Living Values explores the physical, mental and ethical world of the warrior

Yearly theme essays from past years start below. The theme for this year is here.

Happy New Year! I salute all of you who have walked the warrior path for another year. The world is a better, safer place because of you! As we know, the world is not really a safe place for many—too many—of our fellow human beings. Warriors are sorely needed today. Gambatte!

As in other years, I had the privilege of training with many buyu from around the world. I visited Germany, California, Florida, and Chicagoland—some more than once. There was also a mini-reunion in Atlanta with Bud Malmstrom, Stephen Hayes and a bunch of folks from the "old days." It was a pleasure to see all of you and hear about your lives.

This past summer also saw the ninth annual Buyu Camp in San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Pacific Ocean. And a third Buyu Camp East in New Jersey. Buyu Camps are a great way to connect with old friends and get that "continuing education" and inspiration that will help you "keep going" when you get back to your own, local training group. See you there again in 2007!

I was in Japan for the Daikomyosai—Hatsumi Sensei's annual training / birthday party. I know I say this every year, but, Sensei is more genki than ever. One of the things that differentiates our art is the fact that it can be practiced at any age. And if Sensei is an indication, consistent practice actually makes you younger. Funny, that wasn't a real consideration for me until recently.

Another seminar that has become an annual event is the "Life Values Workshop." This is a seminar where we practice our Budo in the context of Robert L. Humphrey's Life Values teachings. Many people have expressed interest in the STRIKE training that Humphrey devised to help Marines overcome the stress of real combat. If you want to experience it, we'll see you next July in New Jersey.

And, it looks like I will be doing even more traveling next year. Please consult the WIN seminar page periodically for details of all of our workshops.

Some of the most rewarding work I did, again, in 2006 was with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). This is a fine program that covers the martial arts techniques that a Marine needs to walk the warrior path—both in combat and around town. But, the most important aspect of the program, in my opinion, is the "Ethical Warrior" training. The program is designed to "clarify, activate and sustain the Warrior Ethic."

USMC photo courtesy of Homer Brett

Last year I said that I really didn't have much to say that hasn't already been said about warriorship. This year, I have these three thoughts:

I think we all need to talk less and train more. That includes diet and exercise. In his book "The Way of the Ninja," Hatsumi Sensei wrote: "The first step in Ninpo training is that of physical endurance." Let's challenge ourselves with this simple thought: "Will we be as healthy and full of energy and happiness as our teacher is when we are his age?" It is time for us to embrace his example.

I believe it is important to continue to reflect seriously on the meaning of our warrior vocation. I constantly speak with people who seek a better understanding about the difference between sport martial arts and combat martial arts, and between self-defense and warriorship.

It occurred to me this year that there are (at least) four things that differentiate combatives from sport martial arts:

The fellow on the left is participating in one of the exciting Mixed Martial Arts competitions. Very cool! For him.

The fellow on the right took his helmet off in a combat zone so a little kid could try it on. The Marine's name? Lance Corporal Tyler Troyer. I spoke to his father this year. It was pretty emotional. You see, Tyler was killed by a sniper near Al Karmah, Iraq last year protecting that kid's village and others like it. As the Marines like to say: "No better friend, no worse enemy." LCpl Troyer, along with the other Marines with whom he served, was "no better friend" to the citizens of Iraq.

One of the challenges I think that we all have is to continually deepen our understanding of the Warrior Ethic and how to live it. Let's face it, we live in a particularly self-absorbed society, many of us. It is easy to get caught up in the selfishness. And I don't mean just material selfishness, but selfishness of the spirit.

If we are truly honest, there isn't hardly one of us who hasn't fantasized about “trying out” our martial skills, perhaps in competition, perhaps out in town against some "bad guy." The former is not really a problem, and is actually a quite natural manifestation of the competitive spirit. But we need to be clear: sport fighting is not warriorship. In my opinion, sport fighters fight for themselves; warriors fight to protect others.

What about self defense? Can the skills of the warrior be used to defend oneself? Absolutely...and also to cut a prime rib of beef. But even self defense is not warriorship in my opinion.

The role of the Ethical Warrior is to protect life. Whose life? Self and others'. Which others? All others, if we can. Even our enemies (as the Marines are often called upon to do), if we can. Those who believe that being a defender is somehow less “combat effective” than being a “tough guy” can be asked whether they would rather face a (killer) papa bear or the (defender) mama bear with two cubs.

The concept of protecting others, especially those not of our “in-group,” is a difficult one for many of us. Especially in our world today. To risk our lives for others, even strangers, even our enemies, is very anti-intuitive. But there is a great measure of satisfaction in a life lived according to the precept of protecting others. Dr. Humphrey, when asked near the end of his life to describe his proudest achievement told a surprising story about an incident that occurred on Iwo Jima with a Japanese prisoner.

Why protect others? Especially our enemies!? Because it is a species preserving (moral) act—even if the individual(s) in question don't seem to deserve it. Being a “warrior-protector” also provides great personal satisfaction and a feeling of “nobility.” It creates a "better life" for the protector.

If the role of a warrior is protecting life, then when do you take a life? Let's not be naive. Warriorship may involve killing. But the Ethical Warrior takes life only when he has to in order to save life. And when killing is necessary, it is to be done as quickly and humanely as possible. The warrior is the only human archetype called upon to make a split-second kill-or-protect judgment. This grave responsibility is entrusted to the warrior because he risks his life to protect others.

In 2006 we worked through several themes, Hatsumi Sensei taught Shinden Fudo Ryu; and we were able to see readily that this ancient art still holds many lessons—particularly for those of us who use weapons and wear body armor. Another theme was nature, which we in the Buyu mirrored in our own training. How did we do with that?

Modern Shinden Fudo Ryu training at Buyu Camp East — in "nature" (also known as in "the pouring rain").

Sensei also spoke about some rather sublime concepts in 2007 in connection with Shinden Fudo Ryu. It is not important, I think, to be able to understand these concepts literally and completely. Rather, think about them; savor them; try to grasp the feeling of them.

	Ikkenhassou - One sword, eight faces (aspects)
	Bikenisshun - Secret sword, one instance (moment)
	Shizen Shigoku - Nature, to the extreme end (level)

Next year it appears that we will be focusing on Kukishin Ryu, which follows nicely from the 2006 year theme. I predict more training in battlefield-type conditions, with armor and weapons. Dust off those rokushaku bo while you're at it!

So, with Kukishin Ryu as our perspective this year, let us make Ethical Warriorship our Buyu theme for 2007.

Hatsumi Sensei's shodo - "Kuki Taisho"
("Nine devils laughing loudly" - maybe)

Hatsumi Sensei wrote that Shinobi no ho, or Ninja methods, are "for discerning what is right for the world, enduring, training to become a moral being, becoming aware of one's destiny, and dedicating one's life to other people or the world as a whole."

Happy New Year! My warmest regards to all of you around the world who share this Warrior's Path.

Well, it finally happened. 2005 was the the year that I turned 50. It's interesting, because when I met Hatsumi Sensei I was 25 and he was 50. And when Hatsumi Sensei met Takamatsu Sensei, Hatsumi Sensei was 25. More about that later. Anyway...

As usual, there was plenty of travel for me. I went to Slovenia last Spring. We had people from Slovenia, of course, but also Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Austria and Hungary (hope I didn't miss anyone!); thanks to Andrej Jasenc for inviting me.

I was also in California, Florida, and Chicagoland—a couple of times each. As is our tradition, I went to Atlanta to train with Bud Malmstrom. Kurt Haines also invited me to Houston and I really enjoyed seeing everybody down there, it had been a while. You guys (and gals) are doing great!

I was in Japan for the Daikomyosai—Hatsumi Sensei's annual training / birthday party. Sensei is more genki than ever. I know I say this every year, but you really should try to get there for training. Here's how: After reading this, pick a date (I recommend Daikomyosai) and commit to going. No "ifs" allowed (as in: "if" I have the time, "if" I have the vacation, "if" I have the money, "if" my dog will let me go, etc.). If you commit, your life will conform to the power of your intention and you'll go. If you don't, it won't. Simple as that. So, what do you say?

This past summer also saw the eighth annual "Buyu Camp" in San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Pacific Ocean. And a second Buyu Camp East in New Jersey. Buyu Camps are a great way to connect with old friends and get that "continuing education" and inspiration that will help you "keep going" when you get back to your own, local training group. See you there again in 2006!

I also had a lot of fun teaching the Warrior Values seminar with Joe Lau here in New Jersey once again. Joe Lau has really been successful in finding the philosophical "common ground" among folks interested in Tom Brown's Wilderness Survival Skills, Bujinkan Martial Arts, and the late Professor Robert Humphrey's Life Values Theory. Thank you, Joe, for inviting me. Don't forget to check out Joe Lau's website.

And, of course, consult the WIN seminar page periodically for details of all of our workshops.

Some of the most rewarding work I did in 2005 was with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). This is a fine program that covers the martial arts techniques that a Marine needs to walk the warrior path—both in combat and around town. But, the most important aspect of the program, in my opinion, is the character development piece. The program is primarily designed to activate the "protector/defender" value system in the Marine. The premise is that ethical Marines are better people—and also better fighters, because they are committed to do what is needed to be done to protect each other and the innocent people who live in their operating area—as they take it to the bad guys.

I usually end up saying something controversial in these essays, so here goes. If you are interested in warriorship, why beat around the bush? Why the "reality" training, and the ultimate fighting and all this? Why not join the Marines? Go to Iraq or Afghanistan. That's reality. Help others throw off oppression. Like the guys in the picture above (excluding the old fart who is teaching). That's a warrior's job.

Ahhh, maybe your real goal is to prove to yourself and/or others that you are tough. OK, that's understandable. But, be careful, remember what Takamatsu Sensei said about that:

By the way, I don't think you have to be a Marine (or soldier or cop) to follow the warrior path. I just think that fighting for fun or ego is NOT the way. There's nothing wrong with it, necessarily. But it is self-centered. Warriorship is about defending others. That's my opinion. You decide.

In 2005 we worked through several themes, Hatsumi Sensei taught Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu Happobiken—including training in Bo-jutsu, Tachi and Taijutsu. It was surprising to me how the same ryu and waza that we practiced in previous years looked and felt so different in 2005. Perhaps it is our ability to see the space and feel the "inryoku" that has improved.

We also had our own Buyu theme of "nature." How did we do with that? Did we "train outside, walk the forests, swim the seas. Hear the wind, talk to the ocean, listen to the lessons of Mother Earth?" In 2005 she continued to speak to us with soft summer nights, crisp winter mornings--and a few rather intense hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes! She's still in charge.

I guess that we shouldn't be surprised, therefore, that Hatsumi Sensei's theme for 2006 is...shizen (nature)! Evidently we will be studying Shinden Fudo Ryu and kenjutsu from the perspective of "nature." It's definitely a great theme and a natural follow on to last year's training.

Enjoyment of life. That is what our training offers—if you let it. We have the luxury of studying warriorship in the relaxed and cooperative atmosphere of the dojo. Please take advantage of it. The real world is not the dojo, but the things that we do in the dojo will impact how we move, act, feel in the real world—whether in a hostile of non-hostile situation. So use your time in the dojo well. Study sincerely. Strive for clarity of thought, feeling and movement. That is the true bushin (warrior spirit).

Hatsumi Sensei's shodo - Bushin

As I said earlier, I turned 50 in 2005. Sensei was 50 when I met him, so I really don't know what he did for the first 25 years of his training. But I have a good feeling for his next 25. After all, I was there and watching very closely. So were many of you, as well! It should give us confidence and a clear direction. No, our lives aren't and won't be remotely like his. But we have a wonderful role model for that 50 - 75 year old phase of our training. I feel great! How about you?

Other than that, I really don't have much to say that hasn't been said. 25 years into my training, all of the talking and philosophizing has really all come down to this:

That's it! So, one of my resolutions for 2006 is to talk less about martial arts and just try to set the example. Less explainin' more trainin'.

Finally, I am pleased to announce the good news that we recently republished Dr. Humphrey's book "Values For A New Millennium." This has been a dream of mine for nearly ten years. If you are interested in point 1 above, read the book. If you are interested in point 2, train. Warriorship is pretty straight forward—not complicated. And not easy.

Happy New Year! My best regards to all Buyu around the world. It was my privilege to share this wonderful art of Warriorship with you in 2004. It has been a full and beautiful year of training, as well as, the thirty-third anniversary of Takamatsu Sensei's passing. A very lucky and auspicious year for all of us.

As usual, there was plenty of travel for me. I went to California, Florida, and Chicagoland-- several times each. I also went to Atlanta to train with Bud Malmstrom.

I was in Japan twice, including the Daikomyosai--Hatsumi Sensei's annual training / birthday party. It is clear, now, that if you want to train with Sensei, you have to go to Japan. Get there! No excuse!!

This past summer also saw the seventh "Buyu Camp" in San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Pacific Ocean. And for the first time, there was a Buyu Camp East in New Jersey. Buyu Camps are a great way to connect with old friends and get that "continuing education" and inspiration that will help you "keep going" when you get back to your own, local training group. See you there in 2005!

I also had a lot of fun teaching the Warrior Values seminar with Joe Lau at Tom Brown's Tracker School here in New Jersey once again in 2004. Joe Lau has really been successful in finding the philosophical "common ground" among folks interested in Tom's Wilderness Survival Skills, Bujinkan Martial Arts, and the late Professor Robert Humphrey's Life Values Theory. Attendance in 2004 was roughly twice what it was last year. The word is really spreading about this wonderful course. Thank you, Joe, for inviting me; and thanks, Tom, for making the "Farm" available. I think this will be an annual event. Keep an eye on Joe Lau's website for details.

And, of course, check the WIN seminar page periodically for details of all of our workshops.

In 2004 we studied the concept of Roppou-Kuji-no Biken (六法九字之秘剣). I am not sure that any of us really were able to grasp the total essence of this concept (six methods kuji of the secret (hidden) sword). I have spent time speaking with Sensei and contemplating it, and think of it this way (this is only my personal interpretation): Roppou-Kuji-no Biken admonishes us to see things clearly, as they really are so that we can become mū--moving with the timing of the kukan and using the secret "sword."

Maybe this helps you; I hope so. But as Sensei said in a letter to me in May of 2004: "It is important to know that Ninjutsu is not only sneaking into enemy lines, but also allowing mysterious lessons to sneak into your own mind. This is the top secret of Ninjutsu."

As I said, this is a concept that may be impossible to describe intellectually, but we certainly had many opportunities to see it in action, including plenty of swordwork. As I said, I was able to visit Japan twice this year and learned a lot. Just as interesting to me as the swordwork, was Sensei's emphasis on training in armor. It just so happens that I spent some time training in armor and protective gear with the Marines this year. It is very different from flitting around on a tatami in a gi!

Hatsumi Sensei in yoroi in the honbu dojo

Jack Hoban (left) participating in mock bayonet training with the
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program

And we do tend to spend a lot of time training in the dojo. And with our friends. And as a result, we risk losing a sense of what combat is really like. And that is why I feel that Sensei spent so much time training in armor and talking about martial arts as they were practiced in real war.

Yet, if we concentrate too much on the mechanics of killing, we run another risk: the risk of losing a sense of what Warriorship is really for. Though our skills may, on occasion, be used to take life, their primary purpose is to protect life. And this we must not forget either. Again, I am reminded of the story that my late mentor, Robert Humphrey, told me about being a Marine on Iwo Jima.

Wow. And I have it on first-hand authority that the same kind of heroic, self-sacrificing activity occurred in Iraq-especially in Fallujah. Many Americans risked—and lost—their lives by taking extraordinary personal risks, rather than allowing innocent civilians to be killed unnecessarily.

So now I am going to say something pretty harsh. These days we all hear a lot of (frankly) BS in the martial arts about ranks, and who deserves theirs and who doesn't, and who is tougher, or stronger, or which art is better, or more complete, or more realistic, or blah, blah, blah. It is all said with the pseudo-authoritarian air that is designed to sound like helpful instruction, but really just strokes the ego of the speaker (writer, emailer, poster). Translated it says: I am stronger, I train tougher, I have a better martial art, I know more than you, I, I, I! Is this the talk of a warrior? I don't think so. Warriorship is not about you, you, you. It is about becoming "zero" so that we can see things as they "really are," and be at the right place with the right timing so that we can protect others, even at the risk of our own lives. If you think you are practicing martial arts, but you are unhappy, or insecure, or worried, or jealous, or any of those niggling things, then you might want to think about that Iwo Jima story and see if there is a lesson in there for you.

Now let's talk about the training for 2005. As most of you know, Hatsumi Sensei has been giving us a theme to work with these past years. This year it appears to be Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu Happobiken—including training in Bo-jutsu, Tachi and Taijutsu. Hatsumi painted the picture of a waterfall below for me. Most of the kanji (on the left side) is a famous Japanese poem that says: "Water falls down to a hollow but that is the beginning of rising." However, on the right it says Jumonji (as in Jumonji no kamae from Gyokko Ryu) Shim Pen Kyojitsu. You probably know most of these words, but "Shim," means "God; and "Pen" means "changes."

Yes, God does change (move) in mysterious ways. This is a great reminder for us to be mindful of the "way things really are;" and a wonderful way to extend the concepts from last year into an exciting new year of training.

To be truthful, there is probably a little humor in the painting as well. The painting is of a waterfall, as I said (although, you never know with Sensei! Does it look absolutely like a waterfall to you?). Anyway, I had an interesting experience with a waterfall once and Hatsumi Sensei had an unexpected response to it that I will share with you.

As a younger and bolder fellow I went once to a Shugenja training facility in the mountains because I wanted to sit under a waterfall and feel what it was like. Well, as I approached the area, several attendants came out to shoo me away. I insisted that I wasn't there to bother anybody; I just wanted to sit under the waterfall. Well, then they got pissed! "How dare you, an unsanctified foreigner, come here thinking you can just sit under this sacred waterfall? Go away! Now!!" All hostile and everything. Well, I was a little pissed by then, too, but what could I do? Be an Ugly American? So I went away without sitting under their stupid waterfall.

When I got back to Noda, I mentioned the incident to Hatsumi Sensei. He questioned me on all the details, and I told him everything. Finally, he said: "Bakayaro!" ("Those idiots!"). Then he said: "Well, Jack, just go back to your hotel, get into the shower, and turn the water on cold. It's the same thing!"

Yes, the dojo doesn't necessarily have to be where you think it is. In fact, sometimes our dojo—the place with the tatamis (or mats) and gis are—is not necessarily the best place to train. So why do we do it? Well, it's easy and sensible, that's why. But that brings us to our Buyu theme of the year. As you may know, in addition to Hatsumi Sensei's theme, we also have traditionally selected our own, Buyu Dojo, theme every year. Last year, if you recall, our theme was the year of Shinobu. How did we do? Were we patient? Aware? Persistent? Were we able to look beyond the purely technical and tactical aspects of our training? Were we vigilant against threats that we couldn't see nor understand. And, most importantly, did we open our hearts to the way of the benevolent warrior—protecting when we could, hiding when we had to? Using our skills only as a last resort? Difficult, wasn't it? But that is the natural way of the Warrior. And that brings us to this year's theme. The theme is: Nature.

Well, how do we learn that?! In this age of cell phones and computers (I, myself, work in the Internet business) how do we learn the laws of Nature? Certainly not in front of a computer (although we can learn a lot about the new "laws" of man that way, and that is important, too). No, we need to get out into Nature. Train outside, walk the forests, swim the seas. Hear the wind, talk to the ocean, listen to the lessons of Mother Earth. She is speaking to us. Remember the hurricanes, the earthquakes, the tsunamis. She still has control. And something to teach us. As Ninja, as warriors, let us listen very attentively in 2005.

P.S. To set the example, I decided to go for an ocean swim today, New Years Day. It was cold.

I wish for you all a Happy New Year filled with good health and love. Thank you for helping me to "keep going" for yet another wonderful year!

The years pass quickly, don't they? I clearly remember sitting here, last year about this time, and it seems like just a moment ago. Hatsumi Sensei says to me often: "Life is just a series of moments."

There were many beautiful "moments" in 2003 as we studied the concept of juppo-sessho and buyu (courageous warrior).

Indeed, the concept of juppo-sessho spawned many ideas for our training. We began to look at the physical encounter from many new perspectives. We enhanced our ability to use the space around the opponent. "Ju," as we learned, means "ten" and "ho" means "direction," so "Juppo" means "the ten directions." The ten directions are east, west, south, north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, and upward and downward. These represent all directions, the whole of space (kukan), or the whole world. Sensei talked often, this year, about using three dimensions in our training. Very enlightening!

The root of "Sessho" is Setsu (or koro su) which refers to the act of killing. Sho means living thing. This term sessho is often used in Buddhism in the context of an admonition to avoid killing (including animals), particularly in a thoughtless or cruel way. For me, this is a very powerful concept. It speaks to the "awareness of life" that we all must maintain in our training, and what martial arts are really all about. It is a warning to never forget that the vocation of the warrior deals necessarily with the concept of life and death. Our skills are for protecting life, but may, on occasion, need to be used to take life. I am reminded of the story that my mentor, Robert Humphrey, told me about an incident that happened to him as a Marine on Iwo Jima.

As many of you know, Iwo Jima was the first native Japanese soil invaded by Americans in WWII. Approximately 60,000 Americans and 20,000 Japanese participated in the battle. Iwo Jima was approximately 2 miles wide, 4 miles long; that's 8 square miles. In that tiny area, death--horrible, mutilating death--became a commonplace occurrence. Almost 7,000 Americans were killed in action on Iwo Jima; there were more than 20,000 American casualties. Approximately one-third of all Marines killed in action in World War II were killed on Iwo Jima, making Iwo Jima the battle with the highest number of casualties in Marine Corps history. Virtually ALL of the Japanese soldiers on Iwo were killed.

The incident to which I am referring took place while Humphrey and his platoon were clearing a cave. It was usual for the Japanese soldiers to fight to the death, so clearing caves--often by burning the soldiers alive with flamethrowers--was a dangerous and soul-withering job. In this one instance, however, a solitary Japanese soldier emerged from the cave to surrender. By this time in the battle both sides had adopted a "take no prisoners" attitude. The Japanese were killing any American who tried to surrender, even if they were too wounded to fight back; so we began to kill their soldiers, too. It seemed normal, therefore, when one of Humphrey's men lifted a rifle to shoot the surrendering Japanese. Like I said, according to Humphrey, shooting the boy would not have been unusual. Actually, it would have been unusual under the circumstances NOT to shoot him. After all, he might have booby-trapped himself [which was common] and was just trying to get close enough to take a couple of Marines with him when he went.

For some reason, however, Humphrey felt that he should stop his Marine from killing this Japanese boy. When Humphrey ordered the Marine to lower his weapon, there was a real moment of tension between them. The Marine couldn't understand why Humphrey was protecting the enemy. No one would see it; no one ever would know. Both sides were doing it. It would be just one more death among thousands.

At the time, Humphrey didn't really know why he didn't want to kill the boy, either. He just had a feeling about it. Due to Humphrey's forceful insistence, the Marine reluctantly put his weapon down. The Japanese soldier did surrender and was taken prisoner without a problem. Humphrey recalls that the Japanese may have even provided some worthwhile intelligence. But it took Humphrey many years before he understood the REAL reason why he had protected that enemy soldier.

Humphrey told me that there was so much UNAVOIDABLE killing on Iwo Jima that when he had that one chance to NOT kill, he felt that he must take it. For the sake of his own humanity. To the day he died, the act of saving his enemy was Humphrey's proudest life moment.

And that, to me, is the essence of Juppo Sessho. Protect life when you can, kill only when you must.

Training with Hatsumi Sensei in Juppo Sessho was very special. Sensei came to New Jersey in 2003 for the last TaiKai outside of Japan. It was a beautiful TaiKai at an oceanside resort in New Jersey. With the sound of the waves outside, I had the privilege of just relaxing with Sensei and talking with him for hours a day for the better part of a week. I don't remember even a fraction of what we talked about. It was all just a "beautiful moment." Maybe some of the things that he said are now seeds in my subconscious that will bloom again at the right time. I do remember him speaking of his sense that the Bujinkan was strong enough to "keep going." He said that we have many good people who understand the important lessons of Takamatsu Sensei and all the past GrandMasters of our art. Sensei wasn't sad about the changes that are coming inevitably; rather, he was happy and was facing the future with optimism. He is a very wise man. And an inspiration.

As usual, there was plenty of travel for me. I went to California, Florida, and Chicagoland--actually, several times each. I also went to Atlanta to train with Bud Malmstrom. I am wondering about my resolution to travel less....

Actually, it is flattering, and a privilege, to be invited to share our art with BuYu everywhere. I thank all of you who participated.

I also was in Japan with many of you for the Daikomyosai and Hatsumi Sensei's annual training / birthday party. It is clear, now, that if you want to train with Sensei, you will have to go to Japan. Fortunately, it looks like there will be an additional three day seminar in April, so there may be two significant training opportunities in Japan in 2004. Get there! No excuse!!

This past summer also saw the sixth "Buyu Camp" in San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Pacific Ocean. As in past years, many martial artists from around the country and the world met as Buyu. The Buyu Camp has really become a fun and international event. See you there in 2004! It is also gratifying to see that other "Buyu Camps" are springing up around the country and the world. Buyu Camps are a great way to connect with old friends and get that "continuing education" and inspiration that will help you "keep going" when you get back to your own, local training group.

I also had a lot of fun teaching a Warrior Values seminar with Joe Lau at Tom Brown's Tracker School here in New Jersey. Thank you, Joe, for inviting me; and thanks, Tom, for making the "Farm" available. I think there will be another in 2004. Keep an eye on Joe Lau's website for details.

And, of course, check the WIN seminar page periodically for details for all of our workshops.

Now let's talk about the training for 2004. As most of you know, Hatsumi Sensei has been giving us a theme to work with these past several years. In 2004 it is DaiSho Jutaijutsu. I assume that this means that we will delve deeper into ways of using and moving with the sword. I am really looking forward to it.

[Note: After this essay was originally published, Hatsumi Sensei clarified the theme and now uses the term Roppou-Kuji-no Biken (六法九字之秘剣) to characterize the focus of the 2004 training.]

I have to say, it is uncanny how Sensei selects his themes. Those of you who train with us regularly in New Jersey know that, back in the Fall of 2003, we began to get the feeling that we should start re-examining the concept of proper distancing. The best way to do that, we felt, was to break out the swords. So that's what we did--we started working on our swordwork. Then, BINGO! Two months later we go to Japan and Hatsumi Sensei announces that his theme for 2004 is...swordwork! Weird!! How does he do it?

We also have traditionally selected our own, Buyu Dojo, theme every year, and this year is no different. The theme is inspired by reflection on the reason that many of us came to this martial art in the first place. Let's face it: We wanted to be Ninja. At the time, aside from some obscure references in an old James Bond book, we didn't really even know what a Ninja was. But something about the mystique of the Ninja drew us in. I remember encountering Stephen Hayes, first in a magazine and later in person, and his stories of this real Ninja in Noda, Japan. I was hooked!

Well, most of us have been through the Ninja craze, and the Ninja boom, and a lot of silliness in that regard. And we mostly use the term "Bujinkan" when we talk about our training these days. But, I recall when I first met Hatsumi Sensei. There WAS no Bujinkan! We were training in Togakure Ryu Ninpo. And in my heart, I still am. But, what I realize now, after more than 20 years, is that this art--by whatever name you choose to call it--adapts to the age: the age we are in, the age in years that we are, the age of man.

It could be said that, now, we are in an age of terror--a mindless, inadvertent stumble on the way to clearer human vision. So, again, our art must change. You can be killed anytime, anywhere, by a person who does not know you nor care who you are. You can be killed with common weapons, or with weapons that are new and different. You can be killed by invisible weapons. Those that would kill you don't want your money or your possessions. They want your death. Their reasons are hard to understand, so protecting yourself from them (as opposed, say, to protecting yourself from a thief) is not easy. It takes awareness and patience. In other words: shinobu.

Shinobu is patience with a purpose. Shinobu is positive. It is not meant here in a defensive or paranoid way. There is a cosmic purpose for your patience: Life. Yours and anyone else's life that you can protect with your skills.

The religious philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) spoke of an Omega Point to which life is destined to evolve. The Omega Point is supreme enlightenment (or self awareness). I like that concept because it suggests an encompassing "reason for it all." The journey to the Omega Point is not really a "progression," but rather, a "becoming." It is true understanding and total consciousness, a manifestation of a perfection that already exists. But we must change and adapt until we attain it (or it attains us). The Omega Point is ahead, but it is also here. Most importantly, for us to realize this Omega Point, for us to become our full potential, we must live. We must "keep going."

This is a subtle point that I have struggled with: How do you become something that you already are? Perhaps, you must "keep going" until your perspective changes. Hatsumi Sensei said to me once that "progress is an illusion, but change is necessary." I guess it is his way of saying that there is really nothing new under the sun. But a Ninja, necessarily, must change with the times. Consider Takamatsu Sensei's words in this regard: "The vast universe, beautiful in its coldly impersonal totality, contains all that we call good or bad, all the answers for all the paradoxes we see around us. 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...."

It is so difficult to be patient in this fast moving world. It is easy to get the feeling we will be left behind, somehow, if we wait. But how can we be left behind when we are already there?

So let's call this the year of Shinobu. Be patient, be aware, be persistent. Look beyond the technical, and even tactical, aspects of your training. Imbue your training with a special awareness. Seek to understand the un-understandable. Be vigilant against threats that you can't see and can't understand. Open your heart to the way of the benevolent warrior--protecting when we can, hiding when we must, using our skills as a last resort. Reaching for our full potential.

I sit here on New Years Eve, as I have done for quite a few years now, and reflect on the year that has gone past. I have that "good-tired" feeling that you get after a nice, long day of training. It's a special feeling, and I bet you know just what I mean. But, the REALLY special times are when we have just had that tough day at work, and we think we'll just skip training for the night. Yet we change our mind at the last minute and drag ourselves to the dojo. And like magic, an hour or two later we are re-energized. I call those the "keep going" nights. It's amazing the kinds of insights you get on those exceptional nights. Don't you think?

The year 2002 has been another year of great training (I think I say that every year!). We studied Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu and Dai Sho Sabaki. We continued our study of the concepts of "space," "perspective," "kukan," and fighting in "three dimensions." We started to look at the conflict in terms of terrain and tactics, rather than just from the perspective of the technique. We spent a lot of time on our knees, and we became "Men In Black...Dresses" (women, too, of course) as we trained in hakama.

Training with Hatsumi Sensei in 2002 was also very special. He seems to have grown more joyous, more spiritually powerful, and his energy is unflagging. What an inspiration!

As usual, there was plenty of travel for me. I went to California three times. Florida twice. I made another trip to Chicagoland to train with Mark Hodel and Buyu there. I went to Atlanta to train with Bud Malmstrom. I went to the Norway TaiKai and the St. Louis TaiKai, as well.

I also was in Japan with many of you for the Daikomyosai and Hatsumi Sensei's birthday. Great training, great party. You really have to hear Noguchi Shihan sing his annual version of "Ginza Monogatari" (Tokyo Love Story). Plan to go to Japan this year if at all possible!

This summer also saw the fifth "Buyu Camp" in San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Pacific Ocean. Again this year, many highly regarded Bujinkan martial artists from around the country and the world were in attendance to share their insights and gather the views of their fellow Buyu. The Buyu Camp has really become a fun and international event. See you there in 2003!

Last year I had a chance to teach with several friends and Buyu who came to New Jersey. There was Steffen Fröhlich from Germany, Bud Malmstrom from Georgia, and Dick Severence from Florida. These Shidoshi seminars are really fun and a great chance to meet people from around the nation and world who share our love of Bujinkan training! Look for visits from Bud again this year. Also, maybe a surprise guest or two.

Another seminar that has become an annual event, is the "Life Values Workshop." This is a seminar where we practice our Budo in the context of Robert L. Humphrey's Life Values teachings. We even do the STRIKE training, which Humphrey devised to help Marines overcome the stress of real combat.

And we added a seminar that will be our annual remembrance for the September 11th attack. My friend Joe Tenaglia (retired Navy Commander, EOD commando, and Anti-Terrorist expert) gave a brief on the terrorist threat. We followed up the "classroom" portion with a session that covered what you could do if you were ever involved in a terrorist incident. The training included a section on "weapons of opportunity." It's amazing the damage you can do with a chapstick!

Check the WIN seminar page periodically for details and join us for these interesting workshops.

Now let's talk about the training for 2003. As most of you know, Hatsumi Sensei has been giving us a theme to work with these past several years. This year it is juppo-sessho (possibly from the perspective of Shinden Fudo Ryu). There has not been talk of studying the waza of any specific ryuha (at least thus far). We'll be working with some classic Japanese weapons, as well, including Kunai, Tessen, Kyoketsushoge, etc. Great! We can work on any waza we want.

The kanji for juppo-sessho is probably 十法殺生 (although you can never tell what kanji Hatsumi Sensei will use to illustrate different iterations of the sound). Ju means "ten" and "ho" means "direction," so Juppo means "the ten directions." We all know the word happo (eight directions or ways). The ten directions are east, west, south, north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, and upward and downward. These represent all directions, the whole of space, or the whole world. (Three dimensions? Where have we heard that before?) In Buddhist philosophy the meaning of space is frequently discussed. In these discussions, the word juppo is often used to describe space (kukan?). Very interesting, neh?

Setsu (koro su) means killing. Sho means living thing. This term is often used in Buddhism in the context of an admonition to avoid killing (including animals), particularly in a thoughtless or cruel way. I can only speculate on where we will go with this concept--but I have already started!

One of the most exciting things that is happening this year is that the TaiKai will be in New Jersey! What a privilege for us to be able to host it in 2003. Who knows how many more Sensei will be able to do. Don't miss it! Info is here.

Hatsumi Sensei drew three kanji for me this year that I thought were very interesting. I have put them below for your study.

I am sure you recognize the one on the left. It is "Buyu - warrior friend." This has a different feel than the one we usually use for our Buyu Dojo, but it is wonderful, don't you think? The one in the middle is "Buyu - courageous warrior." I like that one so much you may see it on the TaiKai T-shirt. The third "Buyu?" It just means "male." But it looks cool, doesn't it?

And that brings us to our Buyu theme of the year. It is...Buyu. We will study the art of war (bu) this year, and explore the courage (yu) it requires to act in times of crisis. And maybe even what it means to be a real man and wo-man. And what it means to have and be a warrior friend (buyu). This is a good time to have Buyu. I believe the world has been at war since September 11, 2001. For many, war is an obscure concept, especially a war like this. It doesn't really touch them. And for the most part, that is a good thing. Most people are too lucky to have the capacity to live consciously with war on a day to day basis. It has touched me, though, and I know it has touched many of you. Our warrior art is really about how to deal with and survive war. And preserve life if possible. It is not about techniques, or ranks, or politics. Or organizations.

I was asked this question in an interview this year: How should we behave and train in the Bujinkan? My answer was this: We should behave like human beings, like warriors. We should follow the example that has been set for us. Listen to our teachers. Trust them. That doesn’t mean that we are robots, or members of a cult, or that we must change our personalities, it only means that we should follow the principles as they have been shown to us. What are they? Look at Sensei, he is following them, too. He is following them, as we all must. The principles certainly have the flavor of his personality, but they are the principles passed down from the previous Sokes of the arts that make up the Bujinkan. They are principles that are immutable, although the manifestations may change.

Many people worry about the future of the Bujinkan. Don’t even think about it. The future will come in its time. We should face it using the principles we have been taught or discovered on our own through training. Why think about the future? Why even ask about it? It is like asking, “What is the future of tides?” Well, as long as there is a moon, there will be tides. What is there to think about? On more human terms, consider the concept of motherhood. Is it a technique? An organization? A cult of someone’s personality? No. It is a fundamental of human existence. And so is warriorship. The principles that are represented by the art we call “Bujinkan” are fundamental to the human experience and have a life of their own. They are the laws of the warrior. They will endure as long as there is one true warrior in the world. Let's explore THAT important line of thinking. With courage, as true men and women. With our friends. Of course there will be plenty of fun in the dojo, too! Train hard. Get in shape. Pay attention to the environment.

Think back, if you will, on all that has happened. Give thanks for what we have—our family, friends and fellow buyu. Pray for those who have been touched by terrorism.

We live, truly, in challenging times. Warrior times. The events of this past year have given our shared vocation more relevance than ever.

The year was full of training. We studied Gyokko Ryu Kosshitjutsu and DaiSho. We explored the concepts of "space," "perspective," "kukan," "ura" and "omote," "in" and "yo," and especially "kyojitsu." It was very exciting. We learned that the word kosshi has some very interesting connotations in the Japanese language. Kosshi, it seems, can refer to certain bones of the spine. And since the spine is the center or "core" of the body, kosshi can be used when speaking of the essence of something—the heart of the matter, if you will. Of course that kosshi, although sounding the same, uses a different kanji. Layers within layers....

And do you recall how vital and happy Hatsumi Sensei was this year in the training? He remains such an inspiration. Keep going, Sensei!

As usual, there was a lot of travel for me. I went to California three times. Florida twice. I made another trip to Chicagoland to train with Mark Hodel and Buyu there. I went to Atlanta to train with Bud Malmstrom. I even got to visit my roots by going to Dublin to train with my friend Steve Byrne and many Irish buyu. As I do whenever possible, I told the Warrior Creed story and the Hunting Story, getting the usual, very positive, emotional reactions. The stuff still works—all over the world!

I went to the Madrid TaiKai (gracias to Jesus Equia for treating me so graciously) and the Washington DC TaiKai, as well.

I also was in Japan for the Daikomyosai and Hatsumi Sensei's 70th birthday. The training was wonderful, as was the party. People from all over the world turned out to share this great occasion.

This summer also saw the fourth "Buyu Camp" in San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Pacific Ocean. Once again, many highly regarded Bujinkan martial artists from around the country and the world were in attendance to share their insights and gather the views of their Buyu warrior friends included my friend Steffen Fröhlich from Germany. Newly promoted 10th dan, Sheila Toribio taught her first workshop and it was very well received. We plan to make women part of the instructor cadre from now on! The Buyu Camp is really turning into a fun and international event. See you there in 2002!

Last year I had a chance to teach with several friends and Buyu who came to New Jersey. There was André Trudel from Montreal, Bud Malmstrom from Georgia, and Ed Martin from Pennsylvania. These Shidoshi seminars are really fun and a great chance to meet people from around the nation and world who share our love of Bujinkan training! Look for visits from Bud again this year. Also, Dick Severence in December. Steve Byrne is coming over from Ireland in February, and Steffen Fröhlich will be visiting from Germany in June.

Check the WIN seminar page periodically for details and join us for these interesting workshops.

Now let's talk about the training for 2002. As most of you know, Hatsumi Sensei has been giving us a theme to work with these past several years. This year it looks like we will be studying budo from the perspective of Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu. We are even being told that we should prepare a pair of hakama and a set of soft training Daisho! Sensei is full of surprises, isn't he? I am always so curious to see what he will do next. In that way, Sensei helps me to "keep going."

At the Madrid TaiKai I spoke with Hatsumi Sensei about the events of September 11, 2001. In light of what had just happened, the Marines had asked me to step up my participation in their new Martial Arts program. I was soon headed back to Quantico, Virginia to help as best as I could. During the course of our conversation, Sensei said: "We have now passed the era of 'in.' It is now the era of 'yo.' Goodness will prevail, but to win, we will have to be more terrible than the terrorists. Gambatte!"

Our talk made me think of what a luxury we have had these last years—studying, "playing" with this martial art in the relative safety of our dojos. Had we been lulled into a sense of complacency? Seeing our budo as a "hobby?" Were any of us ready to use our Martial Art for real?

Sensei made me think that there comes a time when the true Martial Artist must leave the comfort of the dojo and use his skills in the outside world. But how?

That is for us to discover this year. I often say that a Martial Artist's job is not necessarily to lurk around a gas station waiting for it to be robbed so that he can save the day. We are not vigilantes. We are warriors.

Perhaps you, the reader, are a warrior in your heart. Perhaps, like me, you struggle with your understanding of what being a warrior truly means—and the commitment it takes to be one.

What is a warrior? To me a warrior is a protector of life—his own and others’. For a Warrior, there is no difference between the physical and the moral. They are the same. The moral is that which sustains life. Warriorship is a life of moral action.

I believe that the primary responsibility of a warrior is to understand this unique perspective: the perspective of the physical-moral.

I often hear or read things like: "people are not as moral as they used to be." Or that there is a "crisis of morality in our society." I disagree. I think people are as moral as they ever were. After all, how can you change human nature in a generation or two? No. There is no crisis in morality. Rather, I believe that there may be a crisis in physicality. People still know the difference between that which is good, that which sustains life, and that which does not. They just don't speak up the way they used to when they see something that they know is wrong. They are afraid.

There is an old saying that goes something like this: The only thing it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing. It is time to stop doing nothing.

The Story of the Japanese Prisoner