This is an introduction to a video series on Nanba, the Art of Physical Finesse. My name is William Reed, and I aim to provide viewers with a deep understanding of Nanba by the end of the series. The series is designed to be simple, fun, and practical, allowing viewers to easily review the information provided.
I am joined by my assistant, Aaron, who is new to Nanba, just like most of the viewers. I explain that Nanba is the way the Samurai would walk, but it is not limited to Samurai culture.
The three principles of Nanba are to not force, not twist, and not disconnect. The series will cover various topics related to Nanba, including Nanba walking, Nanba balance, Nanba flow, Self-care, Accessories, and Footwear.
I have been studying Aikido in Japan since 1972 and discovered Nanba along the way. Nanba emphasizes the importance of developing good habits and the ability to reset and restore balance in order to maintain energy and flow. The series will provide detailed explanations and demonstrations of how to achieve these principles.
I am excited for the opportunity to have you join the series and encourage you to review the videos as many times as needed.
Nanba provides techniques to improve the quality of walking using Nanba, such as standing up straight and aligning the body correctly and we show the importance of balance exercises in resetting and reconnecting the body.
Chap 1 Nanba Walking: the Art of the Samurai Walk
Chap 2 Nanba Balance Techniques: the Art of Resetting
■$30 ■37min.
We introduce Nanba flow movements, which aim to provide ease of motion, natural poise, rhythm, and ease of movement and we look at three exercises in Nanba that can help release tension and improve energy in Vol.2.
Chap 3 Nanba Flow Movements: the Art of Easy Movement
Chap 4 Nanba Assist: the Art of Getting Unstuck
■$30 ■35min.
We demonstrate using everyday objects as accessories to access the power and wisdom of the body in Vol.3.
Chap 5 Nanba Accessories: the Art of Demonstrating Nanba
Chap 6 Nanba Footwear: the Art of Mindful Walking
■$40 ■57min.
Born in the United States, William Reed is a long-time resident of Japan, and is currently a Professor of Japanese Culture at the International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University. He holds a 10th-dan in Shodo from the Zen Nihon Shodo Rengokai, and is a Headquarters appointed Vice Chairman of the Japan Calligraphy Education Association. He holds an 8th-dan in Aikido from the Aikido Yuishinkai. He holds a Tokubetsu Shihan rank in Nanba, the Art of Physical Finesse. He is aiso Certifed as a shihan in WAGI, a health method based on traditional japanese Kyogen theater, shown to extend years of a healthy lifespan. Director of the International Committee for the Mugairyu Hogyokukai (2nd-dan). A regular commentator on Yamanashi Broadcast Television Tetete TV, Navigator for NHK World Journeys in Japan, numerous documentaries, and has appeared on the long running Sekai Fushigi Hakken (Discover the World’s Mysteries). Certified in 2009 by World Champion of Public Speaking Craig Valentine, he has written a bestseller on this in Japanese 世界最高のプレゼン術 (Kadokawa Books, 2014). He is also author of Song of the Brush Dance of the Ink (Morgan James Publishing, 2022). He appears in the bestselling DVD on Nanba Walking 本当のナンバ歩き, and the DVD on Introduction to Mugairyu Iaido, both published by BAB Japan.
Samurai Walk: Mastery of Sword and Letters:
http://www.samurai-walk.com
