Natural movement strategies are low energy consuming, omni directional, flexible as in walking

AMATSUHatsumi (2003).
An age old trusted heritage of lifeskills that developsDr. Stephen Levin in his research of Biotensegrity has
balance andwellness in to your lifestyle.studied the pelvis and itsligamentous arrangement and
1likened it to a spoked wheel. The pelvis
TAI JUTSU – Natural Movement Heritageremainsbalanced to forces acting both from above
Hatsumi Sensei began our instruction in Amatsuand below with long levers. Even the actof standing on
principles by explaining twoimportant fundamentalone leg does not compromise this structure of support.
concepts. He explained that the study of Gairon andViewed from the front the pelvis can be likened to the
Tai Jutsuwere connected and vital to our ability tosame bicycle wheel analogy.
receive his teaching. Without understandingtheseDiagrams with kind permission of
principles, we could not continue.Dr. Stephen Levin
Gairon is the underpinning or foundation of Amatsu. He©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004
describes this essence assensing theUpdated April 2005
interconnectedness of all things in the universe. GaironIf you imagine the bicycles wheel as being twisted it
also interprets asseeing the whole picture and itsforms a leminiscate giving riseto the paired innominate
thread in any given situation.bones. The sacrum still in the centre is represented by
“Gaia the Greek goddess of the earth.”thehub. The tensegrity across such a structure gives
“The relationship between thebiosphere and Gaiaomni directional stability andpower.
is like that between your body and you. The biosphereEven the balance of the sacrum between the two iliac
isthe three dimensional geographic region where livingbones is supported by soft tissueelements.
organisms exist. Gaia isthe super organism composedTo liken the pelvis to an arch suggests that the
of all life tightly coupled with the air, the oceansand thesacrum is fixed like a locking stone ina Roman arch or
surface locks.” Lovelock, J. GAIA A New look atflying buttress.
life on Earth.Form Fit Force Fit
Precafe PXIThis would require either a form fit or a force fit to
Tai Jutsu is more than just a skill or body movement, itsecure it in place. Both of thesemethods require a lot
is a feeling, an essence bornfrom nature.of friction and are not omni directional flexible and low
He explained to us that without Tai Jutsu (Naturalenergysystems.
Movement), then nothing wouldexist in the universe.The boot mechanism of the sacrum is covered with a
This applies to weather patterns, water flow, openingslippery surface making form fitor force fit impractical.
of flowersand human development.The sacrum actually hangs in front of the pelvis and
The Hichi Buko Goshin Jutsu tradition holds the secretthe angle would simple fallforward. The tiny
of the opening of flowers, thevery essence of life onmovements possible at the boot mechanism
our planet.articulation also followa leminiscate pattern and mirror
Victor Schauberger a natural scientist describes it inthe pelvic analogy to a twisted bicycle wheel.
the following way:©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004
“Were water actually what hydrologist deem itUpdated April 2005
to be – a chemically-inertsubstance-then a longThese movements can only be made possible in a
time ago there would already have been no watertensegrous truss system. Levin. S,
and nolife on this Earth. I regard water as the blood of(2005).
the Earth. Its internalprocess, while not identical to thatThe ligaments and soft tissues are “constructed
of our blood, is nonetheless very similar. Itis this processwith soft visceoelasticmaterials that behave non
that gives water its movement. I would compare thislinearly” Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and
innermotion, the origin of all possible physicalBiology Vol 2,3 and 4, 375-388 World Scientific
movement, to that of a blossomingflower bud. As itPublishing Co.
unfolds, it creates a vortex-like crown of petals, in theThe difference between a mechanical structure and a
centreand at the end of which stands the true secrethuman in motion is this nonlinearflexibility of choice in
of motion-life in statu nascendi,in the form of amovement.
concentration of movement”.“In Newtonian physics a four dimensional
Viktor Schaubergeruniverse is often described as agiant clockworks in
©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004three dimensional space manifesting linear processes
Updated April 2005intime” Power Vs Force D, Hawkins. (2002)
Hi Chi Buko Goshin JutsuIn other words, movement of a structure is determined
The school of the secret of the opening flower. Theby a concept of causality.
secret of the opening flower is theinterplay ofOne-step sequentially leading to the next in mechanical
nature’s forces of compression and tension in aformation.
state of equilibrium. Theexpression of the opening ofThe human frame is not ruled by this concept and is
the flower is the bias of the dynamic power ofcapable of nondeterministic,omni directional change
tensionfrom within and the interplay of compressioninside of movements. This is like changing the
from without, giving form to the flower.formation ofa step when you realise you are going to
In the coming into being as form, the tension inside thetrip
flower overcomes thecompression of gravity andIn the mechanical structure, movement can be created
external force keeping it as a bud. As with allby a cogged mechanism. Withcogs of different sizes
threedimensional form being part of the Kyu Jutsuand working at different speeds, movement can be
cycle of 50/50 balance (a concept ofbalance betweencreated todrive machines. For example, smaller cogs
insubstantial and substantial form existing as oneinfluencing larger wheels can drive awindmill.
entity.) Being inform is the footprint of its past and theIn any system like this, there is a critical point where a
precursor of its eventual degeneration. This isthe Kosmall force exerted on one ofthe cogs could exert the
Ku cycle of birth/death creation and destruction ofgreatest effect on all the cogs.
earthly form.In the human biological frame these critical points also
Victor Schauberger a natural scientist in theexist, how many of us havetripped over a stone? One
1930’s describes this form from a wateryorigincritical point can affect the whole of our mechanism
as our very metamorphis, the coming into being ofCritical Point Even a toothpick could grind the
form.mechanism to a halt
The form that evolves from the metamorphis of©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004
water is built from its liquid prestressintelligence.Updated April 2005because of the interconnectedness
Biological structures come into form from a liquid orof our tensegrity members in the soft tissues of
water origin with aprestress intelligence to withstandthebody.
the stresses of compression and tension. As lifeIn the human body, there are many anatomical
onearth, this can manifest as life in air with gravity orvulnerable sites where a small forcecan exert
underwater depending on itsecological circumstances.considerable damage, even death. In budo warrior
This ease of evolvement in nature follows the conceptcraft, these points werestudied to gain victory in a fight
of doing more with less knownassituation. Even when a person wears
“ephemerialisation”. From these origins, anyarmour,vulnerable places are left exposed at the
evolvement can be explained throughthe science nowexpense of movement.
known as Biotensegrity.Hatsumi teaches the vulnerability of these critical points
Dr. Stephen Levin’s research in Biotensegrityin the body in his lessons on
holds the view that the body is atensegrity trussBudo. In Japanese, they are called Kyusho and the
system with tension members provided by a matrix ofKanji or Japanese ideogram forthe word critical is
connectivetissues, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels,interpreted as meaning danger or opportunity.
nerves and fascia.In the medicine Hatsumi taught us, he demonstrated
In this model, the bones are considered as spacers, notthe potential opportunity forthese Kyusho to bring
weight bearers along withincompressible fluids givingabout wellness in the body.
shape and form to a soft tissue entity.By observing motion of a person as they walk he can
In keeping with this theory of the body being a softdetermine which tensegrity linesof the soft tissues are
tissue continuum, Hatsumi Senseidemonstrated to uscompromised. On evaluation, our Orthopaedic tests
the concept of a one point therapeutic protocol. Thisand muscletests verify these findings in a clinical
was possiblebecause of the principle of Gairon utilisingsetting.
the interconnectedness of all the biologicalstructures ofBy applying, a pressure to the compromised Kyusho
our bodies.with an omni directionalflexibility that is delivered by his
“The continuity or global interconnectedness ofbodies Tai Jutsu, (Natural Movement) he releasesthe
the living matrix is essentialto the understanding of thecritical point.
body and the role of energetics in healthThis pressure does not act locally on the tissue or
anddisease”. Oschman, J. Energy Medicinefollow a specific anatomical routealong muscles or
(P232)fascia. It follows to the depth of the tissue change and
He taught us that to apply pressure on one pointcan act in anon-linear dynamic way that matches the
affected all parts and explained thatwith the bodytension/compression changes to thedamaged tissue.
movement “Tai Jutsu” you were able toThis is brought about by the ability to palpate deeply
follow the torsional directionsof vulnerable or damagedinto tissuewithout force feedback being a resistant
tissue. He explained that these points of interactionforce.
wereknown as Kyusho, where change at one pointScientific research by Oshman, J. in 1990 has shown
had a critical effect on the whole.that pressure applied to tissuecan affect the viscosity
Water in its structured form is enclosed in the body inturning a sol back to gel. This has the effect of
fascial compartments. It helpsto provide shockreducing arestriction to a moveable structure instantly.
absorption and holds shape of a tissue. The differentHatsumi Sensei explained to us, thousands of years
densities ofliquids contribute to their form as either aago before pathology of organswas understood;
sol or gel.Ampuka relied totally on tactile feelings. The natural
©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004ability derivedfrom natural movement allows you to
Updated April 2005follow the directional pathway of a restrictionand angle
Therefore, as we move from liquid state to a denseryour thumb to become a fulcrum for change.
tissue determines how the tissuereacts. This effectIn the art of Shinden, he told us that our energy or
carries on through all tissues from fascia to bone.intent must come from the heart toour thumb to
To begin to understand how these concepts relate toinstigate the change. My initial understanding of this
Amatsu and natural movementpower we need to gainconcept was to besincere and benevolent or your
an understanding and awareness of the natural flowintent to initiate healing in the client.
of energyand the forces of nature, both on a tangibleThis omni directional palpation is described by him as a
and intangible level.feeling from the heart of manand described in an
In the cycle of precipitation, water falls from the cloudsideogram calligraphy he drew for me.
in the form of rain or snowand eventually finds its way“Shin Kokoro Kara Ose”
back to the sea. Water falls from the sky andPress from your heart to your thumb.
flowsdownhill due to the force of gravity. Once in theAlthough this is important, more recent research has
sea, water rises in the form ofvapour overcomingdemonstrated that the heart is themain generator of
gravity via evaporation. As it moves, it forms clouds,electricity in the body in the form of energy. Science
which arethen driven, back over land where thealso tells usthat energy can neither be created nor
process starts all over again.destroyed, only converted.
This cycle involves FU (wind), SUI (water) and theThis heart feel is the essence of Shin Den applied
natural forces and energies ofgravity and heat. This isthrough the fingers of the therapistto the critical point
a natural example of the interaction of wind andrequiring this energy conversion. Your touch can
waterfollowing the laws of attraction and minimalactually inject abehavioural message or intent into the
energy.restricted tissue to help disassemble lesionpatterns.
When we choose to ignore nature or work against it,You can create instantaneous elicitation in tissue
the consequences can be bothunhealthy and energythrough the connective tissue matrix.
consuming.Your anatomical, functional and palpatory assessments
In modernised society, people sit, walk, drive and workallow for both a precise yetglobal pressure technique.
in mechanically orientatedpatterns. Even in sports youThe is the key to the Heritage of Hatsumi’s
see repetitive and biased movement sequences.lineage of knowledge applied as a therapy.
Thisleads to many postural and musculo-skeletal strainThe essence of Amatsu is to be able to detect and
patterns in the body.influence these Kyusho to bringabout change in the
Many occupations give rise to repetitive strain injuriesbodies physiology.
that bring pain andincompetence to our bodies.The science of Biotensegrity can demonstrate the
Natural movement strategies are low energydynamic and potentials of thisapproach to a natural
consuming, omni directional, flexibleand simple.therapy. This approach has been protected and
To come to an understanding of natural movementhanded down asa lineage for three thousand years.
principles we need to look atavailable scientific data.“To know the patterns is subtle power. The
©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004subtle power moves all things andhas no name.”
Updated April 2005Hawkins. D, Power Vs Force (2002)
Our role as therapists examining Ampuka (organA ninja’s duty is surely to sneak into the world of
ecology) is to identify theserestrictions and theirscience and ensure that it isthe servant, not the
anatomical implications. From their organ sites, we canmaster. Hatsumi (2004) Way of the Ninja p127
followlines of tension involvement to come to anHatsumi Sensei has now passed this feeling and
understanding of their symptomaticphilosophy on to us as a heritage tohelp mankind.
andanatomico-physiological patterns.I have studied many systems that employ soft tissues
This helps to understand cause/effect factors andfor release of anatomical lesions.
possible postural biases contributingto a givenMassage, soft tissue manipulation and ligamentous
pathology.articular balancing all employ softtissues and ligaments
©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004in altering the pulls or stress patterns in the body.
Updated April 2005The unique approach of Amatsu in utilising body
Standard methods of evaluating the body were basedpositioning behind the contact pointmakes it a powerful
on Newtonian physics but thismodel does not fit ourand dynamic method of correction.
upright bipedal movement against gravity.He explained to us that techniques are born from the
Newtonian physics can measure and calculate thecircumstances of the situation.
strength of structures and thestresses they becomeHe summed it up with the following statement:
subject to.“The spirit and feeling of a technique are more
In the construction of buildings, especially tall structures,important than the mechanicalways to achieve
gravity plays a big part intheir stability. The downwardit”. Hatsumi Lectures.
compressive force of gravity holds the structureHe told us that without this skill you are only pressing, in
inplace.Japanese this is called a
This works well until you want to add a horizontalShiatsu, to finger press.
structure to the upright one. Thishorizontal structureIts Tai Jutsu and your feeling that differentiate it from
adds a shear stress to the building and requirespressing to being therapeutic.
reinforcement.You must be able to palpate deeply and influence the
Any additional stresses due to wind or earth tremordirectional route of the lesion.
complicate the system evenfurther.This is the ageless heritage that brings the wellness
It’s estimated that if the human frame werefrom the person.
constructed according to these rules, thehead wouldTakamatsu sensei: “if people remain healthy
be too heavy for the spine to handle. All this beforethroughout their life, areright-minded and neither rush
we even begin tomove in three-dimensional space.nor are late in their actions, the naturalresult is a ticket
Unfortunately, the body is still reviewed and describedto paradise, and this also becomes a way for
in outmoded mechanicalanatomical terms. Until thejoiningtogether and uniting”
concept of Biotensegrity, the laws describingIn the visceral approach, you are focussing on the
anatomicalmovement were according to Newtoniantension of fascia around the organs.
principles.We need to integrate the concept of one point
Gravity Creates Stability Shear Stressapproach to a tensegrous structurechanging sol to gel
©Copyright Dennis Bartram November 2004in the tissue matrix.
Updated April 2005Your tactile evaluation around the anatomical location
In a tensegrity structure, compression elements float inof the organs can alsodetermine the pulls that influence
the interspace of the tensionwires. In the body, thisthe organ restriction. With this information, you can
would relate to the vertebrae in the spine. Eachfollow lines of tension to identify other structures in the
subsystemlesion stack. This helpsto identify the priority structure
(vertebrae, disc and soft tissue) would be acreating the problem. At this site or Kyusho your
subsystem of the spines meta system, likethe beehiveonepoint contact, angle and body movement can
analogy.create the fulcrum to dissipate the lesionstack.
When viewed in this way you can understand theirOnce our anatomy and Tai Jutsu are developed, the
role in balancing tension andcompression when stressskill you develop is addressed in
is applied to the human frame. Extracts fromHatsumi’s words: UNDERSTAND, GOOD,
‘Spine’ stateof the Art Reviews Vol , NoPLAY!
2, May 1995, Hanley and Belfast, Philadelphia, EdThe Scientist knows that in the history of ideas, magic
Thomas Deman M.Dalways precedesscience, that the intuition of
Loads applied to the body distribute their pressurephenomena anticipates their objective knowledge.
through the network of tensionelements to create aGauguelin 1974.
balance. Even a pressure load to a small bone willIn every culture and in every medical tradition before
distribute theload through the whole system.ours, healing wasaccomplished by moving energy.
A natural movement strategy in tensegrity trussAlbert Szent-GyÖrgyi (1960)
architectural form is the closestexplanation ofPictogram of “Nin” by Massaki Hatsumi.
nature’s laws at work in the human frame.Translate to mean, “To endure, to
Human beings are the only creatures that need to bepersevere.”
taught to more naturally.BIBLOGRAPHY:
Hatsumi Lectures 1995Castaneda, Carlos. Readers of Infinity
This bio tensegrity makes the art of upright walkingDeman, Thomas. M.D. Spine state of the Art reviews.
against gravities compression aneffortless act for theGaugeulin
human. In Newtonian principles when we walk theGyorgyi, Szent. Albert
meta tarsopharangeal junction is described as aHatsumi. M, Dr. The Way of the Ninja
fulcrum for the whole body weight to projectitselfHawkins, David R., 1995 Power vs Force
forward in a step.Lovelock, J. 1979 GAIA New look at life on earth.
In a lever system you can only pull down. MusclesOshman, J. 2000 Energy Medicine, The Scientific Basis.
when they contract in the bodycan only pull usSchauberger,. Victor.
downward. Therefore when the small muscles in theTakamatsu. Sensei
feet contract thedownward pull generated cannot giveLIVE LECTURES:
enough power for a lever such as the metaHatsumi. M. Dr. 1995, 2003
tarsopharyngeal joint.Levin. S, Dr. 2005
This puts a whole new complexion on the naturalOschman. J, 2005
movement principles that Hatsumiexplained to us.PHOTOGRAPHS:
Bones floating in a compression, tension network canFlemings. T.
form into trusses and extend outfrom the body like aLevin. S, Dr.
bridge. This makes the body a weight mover not aSnelson. K, [
weightbearer. So in walking and especially when yourAll of the above are tensegrous strut structures.
on one leg, the balanced tensionmaintains the integrity.Take care of your body. It's the only place you have
“Hatsumi says that you must learn to float into live.
your walk”