You should not build a camp on the mountain where there is no water. -The Book of Ninja Ninja wisdom says: camp near water. On the literal level, this makes perfect sense, of course. The Book of Ninja says, “Even if you find mountains that…
Belts are part of every martial arts tradition. While most people know they represent rank and level, they signify so much more than that. Which is why it’s so important to tie your belt evenly. Your belt is supposed to hang evenly on both sides, because…
The Giyoshu Manual from the late 1600’s shares this nugget of ninja wisdom: bring snacks. The ninja were instructed to carry grilled rice in their pockets. This came in handy when they encountered guard dogs along the way. Remember, the best ninja policy is to make…
Every dojang has an ethical code of conduct for students. It is an intrinsic part of practicing martial arts to abide by this code. In other words, it’s basic ninja wisdom to honor your vows. Since I’m practicing the paramita of aspiration this month, I’ve been…
In his book Living the Martial Way, Forrest Morgan mentions three options of response when you’re attacked: avoid, evade, or intercept. Avoid When attacked, we can choose to maintain our distance. This requires some forethought, though, because if the distance isn’t there before the attack, you’re…
Appearances can be deceiving. In The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi describes the difference between appearance and substance. When you watch someone punch, kick, or block, you see only the outside of the movement. But there is an inside to the movement as well. And the…
Try not to localize the mind anywhere, but let it fill up the whole body, let it flow throughout the totality of your being. When this happens you use the hands where they are needed, you use the legs or eyes where they are needed, and…
Do you know the most repeated phrase in the enormous Book of Ninja? “To be orally transmitted.” Again and again, The Book of Ninja reminds the reader that the details and essence of the teaching reside outside of the words on the scroll. That’s because the…
In every encounter or experience, there is the potential for gaining our enlightenment, the possibility of finding that one missing piece of the puzzle that brings about illumination. -Masaaki Hatsumi Enlightenment opportunities are everywhere. That isn’t to say they are easy to notice, or to accept.…
Miyamoto Musashi says a true martial arts master knows when to break rhythm. Sometimes, the predictability of a beat will lead to your defeat. If you want to best your opponent, take control of the cadence, and change it to your advantage. In other words, think…
