“When you become entangled, there can be no victory. By sacrificing yourself you have the chance to be saved. Heed this old poem and strive to train to the best of your abilities.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Eventually I began a project to translate one whole book from beginning to end. It was a challenge, but with Hatsumi-sensei‘s approval, updates and encouragement Ninpo: Wisdom for Life was published.

“Musha Shugyo [warrior errantry] was to go beyond the bounds of simple training. You must stretch beyond your personal limitations.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, November 9 & 10, 2010

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm (both nights)

Location: Pearl Studios, NYC
500 Eighth Ave. (btw 35th/36th St.)
New York, NY

Cost: $30 for one night or $55 for both

Info: The Pete Reynolds Bujinkan NYC Seminar is jointly sponsored by: Jeff Christian (Muzosa Dojo), Christopher Chen (Tanjiki Dojo), Ben Cole (U?G.P! Dojo), Rob Flanagan (Muzosa Dojo), Joe Maurantonio (Bujinkan New York Dojo), Antonio Rodriguez (Bujinkan Gokui Doj) and several more dojo!

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.

There is often a moment in a pleasant conversation, in which all sound ceases and you realize your partner is waiting for you to speak. Often, it’s subtle and other times there is a gentle nudge of, “And how about you?”

For me, speaking of my rank or years training is often akin to someone bragging about their greatness or skillfulness. For the most part, my rank is my own. It’s a measure of my journey for me… On the rare occasion I do speak of it, I almost never mention the actual level but prefer to be vague. And the more I see the new generation of students openly bragging of their rank, the more I cringe. It seems apparent to me that humility is quite lost today. I’m sorry, I digress.

So the moment was there, hanging before us. I remember opening my mouth and saying, “In the Bujinkan I have been training a little longer than you’ve been…” then thought about that number 24 (his age plus his years training), and said, “… alive.” Which made him smile and me say, “That’s not what I meant.” We laughed.

It is odd for me to think about these past 25 years of training. Has it really passed so fast? I can still remember my first meeting with Hatsumi-soke (1986) like it was yesterday.

Are you wondering how I’ve done it? How did I succeed at training over twenty-five years? And not missing a single week! Training where ever I was; whatever part of the world I was in. How?

My answer is simple. The first character of the word ninja stands for “nin” or “shinobu.” This is a concept that means perseverance. So, years ago I chose a path and it’s been an enriching one that has offered me many lessons and hardships.

My taijutsu journey began one day; I continued it one day at a time. I joined the Bujinkan, met Hatsumi-soke, became a shidoshi (1991). Some years have passed, but I still look forward to tomorrow’s lessons.

As a friend of mine wrote in his book, The Shadow Warrior: “Treasure Your Training!”

Buy this book:
The Shadow Warrior

Joe, Glenn, Fred and Don training.

This past Sunday, the Bujinkan New York Dojo was proud to host the 3rd annual Bujinkan Four Winds Seminar. Instruction was lead by Glenn Catania (shidoshi), Fred Feddeck (shidoshi), Don Houle (shidoshi) and joe Maurantonio (judan shidoshi).

Attended by about 21 people from all over the Metro NY/NJ area, the event shared lessons that were to help all Infuse Ninjutsu into their training. Topics included Controlling the Distance, Beyond Fundamentals, Intensity of the Tiger and the Sword of the Dragon.

It was a great time and after the training we all stayed around for pizza and snacks. Thanks to the instructors and the students for making it such a wonderful and insightful time.

Bushigokoro wo motte totoshi no nasu.

In English we translate this as, “The warriors heart is precious and essential.”

Gyokko ryu kosshi jutsu kujo o kataku kakushu suru koto kaku yaku su -
The following nine items are firmly rules of gyokko ryu kosshi jutsu:

1. Nin no ichiji ete kun koko ni shisuru -
Using perseverance serve your country
[Embody perseverance for your country]

2. Onoreto iumono jogaishite, nintai seo onorei shio ete gonichi no omoe o nokosazu – Eliminate your thoughts and be patient as you die and don’t regret the future beyond your death
[Eliminate ego, be patient and do not regret death]

3. Iyo iyo, kiken ga, semaru toki, nani goto mo iwazu issai no ugon o nokosazu-
At last, gradually danger comes toward you, be silent and leave no words (die brave and don’t say anything)
[Be silent in the midst of life-threatening danger]

4. Kyoteki ga kurututomo fudoshin o shirei -
If a strong enemy comes towards you, don’t forget to have a still mind
[If a strong enemy attacks, keep an immovable spirit]

5. Shi ya oya ni taishite wagami o mote tsukusu -
Towards your teachers and parents show respect from the entire body
[Serve and honor your parents and teachers]

6. Iroyoku ni oboreru mono wa jutsu ryoku o ushina u osore ari -
A person drowned by lust may lose the ability(skill of fighting)
[Obsessive desires dissipate fighting skill]

7. Sake ni oboreru mono jutsu ryoku ga kika na ku naru -
A person drowned by sake will surely use the ability(skill of fighting)
[Alcoholism dissipates fighting skill]

8. Teki ni taishite wa sentoryoku o uba i, inochi o uba wa naikoto -
Toward enemy, get rid of his fighting power but not his life
[Dispatch the enemy's fighting power, but spare his life]

9. Urusu nakushite tanin o urusazu -
Forgiving others is a virtue
[Forgiveness is a virtue]

Migi no kujo kakushu o shika e -
Follow the nine rules written to the right [above].