Dear Buyu (warrior friends),

OFFICIAL STUFF
The Bujinkan New York Dojo has received official notice that our current lease is up, and because the building is being sold, we need to move locations by July 1, 2008. Only a few weeks from today. While this may be a bit sudden, I ask you not to worry; in training we acknowledge that this kind of occurance is a part of nature... Banpen Fugyo (myriad changes, no surprise).

WHAT NEXT
So, what is next - where are we doing? We are looking for a new location. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them. If you own a 1000 sq ft space and want a bunch of ninja's your tenant - let me know. Have a cousin that's in commercial real estate? Does he have property in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Pelham, etc? Give me a buzz. But we would like to stay in the area.

WHAT CAN YOU DO
June is "get into the Dojo month." We are inviting everyone that has ever trained with us, anyone that has ever wanted to train at our school and anyone who thinks it might be cool to visit. Come in. Train with us at the "Bujinkan New York Dojo in Bronxville" one more time.

THIS MEANS YOU
Yes! this means you. YOU! Whether you weren't planning to rejoin the dojo for a couple of months, or maybe just want to visit when the time is right. Etc. NO, NOW. Now. Come to these classes. Be a part of the last few weeks of "The Bronxville Dojo."

MEMORIES
Fill the dojo. Be a part of our GREAT memories. Make these days, these last classes in Bronxville awesome. (Cost is what you can afford. Place your bills ($15, $10, $5) in an envelope, write your name on the out side and hand it to me. You don't need to say a word. We all understand. All collected money goes toward our new location.

LAST MARTIAL ARTS CENTER CLASS
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 is the last Official Class. Be there. Invite your friends.

QUOTE 1
We live together, we train together, we fight together, we stand for good together. We are ninjas. We strike hard, defend, protect, and fade into the night." By Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (TMNT)

QUOTE 2
What is a dojo? It is not someplace where you should aim to become strong. Its a place for penance, a place to reflect on what you have done. And to live like a true human being. So people shouldn't misunderstand what a dojo is about. They should not have any illusions. A dojo is not something with a concrete form. Every day is a dojo, wherever you are. By Masaaki Hatsumi (Black Belt Magazine, June 1998)

NINJA LESSONS GIFT
We have had a great 15 years at the Center and to commemorate that wonderful run we would like to offer any new member a chance to join our Online Video site a wonderful New Member Only rate. Go to this link for details: http://www.ninjalessons.com/2008summergift.html

BY THE WAY
If you are reading this, I do invite you to come visit the dojo or take advantage of the Ninja Lessons offer. All proceeds go to funding our NEW location. Everyone is invited. Bring mom and dad, too.

Live well, Train hard.

Joe Maurantonio, shidoshi
Ka-i Happo Biken Menkyo Shihan
Bujinkan New York Dojo

At Tuesday class I took a few moments to chat about the nine traditions that comprise our Bujinkan curriculum. It was brief but covered the traditions that we actually study, the three from which we simply get guidance and each of their emphasis.
My wife brought our son to class and within minutes he was kicking and shouting hi-ya! It was the cutest thing I'd seen him do all day

About 18 years ago, I first heared the phrase "Bushin wa o motte totoshi tonasu" and thought "Huh! What did he just say?" But instead of interrupting the flow of conversation, I made a mental note of the phrase and later, butchering it, asked one of the Japanese shihan its meaning.
I think that he noticed my sincerity and was kind enough to explain it was an old phrase in our training. He explained it referred to the concept that a warrior heart holds harmony as sacred. So, when I was in Japan and Hatsumi-soke mentioned it one night it reminded me of this journey we are on - this life long quest, not to learn to be King of the Hill, but to refine ourselves. To become better martial artists, better teachers, better students, better friends, husbands and fathers... Better human beings.

Looking out over the Japanese countryside and took a moment to reflect on my visit to Japan. Things had gone well and I was pleased to have attended quite a bit of classes with Hatsumi-soke and the Japanese shihan. Class attendance ranged from about twenty-five students in the daytime sessions to over sixty in night sessions. It was nice to meet and train with old budo friends.