Politics and Ideology

Less Talk, More Training!

There are many excellent Instructors of Budo Taijutsu and Ninjutsu in the world today. I am deeply grateful that so many of these knowledgeable and skilled people saw fit to generously share their hard-acquired information with me. It is up to the student to find a suitable teacher. Look carefully!

The Japanese character for "nin" symbolizes many different things. To us, it means being in control of one's self, being able to endure hardship and persist in the face of adversity.

The first part of the ideogram character means "sword", like a katana.

The next part symbolizes "blade", or "edge".

This part means "heart", or "spirit".

Put them together, and it translates into "blade heart". This character, "nin" means many things, but mostly it is a symbol of endurance and perseverance. Even though my enemy holds his blade at my heart, I will endure.

The goal of our dojo is self-improvement in all-possible realms. The purpose of Budo Taijutsu is learning to protect and preserve life, and to promote peace. Far from the stereotypical cinematic image of a Ninja being a black-clad master assassin, the modern practitioner of ninjutsu represents the positive values of love and self-mastery.

The mightiest warrior is the one who never has to fight. The bravest warrior is the one that learns how to defeat his own ignorance, fear, prejudice and destructive nature.

Politics are something created by human beings, and as such, politics are hard to avoid. Your focus should be on learning as much as you can about Budo Taijutsu, not politics. Ponder this: In "The Art of War". Sun Tzu says, "an army without spies is like a man without eyes or ears". Japan's ancient shadow warriors were master intelligence agents. An army that relies on information from unreliable sources risks destruction. If you can't make up your mind for yourself, someone may do it for you. Ask questions! Have the courage to find out for yourself; not just what others want you to believe.

Thoughts to ponder

If you have a problem with someone, confront him or her - don't make them someone else's problem! I enjoy fighting my own battles. I don't expect my cause to be everyone else's cause.

My students are also are my teachers, I learn how to be a better teacher from them. "Them that can't do, teach" is not always a true statement. I am a teacher, and I do teach!

You only have a certain amount of time in this life, so spend it wisely! Don't waste your time diminishing others; concentrate instead on improving yourself and the world around you. Don't harass, SURPASS!

A favorite proverb of mine is "a wise man learns from his own mistakes, but an even wiser man learns from the other man's mistakes".

Another one is; "It takes a big man to laugh at himself, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man." - Steve Martin, "Cruel Shoes"

A person with self-respect earns respect.

When a man can hide his intent, and has the sensitivity to recognize the hidden motives of others, he is capable of becoming a shrewd fighter and a difficult adversary. We are looking for the rare individual who has the ability and the desire to combine strengths of both the fierce warrior and the benevolent sage in one personality. We have no time for the idly curious, the mentally or emotionally unstable, or those seeking thrills or personal glory. -Maasaki Hatsumi Soke

Some motto's in Latin

"Si vis pacem bellum" If you want peace prepare for war.

"Memento mori" Remember that you must die.

"Mundus vult decipi" The world wants to be deceived so let it be deceived.

"Et ipsa scientia potestas est" Knowledge is power.

"Nemo repente fuit turpissimus" Bad behavior doesn't suddenly appear.

"Ne quid mimis" Nothing in excess.

"Nosce te ipsum" Know thyself.

"Omnia mutantor nos et mutamur in illis" All things change and so must we.

"Quae nocent docent" Things that hurt teach.

"Qui vincit pratituir" He who endures, conquers.

"Radix omnium malorum est cupiditas" The love of money is the root of all evil.

(It is not money that's bad but the unhealthy lusting for wealth.)

"Res age, tute eris" Stay busy and you'll stay out of trouble.

My family's coat of arms motto:

Otium cum dignitate
"Leisure with dignity"

(Work hard and play hard and don't feel guilty about
enjoying the fruits of your labor.)

My family's ancestral home motto:

Dae Richt Fear Nochi

"Do Right, Fear Not"

Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo!

"May every experience we encounter bring us closer to enlightenment!"