New Year's Message

January 1, 2015

Dear Friends:

Happy New Year!

2015 is the year of the Ram (also the year of the Sheep or Goat) according to the Oriental calendar. It is also my birth year; and I turn (gulp) 60 next October, so I'm looking forward to a very auspicious year. Hope you are, too!

Year of The Sheep

How was your 2014? Good I hope – mine was particularly awesome! I really got the opportunity to apply some of the practical lessons of Ninpo in the real world this past year.

It also struck me this past year that people are drawn to the martial arts in general – and the Bujinkan in particular – for many reasons. As you may know, I was a Marine looking to improve my stealth and close combat skills. I have received so much more than I even knew to look for and am very grateful.

One thing we should all realize is that the Bujinkan may manifest itself in the lives of all of us in profoundly different ways. And it sure does, doesn't it? And it is marvelous! I often remind myself not to judge the value of what people do with the training by my own expectations and standards.

As usual, I did a "bit" of traveling in 2014.

Our group enjoyed a BuyῡKai in San Francisco in honor of Mark Hodel.

Buyu;Kai West
BuyῡKai West

Buyu
Jim, Dale, Ken, Miki, Jack, Jeff, Dave and Mark Hodel (in spirit!)

By the way, Andrew Hodel, Mark's son, was married in 2014 to the lovely Donna Kwok. Some of us were at the wedding in Chinatown, New York City.  What a party!

Andrew and Donna Hodel
Congratulations Andrew and Donna!

We enjoyed another Buyῡ Camp East in New Jersey.

Buyῡ Camp East
BYCE 2014

Lot's more Buyῡ Camp East pictures HERE!!

We also had training seminars in NJ, California, Florida, Chicago and Grand Rapids. International trips included Germany (twice!), Switzerland and Colombia.

Colombia Jack and David
Jack and David in Bogotá, Colombia

Murray, Jack, Phil
Murray, Jack and Phil in Switzerland after training

Jack and Steffen in Germany
Steffen, Jack and Pino in Germany

I also was able to visit Japan to train with my teacher, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, and many Buyῡ martial arts friends from around the world. As is the tradition, I led the group in "Happy Birthday," and a toast to his health and longevity.

Jack Hoban and Masaaki Hatsumi
Happy Birthday, Sensei!

Masaaki Hatsumi and Jack Hoban
You Are My Sunshine! (Photo by Sheila Haddad)

Masaaki Hatsumi and Jack Hoban
Love the hair! (Photo by Sheila Haddad)

The weather was very clear several days and we got a number of goods views of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji
The view from the top of Mount Takao

Jack Hoban and Buyῡ
Craig, Jack, John, Alex and Miki - Top of Mount Takao, Fuji-san in the background

Asasuka
The boys at Asasuka

Christmas Geisha
An early Holiday toast - Christmas always starts in Japan for me!

And there are many more pictures on our Buyῡ Facebook page here.

 Check here for upcoming seminars in 2015.

I did some more writing in 2014. Here is an article Bruce Gourlie and I wrote for PoliceOne.com regarding the "sanshin" of ethics, tactics and technique focusing on the choke hold submission:

Combining ethics, tactics and technique in the vascular neck restraint (VNR)

And, as you may recall, one of our Buyῡ themes in 2014 was the use of skillful verbal communication to resolve conflict and, perhaps, avoid having to get involved in physical violence.  We had a lot of fun at several of the seminars in New Jersey, Grand Rapids, Atlanta and California working through some realistic conflict scenarios using our Verbal Defense and Influence training.

Bruce and I also wrote an article specifically on tactical communication for PoliceOne. It covers the four things that we learned from our late friend, Dr. George Thompson, founder of Verbal Judo, about how to resolve conflict verbally under stress. You can read it here:

4 things the Ethical Warrior can learn from Doc Thompson about verbal conflict resolution

My friend Tori Eldridge also did an interview with me on the Ethical Warrior.  You can hear it here:

Craig Gray even did a video on verbal skills. I helped out (a little). Check it, and all of our videos, out here.

RGI Verbal Conflict Resolution

My book "The Ethical Warrior," is doing very well. Click it if you want to read it.

The Ethical Warrior Book - Jack Hoban
[Kindle Version]

Bruce Gourlie and I wrote a follow-up book for protector professionals called "The Ethical Protector." Check it out!

Ethical Protector Gourlie Hoban
[Kindle Version]

I did more work with the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at the University of Georgia and the Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility. The Director, Dr. Steve Olson, has been working with my company, Resolution Group International, on applying the Marine Corps Ethical Warrior principles and Robert L. Humphrey's Dual Life Value theory of human nature to business leadership and ethics. This is very exciting work (and a little controversial) as it runs quite contrary to what is being taught presently in business schools.

Right now we have a joint venture called the Ethics Innovation Group (EIG).

The Center and RGI are co-sponsoring a series of EIG "Leading With Integrity" certification courses. Here's some info on the next two classes if you are interested:

  • EIG Phase I Leading with Integrity Certification Course in partnership with Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business
    January 7-8, 2015 in Atlanta, GA

  • EIG Phase II Leading with Integrity Certification Course in partnership with Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business
    January 27-28, 2015 in Atlanta, GA

We have big plans for 2014. Still working on that business book based on the Ethical Warrior concepts!

I mentioned our conflict resolution training company: Resolution Group International. As you may know, RGI is made up of military and law enforcement professionals who teach how to resolve conflict under stress. The RGI curriculum extrapolates on the work I have done with Robert L. Humphrey and the Marines in the areas of ethics, conflict communication and physical protection skills. We had two more RGI Conflict Resolution Courses in 2014 with participants from the NYPD, NJ State Police, the Park Service, Marines, Fortune 500 companies and many more.

RGI Classroom
RGI Ethical Protector Classwork (Photo courtesy of the Trentonian)

RGI Beach Work Out
The infamous RGI beach workout! (Photo courtesy of the Trentonian)

Joe Shusko RGI
Joe Shusko giving more of his patented "tie ins" (Photo courtesy of the Trentonian)

James Shanahan NYPD
NYPD Guest Speaker James Shanahan tells the Pat Brown story (Photo courtesy of the Trentonian)

RGI in the Trentonian
We even made the front page!

RGI Ethical Protector
Another fine group of Ethical Protectors!

If you are interested in learning how to apply the Ethical Protector training as a law enforcement or military professional – or just want to explore the concept with the top-notch RGI instructors in a hands-on setting as a civilian warrior – check out RGI Events. To see more training photos, you can "like us" on Facebook here.

As a representative of RGI, I had the honor of sharing the Ethical Warrior message with many law enforcement professionals during the inaugural New Jersey Conference on Character, Ethics and Leadership at Stockton College.

Jack Hoban New Jersey Conference: Character, Ethics, Leadership

Lieut. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr., superintendent, United States Military Academy at West Point was the keynote speaker, and national speaker and author on issues critical to Americas, Vincent Bove, spoke as well. I was privileged to close the conference.

Jack Hoban New Jersey Conference: Character, Ethics, Leadership

Over 250 law enforcement personnel attended the event, including local, county, state and federal officials. Various agencies, as well as senior-level executives from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI, filled the auditorium to capacity. The well-received message was that America can be re-invigorated by enhancing the character, ethics and leadership that lie within the heart of each of us.

Resolution Group International is in its fifth year and continues to flourish and make an impact. Lot's planned for 2015. And, as I said, you can see many more cool RGI pictures here.

This past year I was again privileged to work with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) in Quantico, Virginia. This important program is led ably by  my good friend Joe Shusko (LtCol USMC ret.). It covers armed and unarmed martial arts techniques, combat conditioning, mental training and character development.

I say this every year, but I am so impressed by these young Marines. They are physically and mentally tough, yet respectful and ethical. Many are veterans of both Iraq and Afghanistan. The methodology we use is simple but vitally important: train a lot, talk a bit, train a lot, talk a bit. The Marines relish the physical training, and then are open to hear how to use their training and core values to maintain their ethics and a "protector mindset" under the adversity of war. In martial arts training, it is often easy to focus on the physical part while giving mere lip service to the mental and character elements. But all three parts must go together.

Hoban MCMAP
"Training" - USMC photo courtesy of Homer Brett 2014

Hoban MCMAP
"Talking Ethical Warriorship" - USMC photo courtesy of Homer Brett 2014

Hoban Shusko MCMAP
My MCMAP inspiration and boss, LtCol Joe Shusko (Ret) - we're a lot colder and wetter than we look!

MAIT 2014
"Marine Ethical Warriors" - USMC photo courtesy of Homer Brett 2014

And for those of you who bet I couldn't still finish the Marine Obstacle Course in boots and flak jacket...


Getting a little old for this...

I was also privileged to be invited back to my old "Stomping Grounds," Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, to teach MCMAP and talk about the Ethical Warrior concept.

MCRD Hoban
That was then...

MCRD Hoban
...and this was 2014 - in the base theater for a talk after some good training

Hoban MCRD
Many thanks to Ethical Warrior LtCol Joel Hoffman for inviting me

Played a good bit of music in 2014. Our band "Rogues on the Run" had another fun year. We did more gigs with legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Alan Jackson, etc. etc. etc.).

Bernard Purdie Jack Hoban
Jack & Bernard

Rogues on the Run Bernard "Pretty" Purdie
Mario, Vel, Jack, Bernard, Phil and Rob - Rogues on the Run

And we published Bernard's biography, "Let the Drums Speak!"  Check it out.

Bernard Purdie Let the Drums Speak!
[Kindle Version]

If you like contemporary blues with a touch of jazz, please visit our webpage.

Pretty event-filled year, eh? But enough about 2014. What's in store for 2015?

As I said above, the warrior path looks different for all of us – maybe even very different for some of us. In terms of the need for real warrior skills, it is certainly there. Many people are still trying to do harm to innocent others. Why? The reasons vary – cultural, economic, political, religious, criminal, etc. But no matter what the reasons, they are all relative. That is, they are all less important than life itself. Some people may disagree, saying that some relative value or another is more important than the life value. They may even believe it. Yeah, and for centuries people thought the world was flat, too – or that the sun revolved around the earth. They were wrong. And the relativists are wrong, too.

As warriors, we know that relative values, no matter how "great," cannot supersede the life value. And we train in mind, heart and body to protect that value – above all others. Can you think of a value that is more important than your life? How about the lives of your loved ones? I can't either.

Love - Masaaki Hatsumi
Calligraphy by Masaaki Hatsumi from author's personal collection

The heroes among us risk their own lives to protect the lives of others. I am talking about you in the armed forces, and you police officers, and you first responders of all kinds. And you, citizen warrior and ethical protector. You. You're awesome.

But you need skills. We need skills – moral, verbal and physical. And we need to practice them. That's what this is really all about. Not patches or medals or ranks or awards.

Notice I said verbal skills. It was a lot of fun practicing the verbal skills this year – and we'll do more in 2015.

But I think we also need philosophical clarification. We must be able to clearly differentiate the relative value of believes, customs, attitudes, behaviors, etc. – some of which may be good or bad, moral or immoral, ethical or unethical – from the absolute value of life. We always respect life, even if we have to deal decisively with wrong-doing. As warriors, we must be able to view others – all others – with mu-shin, the clear and disciplined eye of the ethical protector.

Mushin
Mu-shin - Masaaki Hatsumi

Mu-shin is often translated as “empty mind,” but I think of it more as a “clear mind.” It is important to realize that the Protector Mindset is not “empty,” and that we don’t suddenly have no emotions. The emotions are there, even the unhelpful ones. But, our ethical and physical training allows us to “see through the spaces” between the emotions.

As you probably know, the Japanese word kukan might be  translated as “tactical space.” Kukan usually refers to the feeling of the space between the warrior and the opponent. I would propose that there is also a "kukan" within the mind of the warrior that exists “between” the emotions.

Kukan
Can you see through the spaces and never lose sight of the Dual Live Value of self and others?

So, if you are able to find the spaces between and beyond the emotions, what do you see? You may just see a creative solution that saves lives – and that is the Ethical Warrior’s number-one job.

Simply stated, one might say that it all just a matter of priorities. Mu-shin might also mean the ability to focus on life's most important commitments. In the world today there is a lot of thought, and we hear a lot of words, but when it comes to deeds, well, not so much. Protecting life requires action – deeds. We need to see past all of the distractions and focus on what is most important in our lives.

As we have said in past years, commitment is actually easier than a lack of focus. With commitment, you don't have to constantly wonder what you should be doing out of the millions of things you could be doing. Pick something worthy and just do it. Then it is no longer a matter of what to do, just how to do it. It's not a matter of if you are going to train this week, but how you are going to get there. Easier.

 So, let's call this year of the sheep the year of mu-shin, where we will focus on what is most important, make and keep our commitments – and act!

If you need a little inspiration, here's one of my favorite values stories from Joe Shusko's book "Tie-Ins For Life." It is written for young Marine leaders, but you'll get the message. Read it and embrace 2015 – the year of mu-shin!

The Jar of Life
A MARINE STOOD before his Marines with items in front of him. When he started his class, he picked up a large jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He asked his Marines if the jar was full, and they agreed. The Marine then picked up a box of marbles and poured them in the jar and again asked his Marines if the jar was full and they agreed. He then picked up a box of sand and poured it in the jar and asked his Marines if the jar was full and once again they agreed. The Marine then poured two cups of coffee in the jar filling all the empty space to show the Marines the jar still wasn’t full until the liquid was added. Then he told his Marines the jar represents life. The golf balls are the most important things in your life ~ God, Country, Corps, family, and your Marines. The marbles represent the things that matter to you like your house and your car.

The sand is everything else or the small stuff in life. If you put the sand in the jar first, there will be no room for the marbles and the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things most important in your life. Pay attention to the things critical to your happiness. Learn to prioritize all your responsibilities. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes of golf. Take care of the golf balls first. “What is the coffee for,” asked a young devil dog. The Marine said, “It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there is always room to enjoy a cup of coffee with one of your Marines.”

Happy 2015! Gambatte!!


Jack Hoban

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Warrior Painting By
Gregory Manchess