Heart, Faith and Steel » Review

Way of the Ninja

Joe — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:00:44 +0000

The Way of the Ninja was released in 2004 and it was a instant hit. During a phone conversation with the publisher’s representative I was informed the first edition sold out so fast that it was totally unexpected. It had been well publicized, anticipated and received. The Japanese text was placed as an appendix in the second or third edition.

“One never knows when a fight might start.That is why in budo one keeps prepared, so that should a fight arise, one can settle it as quickly as possible. In a dangerous situation, you act swiftly, without any hesitation. That is the secret of winning.” –Masaaki Hatsumi

Dojo Rules of Conflict

Joe — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:00:35 +0000

1. Distance or “Run away.”

2. Guard or “A good face is worth protecting.”

3. Strategy or “Strategy is everything and Everything is strategy.”

Ninja Qualities

Joe — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:00:40 +0000

Every once in a while I am asked, “What were the most important qualities of the ninja?”

Years ago, Hatsumi-soke spoke about this years ago. He stated the three most important qualities of a ninja were honesty, desire to learn, and perseverance.

He further explained the ninja’s honesty was akin to the lessons of justice and integrity. This honesty was a form of enlightenment developed by judging right and wrong with one’s heart as a mirror.

Learning was the ninja’s greatest weapon and companion. The ninja took interest in learning everything… general knowledge and common sense would ultimately enable the ninja to make critical judgments with decisive certainty. This led to understanding of day-to-day affairs and eventually wisdom and spiritual refinement.

The perseverance of the ninja is perhaps the most legendary of all his abilities. The ninja could not be dissuaded from his chosen path once is was begun. He had levels of endurance cultivated over years of training and tempering.

Gaga Librarians

Joe — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:30:17 +0000

As many of you know, I work in IT for libraries. What many don’t know is that I have been an avid support of the library system since i was young… And that I have logged more hours in a library (for fun) then most scholars! So, when I came across this video – I just had to share!

Who YOU Gonna Call?

Joe — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:00:11 +0000

If you haven’t heard of ImprovEverywhere, here’s a clip for you to watch.

You gotta hand it to them, they always do a wonderful job at their events. you can see more of them here: Improv Everywhere!

Tick-ing

Joe — Sat, 15 May 2010 19:46:59 +0000

It’s a guilty pleasure but I have always enjoyed the Tick comic book and animated TV show… Then the Live Action show made it to FOX and I thought, “What are the odds?” And, it too, was good. So if you can, check it out:

This is just darn funny:

This one was one of my favorite scenes:

So, go read a (comic) book!

The Frantics – Boot to the head

Joe — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:15:12 +0000

I’m not sure here I heard this skit first. My memory recalls a 1984 basement where I was hanging out with a bunch of friends… But for some reason that doesn’t seem “right.” Regardless, this is one funny comedy skit:

Daikomyosai 2009 DVD

Joe — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:00:27 +0000

Like many of my buyu, I am eagerly awaiting the latest release of Quest Video’s Bujinkan DVD line: Daikomyosai 2009. Having been there during the filming, I know from experience that it’s a must have for all Bujinkan shidoshi.

Follow this link to watch a clip on YouTube.

Seagal. Lawman. TV.

Joe — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:41 +0000

Around 1988, I first saw Steven Seagal in Above the Law and thought, “Cool.” His movies got better, before they got worse… I think his last good movie was Under Seige.

Over the years, we have heard some negative things about his personality… however, he remains outspoken about Native American and Tibetan rights.

But now, he’s making a return to TV with a reality show called: Steven Seagal Lawman. I’m not sure how I feel about this.

http://www.aetv.com/steven-seagal-lawman/

Warrior. Legend. Tony Jaa!

Joe — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:04:59 +0000

There’s a new movie being released starring Tony Jaa called Ong Bak 2: The Beginning. The trailer looks really great, and if you have seen his other movies, you know that this (I do all my own stunts) martial artist is great!

Ong Bak 2