Kasumi-gakure

Training with Sickness or Injury.

2011-11-13T08:55:00.001-05:00

Soke often councils to train even when injured. The logic in this is clear. You may be forced to deal with a mortal threat when you are injured; you may have to perform when you are not at your best. What may not be so clearly defined is how you deal with sickness. Obviously, the polite budoka will refrain from training in the dojo when his presence may infect others with an illness. But, what should you do regarding strength and endurance training, rutai undo, or your personal budo studies?

Recently, I fell ill and was confronted with a training dilemma. Should I maintain a consistent training regimen or should I rest and wait out a minor illness? I think it’s more important to maintain consistency. Generally, if you can maintain a behavior for two weeks it becomes ingrained as a habit. Therefore, consistency and desirable habit formation are keys to long term success. Minor illnesses, a flu, cough, or sore throat should not constitute a sufficient impediment to interfere with the momentum built in daily practice. The warrior’s path is challenging and demands the pursuit of excellence. Dedication demands consistent effort. Soke says, “The repetition of daily training leads to the way of a great warrior.”

In my own life, I have found that when I think I cannot, I discover that I can. Often, training will make one feel better when ill. Often, training will speed a recovery. However, judgement must be exercised and one would be ill advised to train when struggling with a serious illness. Recently, I struggled with a persistent cough and I waged an internal battle over wether to push myself physically. Thoughts immediately arose, whispering that I was too tired, that I would make myself worse, that I should just rest for one more day. I chose to go on my routine endurance run and discovered that I was stronger than I thought and even felt better during my run and suffered no ill effects afterward. Life will always present you with a multitude of reasons as to why you can’t. But, you have the ability to choose. You must decide, are the ends worth the means? If the answer for you is yes, then conquer the obstacles of the moment. You need only defeat the dragon in the moment, the immediate is all you need control. Bufu Ikkan.

The above painting is by Soke Masaaki Hatsumi "Bushin wa wo motte tootoshi to nasu" (The martial heart holds harmony sacred)

"Hatsumi Soke always says that one must not act for 'personal reasons' or 'based on one's own thoughts'. The next important thing is the 'heart of persistent training". The essence of the martial arts is to have no "openings'. Thorough the training, one learns how to eliminate one's physical and mental vulnerabilities. However, human immaturity means that over the long period of training, uninvited thoughts and selfish ideas creep in. Finally, there is the important 'heart of endurance'. The natural world is blessed with seasons: nature does not give us any flowers or fruit until the right time has come. Nature also changes - it is not always fine weather. Walking a stony path is the destiny of anyone who trains."

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Modern Budo--One Mind, Any Weapon

2011-11-12T19:30:00.001-05:00

Curtesy of Jack Hoban.

Oni-Kudaki "Demon Crusher"

2011-06-07T17:26:00.004-04:00

Was browsing Stephen K. Hayes' web site and ran across this interesting use of oni-kudaki. Enjoy.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T10:52:00.003-04:00

Today has been set aside as a time of reflection. Many of us will fill this day with activities involving family, friends, the back yard grill, and maybe a parade. Surely, these are all good things. Indeed, those who we commemorate on this day died so that we may enjoy this day and every other under the banner of a free republic. There are those that remain on the battlements and guard us in the dark night against the predations of wicked men. Civilized society is insulated from the brutality of evil men and the ravenous appetites of despots. But they are there, prowling on the other side of civilized society's keep, ready to burn, pillage, and do murder. Soft men in tailored suits, ensconced in the delicacies of urban society have been bred to effete manners and assume that the role of the warrior is obsolete because they live within a sterile cocoon, blind and ignorant like hatchlings given their sustenance and defended. Left to themselves, they would go blundering from safety and be rent into bloody shreds, amid their meager flapping and piteous shrieks. Today we must remember the naked reality that evil will run wild if left unpunished by warriors and that noble men have gone before to man the wall against the barbarians and have died for their brothers-in-arms, for their wives and children, for their countrymen, for the golden dream of a free republic. We owe them the homage of our thoughts and our respect. We owe them the honor of fame and the glory of monument. Let the insipid metro-man give place. Let us honor the noble warrior today and shower their memory with the laurels of our deepest gratitude.

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Osama isn't Barack Hussein Obama's trophy kill

2011-05-02T15:16:00.004-04:00

The death of Osama Bin Laden has ignited an orgy of self-congratulatory bloviation from the left. This orgasm of adulation is jarringly strange coming from the anti-war, anti-military left. It seems that even Joy Behar has been caught up in the breathless Obama worship, remarking that the 2012 elections should be cancelled. Barack Hussein Obama’s statement regarding Bin Laden’s death contained at least 10 references to the personal pronouns “I” or “me.” Amidst all the democrat back-slapping, I’m reminded of Harry Ried’s infamous statement, “this war is lost.” Barack Hussein Obama and the democrat party opposed the prosecution of the war on terror and subverted efforts to bring Bin Laden to justice. Interestingly, Gitmo detainee and waterboard subject Kahlid Shaikh Mohammed provided key information which led directly to the death of Bin Laden. Gitmo, water boarding, and rendition were all tools utilized by the Bush administration, receiving withering criticism from Obama and the democrat party.

Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) is located in Cuba and is staffed by approximately 9000 U.S. Marines and sailors. The Guantanamo Bay area was offered to the U.S. Government as a perpetual lease in 1903 by Tomas Estrada Palma, who became Cuba’s first president. Gitmo’s current significance is associated with prison facilities located within the naval base. Within Gitmo’s state-of-the-art detention facilities are some of 9/11’s most notorious war criminals. The democrat party characterizes Gitmo as part of a complex of “secret” prisons in which, it is supposed, political prisoners are secreted, interrogated, or tortured. Oddly, Gitmo is notorious and hardly secret. The monolithic media are allowed regular access to the facility and have documented the impeccable nature of the detention facility and permissive accommodations that detainee’s enjoy regarding religious practice, exercise, and access to every modern convenience. Despite statements from B. Hussein Obama that he would immediately close Gitmo, Obama has continued the Bush policy of continuing to use Gitmo to house terrorism war criminals.

The practice of waterboarding was met with howls of protest from the left. Waterboarding is an enhanced interrogation technique in which the subject experiences simulated drowning. The technique results in no lasting physical or psychological injury. And, a physician is always present during the administration of the technique. Despite the benign nature of the technique and the overwhelming national security interest extant, B. Hussein Obama instructed his Department of Justice to investigate CIA interrogators for alleged criminal violations. The Obama administration attempted to classify the practice of waterboarding as a crime. However, Obama’s leftist witch hunt was thwarted by the thorough legal vetting conducted by the Bush administration. Information acquired through the use of waterboarding led directly to the death of Osama Bin Laden, which B. Hussein Obama directly authorized. Following his logic, Obama authorized the death of a foreign national based on information obtained by illegal means. So much for remaining true to the sacred principals that make our nation so respected in the international arena.

Obama has also been an outspoken opponent of the practice of rendition. Rendition involves the abduction and incarceration of terrorism suspects. It seems that Obama has lost his enlightened disdain for this practice. Since Barack Hussein Obama personally authorized the death of Osama Bin Laden, I assume his liberal sensibilities would not be offended by merely perpetrating an abduction.

In the end, the death of Osama Bin Laden is the inevitable result of Bush administration policies. Obama is merely a poacher. Obama presides over the worst economy since the great depression. Unemployment remains at staggering levels. Obamacare is a disaster. Obama’s Marxist policies have wrought catastrophic damage. Bin Laden’s death doesn’t change any of this. Bush led this country through the dark day of 9/11, provided principled leadership, and inspired the nation to act. Who will ever forget his 9/11 bullhorn speech: “I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you. And, the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”

To Persevere

2010-06-17T00:06:00.001-04:00

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

Sir Winston Churchill

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Fear and Failure

2010-06-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

"The essence of warriorship, or the essence of human bravery, is refusing to give up on anyone or anything." Chogyam Trungpa

I set goals and fail to meet them; my work schedule is onerous. Finding time to train is thwarted by circumstance at every turn. I am tempted to give up. I want to quit, to dropout.

Circumstances make me feel defeated and it is this feeling of failure and not the true nature of failure that causes many to succumb and surrender. The truth about discrete events of failure is that the derivative negative perceptions are merely a function of a lack of perspective, delusion, not perceiving the true nature of things.

We often suppose that the path to success is one of consistent forward progress. The reality is that success and accomplishment are achieved only in the face of successive failure. It is not a straight and smooth path but winding and difficult. Indeed, the proper response to defeat is a key to achievement. "He who will not be defeated, cannot be defeated." This is a Navy Seal maxim which admits of no defeat. But note, implicit in this maxim is the presumption of adversity and temporary set back. For where there is no challenge of defeat, there cannot be the exercise of bravery. This is also the ethos of the ancient Ninja, whose creed was survival begotten of endurance. You are only defeated when you cease to strive; when you despair of your goal and quit.

The scriptures say that a just man falls seven times but rises up again. (Proverbs 24:16) Just men fall! But, just men do not remain prostrate in the dust. He rises again and again admitting no defeat. The failures of yesterday have passed as a mist. We live under the sun at this moment. Will you press on? Just men do. Warriors do.

Hatsumi Sensei is fond of saying, "just keep training." Well, that's all there is to it.

Measuring Out My Life In Coffee Spoons

2009-11-20T12:03:00.003-05:00

T.S. Eliot (1888–1965).

Prufrock and Other Observations. 1917.

1. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

S’io credesse che mia risposta fosse
A persona che mai tornasse al mondo,
Questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse.
Ma perciocche giammai di questo fondo
Non torno vivo alcun, s’i’odo il vero,
Senza tema d’infamia ti rispondo.

LET us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherised upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats 5
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question … 10
Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”
Let us go and make our visit.

In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.

The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes, 15
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap, 20
And seeing that it was a soft October night,
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.

And indeed there will be time
For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,
Rubbing its back upon the window-panes; 25
There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate; 30
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
And for a hundred visions and revisions,
Before the taking of a toast and tea.

In the room the women come and go 35
Talking of Michelangelo.

And indeed there will be time
To wonder, “Do I dare?” and, “Do I dare?”
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair— 40
[They will say: “How his hair is growing thin!”]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin—
[They will say: “But how his arms and legs are thin!”]
Do I dare 45
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

For I have known them all already, known them all:—
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, 50
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?

And I have known the eyes already, known them all— 55
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways? 60
And how should I presume?

And I have known the arms already, known them all—
Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
[But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
It is perfume from a dress 65
That makes me so digress?
Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
And should I then presume?
And how should I begin?
. . . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets 70
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?…

I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.
. . . . .
And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully! 75
Smoothed by long fingers,
Asleep … tired … or it malingers,
Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis? 80
But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon a platter,
I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter;
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker, 85
And in short, I was afraid.

And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while, 90
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: “I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all”— 95
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: “That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all.”

And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while, 100
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen: 105
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
“That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all.”
. . . . . 110
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use, 115
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool.

I grow old … I grow old … 120
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.

I do not think that they will sing to me. 125

I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.

We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown 130
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.

Eric Holder Hammered by Graham

2009-11-18T19:02:00.001-05:00

Our Bushido, The 9-12 Project

2009-09-12T14:52:00.007-04:00

"Bushi and Ninja are always prepared to offer their lives for the sake of their lord or village, and die serenely. It is a wonderful way to live...Yet I feel compelled to say that enduring to the end no matter what happens, persevering with life despite being prepared for death at any time, is actually the secret of Bushido. This means treasuring the lifestyle of the Ninja, living as a shadow of your true purpose, and doing your utmost to survive."

--Masakki Hatsumi, Soke

The Dream Of Tomorrow

2009-08-09T17:33:00.035-04:00

We dream a dream in which we move about through the course of our lives, buying, selling, working, training, acquiring an education, forming and maintaining families, all by dint of our power, the will-to-power. We dream a dream and imagine ourselves the captains of our fate, masters of the universe we survey. We fancy that we are in control and manage risk to the level of our taste. It is a dream and as such, finds no basis in the real. So it is of combat. We think we manage the innumerable combinations of possibilities by the power of our practiced skill. However, the strong are often conquered by the weak; a giant fell to a boy wielding a strap of leather and common stones. The truth is simply ignored. The dream casts its pall and we throw ourselves headlong into the unknown with blithe indifference. But, eventually, the unpleasant reality of the objective intrudes into our subjective stupor. Our true relationship to the objective is not one of power. "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14 Can a vapor rage against the storm and bend it to it's infinitesimally small power? Hardly. Whether you care to recognize the fact or not, you have your life only so long as Providence deigns to extend it. It is by Him that we live, move, and have our being. The management of risk, ultimately, is illusory. We must proceed by faith or not at all and live in harmony with the Divine Will. Man's purpose is to do the will of his Creator. In this path, the true Shinobi finds peace and contentment. For what is life and death to the man who moves by the Divine Purpose, having found peace with God through Christ our Lord?

The unpleasant truth is that we only have now. Mu shin--no mind, teaches this. By it we come to understand that what we do now we must do with full concentration in the present. What of the past? What of the future? In view of the limited sphere of our influence we should give ourselves over wholly to the task at hand. Bend the full resources of your mind to the accomplishment of the goal in full understanding the the accomplishment is resultant of the Divine prerogative. But in view of the end to which we all proceed, we aught to give deep thought to our relationship to God--the ultimate ground of reality.

In light of complete uncertainty, how do rational beings maintain sanity? One may simply ignore the nature of one's existence and dream on until the day of harsh awakening; or, one may meet the vicissitudes of life with faith. "For that ye aught to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that." James 4:15 In this we find the absolute measure of our lives: if the Lord will. In this is complete assurance. Here, the warrior may find complete peace and preparation for the uncertainties of battle and the finality of death. Only in recognizing the reality of the Divine hand of Providence can one meet reality rationally, as a man.

Tomorrow is the dream. You may meet the reality of eternity within the next moment. Burn an incense and carefully observe the tenuous curl of smoke. In the sinuous coils, see the span of your life.

"There is a poem from martial arts' history which reads: 'People think they perform their techniques themselves...unaware that their bodies are guided by the gods.' Those intent on 'putting on' techniques or becoming more skillful are sure to fail in the long run. It is more important to move in step with the gods, maintain an disinterested attitude, keep control over one's own emotions, and retain a sensibility which goes beyond the everyday." Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke

Protecting The Good

2009-06-09T19:47:00.010-04:00

For those who do not understand the way of Budo, it may seem strange that I have added the following video. If that is your feeling, then take a few moments to free your mind from staid and monolithic attitudes inculcated by popular society. The Ninja were decidedly non-conformist and worked incessantly to preserve the freedom of their families and clans. Our nation faces a threat from a modern Shogun who attempts to coalesce his power and limit the freedom of the individual. The Shinobi Spirit lives on in the heart of the following orator. Bufu Ikkan!

"The ultimate purpose of real martial arts is to maintain peace and freedom."

"The taijutsu that I teach is founded in freedom, and the feeling that we are looking for arises out of freedom of movement. This freedom is so important. A person who does not appreciate how precious freedom is cannot understand my taijutsu."

"The Mission of the Bujinkan is to protect the good."

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke The Grandmasters Book Of Ninja Training

David Carradine 1936-2009

2009-06-04T20:46:00.002-04:00

David Carradine, known best for his role in the t.v. series Kung Fu and in the Kill Bill movie series, died today. His body was discovered in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. There has been speculation that his death was the result of suicide. Be that as it may, the outcome is the same; whether by his own hand or through natural causes, he has met with the fate that awaits us all. His death is a reminder of the transient and ephemeral nature of life. A reminder that we must treasure our moments and prepare for death.

"Yet I feel compelled to say that enduring to the end no matter what happens, persevering with life despite being prepared for death at any time, is actually the secret of Bushido. This means treasuring the lifestyle of the Ninja, living as a shadow of your true purpose, and doing your utmost to survive." Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke

Yet, the death of the physical body is not the ultimate effect. I put it in terms of cause and effect because the ultimate effect of death is the eternal separation of man and his God. The cause is thus: "and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 To persevere with life, to be prepared for death, to know the secret of Bushido, one must know the secret of eternal life: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1,2

Summer grass

All that remains

Of the warrior's dreams

(Basho)

If you wish to send a message of condolance to the Carradine family you may do so at www.david-carradine.com

The Spirit of Nin-Po

2009-06-02T17:09:00.003-04:00

"If you persevere in Ninjutsu as I have done, you will come to discern the ocean of difference that lies between things seen with true eyes, observed using the intuitive "feeling" you develop in this art, and those seen through the glass eyes of people who have not trained at all." Massaki Hatsumi, Soke The Way Of The Ninja; Secret Techniques pg. 142

Juppo Sessho

2009-05-23T16:26:00.021-04:00

I began a walk in the woods, as most, carrying much more than the items in my pack. April 30th, 2009 I set out with a group of friends to conquer a small bit of the Appalachian Trail (AT)--a mere 24 miles in three days. We set off in the morning as day hikers, the bottom of the trekker scale.

At the pinnacle of the AT trekker hierarchy are the through hikers, those souls with the temerity to challenge the AT from stem to stern in one epic slog. Next, stand the segment hikers who devour the AT in multi week segments. These are the men and women with jobs who attack the daunting AT during bouts of vacation. But, I set off, with my friends, as a duffer, one who merely plays at the solemn task of casting off a watch, hygiene, and any care for the outside world for the solitude of over a thousand miles of forested trail. The AT is, indeed, a world apart with it's own nouveau hippie culture complete with peculiar customs and courtesies; chief of which is the primacy of the through hiker. To me, the distinctions are pretensions; most everyone is there for the same purpose--to experience an ancient simplicity. The experience is not imparted based on the duration of one's pilgrimage but is granted to those who measure their plodding steps with care. The exertion that the AT exacts and the staid majesty of the forest's ancient wooden sentinels quickly divest one of all but the most necessary and elemental burdens.

And, so, we set off North bound on a portion of the AT which meanders along the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee. In three days time, we were to emerge from the verdant wood in Erwin, TN at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitters. For the first day, we were scheduled to trek 8 miles from Sam's Gap to the Bald Mountain shelter. Sam's Gap lies at approximately 3,800 feet above sea level. Between me and the first shelter lay Big Bald, another 1,716 feet in elevation at 5,516 feet. It might as well have been the summit of Mt. Everest.

I quickly discovered that I was incontrovertibly a duffer at this business of AT trekking. My pack, including a fanny pack, tipped the scales at 55 lbs. I had everything one could ever hope to use in the deep and dark woods. Items that I still consider essential: a S&W model 686, stainless steel finish, chambered in .44 magnum (for use against disagreeable four and two legged mammals, or against any surviving dinosaurs that may still be lurking amongst the trees); 18 rounds of additional .44 magnum ammunition (six rounds in a speed loader); head lamp (invaluable as I relocated my tent during the middle of the night); and my Sweet Water pump (which rescued me from perishing of thirst on the second day). An item which I wish I had carried: a portable cardiac arrest machine for use during my near heart-stopping assent to the Big Bald.

Big Bald was breath taking. The summit is kept bald of trees and offers a panoramic view of the Smokey Mountain Range. I reached the summit, long after the rest of my cohorts, in a stiff wind that gusted to 30 mph or so and in fading light. So, I didn't have long to appreciate the view of the blue-grey rolling hills and mountains under a grey and blustery sky. I synched down my boonie hat and plodded on. I reached the Big Bald shelter about 30 minutes after the rest of my group. I consoled myself with the thought that I was lugging about a much heavier pack and was, de facto, much tougher. Never mind the stupidity of carrying about items that I would never end up using, such as an extra cooking pot and lid or 10 extra lithium batteries for my 107 lumens surefire flashlight--bright enough to permanently blind a charging grizzly bear at 100 yards. Light was fading fast, so I set about setting up my tent in a stiff wind, bending the trees in creaking groans. My journal entry for that evening was, "8 miles + 55 lbs of gear=PAIN."

That evening, I was exhausted but could not find sleep. I felt anxious, uncomfortable, with a vague sense of foreboding. The trees groaned uncomfortably, bending painfully in the buffeting gusts. I unzipped my tent and stuck my head out to gaze at the sky. It was then I noticed that I had expertly placed my tent next to a dead tree, slumping 40 feet from the leafy loam to a precarious rest on an adjacent tree. For me, this became both a moment of appreciation and understanding. Appreciation for the still small voice of Providence and a wider understanding of the nin-po principal of Juppo Sessho.

Juppo Sessho no Jutsu means literally, "contact in ten directions." "One can interpret this as indicating that Budo and Ninjutsu exist both inside and outside the box; indeed at a level totally beyond everything else." Masaaki Hatsumi, The Way Of The Ninja: Secret Techniques. Juppo Sessho is a vast idea that suggests a different mode of thinking and perception. It includes the idea of foresight and perception. Soke Hatsumi says that the vast majority of people go through life "sleep walking." People move through their daily lives insulated from those about them and the environment they live in. This is death. Modernity propagates this sleep walking as it limits man's potential by ignoring the Divine, the spiritual, and limiting man's experience to a shabby and primitive materialism. There is a connectivity between humans and to fail to realize this leaves one vulnerable. There is a connectivity with our natural environment and to fail to realize this isolates man from his natural possession. The Ninja maintained a vigil, a conscious communion with God's creation and, therefore, were able to sense a reality hidden from men of lesser awareness. For me, there can be no complete Juppo Sessho apart from Divine enlightenment. How can one be truly aware if you do not enjoy an awareness of the ultimate reality--a personal relationship with God?

The tree did not fall. It would certainly make a better story if it had. Perhaps, it did not fall because I moved. Who can say? I moved my tent in the middle of the night. And, I fell into a restful sleep, lulled by the breath of the Divine, whispering to me through naked branches and rustling leaves.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28

"In other words, the combination of the two great elements of the Dragon and the Tiger, having foresight and being certain of victory, is seen to be an important aspect of Budo. Martial artists who cannot develop this natural ability to predict, sense, and see through things will never achieve the proverbial '100 victories in 100 fights,' let alone '100 lives in 100 lights' (i.e. gaining enlightenment in each existence.)" Masaaki Hatsumi, The Way Of The Ninja: Secret Techniques pg. 176

Peter's Sword

2009-05-11T20:37:00.009-04:00

Modern Americans are taught to be passive. The prevailing philosophy in the public schools imbues the student with a compliant character, binding him in a lord-serf relationship to the State. The modern man, therefore, acquires a distaste for weapons and martial art as, somehow, morally reprehensible. This is as his Statist taskmasters wish. It is impossible to subjugate a man possessed of the will to persevere, of a mind adept at critical thinking, and who has obtained the means of physical defense. Often, the Statist (whose modern incarnation is the Liberal Fascist) will make a perverse appeal to Christian principle in support of his effeminate doctrine of impotence. As the Father of Lies so often does, the Statist speaks in half truths and perverts the doctrines of Christ into a misshapen ethos of passivism.

It is written otherwise.

It may come as a shock to many that Christ specifically instructed his disciples to acquire weapons, swords, to be specific. To the same disciples that He directed the exhortation to turn the other cheek, Christ commanded: "and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." Luke 22:36 This command came just before Christ allowed himself to be taken captive by the chief priests. It is interesting to note that Christ placed the acquisition of a sword even above that of rainment. As essential as articles of clothing are to modesty and human dignity, the command to keep and bear arms was held to be superior in relation. And, so, the disciples responded that they possessed two swords. And, Christ in his perfect equanimity said, "It is enough." v.38. And so, the disciples went forward, armed to meet the chief priests and their minions, possessed of the full measure of human dignity--armed as free men in the presence of their Sovereign Lord. As the fateful moment was upon them, confronted by the servants of Satan, Peter asked his Lord, "shall we smite with the sword?" This is the prayer of every warrior, of every "sword saint." In the quiet before the battle is enjoined the bujin still asks, Lord "shall we smite with the sword?" For the victor does not conquer by the strength of his own arm, but by the might of the Almighty. Peter acted with his characteristic rashness and struck off the ear of the High Priest's servant. Undoubtedly, Peter's desire was to strike off the servant's head. At this display of righteous but impetuous wrath and aggression, Christ gives the answer that Peter should have waited for, "Suffer ye thus far." v.51 Then, Christ simply heals the servant's severed ear. No further remonstrations are given. No condemnation is uttered by Christ for the act of violence. It is an episode which sheds Divine light on the God-given right to possess and bear arms. And, it is a Divine repudiation of all who malign the warrior spirit, the urge in good men to defend what is right.

So, those who teach men to cower in the shadows, to wait for a salvation from the State, to live their lives as slaves devoid of the human dignity found in the sword, are at enmity with God himself. The passivist cannot hide behind contorted doctrines to which the name of Christ is applied. And, the Christian bujin must recognize a duty to defend what is right with his sword--whether it be made of steel or whether it be fashioned out of the ephemera of thought. Ultimately, the Bible itself is the spiritual sword, unbreakable and immutable; cutting the soul and bringing men to repentance. These are dark days indeed. The people perish from the lack of vision (revelation). It is now more important than ever that men be willing to battle for what is right as our forefathers did when an English despot bore down upon them with the machine of tyranny.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee withersover thou goest." Joshua 1:9

"When circumstances necessitate, however, those who do not fear the strong and protect the weak should be called true warriors." Masaaki Hatsumi

Bujin Do Not Forget

2009-05-07T21:34:00.004-04:00

You can pause the music at the bottom of the page while watching the video.

The Rugged Individual

2009-04-28T00:25:00.004-04:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past week, you've heard about a rag-tag band of Somali pirates holding Captain Richard Phillips hostage on a small life boat. As riveting as the unfolding drama of the hostage situation has been, the Obama administration's response has been just as fascinating. I've been waiting for days to see how Obozo and his court jesters would spin their handling of this hostage matter. I must admit that I've been plagued by the specter of hay-seed former President Jimmy Carter and his wretched bungling of the Iranian hostage crisis. Admittedly, the Somali hostage situation is of a completely different composition than Carters crisis. But, I expected the same sort of vacillation and indecision from the Obozo court.

Captain Phillips displayed the characteristics that have made and continue to distinguish Americans as unique and admirable in a world characterized by the conformist and the sickly pacifist. Not once, but twice, did Captain Phillips exercise a rugged individualism that refused to sit idly by and wait for a deus ex machina from "the One." Phillips displayed that uniquely American unction to deal with matters directly, foiling the plot of evil doers. If only Captain Phillips had had access to a .44 magnum, or, dare I say, an assault rifle. Here is a display of manly heroism which resulted in the reaffirmation of the efficacy of honor and courage in this age of shadow men and metrosexuals. As Captain Phillips asserts, "I'm only the byline." Indeed, there were a cadre of heroic Americans at work, most noteably the U.S. Navy SEALS.

The courage and competency of the SEALs is beyond the pale of question. As Captain Phillips plunged into the sea and made his way toward the grey battlements of a U.S Navy man-of-war, SEAL snipers leveled the precision machined tools of their trade to take aim upon the swarthy pates of men-turned-beast by the corruption of their souls. And, as any student of budo knows, the SEALs were motivated by the ancient maxim of "the life giving sword." So, the snipers fired with an unconscious competency, and three skulls burst into pink clouds, mute testament to the end of wicked men. The three pirates were condemned by their own actions and received the just recompense of their reward. The SEAL snipers acted with a honed mastery and with honor. Meanwhile, their Commander-in-Chief skulked in the shadows.

Throughout the building hostage crisis, the B. Hussein Obama administration refused to comment or provide Americans with a sense of leadership with regard to how U.S. military forces would be postured to engage the hostage situation. Obama hid behind the skirts of ham-face Gibbs and his flock of incompetents. As is typical of The One, Obama's position could not be discerned until after the outcome was settled. Only after heroes did their work, did the Obamastocracy "leak" reports of Obama's authorization of the use of deadly force. How convenient. Even up to Saturday, FOX News was reporting that the Obama administration's position was inscrutable. Of course! The cagey Chicago street thug was hedging his bets. Obama's lone talent is obfuscation. Aided by a pandering, fawning media establishment, Obama sidestepped the hostage issue until he could lay claim to a victory or scapegoat a debacle. This is not courage or leadership, but weakness masquerading as diplomacy. Of course, the main stream media propagates the White House spin. Oh yeah, Obama didn't bow and scrape like a thrall before a Muslim potentate; he stooped a bit to shake King Abdullah's hand! Check out the video, Obama could have licked King Abdullah's boots from his subservient position. I suppose I shouldn't gripe too much about the leader of the free world engaging in an act of thralldom; his middle name is HUSSEIN for a reason.

The media will spin this hostage episode as a victory for the Obamastocracy. But, the truth of the matter is that it's a victory for Reaganesque rugged individualism; the same spirit that forged the Declaration and Constitution in the crucible of blood and sacred honor.

"The only honorable response to violence is counter-violence. To surrender to extortion is a greater sin than extortion, in that it breeds and feeds the very act it seeks to avoid." Jeff Cooper: To Ride, Shoot Straight, And Speak The Truth.

See what others are saying.

Redstate and Michelle Malkin (also here)

Reposted from www.moms4sarahpalin.net, where I contribute as well.

Kanjin Kaname: What is Truly Important

2009-03-20T10:51:00.001-04:00

"So what is truly important? Kanjin Kaname can also be written as 'the heart and eyes of the gods,' and thus it means the way of heaven, or the laws of heaven." Masaaki Hatsumi

The Shinobi of old were always studying "tenchijin," or the relationship of heaven, earth, and man. Out of this study, the Shinobi were able to discern what things were of eternal value, what things were worth living and dying for. At the heart of every one's existence is this struggle to determine what is ultimately valuable, what gives meaning, why things are as they are. To properly understand reality, man must have the heart and mind of God. He is not far from us and we may obtain the Kanjin Kaname by making a study of His Word. This is also the essence of the Godan. And, this is why I am sharing an essay from my own little Kunoichi (female ninja). Though an adolescent, she has grasped the mind and eyes of God. Here are her words for your consideration:

"God is not sinful, he is pure. Therefore, He hates sin. He wants us to shut it out of our lives so that we can go to Heaven and be with Him when we die. God is not fearful because He is almighty and we should not be fearful, because he protects us. God is not careless. He created us very carefully, otherwise our noses might be between our toes. God is not unwise. God is smarter than anyone in this world, so He created us perfectly, just the way God wants us to be. God is not worldly. He does not get so caught up in something else so much He loves it more than us, does He? Well, probably not! That might be what some people do to God. God is not unforgiving. He forgives us as soon as we do it, but we normally don't if your best friend tells an embarrassing secret. We probably don't forgive that fast. God is not unpure. He is perfect in every way. God is not untrustworthy. You can trust God with anything, even your innermost secrets or some secret that your best friend can't even know! God is not overbearing. He is not snobby about His power or how pure He is. God is not inaccessible. We can reach him at any time, anywhere. He will always listen, even though He doesn't answer vocally. God is not uncomforting. He comforts you when you're sad. He comforts your heart a lot. God is not inconsistent. He watches your every step and knows what you are thinking. God is not changing. He will never change, even when you change and grow, He will stay the same. He won't get wrinkles or grey hair. He is the same, and that's the way He'll be forever. God is not undependable. The chair you are sitting on, it might crack and you may fall. That chair is undependable: that old chipped oak chair! God is like a new chair, it won't break if you sit on it. It will stay strong forever. You can depend on God. God is not unhopeful. He cheers you on. He has so much hope. He hopes you'll do the right thing every day. God is not unjust. He knows when you have done right or wrong and knows you must be punished for doing wrong. God is not impatient. He waits on the unreached for them to be saved. God is not dead. He is alive, He rose from the dead! God is not ungracious. He provides so much for us every day: food, water, money...he loves us SO much!"

Shinobi And Modern Conservative Principals

2009-02-11T10:30:00.013-05:00

Since the popular explosion of the Ninja arts in the 80's, few debate the historical existence of the Ninja or Shinobi. Today, many feel that Shinobi exist only in the fantasy of feeble minds. Perhaps, that is as it should be. The Shinobi always existed as an other-worldly phenomenon and cultivated perceptions that enhanced their mystique and power. However, the historical Ninja have existed, some say, since the beginning of Japanese political history and served the first Emperor, Jimmu. Shrouded in the mist and lore of the ancient, the Shinobi moved in the shadows of human affairs, performing clandestine operations and preserving the integrity of their families and clans. It is beyond dispute that the Tokagure Ryu can trace its history back 800 centuries: "Behind, us eight centuries of history and tradition stretch all the way back to the founder of our system, Daisuke Nishina of Togakure Village." (Massski Hatsumi, Soke) No other art can lay claim to such a rich and distinguished heritage. No other art has preserved the essence of budo as has Nin-po. The lessons and laws of the battlefield still live on in the hearts and bodies of the modern Shinobi. Since the Ninja were experts at preserving their traditions covertly and in the face of oppression, it is logical that Nin-po should endure even to the present day.

The Ninja were always an anti-establishment phenomena. Though Ninja served in a multitude of capacities throughout the ages, even inhabiting the loftiest ranks of the Samurai, the Ninja's allegiance was ultimately to family and clan. The Ninja served principle rather than the hollow forms of political power.

"As a military man, to serve one's country, to serve one's lord, or to die for an ideal is important. But something that transcends this is to protect one's country, protect one's lord, and to attain an ideal. This is the true essence of the warrior, and what flows from there is the real bushido." (Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke)

The philosophy of the Shinobi shares much in common with the modern conservative in that the emphasis of perspective is not on the outward trappings of power but on the essential philosophical elements that impel humanity toward freedom. The Ninja of old pursued their individual and familial liberties by means of kyojutsu, since their milieu of operation was one of oppressive totalitarianism. But always, the Ninja were guided by natural principals and operated in opposition to an overreaching government. Modern conservatives pursue the same objectives but from within a radically different environment. The modern conservative is guided by a refined understanding of natural law and inalienable rights, political theories made precise through the interpretation of Divine Revelation. But, fundamentally, the Shinobi of old and his modern conservative counterpart struggle for the same ends: freedom from oppression in all its forms. This realization is most important in these troubled times, when the freedoms inherent in God's creation are being impinged upon by Godless oppressors. The modern liberal is cut from the same pattern as the ancient Shogun. Both move to expand the reach and to coalesce the power of a centralized government. The modern liberal comes as a wolf in sheep's clothing, using the forms of liberty in a campaign of subtle oppression. The spirit of the Shinobi lives, indeed, in these modern times. It is a Shinobi wind that moves through modern conservatism as it struggles against an increasingly centralized federal government, bent upon the erosion of our natural rights.

"Governments are established to oversee the harmonious interworking of all parts of society, but when the rulers become greedy, hungry for power, or lacking in wisdom, the country is subjected to needless wars, disorder, or civil and economic chaos." Toshitsugu Takamatsu, 33rd Grandmaster, Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu

Kongokai, Part 2: How to get what you want, whether you like it or not

2009-01-10T22:52:00.017-05:00

A couple of posts ago, I began discussing the Nin-po Mikkyo understanding of the Kongokai Mandala and the secret contained in its iconography. However, as in all budo, there is no secret only training. The power in the mandala has been understood for millennia and is practiced by many unconsciously. Looking back over your past accomplishments, you will notice the same pattern, the same method that is prescribed in the mandala. It is a formula for success that the successful know instinctively or have acquired by keen observation. The Ninja used this method to alter reality through focused intention.

First, notice the pattern of the Kongokai Mandala. It is a square composed of nine squares. Each square contains icons which represent specific characteristics. However, these icons are not pertinent to the aspect of the Kongokai being discussed. What is important to note is that the pattern begins with the center square and moves, sequentially, down one square to the center bottom and then to the left, continuing radially, and ending with the right bottom square. For clarity, number the squares one through nine. The corresponding steps in the pattern are outlined below:

1. Focus. This step is critical. It is the formulation of the objective.

2. Refinement. The process of crystallizing the objective or goal.

3. Visualization. The evoking a tactile perception of the objective.

4. Research. Acquisition of necessary knowledge.

5. Action. Taking steps toward the goal.

6. Counsel. Seeking "kuden."

7. Opposition. Expect people or circumstances to oppose our progress toward the goal.

8. Perseverance. Enduring necessary hardships and opposition.

9. Realization of the goal.

These nine steps are contained within the iconography of the Kongokai Mandala and form the pattern for achievement in any area of life. But, there is danger in this formula. Indeed, the formula does not "care" whether your objectives are positive or negative in nature. And, one can inadvertently bring destruction on oneself by meditating on the negative. For example, if you think, "I'm not going to eat a candy bar today," it is almost certain that you will. Also, be aware, that the above is merely an outline. For a full understanding of this pattern, you must seek "kuden" from a mature nin-po practitioner.

Finally, and most importantly, notice that a crimson boarder surrounds this depiction of the Kongokai Mandala. For me, this is a perfect representation regarding the limits of all human endeavor. Though the pattern of action in the mandala is powerful, it is powerless to grant ultimate enlightenment or peace. The boarder is representative of Divine Revelation. No matter how hard you try or how much you meditate, you will never come to a true enlightenment. The mandala is circumscribed by universal truth, laws that temper the potential of human achievement. It is circumscribed as a result of our corrupted natures. Ultimately, the result of all human endeavor, apart from Divine sanction, is vanity. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 12: 7,8) Indeed, what does it profit you if you gain the whole world but loose your soul? Without the mind and eyes of God, shin-i-shingan, you cannot appropriately understand the contents of the first square. Everything else is merely a vain struggle against the inevitable of death. Without the knowledge that God is and that He has spoken, all degrades into a black nihilism. Without the personal appropriation Christ's crimson atonement all, including your very soul, is lost. This is why the Kongokai Mandala must be understood in relation to the Divine. You see, the shin-i-shingan are the Scriptures and they teach us that we must first know Him.

"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from everyone of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17: 27,28)

Between Truth and Falsehood

2008-12-29T22:51:00.013-05:00

In the mortal flow of real combat, victory resides in the interstices between truth and falsehood. It is a formless reality in which the ninja finds a natural solitude in the midst of battle's chaos. Through the constant of martial training, the ninja discovers for himself the essence of kyojutsu and is transformed into the unknowable. The seed of this state is found in Mushin-no mind. The opponent cannot predict what the ninja has not purposed. A natural technique flows from the unconscious and the ninja becomes formless in battle, disappearing into the mist of the inscrutable. Here is where Ninjutsu shows it's battlefield pedigree. Unlike other martial forms, degraded by sport, Ninjutsu cultivates the gokui (essence) of battlefield victory: an impenetrable equanimity. Taijutsu, practiced from the void between truth and falsehood is unreadable simply because it does not flow from the ninja's intention. Taijutsu does not spring from technique, rather, technique springs from the Divine void. If one intends to kick, the opponent is capable of responding with a counter technique. If, however, one abides in the void and responds naturally to the energy of the opponent, then no counter can emerge and the enemy is left to float in an eerie reality where nothing is certain. The truth of technique is lost when the expected proves to be falsehood. This is the manipulation of truth (reality) and falsehood (perception).

A Biblical illustration will illumine this concept. The manipulation of perception and the character of reality has always been an essential element in the successful prosecution of war. In Joshua 8:1-29 ambush is employed to ensure victory. Perception becomes falsehood as the King of Ai falls into the hands of Joshua.

"And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness." Joshua 8:15

"In the martial arts, it is important to discard obsessive ideas, leave behind any adherence to forms, and abandon conventional common sense. By doing this your spirit will become more flexible, your 'capacity' as a martial artist will grow, those around you will acknowledge your preeminence, and you will be able to produce free, ever-changing techniques wherever and whenever you choose." Masaaki Hatsumi

"Above all, it is important to maintain equanimity." Masaaki Hatsumi

Bufu Ikkan

Christ: Expression Of The Real

2008-12-22T22:27:00.010-05:00

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5, 14

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth...And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Genesis 1:1, 3

It is always good to remind ourselves of those truths which are foundational. Truth which is immutable and which forms the basis for all rational presupposition. Christmas is just such a time. Many Americans are familiar with the Christmas account presented in the Bible (however, in this age of multicultural malaise, this can no longer be assumed for the masses of Americans, stamped out piecemeal from the statist mechanism of public education). Christmas is the celebration of Christ's first advent. We give gifts in recognition of the unfathomable gift that God gave to mankind in the person of His Son. Christ is the personification of grace and truth. He is grace in that his sacrifice was made in our stead. The penalty for our sin (sin that is inherent in us, stemming from Adam's original sin) was placed on Him. The Christ in the manger became the Christ of Golgotha; who became sin for us that God's righteous judgment might be satiated, so that God's grace might be extended to us. Christ is the personification of truth. In His person is the answer to Pilate's question, "what is truth." Christ, the very Word of God, is truth. Immutable, ultimate, and Divine. It is in Him that we come to the understanding that God's grace must be appropriated by faith alone, sola fide. That in Christ we find the way, the truth, and the life. It is the Word that teaches us the true nature of reality and is the only real enlightenment. This enlightenment is all of grace and cannot be attained by any effort of the will. The light shines in the darkness but, of ourselves, we cannot comprehend it. God's invitation is to come, let us reason together. He extends His hand and says, whosoever will may come. The true nature of man and the nature of Christ are revealed--man as stained with original sin and Christ as spotless redeemer. We see in His perfection our vast need and in Him our only hope of redemption. So, this Christmas season, let us contemplate, meditate on the nature of Christ as it is revealed to us in the written word, the Bible.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

It is from the pages of Holy Scripture that we will come to understand the true nature of reality, the nature and purpose of the baby born in Bethlehem; Immanuel--God with us.

Kongokai: How to get what you want, whether you like it or not

2008-12-13T23:46:00.015-05:00

In our modern society, we are inundated with books which present plans for developing personal power and maybe even attaining enlightenment. Motivational speakers abound, touting the newest processes for attaining wealth, health, or an Olympian physique. However, as it is written, "the thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Millenia ago, the ancient ninja were steeped in principals imported from India, Tibet, and China. These principals were formulated into concepts which were extrapolated into the form of the Kongokai mandala. The Kongokai mandala represents the "diamond" realm. The diamond being symbolic of ultimate truth. It is a schematic representation of the phenomenal world. Its compliment is the Taizokai mandala; the nin-po mikkyo representation of the spiritual realm. Within the schemata of the Kongokai mandala, lies a pattern for the harnessing and development of personal power. The ancient ninja were well versed in this formula; a map charting a course, terminating in the attainment of an objective which the ninja willed into being. This power was and is formidable.

However, many have made shipwreck of themselves in the quest for power. The attainment of our desire does not necessarily result in our happiness. The principals contained in the Kongokai are empowering but, as is everything else, are circumscribed by universal principals, natural law, ultimate truth. The diamond, with its infinite facets, can only be understood as it is revealed to us by the mind of the infinite. We may engage the tools of the intellect to mine the treasures of wisdom but, our finite powers are inadequate to interpret the gleaming treasures. Without the knowledge of God, revealed in scripture, we only possess a map without a proper destination. Biblical truth guides our path and harnesses the will to accomplish the Divine purpose in our lives. "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23) You must first understand and recognize God's direction in your life before implementing the Kongokai, or you may wreak upon yourself great mischief. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) We must study this well and meditate on these words deeply before we proceed.

The Way of The Sword Saint

2008-09-30T23:14:00.008-04:00

Since ancient times the sword has been intimately associated with the warrior. In Japan, the sword was so identified with the Samurai that it was thought to embody his soul. It has long been regarded as a weapon of honor and holds a mystical place in the combat arts of the world. This emphasis on the sword exists in Ninjutsu as well. In fact, Soke has stated that to properly understand budo one must master both the sword and the bo. Historically, the sword was a development and refinement of the bo and can be seen to share many of its characteristics. In ancient times, the sword was made of wood, metallic swords only being available to the most privileged. It is not merely a tool for cutting; it has a far more subtle character. It has been identified with the warrior for millennia and has been imbued with the notions of warriorship. The key to wielding the sword is to enter into combat with the feeling of Muto Dori. As it should be, the focus is on the taijutsu. The body and sword move as one.

Combat is always kyojutsu, truth and falsehood; therefore, the true sword is that of the mind and spirit. Ultimately, the Word of God is the secret sword, cutting not merely bone and marrow but soul and spirit.

"Succeeding in this [muto dori], the mysteries of the secret sword (hiken) will be revealed, and no matter what weapon you hold, your heart and your taijutsu will dance skillfully in the void (koku)." Masaaki Hatsumi, Japanese Sword Fighting

Hiding In The Mist

2008-09-24T21:32:00.010-04:00

The ninja of legend were said to appear and disappear at will, performing supernatural acts by occult power. The ninja were masters of kyojutsu, masters of truth and falsehood: the interplay of the apparent and the actual. There is a fog of war, it exists on the macro battlefield as well as in the micro battlefield that exists between two combatants. The subtlety of ninpo arises when this mist of battle is exploited, when combat is reduced to the manipulation of the gaps in the mind. The ninja must move in the cloudy mists of the mind where illusion becomes the true sword. The genesis of intention is felt stirring in the opponent, then the focused intention of the ninja pierces through to strike the heart of the opponent. In this mist, victory may be obtained apart from battle and here the ultimate expression of ninpo is found. In these moments, the form of the ninja disappears within grey, cold clouds of confusion. Perception becomes reality as the heart is led astray.

Imperfection

2008-09-18T20:36:00.005-04:00

When I train, I often find myself performing at a level far below what I feel to be acceptable. I experience a great deal of frustration and self loathing when I fail to perform technique perfectly. However, this response does not accord with the principals we see operating in nature. From the entropy present in all natural systems, to the disastrous forces of unleashed nature, to the beauty of the asymmetrical, there is a Divine harmony in the imperfect. The harmony present in natural imperfection speaks to the existence of Divine grace operating in a corrupted universe.

Budo has long recognized the virtue of imperfection in the development and operation of technique. Imperfection is, in fact, desirable not to mention an ever present reality--we are not gods. Indeed, the imperfect execution of technique allows for the creativity of "henka" and infuses budo with life. In particular, taijutsu finds its strength and power in the freedom to apply the imperfect to the interplay of space and timing, producing martial art. In the dojo, I observe as the young budoka struggle with the illusion of their own imperfection, while those mature in budo taijutsu move in natural unity with imperfection and, thereby, become living examples of martial art: the budo of elegance.

Ninjutsu: Warrior Art, Not Sport

2008-09-12T17:32:00.014-04:00

Currently, UFC and MMA sport fighting represent the pinnacle of the fighting arts to popular culture. The introduction of various sport martial arts into a refereed fighting match gives the impression of actual combat. The danger here is in the misapplication of techniques and strategies developed for a sport match. Such misapplications can easily result in defeat or death in real world combat. Ground fighting techniques have become extremely popular, not only among the misinformed public but also within law enforcement circles. Ground fighting, though properly a part of a complete fighting art, is not viable as a primary mode of combat. The modern ground fighting techniques, designed for the sterile environment of sport, do not account for real world variables such as flogging about on asphalt or on rocky surfaces. Additionally, and most critically, ground fighting techniques completely ignore the possibility of facing more than one opponent while engaging in the techniques of man-hugging. Also, ground fighting systems do not address situations involving weapons. More often than not, UFC and MMA matches deteriorate rapidly into common bar room brawls in which victory is decided by "luck" or stamina. As sport, the UFC and MMA are great entertainment but as examples of the fighting arts they have little validity.

Ninjutsu embodies the ancient and traditional budo arts of japan. Incorporating systems from China, Ninjutsu developed into and remains a complete martial art, utilizing every component of human combat potential. Recently in my training, I was confronted with the question, "what is the most important aspect of Ninpo?" During that training session, I observed what, to me, is the most important aspect of Ninpo. I watched as two Ninjutsu students attacked a senior student. The senior student seemed to be taking the worst of the attack, having been forced to the matt with one attacker on his back. At this moment of seeming defeat, where the attackers relaxed in an apparent victory, the senior student manipulated the space resulting in a throw and making his escape. Though defeat seemed assured, he persevered with the heart of the Ninja and found his victory at the very instant of seeming loss. Here is the heart of Ninpo. There are no limits, no rules, no carefully meted out rounds of engagement. Ninjutsu, quite simply, is the real deal. Would I relish the opportunity to meet a Chuck Liddell in the ring? No, at least not without a weapon. But that is the way of the ninja, it is real combat. Takamatsu sensei once said that if he wished to split a helmet, he'd use an ax.

A Winning Insect

2008-09-09T23:06:00.012-04:00

From ancient times the Ninja have had a close association with nature. The Ninja opened their eyes and understanding to what nature had to teach. With single minded purpose they studied the seasons, stars, plants, animals, and insects. Takamatsu sensei once observed that the dragonfly is a winning insect and should be the subject of close study.

The dragonfly has long been admired in japanese culture. The samurai took the motif of the dragonfly as a reminder to be busy about their lord's service just as the dragonfly ceaselessly flutters it's wings, busy about nature's business. For me, this elegant creature, reminds me to ceaselessly pursue ninpo training. However, more can be learned from the habits of this jeweled insect. Interestingly, other insects instinctively dive downward when threatened by predators. The dragonfly attacks it's prey from underneath. It's strategy turns the prey's technique against itself and maximizes the dragonfly's efficiency of motion.

The lesson here is clear. We must patiently wait with an unmovable spirit (fudo) until the enemy, moved by his instinct and our intention, sacrifices himself. The enemy must take the path of his own destruction, we must merely be there at the right time to receive it, to shape the space to our advantage. The essence of this is to take what the opponent gives and make it your own through freedom of martial expression.

Chance, Chaos, and Luck

2008-09-06T19:12:00.010-04:00

Modern scientific theory teaches that the universe functions in a mode of randomness and chaos. Specifically, quantum theory posits that order and logic are only imposed on an object at the time it is observed as it flows through the flux of chaos. The empirical sciences promulgate theories as fact, rejecting anything not reducible to physical examination and testing.

In ninpo, the spiritual is recognized as an aspect of reality. Indeed, ninpo relies on the understanding of spiritual principals to interpret natural phenomena. Apart from a relationship with the Divine there can be no true ninpo and apart from a biblical world view there can be no true understanding of the nature of reality.

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The flacon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world..."

William Butler Yeats, The Second Coming

The actions of the Omnicient and Eternal must of necessity appear, at certain points, to the finite and mortal as random. The events of eternity may seem to arise out of chaos but this is only because our point of reference is infinitely small; this is the great failing of empiricism. The Ninja knew that reality is not reducible to the observable and that chance and chaos are only illusions. "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord." Proverbs 16:33 There is no particle of reality that is outside God' s sphere of Sovereignty. To argue otherwise is to postulate the absurd. To understand the principal of Divine Sovereignty is to gain the key to correctly interpreting the nature of the universe.

Why

2008-09-04T23:44:00.008-04:00

I have recently been challenged with the question, "why train in ninpo taijutsu?" If the question is posed to ten different people, you will be presented with ten different answers. For me, training in the ancient and authentic budo is motivated by several purposes. I wish to be capable of defending those close and precious to me. I wish to serve my country by defending her against enemies both foreign and domestic. Historically, it was expected that a man be adept in the fighting arts, to our shame, this is no longer the case.

"Combat is an unusual experience for most of us, but then emergencies of any kind always are. However, combat does occur, and any fully educated person knows this and prepares for it." Jeff Cooper, To Ride, Shoot Straight, And Speak The Truth

I will not be guilty of empowering the wicked in the violent pursuit of their misdeeds by failing to act. If God so designs, my sword will cut clean and true, giving living expression to the "life-giving sword."

Musha-Shugyo

2008-09-02T23:52:00.014-04:00

In long ago ages, a samurai would depart from family and from the protection and tutelage of his ryu to wander the world. He would test his mettle and his skill in duels and acts of noble chivalry. On the solitary path of "musha-shugyo" the samurai would travel, through sweltering heat or bitter cold, through driving rain and biting snow. He would endure the onslaught of nature, brute creature, the corruption of man, and perhaps the supernatural. In the end, the warrior would know the breadth and depth of his spiritual and physical capability.

In this age, the warrior class is an endangered species. The rough and ready men of the past are not likely to be seen in modern urban centers, where soft half-men are in abundance, richly festooned in effeminate costume. But, the modern samurai must, nonetheless, undertake his "musha-shugyo" as his forbearers did and test his spirit in a lonesome waste inhabited by the elitist fop and effete. The warrior presses onward though solitary paths, in a self imposed pilgrimage of discipline and honor. As in ancient times, the way is uncertain and fraught with difficulty and conflict. But, in the end, when the spirit is tested and shown to be pure, and when battle is enjoined and quitted with honor, the modern warrior will know, as his ancient brethren knew, that to endure is the essence of victory.

Inspired Budo

2008-08-29T11:30:00.005-04:00

Training in budo begins with the slow development of spatial and body movement skills designed to maximize economy of movement and to position the body in space and time to achieve mastery over the opponent. Decades pass and the budoka masters the physical and mental skills needed to control the flow of combat. However, mastery of physical skill, though a necessary component, does not enable the budoka to develop his true potential. As in art, in budo taijutsu there exists an ineffable quality that can only be properly described as inspiration. Soke exemplifies this in every aspect of his elegant mastery of ninpo taijutsu. It would be absurd to think that great art comes from a paint-by-the-number process. But, many in the martial arts community train in the fashion of a child’s paint-by-the-numbers set. Technique is merely the beginning, for so many it is misunderstood as the end. Inspiration gives life to technique and, therefore, is the essential quality of budo. Inspiration by definition finds it source in divinity. As an artist mimics God’s creative acts by artistic inspiration, so the ancient warrior relied upon the divine to breathe life into technique and, thereby, transcend it. This process occurs from without and can only be developed by communion with the divine. It is said that a divinely inspired warrior once slew six hundred opponents with an ox goad (bo) (Judges 3:31). Such a feat is only possible by a warrior imbued with the spirit of the divine. It can only be imagined to what transcendent heights the warrior mounted as he flowed in the void, hiding in the interstices of space and time to strike with mortal blows into the fury of 600 doomed combatants—this is the true expression of kami waza.

Equanimity

2008-08-16T11:05:00.014-04:00

Since the creation of man, the moon has been an object of contemplation; its silver disc endlessly tracing an arc in the frozen blackness of infinity. The moon seems aloof, staring down in sublime elegance shrouded in the unnerving gloom of night. It appears undisturbed by human tumult as it floats amid the celestial void. The moon's eternal tranquility speaks to man's search for equanimity. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20

The warrior strives for an imperturbable equanimity, especially in the face of death. The Ninja strives to endure, to survive, though he faces the immediate specter of death, realized by a finely honed blade poised to strike his heart. In battle, survival is achieved through the settled spirit which has come to terms with a divine destiny and which knows peace with God. This state results in the free flow of technique and feeling which is the surest path to victory. Fear is subsumed and equanimity achieved when the budoka meditates on the nature and virtues of God. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26: 3 Then, the heart may float as the silvered moon in the black void.

Biblical Budo

2008-08-14T22:36:00.008-04:00

"Be not afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses." Nehemiah 4:14

In the fifth century B.C., the Israelites were laboring to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, a work that they were commanded to do as they returned from Persian exile. However, they faced opposition from local Persian officials. Therefore, the Israelites set a guard on the incomplete wall, each man taking his spear or bow. Nehemiah, a jew who had been appointed by Artaxerxes I as a governor, instructed those who had been called to arms to focus on God's power to deliver the warrior and to fight to defend family and land.

The ancient Ninja felt the same obligation and filial duty. The Ninja fought to defend his family and clan. In our training, we must develop the same warrior spirit. True budo can only be derived from heavenly principals, as they are revealed to us by God. First, the warrior is called to remember that the disposition of any battle is determined by the sovereignty of God and that it is God who grants victory through his terrible power. The warrior trains and prepares for the day of battle, but victory is of the Lord. Therefore, the warrior need have no fear of the enemy, whatever the outcome. Second, the purity of budo can only be realized in the defense of family, friend, or land against the evildoer; indeed, this is a moral imperative. True budo requires the warrior to seek the will of God, in faith, and to employ his power in the service of others.

Meditation

2008-08-09T10:41:00.010-04:00

Generally, meditation means to concentrate the mind on a single point of focus or to contemplate. "Meditation involves putting something into the mind, either an image or a sacred word that is visualized or a concept that is thought about or reflected on, or both." Philip Kapleau The Three Pillars of Zen The practice is endorsed by all major religions but to vastly different purposes. And, it is the purpose to which meditation is applied which determines its character and validity. As a spiritual exercise it is generally intended, in eastern religions, to result in "satori" or a state of enlightenment with the hoped for result of deliverance from "samsara", or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. As a mental exercise, it's purpose is to achieve control of the intellect and, for some, the attainment of human potential.

Biblically, meditation is expressed as a mental and spiritual practice where the mind is focused on the attributes of God and on his written word. The result of this meditation on the written word (the Bible) is peace and mental stability. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 However, there is no saving merit in meditation, since no man merits God's salvation. Meditation is reserved for Christian practice as a form of communion with God subsequent to the application of saving grace. For the Christian, this is meditation in its highest form, it is the clear perception of reality as it is revealed in scripture--this is true enlightenment. "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:4,5 Meditation with other, non-spiritual ends, may serve useful purposes in honing the ability of the mind to concentrate and to manipulate physical capability. But, meditation in any of its various forms, cannot save the human soul from ultimate judgement.

Zazen, the practice of zen Buddhist sitting, involves the attainment of "bare attention" which is a state of mind where the mind merely perceives. "In what is seen there must be just the seen; in what is heard there must be just the heard; in what is sensed (as smell, taste or touch) there must be just what is sensed; in what is thought there must be just the thought." Philip Kapleau The Three Pillars of Zen This "bare attention" is also to be applied throughout one's daily activities. In martial practice, I can appreciate the value of this naked perception as one experiences "kuden" from the teacher. In this way, the student is free to receive without preconception and free to perform technique and experience feeling without the interference of ego. In the dojo, one of the greatest impediments to training is performing technique the way you think you see it, clouded by your own preconceptions and hampered by your own fears, instead of merely doing. To simply "do" one must see clearly, in a sense "with the eyes of God." That is, to perceive reality unclouded.

No-mindedness

2008-08-04T22:29:00.005-04:00

The concept of "mushin" or no-mindedness (mushin no shin, mind of no mind) is familiar to any westerner who has some acquaintance with the martial arts. It is seen in beautiful kanji on many dojo walls. Intellectually, it is an easy concept. The martial arts practitioner is admonished to be completely in the moment, to set aside other mundane concerns and to concentrate completely on the martial transmission from master to student. It is a deceptively simple concept, seemingly finite but, in fact, marvelously expansive in application.

In my own training, I have come to understand the critical impact that the application of "mushin" has. In any combative sequence there must be fluidity of movement with moments of prescience. The mind must flow from instant to instant, not stopping to formulate, or the ephemeral connection between combatants will be broken. The mind must be free to move in the void; if it stops for a moment on the weapon I wield, then I am at that instant mastered by my own sword and the result of the conflict will surely result in my destruction. If the mind is stopped in technique instead of allowed to flow in the moment of battle, then I am mastered by technique and my intentions are revealed to the opponent.

Spiritually, I see the concept of "mushin" echoed in the divine Word, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34

The principal of the mist

2008-08-02T18:51:00.014-04:00

"There are stories of mountain ascetics (sennin), represented by En-no-gyoja, who were said to be able to use mysterious powers and survive by eating only mist, having grasped the principle of eternal life." Masaaki Hatsumi, Advanced Stick Fighting

In this present time, where the sciences dominate the western mind, where materialism has displaced the spiritual, it may seem strange to consider that life is sustained by the spiritual and not primarily by physical processes. This is mostly clearly understood within the sphere of combat. The ancient warrior understood that what dertermines the outcome of battle is not the mastery of technique, not sophistication of weaponry, but the keen heart which has been forged, tempered, and honed to a razor's edge. It is the mettled heart and the backbone of steel which crushes the onslaught of the enemy. Instances abound in the lore of combat where the beaten hero rises once more to snatch victory from defeat. It is said that one may fall seven times but rise up eight. So, the spirit must be fed and thereby strengthened to endure through to victory at the moment of dire necessity.

The ancient ascetics were said to sustain themselves on mist. Indeed they did. The sennin understood the principal of spiritual food and realized the importance of proper maintenence of the soul. The principal of the mist teaches us that in order to sustain life, indeed to attain the secret of eternal life, we must first and foremost look to the needs of the soul. Without a correct understanding of the spiritual any physical accomplishment is without meaning and at the critical moment, we shall fail. The mist is a metaphor for the immaterial, the ephemeral and spiritual. What the sennin saw through a glass darkly, we may see clearly: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

Where does this spiritual strength originate? You must first know the secret of eternal life. "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God: to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:22-26 Therefore, having obtained eternal life through faith in Christ's redemptive work on the cross, one may begin to understand "eating the mist" by feeding the soul on its only source of sustenance, "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

For true victory, the warrior must look first to his spiritual life and seek out the principals of eternal life. Having gained this inestimable treasure, the warrior may feed on the spiritual, the Word of God; everything else proceeds from this and nothing apart from it matters.

The Life-Giving Sword

2008-07-31T20:59:00.010-04:00

In this age of the common man, where hero and warrior are maligned, where the effeminate urbanite is exalted, the act of killing has been demonized by the aristocrat, and forbidden under any circumstance. Polite society shuns even the notion of physical conflict as academe heaps scorn on those stout souls who posses the temerity to defend themselves against the ogres and goblins of our age.

It was not always so.

In ages past, thinking men who gave contemplation to the laws of nature and to nature’s God were drawn inexorably to the logical conclusion that man was endowed with certain personal rights derived from his peculiar position as having been created in God’s image. It was observed that the beasts of nature were provided by providence with tooth and claw, with fang, poison, or brute power. Nature’s harsh law provided for defense and the implementation of killing, Res ipsa Loquitur. So much the more, should man wield the power of death justly. It is a lamentable fact that, in this world of corruption, man must avail himself of tools of power to thwart the wicked intentions of his fellow man. Sadly, as once great societies tend toward decay and dissolution, the noble principals once commonly known among citizens become perverted. For instance, “Thou shalt not kill,” does not forbid killing under any circumstance but forbids the act of murder. Indeed, the charter for human government is expressed to Noah in Genesis 9:6, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Here is the limited purpose of human government expressed and here government is charged with the power of capital punishment. Furthermore, government is charged to execute justice not promote reform: “And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” Exodus 21:23-25 Government, not the individual, is to exact a just recompense once immanent peril is extinguished.

In a more noble age, where the souls of heroes and warriors were forged in the foreboding darkness of vast wilderness, men were expected to deal with violent action and to confront it, to master it with success. It was, in fact, a moral imperative to confront violent aggression and to triumph over the wicked aggressor. The ancient samurai knew this code and gave it a name: The Life-Giving Sword. When confronted with the wicked aggressor, who by his actions condemned himself to his ignoble end, the ancient warrior responded with a righteous indignation and cut down the evildoer. The ancient sword saint would accomplish his purpose upon the evil aggressor and thereby spare any future victim; his sword gave life to those who would otherwise be defenseless.

In our day, we see the spirit of the ancient warrior and sword saint when a man takes up the defense of himself or another to thwart the actions of the thug, robber, rapist, murderer, or terrorist. Though the warrior must now often sulk in the shadows, while the dandy struts about in polite society to the praise of the sycophant urbanite, he must still honor his ancient heritage, living by the principal of The Life-Giving Sword.

The Real Bushido

2008-07-29T07:56:00.000-04:00

"As a military man, to serve one's country, to serve one's lord, or to die for an ideal is important. But something that transcends this is to protect one' s country, protect one's lord, and to attain an ideal. This is the true essence of the warrior, and what flows there is the real bushido." Masaaki Hatsumi, Advanced Stick Fighting

The West has a distorted view of bushido, due in part to a perversion of the original understanding of the ideal in the East. The concept of bushido or "the way of the warrior" was conceived out of the flowering of noble ideals and to properly understand its meaning, the modern day warrior must see the term in relation to the ancient purpose and meaning of "samurai." Most westerners who have any understanding of Eastern martial arts have heard the definition of samurai as "one who serves."

To be samurai, in ancient times or in modern, one must serve. The ancient samurai served Lord and clan; the modern serves country, community, and family. And, it is out of this philosophy of service that the concept of bushido should be understood. Bushido is not merely a credo of reckless abandon culminating in death for any cause but a deeper, spiritual, and subtle philosophy of death to self, of death to ego. Therefore, bushido finds its expression in the mundane of daily life. Understood in this way, bushido lives in this modern age just as vibrantly as it did centuries ago and gives the modern warrior a very real connection to all of the true warriors of the ancient past. "What I urge people to understand here is that the so-called essence (gokui) should not be regarded as the peak of the mountains, rather it is more like the flat of the plains. Gokui means to lead an ordinary life, it is to possess an "everyday Mind" (heijoshin)." Masaaki Hatsumi, Advanced Stick Fighting

Though the concept of bushido is generally thought of as an Eastern ideal, it does find a parallel in Western thought. It is my personal belief that all truth is God's truth and I think that the ancients uncovered a bit of God's truth in the original conceptualization of bushido. Biblically, the concept is revealed by divine inspiration when the apostle Paul writes, "I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:31 Here, in three words, the ideal of bushido is given its most succinct and profound expression. In its highest form, bushido is a call to selflessness and a mandate to service. The real bushido is a living philosophy encapsulating the highest ideals of self sacrifice which finds living expression in the mundane aspects of daily life. The real bushido then is a daily death to selfish desire, to physical comfort, and a call to the service of country, community, and family. For the warrior, bushido may result in his physical death, but more importantly it requires the sacrifice of the self in his everyday existence.

Why Ninpo Taijutsu?

2008-07-27T17:02:00.000-04:00

"By opening his eyes and his mind, the ninja can responsively follow the subtle seasons and reasons of heaven, changing just as change is necessary, adapting always, so that in the end there is no such thing as surprise for the ninja." Toshitsugu Takamatsu

Of all the arts of martial discipline, it is within Ninpo that the art of war finds its fulfillment. Ninpo is the embodiment of thousands of years of unbroken tradition whose techniques find thier genesis on the field of battle. It is a system complete and refined which makes no distinction between the "empty hand" and the use of weapons. It encompasses the manipulation of the physical as well as mastery of the mental and the development of the spiritual. Indeed, man fights primarily with his brain and by the strength of his heart. Ultimately, as Ninpo teaches, the outcome of conflict is determined by the destiny prescribed by providence.

Ninpo is not an art for every man or woman (kunoichi). Ninpo embodies the heart of the warrior, exists for and because of the warrior. And, in this age of the common man, warriors are in short supply. Ninpo's techniques are not for the faint of heart, for the effete. Specifically, Ninpo Taijutsu embodies a system, not based in technique, but on the feeling of combat and the manipulation of the combat dynamic. This process is not easily apprehended and is beyond the capacity of most dabblers to endure. It is as it should be. For the very essence of Ninpo is to endure; to endure pain, fear, monotony, discouragement, or whatever challenge that may raise its serpentine head to devour the heart of the warrior. The Ninja endures because he must; he trains simply because that's what warriors do. The warrior is compelled by his nature to endure.

Why Ninpo Taijutsu? Though some of what exists today echoes aspects of Ninpo, none posesses the purity of its battlefield spirit as demonstrated in its theory, technique, and feeling. Within Ninpo Taijutsu an unbroken line of tradition extends backward for millennia and embodies a treasure gained from the blood and toil of ten thousand battlefields.