Heart, Faith & Steel2008-08-28T05:25:36ZJoemCopyright 2008, JoemSPHPBLOGFirefox and Addons, I love you! But for everything I do, I need the intellect and power that is behind Firefox. The ingenuity of the masses. There are just so many addons that I have installed that it sometimes amazes me how I ever did without them.
This weeks addon is DownThemAll a great way to download my podcasts/podiobooks in one click.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080818-1007522008-08-18T00:00:00Z2008-08-18T00:00:00ZNo matter where you go... What the heck am I talking about?
The dojo move. It seems that every week there is new and exciting information about the dojo "moving or not moving." In the beginning, I wanted everything out in the open with the members of our dojo so they would be aware of upcoming events or moves. I wanted everyone on the Internet to know about the move so they could visit the dojo one last time; stop in an give the place a nod farewell. But maybe karma was on our side, the building sale never happened and we're still in the 27 Milburn street building. Our almost 16 year home.
We had some nice moving options. One would have had us move about 500 feet south of our current location. It may still be an option, if the "new" happenings fail. See there's another buyer for the property... They have notified us that they would like us to stay at our location and if they buy the place, they are interested in giving us a new lease.
So, visit the dojo. We are right were we've been since December 1992 and we are planning some great short term events:
Peter Crocoll Seminar (End of September). Peter has been training in the Bujinkan for over 26 years, travels to Japan three times a year and was awarded 15th dan several years ago. More info soon... ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080815-0901522008-08-15T00:00:00Z2008-08-15T00:00:00ZCool CBS Hatsumi-soke clip Hombu Clip]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080717-1318122008-07-17T00:00:00Z2008-07-17T00:00:00ZCouple of martial arts books The first book, called Deadly Karate Blows, offering descriptions of a variety injury that one strike can cause to one particular part of the body. Depending on how the force of the strike it explains effects and level of injury.
The second book was one that I read in the early 1990, shortly before becoming a Bujinkan shidoshi. The book, Scholar Warrior has a great depth of information regarding Taoism... The books strength lies in the author's ability to convey complex philosophy in common terms. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080716-1206442008-07-16T00:00:00Z2008-07-16T00:00:00ZUnarmed Critics? To them a book is basically hundreds of words that are spelled correctly or not. They look for sentence structure as a means of defining worth. For some rare critics, upon opening a book they are able to see beyond the layers of words. They see the book, its subject matter and the audience. These individuals are more likely to now the true worth of the product. To them a book is something much more than words and pictures; it's an experience.
In my opinion, Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai is a very unique experience. Most importantly, its a gift from our soke to each of us. I could go on, but do I really need to continue? The book is a wonderful Bujinkan reference manual.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080629-1511372008-06-29T00:00:00Z2008-06-29T00:00:00ZUnarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai This book is like a densho (den=transmission; sho=book) for all Bujinkan students. There are many fine articles... But the core of the book is the forms of various Bujinkan schools. I think this will be a fine reference items for all of our training.
"Unarmed Fighting" is a great book that I am happy to own. I highly recommend it to all Bujinkan instructors and their students. Oh, and if you are a ninjutsu groupie, you’ll probably want to get a copy, too.
I want to thank Doug Wilson, Bruce Appleby, Craig Olsen and the photographers for there hard work in translating this book.
]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080624-1121262008-06-24T00:00:00Z2008-06-24T00:00:00ZMoving from the Center 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]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080605-1136592008-06-05T00:00:00Z2008-06-05T00:00:00ZTuesday Hi-ya! 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 :)]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080501-0848332008-05-01T00:00:00Z2008-05-01T00:00:00ZBushin waBushin 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.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080415-2008272008-04-16T00:00:00Z2008-04-16T00:00:00ZLast week I was....http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080406-2044552008-04-07T00:00:00Z2008-04-07T00:00:00ZSunday, Easter (Japan) After Nagato Sensei's class, Hatsumi-soke entered and we started our second session of the day. It was great and soke was kind enough to take a moment to speak with me. During the break, I asked if soke could draw a small gift for my son (Nicholas). He drew a nice little image of a mouse. Then we trained a bit more fun! Its about 10pm here and I just seem to have remembered that today was Easter. Happy Easter everyone.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080323-0538512008-03-23T00:00:00Z2008-03-23T00:00:00ZBusy Morning in Japanhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080322-2327092008-03-23T00:00:00Z2008-03-23T00:00:00ZForgotten A true budoka has heart. This kind of heart is not blinding bright but instead it radiates out and onward.
Much of the training was unbalancing your opponent by staying close to him. I worked with Peter which was nice because he was able to give me feedback on things that Hatsumi-soke was teaching last week and back in December.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080322-2324482008-03-23T00:00:00Z2008-03-23T00:00:00ZTo JapanWe landed about 2:30pm Japan time (that's 1:30am NY time), hit the tarmac running and then it was customs time. Which wasn't as bad as we'd heard it can be. The Japanese have implemented new security features all foreigners are required to have their picture taken and have their fingerprints scanned. So, what next? Change some US dollars to Japanese yen, grab a drink and get running to try and catch train to Noda. We are all about trying to make class tonight!]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080320-2330042008-03-21T00:00:00Z2008-03-21T00:00:00ZCongratulationsshodan for his years of dedication, perseverance and commitment. Congratulations!]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080226-2323102008-02-27T00:00:00Z2008-02-27T00:00:00ZStorm Classhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080212-2322132008-02-13T00:00:00Z2008-02-13T00:00:00ZLong Awaited Rathttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080118-2320162008-01-19T00:00:00Z2008-01-19T00:00:00ZShoot 'Em Up vs. WarWar and Shoot 'Em Up. Though I feel that War was a disappointment, Shoot 'Em Up was really fun and fast. Maybe I wasn't expecting much from it, maybe it was the fact that Monica Bellucci was in it, I honestly don't know... but it was one long gun fight. Go watch it.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080115-2317122008-01-16T00:00:00Z2008-01-16T00:00:00ZFirst classtrain with some of my students that haven't been around for a while. WE stayed after training and had dinner together and talk for about 3 hours.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080110-2316252008-01-11T00:00:00Z2008-01-11T00:00:00ZNew Year Rathttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry080101-2315072008-01-02T00:00:00Z2008-01-02T00:00:00ZCool Japan PhotosHatsumi-soke at Hombu (Noda, Japan).]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071216-1455262007-12-16T00:00:00Z2007-12-16T00:00:00ZHuman Weaponhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071215-2309532007-12-16T00:00:00Z2007-12-16T00:00:00ZWeather Closed Us Down...http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071213-2308342007-12-14T00:00:00Z2007-12-14T00:00:00ZThe Journey...http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071204-2307092007-12-05T00:00:00Z2007-12-05T00:00:00Z15 Years Old...http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071201-2305462007-12-02T00:00:00Z2007-12-02T00:00:00ZSeven Weeks...http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071130-2303282007-12-01T00:00:00Z2007-12-01T00:00:00ZThe Embroidered Dojohttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071114-2302242007-11-15T00:00:00Z2007-11-15T00:00:00ZMass Markethttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071113-2300242007-11-14T00:00:00Z2007-11-14T00:00:00ZKids at Two, Better Budo Better budo. That's what I think these past months have been about. Not just the physical, but the mind and spirit as well. In our day-to-day life of work and little play, I think that it is easy for us to forget that we are on this budo path of forging ourselves. That means making me a better me from the inside out.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071109-2258442007-11-10T00:00:00Z2007-11-10T00:00:00ZPrayershttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071108-2257452007-11-09T00:00:00Z2007-11-09T00:00:00ZPodcast, 2http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071027-2239092007-10-28T00:00:00Z2007-10-28T00:00:00ZPodcastshttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071026-2236352007-10-27T00:00:00Z2007-10-27T00:00:00ZOn GuardOn Guard and it was good fun. It reminded me of The Three Musketeers. It was fun to watch.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071026-2232542007-10-27T00:00:00Z2007-10-27T00:00:00ZRankedhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071022-2229192007-10-23T00:00:00Z2007-10-23T00:00:00ZBad... The little guy is my son and the picture is called, "Bad to the Bobo (pacifier)." And by "bad" I mean a NY kinda bad. Which, in case you are not from New York, means that he's really a good kid.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry071015-2225282007-10-16T00:00:00Z2007-10-16T00:00:00ZTogakushi Embuhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070924-2218222007-09-25T00:00:00Z2007-09-25T00:00:00ZTwo out of Three]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070823-2216582007-08-24T00:00:00Z2007-08-24T00:00:00ZThe Nap-sterhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070811-2215562007-08-12T00:00:00Z2007-08-12T00:00:00ZAirport...]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070811-2213582007-08-12T00:00:00Z2007-08-12T00:00:00ZAndrew Young Seminar Let me tell you, it was hot! We were drinking water and sweating like crazy. And it was GOOD!
In addition, Andrew spent time helping us learn some "warm up" exercises that he recommended as well as presenting us with three short lectures on Kukishinden Ryu history and numerology. As a gift for the amazing amount of support that our dojo members showed for this event they were treated to a private class with Andrew. I want to THANK Andrew for taking the time to share his 17 years of in-Japan training insights with us as well as helping me learn some personal lessons. [PS I would like to thank several people from other dojo that helped support this event: Mike Figueroa, Chris Carbanaro, Orin Paliwoda, Chris Chen, & friends --- THANK YOU!] ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070809-2209462007-08-10T00:00:00Z2007-08-10T00:00:00ZAndrew Sites]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070808-2212152007-08-09T00:00:00Z2007-08-09T00:00:00ZSafe Journey...]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070807-2211142007-08-08T00:00:00Z2007-08-08T00:00:00ZClass cancelled]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry070803-2208432007-08-04T00:00:00Z2007-08-04T00:00:00ZHolidayshttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry061220-2138162006-12-21T00:00:00Z2006-12-21T00:00:00ZLast week, Hanbo toohttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry061107-2139122006-11-08T00:00:00Z2006-11-08T00:00:00ZMoti workshop, Knifelyhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry061026-2141452006-10-27T00:00:00Z2006-10-27T00:00:00ZDojo, Hanbo EventEVENTS page for more information.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry061015-2143502006-10-16T00:00:00Z2006-10-16T00:00:00ZPowwowhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060927-2150282006-09-28T00:00:00Z2006-09-28T00:00:00ZHosting issueshttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060915-2151342006-09-16T00:00:00Z2006-09-16T00:00:00ZSummer testhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060830-0522132006-08-30T00:00:00Z2006-08-30T00:00:00ZFour Winds Reviewhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060822-2157512006-08-23T00:00:00Z2006-08-23T00:00:00ZSeminar reviewhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060815-0528232006-08-15T00:00:00Z2006-08-15T00:00:00ZVacationhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060803-2331022006-08-04T00:00:00Z2006-08-04T00:00:00ZFour Winds Seminarhttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry060724-2153252006-07-25T00:00:00Z2006-07-25T00:00:00ZCool, Cool Summer The park usually had lots of kids playing softball, picnicing or birthday parties... not this year though. Not sure how this has come about, but the parks been pretty quiet. With this year's been much cooler we break a sweat late in class and have been able to enjoy training outside at the park (a minute walk from the dojo) with no interruption. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040817-2142502004-08-18T00:00:00Z2004-08-18T00:00:00ZA Hot Class We trained in taijutsu, staff and sword while employing Bujinkan lessons from two different traditions. The sun is starting to set a little earlier each week but we'll continue training outdoors as long as the weather permits. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040810-2140542004-08-11T00:00:00Z2004-08-11T00:00:00ZDark Hunter The best thing about these stories is they aren't predictable and grab/keep hold of your attention. They are written by the husband and wife team of Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.
]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040804-2139172004-08-05T00:00:00Z2004-08-05T00:00:00ZBrilliance of the Moon]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040729-2138242004-07-30T00:00:00Z2004-07-30T00:00:00ZAction Week]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040724-2136292004-07-25T00:00:00Z2004-07-25T00:00:00ZDV Expohttp://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040714-2144442004-07-15T00:00:00Z2004-07-15T00:00:00ZSpider-man 2 - Glad I went to see it in the movies, as it deserves the big Screen. - It was true to the "legend" - There was action, but there was more story. - A couple of new characters were introduced. - Dr OCTOPUS was a great villan. - Aunt May was very well played. - Its obvious that there will be a third movie.
Go see it.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040709-2145432004-07-10T00:00:00Z2004-07-10T00:00:00ZPete Reynolds SeminarWe worked on a variety of sword and taijutsu motions. Special thanks to Mark Guest and his gents who made us feel at home.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040708-2149352004-07-09T00:00:00Z2004-07-09T00:00:00ZEd Lomax Seminar Formality was low on Ed's radar. But training and imparting information were definitely high on his list. A no-nonsense person, Ed showed some of the lessons that he'd been working on in Hatsumi Sensei's classes recently in Japan. After a few years of living in Japan, Ed is moving back to his native Australia. We worked on a variety of taijutsu and kenjutsu skills. Most notable from the event was Ed's updating our knowledge of sword training. I do remember him using the word "rubbish" a few times when speaking of what some iaido people teach ("most of Iaido is not practical for real combat"). Special thanks to Matt Hildreth and his students for hosting such a pleasant event. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040708-2147592004-07-09T00:00:00Z2004-07-09T00:00:00ZThe Enemy was good]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040707-2151102004-07-08T00:00:00Z2004-07-08T00:00:00ZTwo Reads... So, if you need a good book to read - try Killing Floor, the first Jack Reacher novel. Good stuff. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040624-2152422004-06-25T00:00:00Z2004-06-25T00:00:00ZBusy weekend...]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040622-2154402004-06-23T00:00:00Z2004-06-23T00:00:00ZTwo days... On the home front, I took my nephews out to a local amusement center and watched them go bonkers playing video games, air hockey and bowling. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040617-2156442004-06-18T00:00:00Z2004-06-18T00:00:00ZBlogging...http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry040616-2158532004-06-17T00:00:00Z2004-06-17T00:00:00ZHatsumi Sensei Speaks... "The enemy who is against the laws of nature will lose his battle before he begins to fight. The first priority to the ninja is to win without fighting."
"You are not just fighting one opponent. You are fighting the unknown."
"I am teaching 'shin gi tai ichi.' (Bringing spirit [shin], skill [gi] and body [tai], into one [ichi])."
"You must not stop in the middle of waza, make your waza alive, without a natural flow your waza cannot be alive." ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021125-2101032002-11-26T00:00:00Z2002-11-26T00:00:00ZLoyalty, Literary and Warrior Arts "Hold in your heart the importance of family loyalty and pursue the literary and warrior arts with balanced determination." ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021115-2101582002-11-16T00:00:00Z2002-11-16T00:00:00ZNinjutsu - What's It All about? By experiencing the confrontation of danger, the transcendence of fear or injury or death, and a working knowledge of individual personal powers and limitations, the practioner of ninjutsu can gain the strength and invincibility that permit enjoyment of the flowers moving in the wind, appreciation of the love of others, and contentment with the presence of peace in society.]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021110-2103252002-11-11T00:00:00Z2002-11-11T00:00:00ZBanpen Fugyo No one possesses the knowledge concerning the events of tomorrow. This means that we do not know when our life will cease. However, you should not be surprised by any kind of happening. Whether a change in the divine process occurs, a cutting action is attempted by an opponent, or natural catastrophes take place, you should never feel such a thing as surprise. This is the spirit of Banpenfugyo. 'Banpen' means "change" and "Fugyo", "never surprised". What one should have in mind, first of all, is caring for one's own life; this is common sense. Health, both physical and spiritual, is needed in order to prevent accidents. Due to the impetuousness of the youth I made lots of errors until the age of forty. Now, every morning I massage myseIf using an ice cold towel and go with my dog for a walk. After that, I dedicate some time to painting and writing. Those who are evil minded will always do bad things. Even the bad intentioned ninja would be banished. This is applicable to any martial system. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021102-2107152002-11-03T00:00:00Z2002-11-03T00:00:00ZShikin Haramitsu Daikomyo <i>interpretations</i> 2. Kami, sincerity, compassion, naturally devoting oneself to obeying nature - by continually searching for all of these a great light (daikômyô) can appear.
3. The teaching of the gods shall eternally protect those who are right in heart and body. The sound of words in our reach for enlightenment, creates the divine cosmic light.
4. Conceptually translated as, "Every experience contains the potential for the enlightenment we seek".
5. The phrase has roots in both Japanese and Sanskrit. The SHI of the phrase translates literally as "words". The KIN translates as "sounds". The combination has the meaning of "an encounter" or "something that occurs to/at me". HARAMITSU is the Japanese sound of paramita, a Sanskrit term that roughly translates as "perfection of wisdom." DAI KO MYO translates as "great bright light" by means of which illumination "dawns on us."
6. It's a reminder for us to be ever mindful, to be ever aware that each one of these moments that make up our life could be that special moment. It's like putting together one of these jigsaw puzzles. If you are so intent on the puzzle you may not even know that you put the last piece in. (by Stephen Hayes) ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021102-2104392002-11-03T00:00:00Z2002-11-03T00:00:00ZTakamatsu: warrior artist... 1. "The ninja's body is to nurture one's mind and to train the body to endure to the end. One who can do this is a true ninja."
2. "How difficult is life when one is not surprised by anything and laughing everyday..."]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021027-2108192002-10-28T00:00:00Z2002-10-28T00:00:00ZGambatte - Keep Going! Forget sadness, anger, grudges and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in a breeze. You should not deviate from the path of righteousness; you should lead a life worthy of a man. Do not be possessed by greed, luxury, or your ego. You should accept sorrows, sadness and hatred as they are, and consider them a chance for trial given to you by the powers...a blessing given by nature. Have both your mind and your time fully engaged in budo, and have your mind deeply set on bujutsu. ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry021024-2110002002-10-25T00:00:00Z2002-10-25T00:00:00ZTakamatsu Sensei Quotes... "The true value of budo is to train the mind to see clearly and maintain spiritual strength."
"For taijutsu, the flexibility of the legs is the most important factor, not the strength of the legs."
"The way of the martial artist is the way of enduring, surviving and prevailing over all that would destroy him. More than delivering strikes and slashes, and deeper in significance than the simple outwitting of an enemy, Ninpô is the way of attaining that which we need while making the world a better place. The skill of the Ninja is the art of winning."
"The heart of taijutsu is important and only through training will one polish that heart (like a gem) and understand true taijutsu."
"Let him cut your skin, and you cut his flesh. Let him cut your flesh, and you cut his bones. Let him cut your bones, and you cut off his life" ]]>http://blog.bnyd.com/index.php?entry=entry020423-2059052002-04-24T00:00:00Z2002-04-24T00:00:00Z
