And over the last 20 years he has become certified as a Reiki Master/Teacher, developing his own system, Kokoro Ryu Reiki System of Natural Healing, and given permission in his lineage by Laura Grant, RMT to proceed with that system; Christopher is also the founder of Shugendo Yoga, a spiritual, gentle healing form of yoga which is done by Kosho Hoho Yooga-ka as well as students outside the system; he has taken vows as a Buddhist Priest and now practices and teaches Universal Buddhism as part of his curriculum. He holds a Doctorate in Divinity as well as a PhD/MA and the title of Professor. He incorporates western herbalism, internal and external Chi Kung healing, and Shamanism into his practice and the art of Kosho Hoho Yooga. He

developed Koshonic Body Stress Release © and is now teaching it privately to select students who are opening their own successful practices. Bashaw is also

a renowned psychic and medical intuitive. Christopher is available for private readings and sessions. Christopher is a founding member of WaShin International. Bashaw, soke, is also a CNFT(Certified Natural Fitness Trainer). 

Kosho Hoho Yooga Hombu:  http://www.freewebs.com/mizu_tama_dojo/