Internal Martial Arts Dojo

Something to think upon.

DŌJŌ MUSINGS

There are those that no matter where they go, will always have difficulty accepting the environment they wish to enter. Some float around from Dōjō to Dōjō, teacher to teacher but, always seem to end up having a problem with some students or the instructor and leave. Some have preconceived ideas of what they think, want, or believe the Martial Arts Dōjō to be. Some attend the Dōjō for spiritual reasons, some just want to fight, some just want to do exercise with a sports mentality to compete and win a medal.
All of these reasons need to become transparent in order to understand the path of Budô. There are those that don't even practice and just write books, yet they believe they know what the martial arts is. ( I’ve had one academic come to my Dōjō and saw a Tachi racked edge down on a horizontal wall rack and proceed to pick it up and change it over edge up, like a Katana. I quickly said “Dame!” Firstly, you don’t just pick someone’s weapons up in a Dōjō without permission and secondly, you don’t try and correct what you think is wrong. I stopped this person and sternly pointed out their mistakes. They quickly apologised and realised their arrogance and wrong doing.)
There are those that sadly become a part of a group that knocks at your door inviting you to become a black belt and teacher within 3 months. This is deplorable.
This is not martial arts, it is purely business. You cannot call yourself or even think of yourself as a martial artist if you accept to be in an environment like this.
If you think otherwise, you are living in a fantasy.

True Budô is not that trivial and easy to come across. With the distractions and misconceptions around us regarding the martial arts, many people become lost in their search. They often then settle for what is convenient, or what appeals to their limited belief of what the Dōjō and martial arts practice should look like. Many martial art centers now present themselves as a sport or a mere place to exercise and practice building their egoism. They have ‘bastardised’ the essence of the art for a society that seems to regard "sport" as more important than "culture" and "art".
The Dōjō is a place where your aim is to go beyond your current capacity and courageously venture into realms of confronting challenge, difficulty, and hardship both physically, mentally and emotionally. The Dōjō is and never was meant to be an easy place to just hang out, be social, and escape your problems. It is a place of Shugyô ( austere practice ). It is not a gym.
The Dōjō is a place where you come to confront these issues and challenges. If you cannot perceive the Dōjō in such a way, then you are not training. The Dōjō is a place for rehabilitation of all realms of the self. It is important to take what you do seriously, yet do not take yourself so seriously that you become too stern,rigid and unforgiving in your attitude and movement. Martial arts is about balance. This is why there needs to be room for the required transmissions to enter one’s being.
If teachers spoon feed the students, they may become beautiful clones but have no true understanding of what they are doing. The timing, angle and manner (kamae ) of the teachers intervention is crucial. To try and control their every step would be counter-productive and not allow the student the freedom ‘to see’ for themselves their strengths,weaknesses and shortcomings etc.

One man from a Karate background said he had learned more in one class at the Bushinden Tasmania Dōjō than he did in one year at a local karate class. This man is a professional and saw the limitations of his karate teacher and the art. He is now a member and trains regularly very well. He is constantly challenged yet is enthused from learning the application (bunkai) alongside philosophy, and the integration of weapons. He now senses a real purpose to his practice. Before hand, he was just going up and down the hall three days a week ,doing the same thing without being taught why?
Every time you practice, it should be with a sense of purpose. This purpose is to delve deeper into the heart of Budô. It will be at times challenging, painful, unsettling, yet fun, enjoyable and rewarding. This is the duality of the study necessary for true growth. In order to know both sides and develop a strong compassionate heart without being overcome by emotions ( fudôshin ), we need to work at being internally balanced. Hatsumi Sensei said weaker persons will sometimes view you as cold hearted just because you do not share or become as emotionally attached and responsive to some circumstances. People become overwhelmed by things and it stops them from continuing their lives. They become incapacitated due to their inability to find that balance that enables them to keep living and doing what they want to do.
From the path of Budô, we can develop a greater capacity to accept more, and gain a true awareness of what it is to be a Bugeisha ( martial artist ).

Shinbô Ikkan.
南虎

Indeed…

“Taijutsu is like our bible. Your way of thinking will naturally change as you become more skilled. Therefore, just keep going.”
Nagato 宗家

Indeed

“The ultimate secret of martial arts is not found in shapes or kata. Those who lock themselves in shapes and katas get caught up by them and are unable to make free and natural movements. In real combat or on a battlefield they will surely end up dead. The real secret lies within your heart. This is why people who aspire to martial arts must have a noble and true heart, even more so, they must keep it constant beyond adversity.”

宗家Masaaki Hatsumi

"Always observe your opponent carefully. You need to use the first seconds of every encounter to evaluate the length of their blade, the length of their arms, etc."
- Masaaki Hatsumi

Exactly…..just train, study, live.

“… in modern society; there is the idea that it is all right to master things by degrees [levels]. This notion prevents the infinite goal, and divides life, study, and art and thwarts a person's growth. [Mastering things by degrees] makes it hard for people to focus upon an infinite purpose. This is a terrible reality.”

Masaaki Hatsumi
Ninpô: Wisdom for Life

So very very true. And so many, especially westerners or those in “sport arts” will never understand this. 🙏

“Nowadays, people who wish to become my students come to see me for a variety of reasons; some are frail and cowardly so they desire to become strong, some are intellectuals and wish to make their spirit strong, and some just want to be strong in fighting ability.
Their reasons vary, but they all say they want to learn and seem to have a longing for budô.
I tell these people honestly, "If you want to forge your spirit, then just believe in religion. Budô means learning the best techniques with which to kill people. If you want to make your body stronger, then go for walks, lift weights, and eat plenty of vegetables. What good would be accomplished by becoming strong in budô? In true budô, you can't win any trophies or make your riches."

While saying these things, I watch their reactions. Although I let some become my students, few can persist in the training.

Masaaki Hatsumi
Ninpô: Wisdom for Life

I have noticed this etiquette being disregarded in a lot of schools now. Shame on the instructor and senior students for not explaining and enforcing it to the you students. Now the attitude is I paid, I don’t owe you anything else.

THE DŌJŌ 道場

A Japanese martial arts dōjō is considered special and is well cared for by its users. Shoes are not worn in a dōjō and removed at the genkan ( entry way ). In many styles it is traditional to conduct a ritual cleaning (sōji; 掃除) of the dōjō at the beginning and/or end of each training session. Besides the obvious hygienic benefits of regular cleaning, it also serves to reinforce the fact that dōjō are supposed to be supported and managed by the student body (or by special students, e.g., uchi-deshi), not just the school's instructional staff.

Many traditional dōjō follow a prescribed pattern with the shomen (正面; "front") and various entrances that are used based on student and instructor rank laid out precisely. Typically, students will enter in the lower-left corner of the dōjō (in reference to the shomen) with senior level or instructors in the upper right corner. The Shomen ( front wall ) typically contains a Shintō shrine with an alcove below, sometimes referred to as the Tokonoma. A sculpture, flower arrangement, or other artifacts sit in this area that hold special significance for the style,school,traditions and philosophies etc.
The term Kamiza signifies a "spiritual seat" and a related term, Kamidana refers to the shrine itself where the kami ( spirits ) reside. Other artifacts may be displayed throughout the dōjō, such as a kanban (看板; signboard) that authorises the school in a style or strategy, and items such as taiko drums or armor (yoroi). It is not uncommon to find the name of the dōjō and the dōjō kun (roughly "dōjō rules") displayed prominently at the shomen as well. Visitors may have a special place reserved at the Dōjō depending on their rank and station. Weapons and other training tools will normally be found on the walls surrounding the training area.

I have always tried to express and explain this to my students. Hatsumi Sensei does it better. 🙏

People who do not grasp the true nature of a martial artist may well go to some trouble to knock on my door and request training, but unless they search for the heart of a martial artist, my teachings will fall on deaf ears. Yes, let us write Budoka as
"Martial flower", and leave it as one solution to Kajo-chikusei, the puzzle of enlightenment that you are all questing after.

Now, as a Doctor of Human Sciences, I would like to analyze the symptoms and morphology of various diseases which people searching for combat techniques are prone to contract without being aware of it.

Number One type
A hypoplastic (underdeveloped) form; self-centred, fussy about grades, and always wanting to be "Number One". This is an awful type. They do not even know how bad they are, and could be killed before they realize ... a real nuisance.

Business type
A type which develops from the conception of earning a living by the martial arts; they forget the Budoka's heart, and theirs is transmuted into the heart of a merchant.
They may end up believing that someone with many students is great - and if a student runs away from them they may feel as though they have lost some money.
Furthermore, they do not notice that as a martial artist they are a failure. Let me clearly state that in my experience no Tatsujin (masters) of Bujutsu or Bugei ever develops from such a type.

Reporter type
Someone who comes to me, but finds "collecting materials" more important than training, and takes notes and photographs which they then sell once back in their country. This really is deplorable. They are already incapable of going beyond the amateur's view of the martial arts - the "kata" (set forms) or "this is right but that is wrong" mentality, etc. They do not even get as far as realizing they have fallen into such a state.

There are many more types left. The "Sensei-Shihan" type, the "Mood" type, the
"Collector" type, the "Violent" type, the "Animal" type, the "Religious" type, the
"Philosophical" type...

The important thing is to understand that the true nature of the martial arts can only be perceived once these types have all been made transparent. The flow of Takamatsu Sensei's Bufu (martial way) started with framing in the transparent, beautiful and natural flow of Shinden Fudo-ryu. The beginning for me was following an invisible flow of light as it flowed through space, to knock on the door of Takamatsu Sensei's Bufu. My encounter with Takamatsu Sense in some ways resembled the old tale of the opening of the cave door on Shinshu Mt Togakushi'.
Until recently people have tended to see the Bujinkan as being only Ninjutsu and use Ninjutsu as a catch phrase, but it is about time we became aware of the full scale of the Bujinkan. The Bujinkan martial arts incorporate the flow of nine schools of martial ways, with a history of three thousand years. You should not torget that you are martial artists on a space shuttle. Do not be distracted from the framing; you must persevere to the end. "Single-mindedness" can be thought of through its sound “Sennen" as also meaning one thousand years. "If one thousand days pass the techniques will appear by themselves" is a common phrase in scrolls, and I believe that from this you can hear sounds joining you to a space beyond. If I also rewrite “Ikkan" not as perseverance but as joy, then the sound waves can spread out so that some gladness, health and happiness are discovered.

宗家Hatsumi

Happy Birthday Ishizuka Soke

Can’t be said enough!

If you don’t take enough time to practice structure, the foundation of what you study will develop a weak base and crumble quickly. It’s imperative to continuously exercise the foundations of your art form to remind heart,technique and body of where ones path and duty lies. Many forget to practice the Kihon and Kiso of their art and swerve in their own direction unknowingly. Form leads to formlessness as Kihon enables one to apply Henka freely. Those that have practiced and understood well permeate clearly their deep understanding of this natural process. In a sense, correct taijutsu practice leads to Kanjin Kaname or ‘being able to clearly see the truth.’ The study of Budô Taijutsu is the martial artists’ moving meditation and path to awakenings.

Ponder on this.

As a student of the teacher of a ryuha, you have a duty. What you say and what you do can bring potential shame to your teacher and school.
So many times in Japan as a resident, I made mistakes. Sometimes I made them through cultural ignorance and at other times because of my ego and desires. After these realizations, when I was leaving Japan, I wrote a letter to Hatsumi Sensei apologising for my lack of understanding and maturity and for any disrespect or problems I may have caused him and the Dōjō.

済みません [すみません (sumimasen)] means both “excuse me”, “I’m sorry”and “thank you” etc.
This also implies humbleness,gratitude,
appreciation, and regret, sorrow and forgiveness.

To apologise seems difficult for people more than ever nowadays. Many see it as a sign of weakness or enabling the other to gain superiority, but it is quite the opposite. To be humble enough to admit fault or to recognise you have disrupted the harmony in some circumstances is a virtue. It does not mean you are a weak person.

I often apologise to my students if I feel like I’ve taught badly or even thrown them too hard etc. It is important to approach this in a balanced way and not become emotional when doing so. It is a lesson of being acutely aware of one’s thoughts and actions so you can always be prepared to adapt or do what is necessary to maintain the WA 和 ( harmony/peace ).

1. Forget all your sorrows, grudges, anger and hatred.
Let them pass like the smoke taken by the breeze, do not give in to those feelings.
2. Do not away from the path of righteousness.
Lead a worthy life because those who can distinguish good from evil can develop their spiritual strength.
3. Do not let ambition, lust or ego dominate your soul.
If you learn martial arts just to satisty your own interest you will be controlled by these three desires, having reached a high graduation does not exempt you from it.
These three wishes not only affect the Budoka, but also to the whole of humanity.
4. We must accept the sorrows, hatred and pain when they come. It is the noblest spirit of Ninpo to take everything as a blessing from nature.
5. Commit your time and mind to the practice of Budô and Bujutsu.

You will have set backs of various kinds in your training life, however, much can be avoided and resolved through strength and conditioning training. To withstand the twists, turns, falls and impact etc, it’s important to build a strong yet resilient body to the best of your ability. No Japanese Sensei is overweight nor neglects their health and fitness. They all have exercise routines that they’ve continued to adjust according to stages of their aging. If you consider yourself a martial artist, please think well about this. Martial arts is a holistic lifestyle, not just something you do at the Dōjō once or twice a week when you feel like it.
Respect yourself, respect budo, respect life. They are all one and the same.
南虎

Nin ( 忍 ) is also pronounced as Shinobu (しのぶ) and is a Japanese verb meaning endurance, forbearance, patience, and self-restraint.

“To endure is the highest form of tolerance.
Gossips and rumours, let them be.
When encountering anything in life, to think it through before taking any actions is the true hero’s way. To endure and be modest, the disaster will pass itself.”

Kakejiku translated by Wendy Lin

Written by Sean Askew.

I have cleaned up my notes of a conversation I had with Hatsumi Sensei back in the mid 90's and turned it into a short essay. I hope you enjoy.

The phrase "Shikin Haramitsu Daikoumyo" (詞韻波羅蜜大光明) holds profound significance deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and spiritual teachings. The term "Shikin" (詞韻), usually associated with rhyme in poetry and music in ancient Chinese, takes on a nuanced meaning, resembling the harmonization of rhyme. It is akin to the resonant vibrations of various bells coming together to form one harmonious tone. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of aligning the multifaceted aspects of the heart into a cohesive and melodious unity.

1. Shikin (詞韻):
- Heart of Compassion: Cultivating a compassionate and empathetic mindset, akin to the gentle and harmonious tones of bells.

- Heart of Truth: Pursuing truth and authenticity, resonating with the clarity of a well-tuned melody.

- Heart that Follows Nature: Aligning one's heart and actions with the natural order, creating a symphony that resonates with the rhythms of the universe.

- Heart that Encourages Nature: Nurturing a mindset that supports and uplifts the natural world, contributing to the overall harmony of existence.

When these hearts align, much like the synchronized vibrations of well-tuned bells, the profound wisdom of "Haramitsu" (波羅蜜) gushes forth. This wisdom, intrinsic to one's being, flows naturally and harmoniously, transcending individual consciousness.

2. Haramitsu (波羅蜜):
- Great Inherent Wisdom: This wisdom emerges seamlessly when the hearts of compassion, truth, nature-following, and nature-encouraging are in perfect resonance. It is a symphony of understanding that transcends the limitations of intellectual knowledge.

3. Daikoumyo (大光明):
- Great Illumination: Daikoumyo symbolizes a radiant and brilliant light, much like the luminous glow that emanates when various elements of a composition come together harmoniously. This illumination signifies a state of enlightenment, where the individual consciousness aligns with the cosmic order.

Moreover, the metaphorical resonance of Shikin extends beyond the individual, emphasizing the importance of being in tune with one's surroundings. When one harmonizes with the environment, there lies the opportunity for profound realization. It is a reminder that, much like a well-coordinated musical composition, our lives are enriched when we attune ourselves to the interconnected rhythms of the world around us. In this state of resonance, the potential for great insight and realization becomes attainable.

Sean Askew
Doto 導冬 - Winter's Guide
12/17/2023

Happy Birthday Hatsumi Sensei

If you are in the Tasmania area and have the opportunity to stop and train, this is the place to do it.

Bujinkan Tasmania Dojo The study and practice of Classical Japanese Jujutsu Bukijutsu and Ninjutsu as instructed by Bujinkan Souke Masaaki Hatsumi.

Exactly……….

No matter what rank you receive, please accept it with the heart of Sakizuke. Even if you have practiced hard to achieve the requirements of a particular curriculum or syllabus and demonstrate them well, do not think you have mastered them. Observe your actions and results as mere acknowledgements of where you need to begin. Too many people work hard for something, gain an award or recognition/rank/grade and become happy with this and cease to continue with the heart of the beginner ( Shoshin 初心 ). This is actually failing in their efforts and they become merely a means to an end. There is no mastery, only ongoing effort and development. Grades become excellent learning tools to observe one’s true attitude and heart. It’s not just what you’ve done before your new rank, but rather what you do with it afterwards. In the world of martial arts, to succumb to being content or satisfied with one’s progress to the point where one ceases to keep training and growing, becomes the end of one’s journey. Shugyou ( austere practice ) is a journey, not a result. Commencing the martial arts with a mind of ticking it off a bucket list is the sign of a superficial mind far from following the true path. These people are better to not begin the martial arts as they just become nuisances in the Dōjō. If your don’t develop the right mind and heart for studying Budô as a way of life, think again about studying the martial arts. True Budô is not sport. The sports mind has no relationship to true Budô. Unfortunately, most people are caught up in the competitive mind and the need for winning and losing. This is not a bad thing but, it is important to be clear about whether you are a sportsman or a martial artist. One man walked into the Dōjō and asked “Do you enter competitions?” I said “No.” he said, “What’s the good of it then?” Well, this is an unfortunate mind set and seemingly becoming more prevalent.

Budô is not a trivial pursuit. It is a life way with no limits or end. One must enter the path of the martial arts with a true sense of self sacrifice and deepeness of conviction. From there, one can develop a life pursuit of self mastery and study of culture,traditions and philosophical practices to enhance one’s total being.

南虎

So true

IT IS NECESSARY TO RESTORE THE TRUE BUDÔ!!!

At present there are courses in Budô sports, such as Judô, Kendô, Kyudô, Karate, etc., but the true Budô, the true nucleus of the cultivation of the Japanese spirit, is not taught. In the general public, the Budô is understood to have the same meaning as the word Jutsu (technique), and is described as a "Bujutsu contest or competition" that lacks spirituality and has been deported. In addition, although on a social and cultural level, the Budô has spread to foreign countries, and the population of Budô (fighting techniques) or Martial Arts is growing, it happens that there is no awareness that it is moving in the opposite direction, that is: in the direction away from the original Budô. Speaking in terms of culture and tradition, these facts are directly manifested in many training halls that are gymnasiums without Kamidana (in other words: without seeking spirituality).
The Budô urgently claims that it must be restored as a traditional culture in modern times, reviving the appearance of Budô as it originally should be, clarifying the difference and relationship between Michi/Dô and Jutsu, and continuing the training of both. If this is not done, the Budô as a millenary culture and as a reason for being in its origin, as well as the traditional conservation of Japan will become an obsolete, empty word, without meaning of root and existence.
But how to revive the essence of true Budô?
It’s very easy, if one really want to. It is by following the original Budô. First of all, sticking to traditional ways, studying the heart of Japan, awakening one's own heart, forging the soul of the discipline in which one is dedicated. The training begins with respect for the spirits of the people and the Budô deities, and includes etiquette and loyalty between the Master and the disciple, as well as between the students themselves, and the search for one's own Dô in the practice of Bujutsu. And the place of that preparation and training is in a Budôjô or 武道場, Budô-ba (place or field of Martial Arts) in which a clean and peaceful place provides a unique and special environment.
If the heart is lost, the form is also lost, and the revival of the tradition will become more and more difficult. In order to restore the essence of true Budô, the forms must first be maintained and decadence stopped. In addition, one must seek and want to learn from the instructors or Masters who maintain and put into practice the true tradition of Budô; because these will ensure that the student's technique will be refined and effective, that Bu and Dô are not lost, and that strong spirits with well-trained minds and bodies are cultivated.
To remember: In Japan, the Budô was a lifestyle of the samurai warrior classes, which was made up of physical training in combat techniques, mental training, knowledge and control of oneself united with the spiritual state, and all this within some rules of courtesy prioritizing essential ethical and moral values in learning any of the disciplines.
"The CULTURE and the ART of the BUDÔ must be preserved proactively."

HARU YOSHIDA

Well said Duncan!!!

Bujinkan Tasmania Dōjō grades are for heart and persons who deeply understand and respect the process of Sakizuke. With the correct heart, one will continue in the training like an eager beginner ( shoshinsha ). While persevering, ones skill and confidence will increase, leading to the true heart and spirit of the martial artist.
If the character of the individual fails to mature or grasp this pure heart required for continued development, their rank will become void and the colour of their belt merely a representation of what they could have become. Ranks are awarded as encouragement awards to continue on the path of self discovery and mastery through Budô.
Ranks are merely illusions. They give the student a chance to see more about themselves, offering the opportunity to follow through with their convictions and not be captured or enslaved by their ego. In saying this, Soke has said it’s fine at times to be a Tengu. However, if you are unable to return to balance, your nose may eventually be broken.
Budo is Shugyou. It is training of the spirit, technique and body. You are spiritually, technically and physically developing a larger capacity to live more happily and healthier in all realms.
Soke admonishes us to “Keep Going.” This is the one true secret of Budo and living. Unfortunately, many become lost and live a life with no real direction or conviction. I was lost, but Budo gave me a road that made me feel excited and alive about my life. It helped me gain the courage to experience and learn many things. The martial arts for many people becomes a base to pursue a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Living as a martial artist is not difficult. All you have to do is practice consistently and accept its transmissions as a part of your daily lifestyle. In turn, we come to naturally be pushed by the Bufu ( martial wind ). Allowing this wind to direct us, we are subconsciously lead and assisted in making good decisions to follow a direction of natural justice and simple living.

Bufu Ikkan!
南虎

Couldn’t agree more…

People believe they understand Budô by just reading,watching videos or talking about it. Lol.
The only way to understand Budô is through blood,sweat and tears. When people who don’t practice try to express their knowledge, I just listen and smile. Unfortunately, they are suffering from illusions of grandeur. Budô is not an academic subject. It is about fighting, the struggle. Be humble. The more I train, the more I realise I know nothing, and herein lies the secret to learning. Quite simply,
Shut up and train.
南虎

Nothing is out of bounds. Budo is not a game….

OLD SCHOOL:

Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu training with Hatsumi students Rare video footage of sensei Takamatsu training with Hatsumi sensei and his strudents.Property of Quest.

Happy Birthday Noguchi Soke 🎂🎊🥷🏻

Forty Years of Omote and Ura.

Few people today truly understand what ninjutsu really is. Even in Japan, the birthplace of art, few individuals have an accurate conception of ninjutsu. This is somewhat understandable, as the art was kept secret by a few families in central Japan for many generations. For reasons of personal survival during a few hundred years of social and religious persecution, the art was kept hidden from everyone except the inner circles of the ninja clans. When the true facts cannot be known, people often construct their own versions of the unknown stories. From there come all the tales that slander the ninja as someone of the lower class, as immoral and dishonorable murderers for hire. Fortunately, all your years of training with me in my dojo have given you an insight into the true ways of the ninja. I trust that you will do a good job bringing the art of ninjutsu out of the shadows of misunderstandings, and into the light of truth for all of your followers in the Western world. Teaching others you learn a lot. Fully maturing as a warrior in all aspects of life requires forty years of study.

The first twenty years are spent in the study of the omote of life (the surface, the obvious or "frontal" aspects). These are years to train in the concepts of honor, respect for superiors and parents, the direction and guidance of your minors, diligence and discipline in training, and the forces of justice, honesty and sincerity. The vast majority of martial arts systems stop at this level. The ninja, however, must progress forward through the total experience of life.
The second twenty years are for the exploration of the ura kingdom (the inner, the hidden, the non-obvious or rarely seen aspects), better known as the shadows of human nature. These are years to train in the ways in which honor, respect and love can be twisted and used against you, and to look at the reality in which true justice and benevolence have appearances that confuse the lacking masses of perspective understanding.
The weaker souls are ready to label such wisdom as "evil" or "something pessimistic."
Do not be afraid of the strength you gain.

Forty years brings you full circle, having transported you through the entire realm of human growth and consciousness. You start with the freshness of innocence, collect the stains of the mundane, and return with the wisdom of innocence. You start out empty, fill up along the way, and come back empty. Forty years of training is no guarantee that you will ever become a master of the art. That simply gives you the potential for full development. From there it is a matter of your own character, your personal nature, and the destiny of life, about how far you will advance. You will become a ninja with all the power that the word implies if you propose to be one.
I encourage you to stand firm in the direction of your challenge to unveil all the secrets and mysteries of the ninja art and its way of life.

Written by Masaaki Hatsumi, Sôke