Coulee Roots Movement and Martial Arts Dojo

“ A great artist finds joy devoting his life to his work. In a trance, he forgets the self while pouring himself into his work and finds an eternal life there. Not only the artist, but we too must live our lives this way.
In order to do so, we must have a clear purpose in our daily life. If we live our daily lives with Sutemi, the mind of Budô, and the passion of an artist who pours his soul into his works, we can almost forget about death, and never regret our life at the moment of its end.”

宗家Hatsumi

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"A good teacher, therefore, especially in mid-career, is not just teaching students to be students. He/she is teaching students to become their own teachers, their own fountain of knowledge. To forever make a student dependent on you, to hold a student back, is to forever infantilize the student. It only shows the insecurity of a teacher to do so. And a student who only wishes to be spoon-fed everything, even after years of training, needs to grow up, to stumble more on his own, to pick himself up and try again, as we did, and as our own sensei did years before us."

Muramoto san.
Takeuchi Ryu Jujutsu.

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The Direction of Bushi
By Hatsumi 宗家

It is said that the martial ways are shown through one's daily life and behavior. Namely, through the manners of humanity. Needless to say, the Budoka who avoids thoughtless or inappropriate behavior is not consumed by rashness; he maintains a calm attitude, does not hesitate, but is modest, full of kindness, and is highly respected.
The true path of the martial ways is to not let one's eagerness take control. Although it is said that to be honorable is to protect the weak and fight the strong, it is not permitted to fight unnecessarily or without reason. When the circumstances necessitate, however, those who do not fear the strong and protect the weak should be called true warriors. When someone insults or disrespects you, the courage to laugh and not make them an opponent is true courage. Taking up the sword unnecessarily should be avoided at all costs. Maintaining a graceful heart together with the virtue of affection that is genial and pleasant, while also retaining the stern temperament to be decisive and bold; valuing both the literary and military arts without being carried away by learning: possessing a well balanced heart of kindness and valor: this is the divine warrior.
We should persevere in this eternal direction of the warrior.

Two new opportunities to workout starting in February!

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Around the corner from the modern fitness center, lies a realm where discipline, respect, and self-discovery converge - the Dōjō.
Within this modest area, laden with tradition and resonating with the echoes of disciplined footsteps, reverberating to the sound of staffs meeting bokken, is not merely a training ground for martial arts; it is a crucible, a catalyst for profound personal transformation.
Those who step through its threshold, embracing the rigors within, will inevitably emerge changed, sculpted not only in body, but also in spirit.
Under the watchful eyes of seasoned, qualified instructors, limbs that once felt awkward morph into instruments of precision and power.
The Dōjō is a sanctuary of discipline, where the mind is trained alongside the body. The strict adherence to rules, rituals, and the code of conduct, instills a sense of order and focus.
Practitioners learn to control impulses, overcome challenges, and maintain composure in the face of adversity. This discipline can extend beyond the mat too, permeating various aspects of your daily lives.
Beyond the kicks, punches, kata and drills, the Dōjō is often said to be a crucible for character development. Where respect for others, humility, and the pursuit of excellence are core tenets. The interactions with fellow practitioners and mentors helps to shape your moral compass, fostering empathy and understanding.
Having a bad day? The austere training make distractions melt away like snowflakes on a hot stove, replaced by an unwavering laser-like concentration.
Martial arts training is not without its challenges of course, and the Dōjō becomes a testing ground where practitioners face setbacks, failures, and moments of self-doubt. But it is through these trials that resilience and perseverance are cultivated.
The ability to rise after a fall, to endure physical and mental strain, to push though difficult times, helps to mold individuals into resilient beings capable of confronting life's uncertainties with unwavering determination.
As students progress through the ranks, the ranks help symbolize their evolving skill and understanding of Budô’s philosophy.
Randori sessions, kata, repetitive drills and the pursuit of unifying one’s spirit, technique and body contribute to a students holistic development.
Those who enter its doors embark on a transformation, its lessons echo long after students leave the training floor, whispering wisdom into the fabric of their lives.
This evolution is not a destination, but rather a continuous journey.

So, if you seek a path beyond the mundane, a journey that sculpts not only your body but also your mind and spirit, then step into the Dōjō.
It is not merely a place to learn martial arts, fighting, sport or self-defense; it is a crucible for personal transformation.
Embrace the challenge, shed your old skin, and emerge stronger, sharper, and more in control than ever before.
When you come into the Dōjō, if you stay long enough, when you leave, you won’t be the same person that came in.

The Dōjō awaits, and the journey it offers is one worth taking. What are you waiting for?
How do you feel when you enter the Dōjō?

( Dialogue adapted from an original post from the Shuri Dōjō )🙏

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The ability to keep going is decided by ones inherent depth of love and conviction for following the path. Eventually, most people that are with you will begin to disappear.

From experience, one reason is the lack of capacity or ability of people to adapt their training according to the changes in their lives. Also, as we get older, the only way to maintain one’s health is to become more disciplined.
This is an aspect of ‘control’ which is one of the six treasured transmissions or precepts of the Bujinkan Dōjō stipulated by Sôke Hatsumi.

Unfortunately, most people do not change their habits and this results in their health decline and thus an earlier than necessary retirement from training in Budô.

By nature, people often quickly take offence and refute these words as it strikes a nerve within them, as they are unable to accept their own truth. Rather than accept, people blame to protect their denial. As I said, it is to be expected.

Quite simply, Budô is a commitment of the entire being. If one aspect is neglected or there is an inbalance of character, this can become one’s shortcoming that unravels the ability to continue.

There is absolutely no way one can pursue an art form earnestly without constant personal reflection and being able to adapt to circumstances to remain on the path. However, even if one wholeheartedly enters a pursuit, there are never any guarantees of achieving success etc. This is where one’s mindset and heart has to clearly understand that it is about following a stoney path of moment to moment changes. The lessons of the journey are the rewards, not a predetermined future destination or achievement.

Many people hold within themselves the desire to achieve a rank or attain a mastery of certain skill sets. This is fine, however, this has nothing to do with truly living as a martial artist.

Budô is a path that in essence strives toward living a life of greater authenticity with a stronger spirit to cope with the struggles of life and protect one’s family and self from any type of threat or antagonism.

To enter a Dōjō expecting to be fulfilled, gain superb skills and always be entertained, is to have illusions of grandeur. True Budô is ultimately to come to terms with ones weaknesses. As a result, every class is austere practice toward discovering, accepting and weeding out ones shortcomings. This is not easy and definitely not always fun! Training is going to be boring,trialing and frustrating more often than not. If you do not have the heart of the Shugyosha, it will be very hard for you to endure, let alone accept the training. If this heart is absent, everything will seem an attack on your ego and identity. You will come to see the teacher as harsh or cruel, and the training pointless or archaic. Quite simply, not everyone is ready to enter the Dōjō to pursue Budô. As a result, bastardised versions are established to accomodate those who wish to fulfil a fantasy over discovering the real thing. For most people, the real thing is too frightening. As a result, they’d rather enter an environment that accommodates their level of requirements.

If you truly wish to enter a Dōjō, you must be prepared to bend to it, don’t expect it to bend to you! Nowadays, we are seeing this self entitled attitude being pushed on to many other professions and institutions. It’s creating weaker people, not stronger ones.

Budô requires a person to relinquish their ego enough to follow centuries of tradition and transmission to enter their heart correctly. If one does not have an open heart, there is no way one can come to understand the art they wish to learn.

The struggle is real, but most don’t want to experience it and just live in their own protected bubbles, never truly having the courage to venture into the unknown and expand their lives beyond limiting constructs, often unknowingly conditioned upon them.

I have come to recognise that I am quite a simple man with many weaknesses and vices. However, it seems that I’ve held enough conviction to make a life from something I fell in love with as a youth.

Please think well about how you are pursuing the martial arts and what it means to live as a martial artist.

南虎eseed

No farmer's market, no problem.

Come hangout with me Saturday mornings at 9am for barefoot fitness.

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The best martial art?

This is truly a laughable question. I really don’t think people have thought it through when they ask, let alone answer.
Naturally, most people are biased as they want to reaffirm and justify within themselves the reason they are practicing their chosen art. Some are just blindly believing or following the latest fad or newest trend. In recent years, many base their decisions on the UFC Gracie outcome against other exponents in a ring. Firstly, in regards to this particular event, it’s important to research the many factors involved to gain a better perspective.

If you really want to enter this questionable debate about what is the best marital art, people need to make strict clarifications of what context and type of combat situation they are talking about. I feel that most people nowadays are reaching the conclusion that BJJ or MMA are the best fighting forms. Don’t misunderstand me, I think they are great approaches to fighting and respect them. This article is not to dispute the effectiveness of different arts, but rather to think about the bigger picture in terms of the study and practice of the martial arts as a whole.

Please take a moment to reflect seriously about the limitless situations and types of combat and warfare strategies there are. After all, the martial arts is the study of the ‘Arts of War.’
What type of war are YOU preparing for? There are many considerations to be made. Is it the best against unarmed assailants? If so,how many? Is it the best against dealing with weapons? What type of environmental, cultural and situational factors have been considered? Does the art even consider weapons or multiple opponents in its practice? If so, what type of weapons? Short range, long range, flexible or projectiles, bladed or bludgeoning etc?
In real life, even how you dress,meet,greet, or look at people can start or stop a confrontation. As a result, this is also a form of self defense/fight management. It is interesting to note that in all of the wars in history, only a few were won by conventional means. Eg: meeting each other face to face on the battlefield. Most wars were decided by unconventional tactics such as espionage and deception. Eg: cloak and dagger.

The weakness nowadays is that many people are just thinking about ‘one on one’ situations and, without weapons. This is potentially dangerous for the practitioners and is narrowing their awareness of the complete world of martial arts. Each martial art has strengths and weaknesses. There is no ultimate martial art.
The ultimate martial art only exists if the exponent is able to exercise every element of the arts of war masterfully in context with every moment, all the time. As we are humans, we are not perfect and have flaws. This very fact should be the only answer needed.
We must also always take into consideration the age,health and overall physical capabilities of the individual.

Martial arts are the practice of warring techniques and strategies. Competitions developed during peaceful times for soldiers to maintain their skills and their fighting spirit until the time came when they were called to war again. With these contests, rules began to be applied to ensure injuries were kept to a minimum etc. In unarmed combat sports, strikes to the eyes,throat and groin etc were ruled out. Kendô for example ‘hits’ for points. They do not ‘cut’. This is why it is fast, not only because Shinai are lighter, but because they do not consider the true threat of a live blade and the application of cutting through a target. As a result, it has become a sport, yet many would argue the opposite. Judô is the same. It was asked by the founder that judoka also study jujutsu to fully understand their art, but few do as they are too busy performing randori or kata to win their next contest.

The concept of wrestling on the floor is a last resort and not the place a warrior/soldier wanted to be on the battlefield, unless he was taking cover. Purposely dropping to the ground was considered a last resort and therefore these techniques were called Sutemi or ‘sacrifice techniques’. Nowadays, we see popular arts go to the ground quickly or, even commence practice from a sitting/lying position. This is a specialty study, but does not define the style as a ‘complete martial art’ impregnable to every combat situation. One has to consider the real pros and cons of going to the ground. Is there a weapon involved? Are their more assailants with/without weapons around you? Is the surface dangerous or are you in a place where you risk being run over or trampled on? Just as there are the same pros and cons with speciality kicking, throwing, and striking arts etc, we can see with some commonsense and thought, that every art has strengths and weaknesses and, that if not used within the right context and timing of whatever situation is occurring, can and will fail. It is not the martial art, but the martial artist.

I’d like people to act more maturely in their approach to dismantling other martial arts. Many modern sport combat arts derive from classical martial arts and thus, even if they don’t practice them, should at least respect this connection, regardless of if they feel they are effective in this day and age. Remember, Koryû ( old martial arts ) were passed down through blood founded on the battlefield. People died for techniques to be founded and transmitted.
Respect is required. If you don’t have this sense of respect, I wouldn’t consider you a martial artist.

No matter what art you do or how skilled you believe you’ve become, there are absolutely no guarantees you will survive a confrontation. We need to be careful not to become narrow minded in the way we view martial arts. Look at some of the unfortunate situations with Special Operations. Delta force members and Navy Seals being shot down in helicopters before getting on the ground to utilise their highly trained skills, and highly decorated soldiers with numerous kills to their names in combat, coming home safely from numerous tours of duty to just be shot by a mentally deranged person in their home town. These people were elite practitioners of the Art of War.

It’s been said that 50% is blood,sweat and tears and the other 50% is luck.
There are those that say BJJ is the best, MMA is the best, Karate is the best, Krav Maga is the best, Kick boxing is the best or Bujinkan Budô is the best.
There is only the best in the moment.

"Remember that for every technique you think you can fall back on, there is a counter for it, or there are times when it cannot be used. When real battle comes, you must remember that some things will not be applicable. Don't think that any one technique is quintessential."
宗家 Hatsumi

Dōjō challenges existed and sometimes still do. People come to a Dōjō to test their skills, but generally under their terms. They want to fight their way to test their style.
But, why does the challenged art have to agree? If they uses weapons, they may pick up a sword and say, “Ok, let’s go!” But then the visitor says. “No, unarmed you coward.” Lol. Wait a minute, the challenger who’s walked into another Dōjō is calling the shots? They have walked into someone else’s domain, someone else’s home. If you
fight in their terms, you are a fool and agreeing to rules/conditions ( like a sport ). You must fight your way and do anything to win. That is Real Budô.

People who study martial arts should have more respect for one another. We are all exponents of the martial arts - the arts of war. It’s time to grow up. Even if you do not respect another styles’ approach, just let it be and get on with your own training. Why? Because there is always something you will miss in your preconceptions or judgements that could become your downfall. Speaking badly of others does nothing more than feed one’s ego and insecurities. It gains nothing.
Just remember, a child can pick up a gun and kill anyone. Your art does not mean you are forever invincible or untouchable.
If someone feels you are stronger, it is natural they will look for a tool or weapon as self defence. As martial artists, we cannot be overly confident and have blind faith in our art. When reality hits, it’s not about our art, it’s about US.

“There is no superior martial art only a superior martial artist.”

What makes a superior martial artist? Is it how many fights they’ve won? Is it how strong they are, how fast or flexible they are? Is it how many ranks or degrees they have?
The superior martial artist is the one who never gives up. It’s about the heart of the practitioner and how they assimilate the teachings into their life to lead a better world for themselves and others.

How many masters of the martial arts or highly skilled fighters have died on the battlefield without anyone knowing their names? Did dying in battle mean they weren’t good martial artists?
Think well.

In reality, a martial artist that has been able to avoid fights and live a good life has succeeded as a martial artist. Why? Because martial arts is ultimately taught to learn to find peace and how to control and/or avoid conflict. Those that have been in fights and real battle will understand this naturally. Only those who have yet to go beyond their own internal battles will struggle to accept this.

Budô is not something trivial and for people who cannot grasp the heart of the martial arts.
Plainly speaking, martial arts is not for everyone, even though it’s available to them. Some people act more base than animals and have the mentality of nothing more. This is not Budô, this is just savagery or a person with a love of fighting.
Without philosophical and spiritual practice, the person becomes just a fighter, a competitor, not a person striving to understand the true purpose of Budô as a way of protecting life and attaining peace.

Please consider well what being a martial artist really means.

Ultimately, the best martial art is one that suits your way of life.

Yours in Budô,
Duncan

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The Bushinden Dōjō respects and honours the history and traditions of the lineages transmitted by Sôke Masaaki Hatsumi.
The Bujinkan Dōjō is a complete study and practice of the foundations of Budô that transcend seamlessly through the centuries. With the right heart,mind and eyes, the teachings promote effective lessons and skills to maintain a positive and sustainable lifestyle.
Beyond merely studying Budô as a means of fighting, the true practitioner develops a deeper understanding of principles that act as guides to protecting a happy and healthy life.
Being imprisoned by one’s desires will warp one’s view of the martial arts and leave one unable to reach inner or outer peace due to this imbalance.
南虎

Ninjutsu Hiketsu Bun
Essay on the Essence of Ninjutsu

The essence of all Martial Arts and military strategies is self-protection and the prevention of danger.

Ninjutsu epitomizes the fullest concept of self-protection through martial training, in that the ninja art deals with the protection of not only the physical body, but the mind and spirit as well.

The way of the ninja is the way of enduring, surviving, and prevailing over all that would destroy one.

More than merely delivering strikes and slashes, and deeper in significance than the simple out-witting of an enemy; Ninjutsu 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.

In the beginning study of any combative art, proper motivation is crucial.
Without the proper frame of mind, continuous exposure to fighting techniques can lead to ruin instead of self-development.

But this fact is not different from any other beneficial practice in life carried to extremes.

Medical science is dedicated to the betterment of health and the relief of suffering, and yet the misuse of drugs and the exultation of the physician's skills can lead people to a state where an individual's health is no longer within his or her personal control.

A nutritious, well-balanced diet works to keep a person alive, vital, and healthy, but grossly over-eating, over-drinking, or taking in too many chemicals is a sure way to poison the body.

Governments are established to oversee the harmonious inter-working of all parts of society, but when the rulers become greedy, hungry for power, or lacking in wisdom, the country is subjected to needless wars, disorder or civil and economic chaos.

A religion, when based on faith developed through experience, a broad and questing mind, and unflagging pursuit of universal understanding, is of inspiration and comfort to people. Once a religion loses its original focus, however, it becomes a deadly thing with which to deceive, control and tax the people through the manipulation of their beliefs and fears. It is the same with the martial arts.

The skills of self-protection, which should provide a feeling of inner peace and security for the martial artist, so often develop without a balance in the personality and lead the lesser martial artist into warped realms of unceasing conflict and competition which eventually consume him.

If an expert in the fighting arts sincerely pursues the essence of Ninjutsu, devoid of the influence of the ego's desires, the student will progressively come to realize the ultimate secret for becoming invincible - the attainment of the "mind and eyes of god".

The combatant who would win must be in harmony with the scheme of totality, and must be guided by an intuitive knowledge of the playing out of fate. In tune with the providence of heaven and the impartial justice of nature, and following a clear and pure heart full of trust in the inevitable, the ninja captures the insight that will guide him successfully into battle when he must conquer and conceal himself protectively from hostility when he must acquiesce.

The vast universe, beautiful in its coldly impersonal totality, contains all that we call good or bad, all the answers for all the paradoxes we see around us. By opening his eyes and his mind, the ninja can responsively follow the subtle seasons and reasons of heaven, changing just as change is necessary, adapting always, so that in the end there is no such thing as a surprise for the ninja.

Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu;
33rd Sôke of Togakure Ryū Ninjutsu

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Live your own life.
我が道を行く

Ultimately we are studying to stand on our own two feet. We have to learn the art of discernment to decide what and who we wish to listen and learn from. Our decisions need to be made with a healthy respect for ourselves and others.
Hatsumi Sensei once said that as you endure with the martial arts and develop skill, there will be those outside of training that at times come to percieve you as cold hearted, demanding, unreasonable or hard in nature. Understanding and accepting the balance of transmission is the key.

If we listen to the heart of nature, it is seemingly cruel at times. However, nature has its ways to create and maintain order through balanced growth and destruction for positive life continuation. Humans belong to nature, yet we often cannot accept it and try to control it. Nature will always prevail, and it’s timing and ways will not always be understood or accepted.

“..Nature does not give us any flowers or fruit until the right time has come. Nature also changes - it is not always fine weather. The rain and wind of a typhoon cause immense damage, and too many sunlit days damage the crops through drought.
The same applies to one’s training in the martial arts. One cannot avoid hardship or suffering. Walking a stoney path is the destiny of anyone who trains. That is why it is so important to understand the way of nature…”
Nagato先生

In order to fully pursue a positive goal and live life with conviction, a particular attitude and focus needs to be developed. It’s often people that have never pursued something wholeheatedly in body,mind,and spirit as their lifestyle, that fear or rebel against the very existence that you strive for. People will be quick to blame you for their discomfort,lack of understanding and acceptance of your lifestyle. There will be excuses to remove themselves from you. At times, there will be those bad mouthing you in order to feel strong and justified as they unknowingly become slaves to their insecurities.

I live my life as a martial artist. It is a road less travelled. I have vowed to follow and pursue my chosen pursuit with full conviction for as long as possible. It’s not always an easy path, however, it has led me to and given me a wonderful life and family.
I remember Nagato Sensei saying to my wife upon their first meeting, “you have married a martial artist, be prepared for hard times.”
It’s important to have a partner that accepts and supports your path, as you do of theirs. A true loving partner would not stop,control or try to take you away from your dreams and life pursuits.

As the winds change direction suddenly, so to does life and those who you thought were friends and students. Ultimately though, everyone is searching for a life to live for themselves. I feel the goal of everyone ( as hard as it is at times ) is to accept and allow this.

Knowing that this is natural, we will hopefully come to a closer understanding that the Bujinkan Dōjō is ultimately teaching the way of humanity and the art of life.

Duncan.
南虎
Southern Tiger

The Code of the Bujinkan Dojo

一、忍耐は、先ず一服の間とぞ知れ

1) Nintai Wa, Mazu Ippuku No Ma Tozo Shire

To know that patience comes first. Know that endurance is simply a whisp of smoke.

二、人の道は、正義也と知れ

2) Hito No Michi Wa, Seigi Nari To Shire

To know that the path of man comes from justice. Know that the way of men is justice.

三、大欲と楽と依怙の心を忘れよ

3) Taiyoku To Raku To Iko No Kokoro Wo Wasureyo

To renounce avarice, indolence, and obstinacy. Forget the heart of greed,
ease and relying on others.

四、悲しみも恨みも自然の定めと思い、
唯だ不動心の悟りを得可し

4) Kanashimi Mo Urami Mo Shizen No Sadame To Omoi, Tada Fudoshin No Satori Wo U Beshi

To recognize sadness and worry as natural, and to seek the immovable heart. One should regard both sadness and malice as natural laws, and gain the enlightenment of an immovable heart.

五、心常に忠孝の道を離れず、深く文武に志す可し

5) Kokoro Tsune-ni Chuko No Michi Wo Hanarezu, Fukaku Bunbu Ni Kokorozasu Beshi

To not stray from the path of loyalty and love, and to delve always deeper into the heart of Budo. In your heart, never leave the ways of loyalty and filial piety, and aspire greatly for the ways of the pen and the sword.

右、五定を守ること、道場の規定なり

Migi, Gojo Wo Mamoru Koto, Dojo No Kitei Nari.

Observing the 5 rules above is the law of the dōjō.

明治二十三年春正月 記 戸田真龍軒正光

Meiji-nijusan-nen Haru-shogatsu Ki Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu

Written on New Year’s Day in 1891 Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu 33rd Soke Togakure Ryu.

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The best martial art?

This is truly a laughable question. I really don’t think people have thought it through when they ask, let alone answer. Naturally, most people are biased as they want to reaffirm and justify within themselves the reason they are practicing their chosen art.

Some are just blindly believing or following the latest fad or newest trend. Many base their decisions on the UFC Gracie outcome against other exponents in the ring. Firstly, in regards to this particular event, it’s important to research the many factors involved to gain a better perspective. If you really want to enter this questionable debate about what is the best marital art, people need to make strict clarifications of what context and type of combat situation they are talking about. I feel that most people nowadays are reaching the conclusion that BJJ and MMA are the best. Don’t misunderstand me, I think they are great fighting forms and respect them. This article is not to dispute the effectiveness of different arts, but rather to think about the bigger picture in terms of the study and practice of the martial arts as a whole.

Please take a moment to reflect seriously here about the limitless situations and types of combat and warfare strategies there are. After all, the martial arts is the study of the ‘Arts of War.’ What type of war are you preparing for? There are many considerations to be made. Is it the best against unarmed assailants, if so, how many? Is it the best against dealing with weapons? What type of environmental, cultural and situational factors have been considered? Does the art consider weapons or multiple opponents in its practice? If so, what type of weapons? Short range, long range, flexible or projectiles, bladed or bludgeoning etc? In real life, depending on where you are in the world, even how you dress, meet and greet, or look at people can start or stop a confrontation and is thus a form of self defense/fighting.
It is interesting to note that in all of the wars in history, only a few were won by conventional means. Eg: meeting each other face to face on the battlefield. Most wars were decided by unconventional tactics such as espionage and deception. Eg: cloak and dagger.

“Quite simply, Budô is teaching the top techniques of murderers”
~Hatsumi

People think they are strong at martial arts, but what about the attack that is not known,seen or expected? Is not a sniper firing from 800m not martial arts? What about the assassin walking past in a crowded street stabbing you in the back? No matter what skill or strength in the martial arts you think you have, no matter how many people you’ve defeated on the mat or in the cage, there will always be another form of Budô that you cannot defend,fight against or see coming.
Many martial artists become blinded by the false confidence they gain from success in a particular environment. Familiarity breeds over confidence and narrow mindedness.

One weakness now is that many people are just thinking about one on one situations and without weapons. This is therefore potentially dangerous for the practitioners and is narrowing their awareness of the world of martial arts.

It is an essential consideration is asking why a person is doing the martial arts. Are they doing it for fitness, mental health, spiritual wellbeing, self defence, cultural interest or even on a physicians advice recommendation to aid in strength,conditioning or for greater focus and concentration etc. Not everyone is taking up a martial art to fight for real or in sporting competitions. The martial arts can assist people holistically in many ways beyond the concern of merely fighting.

Each martial art has strengths and weaknesses. There is no ultimate martial art. I’m sorry, but there is not. The ultimate martial art only exists if the exponent is able to exercise every element of Budô masterfully in context with every moment, all the time. We are humans and have flaws. This should be the only answer needed if people truly thought about it.

Martial arts are the practice of warring techniques and strategies. Competitions developed during peaceful times for soldiers to maintain their skills and most importantly, their fighting spirit, until the time came when they were called to war again. With these contests, rules began to be applied to ensure injuries were kept to a minimum etc. In unarmed combat sports, strikes to the eyes,throat and groin etc were ruled out. Kendo for example ‘hits’ for points. They do not ‘cut’. This is why it is fast, not only because Shinai are lighter, but because they do not consider the true threat of a live blade and the application of cutting through a target. As a result, it has become a sport, yet many would argue the opposite. Judo is the same. It was asked by the founder that judoka also study jujutsu to fully understand their art, but few do as they are too busy performing randori or kata to win their next contest.
The concept of wrestling on the floor is a last resort and not the place a warrior/soldier wanted to be on the battlefield, unless he was taking cover. Purposely dropping to the ground was considered a last resort and therefore these techniques were called ‘Sutemi’ or sacrifice techniques. Nowadays, we see popular arts go to the ground quickly or, even commence from a sitting/lying position on the ground. This is a specialty study, but does not define the style as a ‘complete martial art’ impregnable to every combat situation.
One has to consider the real pros and cons of going to the ground. Is there a weapon involved? Are their more assailants with/without weapons around you? Is the surface dangerous or are you in a place where you risk being run over or trampled on? Just as there are the same pros and cons with kicking, throwing, and punching speciality arts etc, we can see with some commonsense and thought, that every art has strengths and weaknesses and that if not used within the right context and timing of whatever situation is occurring, can and will fail.
It is not the martial art, but the martial artist.

I’d like people to act more maturely in their approach to dismantling other martial arts to appease their egos. Many modern sports combat arts derive from classical martial arts and thus, even if they don’t practice them, should at least respect the fact of this connection, regardless of if they feel they are effective in this day and age.

Remember, Koryû ( old martial arts ) were passed down through blood found on the battlefield. People died for technique to be founded and transmitted. Respect is required. If you don’t have this sense of respect, I wouldn’t consider you a martial artist. No matter what art you do or how skilled you believe you’ve become, there are absolutely no guarantees you will survive a confrontation.
We need to be careful not to become narrow minded in the way we view martial arts. Look at the unfortunate situations with Special Force Operations that we’ve heard about. Delta force members and Navy Seals being shot down in helicopters before even getting on the ground to utilise their highly trained skills, and highly decorated soldiers with numerous kills to their names in combat, coming home safely from numerous tours of duty to just be shot by a mentally deranged person in their home town. These people were elite practitioners of the Art of War. It’s been said that 50% is blood,sweat and tears and the other 50% is luck.

There are those that say BJJ is the best, MMA is the best, Karate is the best, Krav Maga is the best, Kick boxing is the best or Bujinkan Budô is the best. There is only the best in the moment.

“Remember that for every technique you think you can fall back on, there is a counter for it, or there are times when it cannot be used. When real battle comes, you must remember that some things will not be applicable. Don't think that any one technique is quintessential."
宗家 Hatsumi

Dōjō challenges existed and sometimes still do. People come to a Dōjō to test their skills, but generally under their terms. They want to fight their way to test their style against the others. But, why does the other art have to agree? If the other art uses weapons, they may pick up a sword and say, “ok, let’s go!” But then the challenger says. “No, unarmed you coward.” Wait a minute, the challenger who’s walked into another Dōjō is being allowed to call the shots? No, they’ve walked into someone else’s domain, someone else’s home. Don’t expect that person or those people to play the way you want. If you do, you are a fool and agreeing to rules ( like a sport ). You must fight your way and do anything to win. This is Budô.

People who study martial arts should have more respect for one another. We are all exponents of the martial arts - the arts of war. It’s time to grow up. Even if you do not respect another styles’ approach, just let it be and get on with your own training. Why? Because there is always something you will miss in your preconceptions and thus could become your downfall. Speaking badly of others does nothing more than feed one’s ego and insecurities and shows ignorance. Just remember, a child can pick up a gun and kill anyone. Your art does not mean you are forever invincible or untouchable. This is ego. If someone feels you are stronger, it is natural they will look for a tool or weapon as self defence. As martial artists, we cannot be overly confident and have blind faith in our art. When reality hits, it’s not about your art, it’s about you.

“There is no superior martial art only a superior martial artist.”

What makes a superior martial artist? Is it how many fights you’ve won? Is it how strong you are, how fast or flexible you are? Is it how many ranks or degrees you have? The superior martial artist is the one who never gives up. It’s about the heart of the practitioner and how they assimilate the teachings into their life to lead a better world for themselves and others. How many masters of the martial arts have died on the battlefield without anyone knowing their names?
Does dying in battle mean they weren’t good martial artists?
Think well.

In reality, a martial artist that has been able to avoid fights and live a good life has succeeded as a martial artist. Why? Because martial arts is ultimately taught to learn to find peace and how to control and/or avoid conflict. Those that have been in fights and real battle will understand this naturally. Only those who have yet to go beyond their own internal battles will struggle to accept this.
Budô is not something trivial and for people who cannot grasp the heart of the martial arts. Plainly speaking, martial arts is not for everyone, even though it’s available to them. Some people act more base than animals and have the mentality of nothing more. This is not Budô. This is just savagery or a person with a love of fighting.
Without philosophical and spiritual practice, the person becomes just a fighter, a competitor, not a person striving to understand the true purpose of Budô as a way of protecting life and attaining peace.
Please consider well what being a martial artist really means.

Ultimately, the best martial art is the one that supports the way the practitioner wishes to live their life.

Yours in Budô,
Duncan