My gratitude to Alejandro Diaz Gutierrez, Camilo Ruiz, Patricia Castillo Moreno for their exceptionally kind hospitality and also to everyone else who helped organise the successful 'Bujinkan Taikai, Peter King, Bogotá'. 

In addition praise must go to all of the participants for their enthusiasm, skills and hard work.

Taikai report:

During the three day Taikai we examined first the Kyūsho (急所) / Kinketsu (禁穴) of Takagi Yoshin-ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術). We discussed the anatomical locations, the reason why those points were vulnerable, the physical and neurological implications of attacking them and also mechanisms of injury. 

We then worked with the Shoden Omote Gata (初伝表型) techniques (as below). We examined the biomechanics of each technique and how these enabled the kyūsho attacks to be delivered. We also looked at the hidden secrets and principles of the techniques, that are contained within the unique small points of each. 

• Kasumi Dori 霞捕 

• Dō Gaeshi 洞返   

• Karame Dori 搦捕 

• Kyotō 虚倒 

• Katamune Dori 片胸捕 

• Ryōmune Dori 両胸捕  

• Yuigyaku 唯逆

When viewed in this context it was obvious to see how devastatingly effective would be when done correctly. 

The same was true when we did the same with Kyūsho (急所) / Kinketsu (禁穴) of Kotō-ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術). We first then, looked at the Kurai Dori (位取) i.e. posture and controlling the space around you and worked with the following Shoden Gata (初伝型) techniques (as below). Again following the same process as with the Takagi Yoshin-ryū (as above), looking at the hidden secrets and principles of the techniques, that are contained within the unique small points of each. 

• Yokutō 抒投 

• Ōgyaku 押虚 

• Kōyoku 抗抒

• Hossoku 捕捉   

My congratulations to:

Carlos Andrés Peña Muñoz  & Juan Camilo Castañeda Camargo, who both passed the Godan Test (五段審査) in exceptional fashion during the Taikai. 

All participants received comprehensive Kyūsho charts and fully illustrated ‘densho’ instructions for the Takagi Yoshin-ryū, Shoden Omote Gata and the Kotō-ryū Shoden Gata to assist with their learning and future study.

The Taikai was a great experience, well run and with great people participating - once again, thank you to all of you.