Bujinkan Masayoshi Dojo

A true "Bugei" is one which has very successfully been used upon battlefields, over and over throughout centuries of mortal warfare... What is widely accepted in America as a "Bugei" or Martial Art, simply is not. Most are not even close. They are watered down and bastardized ghosts of the schools that predated them. Among the Japanese arts of Judo, Akido, Jujutsu, Kendo, and Sumo are prime examples. Others include Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Karate, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Mui Tai or kick-boxing, and Jeet Kune Do. It is important to know the differences before choosing your path forward. If you want to be a good "fighter," perhaps one of the styles listed above will suit you best as they are much easier to learn and gain rank. But if you choose to grow and become a Bugeisha or true warrior, to be omnipotent giving you the freedom to choose gentleness in lieu of violence, to live a life of exploration and connectedness to all things in harmony and completeness, perhaps you have found your place and may join us in our martial arts family. The journey is more important than the destination, Live, Love, be safe from harm, and share in all we have to offer.

"Into the wind, even the fiercest Tiger can find no place to insert his claws"... (when the attack arrives where you once were, you are no longer there). "if your waza (technique) is strained or tiring, you are doing it wrong. Start over without competition, train in slow motion, and you'll learn the nuisances and intricacies with understanding". Actually accomplishing a waza or heiho with success involves 60% footwork or positioning, 30% breathing or timing, and 10% waza or heiho. Understanding this is the source of strength yields invulnerability and omnipotence. The Bujinkan martial art is called Budo or Ninpo Taijutsu. Its core is moving the body or Taihenjutsu. With proper taihenjutsu, waza may become unnecessary. It is far better to have understanding of how to move the body than to compile a repository of waza... There is no number of techniques learned that makes one formidable on the battlefield. however, if you have a strong foundation of understanding in how to move the body, one could easily become the victor without ever using waza. This fundamental truth is so very often overlooked by would be "Martial Artist and Instructors" but is the primary focus of the Bujinkan Masayoshi Dojo!

"The most accomplished warrior puts away the sword and picks up the poets pen"... "Live your life in a way in which no enemy appears before you"... When a small child attacks us with fists we choose to respond with loving kindness. The reason we respond with gentleness is that we are not in danger and we perceive the child as one who is simply just learning how to conduct themselves appropriately, our love is shared with gentleness. If we can become invulnerable to attack by would be conquerors, just as in the case of the small child, we can remain calm and choose a gentle response. That is an auspicious goal indeed, only realized through a lifetime commitment to our austerities. We choose to develop this invulnerability out of love, not hate, anger, or revenge, that is how the warrior imparts Love and Patience in the face of all adversities. "Develop an indomitable and immoveable spirit".

Most fighting schools concentrate on developing brute strength, speed, and their perspectives of power. They depend greatly upon physical fitness and muscular development to attain strength, speed and power. What happens to a soldier trained in these arts if captured and subjected to months or years of brutality, many injuries, and cramped confinement? This is a point to answer for yourselves after introspection and thought-out perception. What is taught by the Bujinkan Masayoshi Dojo are Bugei, these arts were developed to be used for days, non-stop, not just a few moments. Our arts can be successfully implemented regardless of present states of physical health, level of fatigue, traumas of any kind, or duration of combat. Thus is the way of the Bugeisha: enduring, true power, timing, distancing, and Harmony in the breath of the moment. Kokoro no Kokoro; the "Heart Within" is our source, inspiration, anchor and sensei!

For those who find themselves inspired by these words, the causation will simply be a recognition of what is already there in their heart of hearts. We hope to find others to share in our way of living life. The community built upon what is already in each one's heart, become family and true martial arts friends. It is a pleasant and fulfilling joy, sharing harmony with others, passing down the well-founded traditions to new generations, all in the name of Harmony and Love. Budo Ikkan

Bujinkan Masayoshi Dojo - Shidoshi Mark "Masayoshi" Norman

Cleansing Statement: I do not ask or expect anyone to agree with my perspectives or perceptions. I am merely expressing mine. I only suggest and wish to encourage others that they seek a path of justice for their lives and find the blessings in the virtues of harmony, wisdom, grace, patience, humility, health, peace and personal power.

Although I am very happy to train others in waza (techniques) that they can use to defend themselves and those who are weaker… moreover, I am a student of a “way of life” or “the warrior way to attainment and enlightenment”. One, who is committing to becoming a Ninja (secret warrior) or Bugeisha (martial artist), accepts that it is a lifelong determined and committed study like no other! One becomes not only involved in combat tactics and strategies, but countless other more esoteric arts as well.

If one were to become convicted to enter such a journey, at times, they will feel discouraged, uncomfortable, confused, frustrated, and possibly even bitter. The very great propensities of students fail to continue long enough to get any real “understanding”. What “knowledge” they’ve acquired may assist them in self-defense, but that does not make them a Ninja or Bugeisha! Some quit due to the non-conformity or stubbornness in their spirits, some from feelings of hopelessness, some from modern aversions to what they perceive as pain and some from lack of sincerity. One becomes a student through determined will, endurance, patience, tenacity, and sheer force of their own personal willpower. Intention to succeed means everything. I feel it is a calling of kokoro-no-kokoro (the heart within) that brings one onto this pathway! Only through surrender to the pathway can one attain enlightenment. Attainment must completely overshadow amusement or curiosity!

Love is sweet… Devotion is sweeter… Surrender is sweetest…

Being a student of the way does not in any way mean becoming a fanatic. It is a way to change your perspectives and awareness which will greatly compliment and assist any endeavors of your choosing. The Arts have very dynamic and living characteristics which may or may not be fashionable, but they will greatly help you in encountering experiences which others (non-aware beings) could not effectively and efficiently cope with.

Please allow me to be very clear on this part; putting on a cool oriental training uniform and paying for the next colored belt is not at all the same as entering the Path of Warrior Enlightenment as a Ninja or Bugeisha! Even in our school which has over 1800 licensed instructors, very few are qualified by my own standards to truly lead others to effective and fulfilled Living as well as the combat arts. I have been tenaciously and intensely involved in very committed training for over 47 years, teaching as an instructor of over 2200 students over 31 years, and only now am I beginning to feel like I am a Bugeisha.

CAUTION: When travelling the True Warrior Path, other shorter or more easily attainable training regimes which may be more attractive and enjoyable to the masses (non-aware beings) will pop up and feel more suitable to most. Opportunities for quicker rank advancement or shortcuts can be enticing, tempting, and persuasive. Simply, we all must choose our own courses in life and either reap the rewards or suffer the consequences. What you attain from the true warrior pathway not only comes from your efforts you put into it, but moreover the correctness of your choices.

In life, (not speaking of religion), a spiritual anchor helps prevent us from losing our way and following or buying into our own delusions. Our delusions are primarily developed by our past experiences which evolve into belief systems. Without an anchor one blindly and futilely stumbles through life (non-aware beings) conflicting with the oneness of everything. The true path of warrior enlightenment comes from not only what one is taught, but through great personal introspection with an open mind and heart. This is also augmented through personal initiative and resourcefulness, not only from desire but from your own personal higher self and a close relationship to the divine within and without. The anchor is our reference point so that we never get lost. One such anchor is the Warrior Path to Enlightenment or Way of Right Relationships… it is so very much more than ‘cool’.

Within the school I am a member of, The Bujinkan Dojo, the nine surviving ryūha (families) of Ninja and Bugeisha have melded into one Great House under the spiritual and training leadership of Soke (Grandmaster) Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda Chi – Chiba Ken – Japan. His personage is a Japanese National Treasure and my personal Sensei (Leading Teacher). Only he has led me since 1993 and it is to him I am privileged to be loyal. He has given one of the greatest gifts ever given to humanity; a way of supreme living and a School of Life! I will forever remain faithful to him in this life and the next.

Of course a teacher and a school is embodied and empowered by the quality of initiates, seekers, and students. Therefore it is imperative that we congregate with a sense of family, tolerance, and love. After all these are the very things the teachings were founded upon. In my experience those becoming family were destined to do so which promotes harmony and fulfillment.

As well as having a wonderful teacher and fellow students, a school should teach efficiency and effectiveness, discarding expenditures of energy that are unnecessary. There are very little true martial arts training available today which has stood the test of centuries of conflict upon the battlefield and in warfare. Training in true Bugei (Martial Arts) as a hobby or as entertainment without complete conviction and commitment creates imbalances which should be avoided. A Ninja or Bugeisha is not what you see in popular movies and videogames, nor is it a cult that self imposes restrictions upon others. Denshi (students), Shidoshi (instructors), Shihan (masters), and Sensei (teacher) alike live normal or abnormal lives by their own dictates and are fully in the world, but not of the world.

Actualization of enlightenment comes from the realization that all things are sacred, all things are one, and from actually living with this meditative contemplation throughout one’s life and training. Trying to become enlightened just blocks the process from developing. The harder you try, the further you get from attainment. The more attachments you have, which includes thoughts, words, and deeds, the more impossible the design. You must banish the unnatural in your life and become one with all, inside of yourself, with others, and with nature and spirit. An evolution of perceptions and awareness or the way of the wizard, has no limitations, not even space and time. I suggest contemplating “Is”, “Neutral”, “Potential”, and “Now” as well as the “Sacred Bardo” ( the instant between then and now, between now and then) or “Totality”. Return to Zero.

One, who realizes attainments, develops Kuji; a way to see that which cannot be seen, hear that which cannot be heard, and know that which cannot be known… is well on the path to finding “The Way”. I certainly do not wish for anyone to enter into anything that they are not led to from within with great sincerity, conviction, and commitment. For with great knowledge comes the potential for great sorrows and great responsibilities. Ultimately, there is no “end”, no more of training than of living.

Thought creates energy, energy creates matter, matter creates awareness, and awareness creates thought. Anything less than a loving thought brings toxicity to the self, body, mind, and spirit. Everything is made up of the Sacred Bardo. Freedom to choose is the most divine universal law; any attempt to try to influence the free will of another is an endless and futile conflict. Getting down the basis of foundation, I have realized that the purest expression of love is surrender. This is not like surrendering in battle, but of surrender to a course of action, decision, or lifeway.

The Mikkyo Realm (Japanese form of Esoteric Buddhism) contains the ShoShinSha or GoDai no Kata (Five elemental manifestations): Chi (Earth), Sui (Water), Ka (Fire), Fu (Wind), and Ku (Void)… one might relate their perspective to the Five Spirits found within us all. Most unaware beings only ever utilize one or two of these spirits within and do not realize that they have other choices in decision making, thought processes, speech, and actions. This tool alone may bring about marvelous life-changing progress, happiness, and fulfillment!

The graphic Kanji (Chinese and old Japanese writing) symbol for “Nin” (pronounced as “neen”) of Ninja, Ninjutsu, or Ninpo, represents an essence rather than an object or technique. It means the essence of perseverance and endurance. It is also connotes the ability to control and overcome one’s self physically, mentally, and spiritually. It infers stealth, secretness, concealment, and other aspects of this essence. The upper portion of the character is a character in and of itself which is “Yaiba” (sharp edge of a blade). The lower portion of the character is also a character in and of itself which is “Kokoro” (heart). Many uninitiated people who think they are martial artists believe that Nin means: “we hold the blade in higher esteem than the heart”. In truth this is a grave misconception. The general explanation most Ninja and Bugeisha hold true is: “although the enemy menacingly holds his blade above my heart, I will endure and eventually prevail”. What I have discovered by epiphany was not transmitted to me by written or oral tradition, but by wonderful examples of my seniors, especially the Soke. To me, Nin means “love”. It is an essence of correct or incorrect perceptions. What “Is” Love? Is it not willingly placing your own heart in someone else’s hands? Is it not about faith and trust? Truly surrendering one’s heart under the blade of another is the most profound expression in the Cosmos and beyond all beyonds. Mark “Masayoshi” Norman

A true "Bugei" is one which has very successfully been used upon battlefields, over and over throughout centuries of mortal warfare... What is widely accepted in America as a "Bugei" or Martial Art, simply is not. Most are not even close. They are watered down and bastardized ghosts of the schools that predated them. Among the Japanese arts of Judo, Aikido, Jujutsu, Kendo, and Sumo are prime examples. Others include Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Karate, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Mui Tai or kick-boxing, and Jeet Kune Do. It is important to know the differences before choosing your path forward. If you want to be a good "fighter," perhaps one of the styles listed above will suit you best as they are much easier to learn and gain rank. But if you choose to grow and become a Bugeisha or true warrior, to be omnipotent giving you the freedom to choose gentleness in lieu of violence, to live a life of exploration and connectedness to all things in harmony and completeness, perhaps you have found your place and may join us in our martial arts family. The journey is more important than the destination, Live, Love, be safe from harm, and share in all we have to offer.

Requirements for training

~~Here is what's required for training: First, closely note what I teach and how I teach it, as well as what it is for! I have no interest at all in teaching or training in "Fighting/MMA/Self Defense" to the casually interested or curiosity seekers! I teach the ART of WARFARE (or Survival and Combat Destruction of any enemy in your way), that is practical, efficient, and effective, period! Of course, the waza and heiho can be far more gently applied for self-defense purposes. As well, the philosophical lessons enhance all levels and qualities of the Bugeishas’ life! Furthermore, I will NOT continue to train anyone whom "I" deem inappropriate for any reason, especially if they show any signs of insincerity or lack of personal integrity. ANY student of mine must prove themselves to have conviction and commitment to only the Bujinkan Dojo and to what I am teaching them. I couldn't care less what you learned outside of the Bujinkan! I promise I will do my utmost to ensure your safety - health - and wellbeing on all levels, but in realistic training, especially as I teach it, there is a slight danger of an accident or injury. You must realize this completely and not only be ok with it but fully accept the fact that YOU are responsible as well, for your own safety and You take full responsibility for your own choices. No complaining, you WILL Feel Pain and probably have to soak in a hot tub often! ...[If it sounds like I am trying to talk you out of training with me, I AM! I am NOT the teacher for the average so-called "Martial Artist"! ]... Study the Bujinkan Hombu rules and protocols on the web. It would also be a good idea to check out "Hatsumi" or "Bujinkan" on YouTube. Secondly, select a training date from your available schedule and call for an appointment at 423-322-3433, if there is no answer, leave a message. Thirdly, bring khaki, camo, or black BDU pants or cargo pants with matching plain or Bujinkan sweat or T-shirt and a white web belt from the Army surplus store. Get some tabi from amazon, ebay, or the local Army Surplus store. You may purchase a Black Gi, (aka: martial arts training uniform), with white Obi, (aka: belt), from me along with Tabi, (aka: Japanese training shoes). Lastly, upon arrival, you must fill out a waiver of liability and student application form. There are no guidelines for how often you train per month although the more you train, the faster you grow... I recommend you try to train at least twice a month. Each class is a MINIMUM of 2 hours, preferably 3 or 4 hours, (some students train for 5 to 8 hours). Classes can be private or semi-private, your choice, (and I am fine with training you EVERY DAY that I am free). I do not run a commercial dojo facility; I train students at my home. It is always better for you if you can bring a training partner with you as I no longer act as a training partner (let you practice waza on me). If need be, I can occasionally arrange another person (often, one of my Blackbelt students), to be present to let you practice on them. In such a case, it is proper protocol for you to show them your appreciation in the form of a gift if you should choose to do so. However, having a friend or family member, or someone you know and trust, as well as enjoy their company, to train with is invaluable. Tribute is $45 for one person per hour, $55 per hour for two people, and $65 per hour for three or more students... (MINIMUM of Two Hours Training at each event). The reason I did this is that I discovered that if students do not pay for training, they take it and me for granted and I feel dishonored. ...{what one does not pay for, is not truly valued and appreciated, as well, the funds helped me devote myself to teaching rather than spending my time working elsewhere and to have the ability to further my own training}... I do accept "gifts" of your choosing, ONLY if you "choose" to do so, in whatever manner you wish... which is most often placed inside of a red envelope that you provide for yourself, with your name on the outside and what the funds are for, such as equipment, clothing, supplies, ect. It is impolite to talk about money or to handle it directly. All students I currently have are Shidoshi-ho, once you reach that level, (2 to 8 years from kyu-kyu), there will be no fees or gifts associated with any of my training except at the Hombu level. As for tools of the trade or weapons, I greatly prefer to show you how to make them for yourself! I reserve the right to refuse to train anyone who I feel is not sincere enough or otherwise unsuitable. I have been a Shidoshi (Instructor of 5th degree Black belt - "Godan") since 1996. I can promote up to Yondan (4th Degree Black belt) as well as render a "Shidoshi-ho" (Assistant/Junior Instructor) recommendation to the Soke, Hatsumi- Sensei (Grandmaster). After receiving Yondan, beyond that, you must continue your evolution in person, in Japan. Only the Soke can promote to Godan and render instructor licenses as a Shidoshi. If you are just "considering" the Bujinkan, you are probably not worth my time and effort. I demand a very high degree of SINCERITY – LOYALTY - CONVICTION - and COMMITMENT before even considering training someone. I have absolutely no desire to train anyone who does not display these attributes and virtues from the beginning! I train mostly Military, Police, and Special Operations personnel, over 2200 Bugeisha (Warriors) to date. I do NOT teach self-defense or sport fighting. My art is a lifelong endeavor! I have nothing I want to prove to you and will not make any attempt whatsoever to talk you into anything. It is YOU who must prove yourself to Me if you want what I have to offer... and, I will tell you in advance, if you Do end up training with me, I will be absolutely sure of your intention and will to "attain", "achieve", and "devote" yourself to a life-long commitment to perfection of the "Warrior Pathway to Enlightenment"! You might be much better off and happier, taking some karate classes or better yet, Judo... Whatever happens, I hope you will find content fulfillment and joyous advancement in your training, be safe and well.

Budo Ikkan... Shidoshi Masayoshi