The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A practical guide to the fulfillment of your dreams.
By Deepak Chopra
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success for Parents: Guiding Your Children to Success and Fulfilment
Introduction
…success also includes good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of wellbeing, and peace of mind.
Chapter 1: The Law of Pure Potentiality
The source of all creation is pure consciousness…pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest.
And when we realize that our true Self is one of pure potentiality, we align with the power that manifests everything in the universe.
One way to access the field is through the daily practice of silence, meditation, and non-judgment. Spending time in nature…
Practicing silence means making a commitment to take a certain amount of time to simply Be.
Applying the Law of Pure Potentiality
…be silent…meditation…nature…non-judgment
Chapter 2: The Law of Giving
The Universe operates through dynamic exchange…giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe.
And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.
…if you want to learn to love, learn to give love…the easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.
…thought has the power to transform.
…the most powerful forms of giving are non-material
…affection…
…you are already inherently affluent…the source of all wealth is the field of pure potentiality…
Applying the Law of Giving
…bring them a gift.
…gratefully receive all the gifts…
Chapter 3: The Law of “Karma” or Cause and Effect
Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind…what we sow is what we reap.
And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.
“What you sow is what you reap.”
“will this choice that I’m making now bring happiness to me and to those around me?” if the answer is yes, then go ahead with that choice. If the answer is no, if that choice brings distress either to you or to those around you, then don’t make that choice. It’s as simple as that.
If your body sends a message of comfort, that’s the right choice. If your body sends a message of discomfort, then it’s not the appropriate choice.
Applying the Law of “Karma” or Cause and Effect.
…witness the choices…
…ask myself two questions…
…ask my heart for guidance…
Chapter 4: The Law of Least Effort
Nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease…with carefreeness, harmony, and love.
And when we harness the forces of harmony, joy, and love, we create success and good fortune with effortless ease.
“do less and accomplish more.” Ultimately you come to the state where you do nothing and accomplish everything.
Nature’s intelligence functions effortlessly, frictionlessly, spontaneously. It is non-linear; it is intuitive, holistic, and nourishing.
…when your actions are motivated by love, there is no waste of energy.
…three components to the Law of Least Effort…The first component is acceptance…You can wish for things in the future to be different, but in this moment you have to accept things as they are.
…the second component…responsibility.
Having accepted this circumstance, this event, this problem, responsibility then means the ability to have a creative response to the situation as it is now.
The third component…defenselessness
If you just relinquish the need to defend your point of view, you will in that relinquishment, gain access to enormous amounts of energy that have been previously wasted.
You do not need to justify; simply declare your intent to yourself, and you will experience fulfillment, delight, joy, freedom, and autonomy in every moment in your life.
Applying the Law of Least Effort
I will practice acceptance.
Having accepted things as they are, I will take Responsibility for my situation and for all those events I see as problems.
…every problem is an opportunity in disguise…
Today my awareness will remain established in Defenselessness.
Chapter 5: The Law of Intention and Desire
Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment…intention and desire in the field of pure potentiality have infinite organizing power.
And when we introduce an intention in fertile ground of pure potentiality, we put this infinite organizing power to work for us.
The whole universe, in its essential nature, is the movement of energy and information.
This conscious change is brought about by the two qualities inherent in consciousness: attention and intention. Attention energizes, and intention transforms.
…use your intent for the benefit of mankind. This happens spontaneously when you are in alignment with the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.
Intention combined with detachment leads to life-centered, present-moment awareness.
Your intent is for the future, but your attention is in the present. As long as your attention is in the present, then your intent for the future will manifest, because the future is created in the present. You must accept the present as is. Accept the present and intend the future. The future is something you can always create through detached intention, but you should never struggle against the present.
Both past and future are born in the imagination; only the present, which is awareness, is real and eternal.
If you have life-centered, present-moment awareness, then the imaginary obstacles—which are more than ninety percent of perceived obstacles—disintegrate and disappear.
Learn to harness the power of intention, and you can create anything you desire.
When you follow these five steps for fulfilling your desires, intention generates its own power:
1. slip into the gap
2. established in that state of being, release your intentions and desires
3. remain in the state of self-referral
4. relinquish your attachment to the outcome
5. let the universe handle the details
Applying the Law of Intention and Desire
I will make a list of my desires
I will release this list of my desires and surrender it to the womb of creation, trusting…
I will remind myself to practice present-moment awareness in all my actions.
Chapter 6: The Law of Detachment
In detachment lies the wisdom of uncertainty…in the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past, from the known, which is the prison of past conditioning.
And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.
…in order to acquire anything in the physical universe, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. This doesn’t mean you give up the intention to create your desire. You don’t give up the intention, and you don’t give up the desire. You give up your attachment to the result.
Attachment…is based on fear and insecurity—and the need for security is based on not knowing the true Self.
…with detachment there is freedom to create.
The search for security is an illusion…the solution to this whole dilemma lies in the wisdom of insecurity, or the wisdom of uncertainty. This means that the search for security and certainty is actually an attachment to the known. And what’s the known? The known is our past…There’s no evolution in that…And where there is no evolution, there is stagnation, entropy, disorder, and decay.
Uncertainty, on the other hand, is the fertile ground of pure creativity and freedom.
The Law of Detachment does not interfere with the Law of Intention and Desire—with goal-setting. You still have the intention of going in a certain direction, you still have a goal. However, between point A and point B there are infinite possibilities.
Applying the Law of Detachment
Today I will commit myself to detachment
Today I will factor in uncertainty as an essential ingredient of my experience
I will step into the field of all possibilities and anticipate the excitement that can occur when I remain open to an infinity of choices
Chapter 7: The Law of “Dharma” or Purpose In Life
Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others.
And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.
The Law of Dharma says that we have taken manifestation in physical form to fulfill a purpose.
There is something that you can do better than anyone else in the whole world.
If you could start children right from the beginning with this thought, you’d see the effect it has on their lives.
What I really want to focus on is asking yourself how you can serve humanity, and asking yourself what your unique talents are.
There are three components to the Law of Dharma. The first component says that each of us is here to discover our true Self, to find out on our own that our true Self is spiritual, that essentially we are spiritual beings that have taken manifestation in physical form.
The second component of the Law of Dharma is to express our unique talents… This means that there’s one thing you can do, and one way of doing it, that is better than anyone else on this entire planet.
The third component of the Law of Dharma is service to humanity—to serve your fellow human beings and to ask yourself the questions, “How can I help? How can I help all those that I come into contact with?”
The question, “What’s in it for me?” is the internal dialogue of the ego. Asking “How can I help?” is the internal dialogue of the spirit.
If you want to make the maximum use of the Law of Dharma, then you have to make several commitments.
The first commitment is: I am going to seek my higher self, which is beyond my ego, through spiritual practice.
The second commitment is: I am going to discover my unique talents, and finding my unique talents, I am going to enjoy myself, because the process of enjoyment occurs when I go into timeless awareness. That’s when I am in a state of bliss.
The third commitment is: I am going to ask myself how I am best suited to serve humanity. I am going to answer that question and then put it into practice.
Applying the Law of “Dharma” or Purpose in Life
Today I will lovingly nurture the god or goddess in embryo that lies deep within my soul.
I will make a list of my unique talents.
I will ask myself daily, “how can I serve?” and “how can I help?”
Summary and Conclusion
There is a natural sequence for the application of these laws in your daily life that may help you to remember them. The Law of Pure Potentiality is experienced through silence, through meditation, through non-judgment, through communion with nature, but it is activated by the Law of Giving. The principle here is to learn to give that which you seek. That’s how you activate the Law of Pure Potentiality. If you seek affluence, give affluence; if you seek money, give money; if you seek love, appreciation, and affection, then learn to give love, appreciation, and affection.
Through your actions in the Law of Giving you activate the Law of Karma. You create good karma, and good karma makes everything in life easy. You notice that you don’t have to expend a lot of effort to fulfill your desires, which automatically leads to an understanding of the Law of Least Effort. When everything is easy and effortless, and your desires keep getting fulfilled, you spontaneously begin to understand the Law of Intention and Desire. Fulfilling your desires with effortless ease makes it easy for you to practice the Law of Detachment.
Finally as you begin to understand all the above laws, you begin to focus on your true purpose in life, which leads to the Law of Dharma. Through the use of this law, by expressing your unique talents and fulfilling the needs of your fellow humans, you begin to create whatever you want, whenever you want it. You become carefree and joyful, and your life becomes an expression of unbounded love.
The Chopra Foundation: an invitation
Is dedicated ..to promoting world peace
…promote healing and peace by scientifically and experientially exploring non-dual consciousness as the ground of existence.
…seeding individuals and communities at peace…
“…all people are already united by the fact that they are all equally the expression of one life.”—Meher Baba
…to create a critical mass of peace consciousness
If you are interested in becoming involved in either the Alliance for the New Humanity or The Chopra Foundation activity, please log onto www.chopra.com and visit The Chopra Foundation Web page for more information. You may also send an email to foundation@chopra.com .
By Deepak Chopra
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success for Parents: Guiding Your Children to Success and Fulfilment
Introduction
…success also includes good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of wellbeing, and peace of mind.
Chapter 1: The Law of Pure Potentiality
The source of all creation is pure consciousness…pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest.
And when we realize that our true Self is one of pure potentiality, we align with the power that manifests everything in the universe.
One way to access the field is through the daily practice of silence, meditation, and non-judgment. Spending time in nature…
Practicing silence means making a commitment to take a certain amount of time to simply Be.
Applying the Law of Pure Potentiality
…be silent…meditation…nature…non-judgment
Chapter 2: The Law of Giving
The Universe operates through dynamic exchange…giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe.
And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.
…if you want to learn to love, learn to give love…the easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.
…thought has the power to transform.
…the most powerful forms of giving are non-material
…affection…
…you are already inherently affluent…the source of all wealth is the field of pure potentiality…
Applying the Law of Giving
…bring them a gift.
…gratefully receive all the gifts…
Chapter 3: The Law of “Karma” or Cause and Effect
Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind…what we sow is what we reap.
And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.
“What you sow is what you reap.”
“will this choice that I’m making now bring happiness to me and to those around me?” if the answer is yes, then go ahead with that choice. If the answer is no, if that choice brings distress either to you or to those around you, then don’t make that choice. It’s as simple as that.
If your body sends a message of comfort, that’s the right choice. If your body sends a message of discomfort, then it’s not the appropriate choice.
Applying the Law of “Karma” or Cause and Effect.
…witness the choices…
…ask myself two questions…
…ask my heart for guidance…
Chapter 4: The Law of Least Effort
Nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease…with carefreeness, harmony, and love.
And when we harness the forces of harmony, joy, and love, we create success and good fortune with effortless ease.
“do less and accomplish more.” Ultimately you come to the state where you do nothing and accomplish everything.
Nature’s intelligence functions effortlessly, frictionlessly, spontaneously. It is non-linear; it is intuitive, holistic, and nourishing.
…when your actions are motivated by love, there is no waste of energy.
…three components to the Law of Least Effort…The first component is acceptance…You can wish for things in the future to be different, but in this moment you have to accept things as they are.
…the second component…responsibility.
Having accepted this circumstance, this event, this problem, responsibility then means the ability to have a creative response to the situation as it is now.
The third component…defenselessness
If you just relinquish the need to defend your point of view, you will in that relinquishment, gain access to enormous amounts of energy that have been previously wasted.
You do not need to justify; simply declare your intent to yourself, and you will experience fulfillment, delight, joy, freedom, and autonomy in every moment in your life.
Applying the Law of Least Effort
I will practice acceptance.
Having accepted things as they are, I will take Responsibility for my situation and for all those events I see as problems.
…every problem is an opportunity in disguise…
Today my awareness will remain established in Defenselessness.
Chapter 5: The Law of Intention and Desire
Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment…intention and desire in the field of pure potentiality have infinite organizing power.
And when we introduce an intention in fertile ground of pure potentiality, we put this infinite organizing power to work for us.
The whole universe, in its essential nature, is the movement of energy and information.
This conscious change is brought about by the two qualities inherent in consciousness: attention and intention. Attention energizes, and intention transforms.
…use your intent for the benefit of mankind. This happens spontaneously when you are in alignment with the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.
Intention combined with detachment leads to life-centered, present-moment awareness.
Your intent is for the future, but your attention is in the present. As long as your attention is in the present, then your intent for the future will manifest, because the future is created in the present. You must accept the present as is. Accept the present and intend the future. The future is something you can always create through detached intention, but you should never struggle against the present.
Both past and future are born in the imagination; only the present, which is awareness, is real and eternal.
If you have life-centered, present-moment awareness, then the imaginary obstacles—which are more than ninety percent of perceived obstacles—disintegrate and disappear.
Learn to harness the power of intention, and you can create anything you desire.
When you follow these five steps for fulfilling your desires, intention generates its own power:
1. slip into the gap
2. established in that state of being, release your intentions and desires
3. remain in the state of self-referral
4. relinquish your attachment to the outcome
5. let the universe handle the details
Applying the Law of Intention and Desire
I will make a list of my desires
I will release this list of my desires and surrender it to the womb of creation, trusting…
I will remind myself to practice present-moment awareness in all my actions.
Chapter 6: The Law of Detachment
In detachment lies the wisdom of uncertainty…in the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past, from the known, which is the prison of past conditioning.
And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.
…in order to acquire anything in the physical universe, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. This doesn’t mean you give up the intention to create your desire. You don’t give up the intention, and you don’t give up the desire. You give up your attachment to the result.
Attachment…is based on fear and insecurity—and the need for security is based on not knowing the true Self.
…with detachment there is freedom to create.
The search for security is an illusion…the solution to this whole dilemma lies in the wisdom of insecurity, or the wisdom of uncertainty. This means that the search for security and certainty is actually an attachment to the known. And what’s the known? The known is our past…There’s no evolution in that…And where there is no evolution, there is stagnation, entropy, disorder, and decay.
Uncertainty, on the other hand, is the fertile ground of pure creativity and freedom.
The Law of Detachment does not interfere with the Law of Intention and Desire—with goal-setting. You still have the intention of going in a certain direction, you still have a goal. However, between point A and point B there are infinite possibilities.
Applying the Law of Detachment
Today I will commit myself to detachment
Today I will factor in uncertainty as an essential ingredient of my experience
I will step into the field of all possibilities and anticipate the excitement that can occur when I remain open to an infinity of choices
Chapter 7: The Law of “Dharma” or Purpose In Life
Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others.
And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.
The Law of Dharma says that we have taken manifestation in physical form to fulfill a purpose.
There is something that you can do better than anyone else in the whole world.
If you could start children right from the beginning with this thought, you’d see the effect it has on their lives.
What I really want to focus on is asking yourself how you can serve humanity, and asking yourself what your unique talents are.
There are three components to the Law of Dharma. The first component says that each of us is here to discover our true Self, to find out on our own that our true Self is spiritual, that essentially we are spiritual beings that have taken manifestation in physical form.
The second component of the Law of Dharma is to express our unique talents… This means that there’s one thing you can do, and one way of doing it, that is better than anyone else on this entire planet.
The third component of the Law of Dharma is service to humanity—to serve your fellow human beings and to ask yourself the questions, “How can I help? How can I help all those that I come into contact with?”
The question, “What’s in it for me?” is the internal dialogue of the ego. Asking “How can I help?” is the internal dialogue of the spirit.
If you want to make the maximum use of the Law of Dharma, then you have to make several commitments.
The first commitment is: I am going to seek my higher self, which is beyond my ego, through spiritual practice.
The second commitment is: I am going to discover my unique talents, and finding my unique talents, I am going to enjoy myself, because the process of enjoyment occurs when I go into timeless awareness. That’s when I am in a state of bliss.
The third commitment is: I am going to ask myself how I am best suited to serve humanity. I am going to answer that question and then put it into practice.
Applying the Law of “Dharma” or Purpose in Life
Today I will lovingly nurture the god or goddess in embryo that lies deep within my soul.
I will make a list of my unique talents.
I will ask myself daily, “how can I serve?” and “how can I help?”
Summary and Conclusion
There is a natural sequence for the application of these laws in your daily life that may help you to remember them. The Law of Pure Potentiality is experienced through silence, through meditation, through non-judgment, through communion with nature, but it is activated by the Law of Giving. The principle here is to learn to give that which you seek. That’s how you activate the Law of Pure Potentiality. If you seek affluence, give affluence; if you seek money, give money; if you seek love, appreciation, and affection, then learn to give love, appreciation, and affection.
Through your actions in the Law of Giving you activate the Law of Karma. You create good karma, and good karma makes everything in life easy. You notice that you don’t have to expend a lot of effort to fulfill your desires, which automatically leads to an understanding of the Law of Least Effort. When everything is easy and effortless, and your desires keep getting fulfilled, you spontaneously begin to understand the Law of Intention and Desire. Fulfilling your desires with effortless ease makes it easy for you to practice the Law of Detachment.
Finally as you begin to understand all the above laws, you begin to focus on your true purpose in life, which leads to the Law of Dharma. Through the use of this law, by expressing your unique talents and fulfilling the needs of your fellow humans, you begin to create whatever you want, whenever you want it. You become carefree and joyful, and your life becomes an expression of unbounded love.
The Chopra Foundation: an invitation
Is dedicated ..to promoting world peace
…promote healing and peace by scientifically and experientially exploring non-dual consciousness as the ground of existence.
…seeding individuals and communities at peace…
“…all people are already united by the fact that they are all equally the expression of one life.”—Meher Baba
…to create a critical mass of peace consciousness
If you are interested in becoming involved in either the Alliance for the New Humanity or The Chopra Foundation activity, please log onto www.chopra.com and visit The Chopra Foundation Web page for more information. You may also send an email to foundation@chopra.com .
11/12: Xmas Break
Xmas Break
Last training’s are: Tuesday 15th, Thursday 17th December
First training’s are: Tuesday 19th, Thursday 21st January 2010
Please note that Xmas break is 4 weeks instead of the normal 3 week break. To ensure that you receive the full number of classes that your Standing Order payment covers, we will not be taking a break at Easter.
Last training’s are: Tuesday 15th, Thursday 17th December
First training’s are: Tuesday 19th, Thursday 21st January 2010
Please note that Xmas break is 4 weeks instead of the normal 3 week break. To ensure that you receive the full number of classes that your Standing Order payment covers, we will not be taking a break at Easter.
Hello all,
Due to recent burglaries, Filton High has made the decision to no longer allow cars onto school grounds after hours.
They are going to continue to allow my car onsite to load and unload equipment.
I will continue to publish holidays on the website calendar (Events page) and email/text any emergency closures.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
PS. The hall is scheduled for demolition in Summer 2010 so please keep your eyes open for other possible locations. Private run or council facilities like Wintebourne, but not leisure centres, are best because rent is reasonable and we are less exposed to school functions and staffing problems.
If we dont speak before Merry Xmas.
Robert.
Due to recent burglaries, Filton High has made the decision to no longer allow cars onto school grounds after hours.
They are going to continue to allow my car onsite to load and unload equipment.
I will continue to publish holidays on the website calendar (Events page) and email/text any emergency closures.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
PS. The hall is scheduled for demolition in Summer 2010 so please keep your eyes open for other possible locations. Private run or council facilities like Wintebourne, but not leisure centres, are best because rent is reasonable and we are less exposed to school functions and staffing problems.
If we dont speak before Merry Xmas.
Robert.
I want to keep this article short and sweet so excuse me if I don’t elaborate on anything; these are my beliefs. I am sharing them to prompt your own self reflection, it is not my intention to preach to you. I hope you will take time to understand your own truth.
• My training (and thus teaching) is based on my own environment. I am not living in a war zone, guarding a president, or fighting for my next meal. The problems I see are subtle, even accepted because its comfortable, but they are destructive none the less, and I believe martial practises (mainly Budo not Bujutsu or physical technique) contain productive solutions.
• All techniques can work. All techniques can fail. Timing, circumstance, state of mind, all impact the result.
• Pressure points are a stepping stones to solutions – they are not the solution itself. Should they happen to provide the solution, “happy days!”.
• Self Defence is unpredictable in every sense. I don’t believe there is a true self defence technique, because I don’t believe that you can simulate a true self defence scenario; you can create simulated possibilities and pressure test them to create experience. Timing, circumstance, state of mind, all impact the result - use some imagination and possibilities soon become infinite and range from bad to horrific.
• The object of training is to gain experience and to develop feeling and free and flowing movement to increase the chance of success when the unforseeable happens. Most importanly it is to build awareness – many people have lost through victory – what really is the right strategy for this encounter.
• To contradict myself I don’t believe in “the unforseeable”; being aware of action and consequence gives us foresight.
• Self esteem directly impacts the outcome of a self defence situation. Self doubt, internalization and denial can have devastating results; we must find zero in an instant.
• Self esteem directly impacts the chance of being involved in violent conflict. The need for certainty is the result of uncertainty.
• Training extends beyond the dojo. Passionate longterm devotees of martial arts training find their practise intertwining within the very fibre of their existence; they become the dojo, inseparable.
• Repetitive practise of destruction (destructive technique and destructive attitude) will result in destruction. Passionate longterm devotees who practise only destruction can find life very frustrating (remember they are the dojo).
• If I have one regret it is that I learnt Bujutsu before I learnt Budo. I will never be able to say that I had no choice – if I am really honest, there was always another choice, I just never felt comfortable with it; fighting at the time seemed easier.
• Death is certain and automatic with time. Life is a struggle, resolute determination to find positive solution from the struggle results in growth; doing nothing results in destruction, and an empty and meaningless death.
• Life is the result of an imbalance of growth over destruction. We are only a part, not the whole. Our training, our life, our purpose, is to find a way to influence further imbalance towards growth.
These are my beliefs, this is how I train, this is how I teach. I don’t always get it right, but I pick myself up one more time and I try again.
Robert.
• My training (and thus teaching) is based on my own environment. I am not living in a war zone, guarding a president, or fighting for my next meal. The problems I see are subtle, even accepted because its comfortable, but they are destructive none the less, and I believe martial practises (mainly Budo not Bujutsu or physical technique) contain productive solutions.
• All techniques can work. All techniques can fail. Timing, circumstance, state of mind, all impact the result.
• Pressure points are a stepping stones to solutions – they are not the solution itself. Should they happen to provide the solution, “happy days!”.
• Self Defence is unpredictable in every sense. I don’t believe there is a true self defence technique, because I don’t believe that you can simulate a true self defence scenario; you can create simulated possibilities and pressure test them to create experience. Timing, circumstance, state of mind, all impact the result - use some imagination and possibilities soon become infinite and range from bad to horrific.
• The object of training is to gain experience and to develop feeling and free and flowing movement to increase the chance of success when the unforseeable happens. Most importanly it is to build awareness – many people have lost through victory – what really is the right strategy for this encounter.
• To contradict myself I don’t believe in “the unforseeable”; being aware of action and consequence gives us foresight.
• Self esteem directly impacts the outcome of a self defence situation. Self doubt, internalization and denial can have devastating results; we must find zero in an instant.
• Self esteem directly impacts the chance of being involved in violent conflict. The need for certainty is the result of uncertainty.
• Training extends beyond the dojo. Passionate longterm devotees of martial arts training find their practise intertwining within the very fibre of their existence; they become the dojo, inseparable.
• Repetitive practise of destruction (destructive technique and destructive attitude) will result in destruction. Passionate longterm devotees who practise only destruction can find life very frustrating (remember they are the dojo).
• If I have one regret it is that I learnt Bujutsu before I learnt Budo. I will never be able to say that I had no choice – if I am really honest, there was always another choice, I just never felt comfortable with it; fighting at the time seemed easier.
• Death is certain and automatic with time. Life is a struggle, resolute determination to find positive solution from the struggle results in growth; doing nothing results in destruction, and an empty and meaningless death.
• Life is the result of an imbalance of growth over destruction. We are only a part, not the whole. Our training, our life, our purpose, is to find a way to influence further imbalance towards growth.
These are my beliefs, this is how I train, this is how I teach. I don’t always get it right, but I pick myself up one more time and I try again.
Robert.
04/11: November News 2009
October Grading
I am incredibly proud to say that all students who graded in October have performed incredibly well with some students surpassing the level they were assessing for. Samurai Kindy and Samurai School beginners were assessed in class with Kaitlyn progressing from Red to Green Star; the highest ranking in our Samurai Kindy program.
Of the more experienced students who graded on Saturday 17th October, we welcomed our first ever Junior Black Belts (aka Shodan-ho). Conor, James and Josh all gave fluid and effective demonstrations in unarmed combat and near perfect Sword kata. A standard has been set which will not be easily equalled. At age 16 their Junior Dan Grade will be automatically upgraded to an equivalent full adult black belt (1st Dan, 2nd Dan etc).
Drew Worthington, our most recent Samurai Kindy graduate, showed great focus and consistency ahead of other notable performances from Jack Kelly, Kaya Baber, Charlotte Vickers-Graham, Daisy Worthington and Matthew Watts. In fact the standard was so high that I could quite easily list all students who took part.
It is a pleasure to be involved with such enthusiastic and focused students.
All Gradings Held in Class
Gradings will now be held in class and 3 times per year, instead of the more formalized Saturday morning grading held only 2 times per year. This does not necessarily mean students will grade 3 times per year but instead means that those students who are capable of progressing faster can progress, whilst those who need more time can take more time without having to wait a whole year between gradings.
I hope this decision will reduce the stress students feel in the build up to gradings, and eliminate the need to cancel other activities normally attended on weekends.
As of November 1st the Samurai Kindy ‘Colour Star Grading’ will be £10 whilst the Samurai School ‘Colour Belt Grading’ will reduce from £20 to £15. The ‘Black Star Assessments’ will continue and also be extended to white belt or beginning students. The Samurai School ‘Silver Star or Beginners Award’ will no longer be used.
The Events page on the website lists the nights set aside for grading’s. Badge Assessments, although not listed, are planned for the last training of each month.
Due to the lack of space only parents and immediate family are invited to watch the grading.
Adult Grading
Adult student assessment is scheduled for 8pm Tuesday November 24th at Wintebourne.
Delay of Branded Kit
I know that some of you have been patiently awaiting the availability of branded kit, I apologise and hope to have these available soon; t-shirts and hooded tops.
Unfortunately the last two orders have been totally unsatisfactory with quality at an all time low. To be frank, if I could source the t-shirts I would do a better job with an iron and some t-shirt print paper from PC World. I have no option but to conclude that our business is not important and I am actively trying to find another printer who can handle our small requirement.
I am incredibly proud to say that all students who graded in October have performed incredibly well with some students surpassing the level they were assessing for. Samurai Kindy and Samurai School beginners were assessed in class with Kaitlyn progressing from Red to Green Star; the highest ranking in our Samurai Kindy program.
Of the more experienced students who graded on Saturday 17th October, we welcomed our first ever Junior Black Belts (aka Shodan-ho). Conor, James and Josh all gave fluid and effective demonstrations in unarmed combat and near perfect Sword kata. A standard has been set which will not be easily equalled. At age 16 their Junior Dan Grade will be automatically upgraded to an equivalent full adult black belt (1st Dan, 2nd Dan etc).
Drew Worthington, our most recent Samurai Kindy graduate, showed great focus and consistency ahead of other notable performances from Jack Kelly, Kaya Baber, Charlotte Vickers-Graham, Daisy Worthington and Matthew Watts. In fact the standard was so high that I could quite easily list all students who took part.
It is a pleasure to be involved with such enthusiastic and focused students.
All Gradings Held in Class
Gradings will now be held in class and 3 times per year, instead of the more formalized Saturday morning grading held only 2 times per year. This does not necessarily mean students will grade 3 times per year but instead means that those students who are capable of progressing faster can progress, whilst those who need more time can take more time without having to wait a whole year between gradings.
I hope this decision will reduce the stress students feel in the build up to gradings, and eliminate the need to cancel other activities normally attended on weekends.
As of November 1st the Samurai Kindy ‘Colour Star Grading’ will be £10 whilst the Samurai School ‘Colour Belt Grading’ will reduce from £20 to £15. The ‘Black Star Assessments’ will continue and also be extended to white belt or beginning students. The Samurai School ‘Silver Star or Beginners Award’ will no longer be used.
The Events page on the website lists the nights set aside for grading’s. Badge Assessments, although not listed, are planned for the last training of each month.
Due to the lack of space only parents and immediate family are invited to watch the grading.
Adult Grading
Adult student assessment is scheduled for 8pm Tuesday November 24th at Wintebourne.
Delay of Branded Kit
I know that some of you have been patiently awaiting the availability of branded kit, I apologise and hope to have these available soon; t-shirts and hooded tops.
Unfortunately the last two orders have been totally unsatisfactory with quality at an all time low. To be frank, if I could source the t-shirts I would do a better job with an iron and some t-shirt print paper from PC World. I have no option but to conclude that our business is not important and I am actively trying to find another printer who can handle our small requirement.
I recently had a student who was being, well, I guess bullied, by children who took part in a different kind of martial art.
Firstly no martial art that I have ever experienced has involved lessons in bullying.
With exception of some sport fighting organisations which use antagonism and disrespectful behaviour to provoke heightened emotional involvement in its participants and audiences. But I will quickly disregard this as nothing more than media hyped blood thirst for bored people and move on.
Sport is not combat. Combat is not sport. Sport should remain in the arena and carried out with a big smile and light heart. Combat should be avoided at all costs; losers don’t get a silver or bronze medal. Those who find themselves in combat don’t want for fame or recognition; they just want to survive.
Martial Arts involve the development of courage and internal fortitude – strong confident people do not find the need to tear down others or stand on ceremony in order to make themselves feel whole. A warrior does not indulge in such activity but instead focuses his/her energy into being a better person, a better member of society, helping and benefiting others, if only through example.
Some martial arts (in our modern western world) are sport orientated; even many of those martial arts that originated on the battlefields have become ego driven competitive hobbies. Their objective is to teach students how to fight. They only teach students how to fight. It is no surprise then that students who participate in such activities will fight. You may have heard this before “offense is the best defense” – NO, not fighting at all - is the best defence!
Samurai School does not teach you or your child how to fight, but how to avoid fighting.
Our way and our techniques provide students with choices, first and foremost to avoid an attack, and secondly to deal with such attacks. Yes, there is the option of destroying the attacker, but only as last resort; and so it should be taught last, not first. Not attacking, whether that is verbally, physically or digitally, is a great start. As my own teacher Soke Bo Munthe has said many times, “you can’t lose if you don’t fight”.
If someone ever tells you that our training is rubbish and doesn’t teach you how to fight, please smile at them and say “Yes, I know, you’re right, it doesn’t. It teaches me how to live!”
Firstly no martial art that I have ever experienced has involved lessons in bullying.
With exception of some sport fighting organisations which use antagonism and disrespectful behaviour to provoke heightened emotional involvement in its participants and audiences. But I will quickly disregard this as nothing more than media hyped blood thirst for bored people and move on.
Sport is not combat. Combat is not sport. Sport should remain in the arena and carried out with a big smile and light heart. Combat should be avoided at all costs; losers don’t get a silver or bronze medal. Those who find themselves in combat don’t want for fame or recognition; they just want to survive.
Martial Arts involve the development of courage and internal fortitude – strong confident people do not find the need to tear down others or stand on ceremony in order to make themselves feel whole. A warrior does not indulge in such activity but instead focuses his/her energy into being a better person, a better member of society, helping and benefiting others, if only through example.
Some martial arts (in our modern western world) are sport orientated; even many of those martial arts that originated on the battlefields have become ego driven competitive hobbies. Their objective is to teach students how to fight. They only teach students how to fight. It is no surprise then that students who participate in such activities will fight. You may have heard this before “offense is the best defense” – NO, not fighting at all - is the best defence!
Samurai School does not teach you or your child how to fight, but how to avoid fighting.
Our way and our techniques provide students with choices, first and foremost to avoid an attack, and secondly to deal with such attacks. Yes, there is the option of destroying the attacker, but only as last resort; and so it should be taught last, not first. Not attacking, whether that is verbally, physically or digitally, is a great start. As my own teacher Soke Bo Munthe has said many times, “you can’t lose if you don’t fight”.
If someone ever tells you that our training is rubbish and doesn’t teach you how to fight, please smile at them and say “Yes, I know, you’re right, it doesn’t. It teaches me how to live!”
VERBAL SELF DEFENCE FAQ FOR KIDS
To find out more about Verbal Self Defence please visit the source. Click Here
1. "I don't see why teasing other kids isn't okay -- I think it's fun! What's wrong with it?"
You wouldn't think it was okay to hit other kids with a hammer, because you know that would hurt. Teasing is a way to hit somebody with words, and that hurts too. People don't bleed when you hit them with words. You can't see the wounds like you can when somebody gets hit with a hammer. But the wounds are there, and they hurt just as much -- maybe more.
2. "What if the teasing isn't real teasing? What if it's like a game, and nobody gets hurt because we're all just goofing off?"
When every single person who's there KNOWS it's only a game and is having a good time, you're right -- then it's not real teasing. It's like what happens in football, where you might push somebody out of your way or even knock them down, and it's only part of the game. There are just two problems with this. (1) It's hard to be sure that everybody is having fun and understands that it's just a game. You have to be really, really sure. (2) When you play this game, you're practicing to be good at teasing other people and picking on them. You're wasting your time, because you don't need to be able to do that. You could be using that time practicing to be good at something worth doing -- like baseball or golf, or drawing, or using a computer, or playing the guitar.
3. "The other kids are always calling me names and saying terrible things to me. I don't get it. Why do they want to hurt me like that?"
They don't want to hurt you -- that's not what this is about. These kids want you to pay attention to them. They want to see you get all upset, because that proves that they can push your buttons and make you pay attention. The more attention they get from you (which tells them that what they're doing is working!) the more they'll keep on doing it. The more boring it is to tease you, the quicker they'll stop doing it.
4. "Grownups are always saying awful stuff to me. How come I get in trouble if I say something back? It's not fair!"
There are lots of things grownups are allowed to do that kids can't do. Grownups get to drive cars; kids don't. There are also lots of things grownups HAVE to do that kids don't have to do. Grownups have to pay bills; kids don't. It has nothing to do with being fair. It's because different things go with different stages in life. When you're a grownup yourself, you'll be able to tell kids when they're doing something wrong and when they need to change their behavior -- and they won't be allowed to talk back. You'll get your turn, and that's fair.
5. "I'm just not good at talking. I never know what to say, and I say the wrong thing all the time. What can I do about it?"
The best thing to do is to watch people who really ARE good at talking and do what they do. There's sure to be somebody you know who's good at talking, somebody that everybody likes to listen to. Pay attention to what that person does, and try to follow that person's lead.( Just be sure you don't pick somebody that people listen to only because he or she is a smartaleck or a show-off!) Another good thing to do is to pay attention to the way the grownups talk on National Public Radio's news programs ("Morning Edition," "Weekend Edition," and "All Things Considered") or on the PBS television show called "Washington Week in Review."
The Gentle Art of Communicating with Kids
To find out more about Verbal Self Defense please visit the source. Click Here
To find out more about Verbal Self Defence please visit the source. Click Here
1. "I don't see why teasing other kids isn't okay -- I think it's fun! What's wrong with it?"
You wouldn't think it was okay to hit other kids with a hammer, because you know that would hurt. Teasing is a way to hit somebody with words, and that hurts too. People don't bleed when you hit them with words. You can't see the wounds like you can when somebody gets hit with a hammer. But the wounds are there, and they hurt just as much -- maybe more.
2. "What if the teasing isn't real teasing? What if it's like a game, and nobody gets hurt because we're all just goofing off?"
When every single person who's there KNOWS it's only a game and is having a good time, you're right -- then it's not real teasing. It's like what happens in football, where you might push somebody out of your way or even knock them down, and it's only part of the game. There are just two problems with this. (1) It's hard to be sure that everybody is having fun and understands that it's just a game. You have to be really, really sure. (2) When you play this game, you're practicing to be good at teasing other people and picking on them. You're wasting your time, because you don't need to be able to do that. You could be using that time practicing to be good at something worth doing -- like baseball or golf, or drawing, or using a computer, or playing the guitar.
3. "The other kids are always calling me names and saying terrible things to me. I don't get it. Why do they want to hurt me like that?"
They don't want to hurt you -- that's not what this is about. These kids want you to pay attention to them. They want to see you get all upset, because that proves that they can push your buttons and make you pay attention. The more attention they get from you (which tells them that what they're doing is working!) the more they'll keep on doing it. The more boring it is to tease you, the quicker they'll stop doing it.
4. "Grownups are always saying awful stuff to me. How come I get in trouble if I say something back? It's not fair!"
There are lots of things grownups are allowed to do that kids can't do. Grownups get to drive cars; kids don't. There are also lots of things grownups HAVE to do that kids don't have to do. Grownups have to pay bills; kids don't. It has nothing to do with being fair. It's because different things go with different stages in life. When you're a grownup yourself, you'll be able to tell kids when they're doing something wrong and when they need to change their behavior -- and they won't be allowed to talk back. You'll get your turn, and that's fair.
5. "I'm just not good at talking. I never know what to say, and I say the wrong thing all the time. What can I do about it?"
The best thing to do is to watch people who really ARE good at talking and do what they do. There's sure to be somebody you know who's good at talking, somebody that everybody likes to listen to. Pay attention to what that person does, and try to follow that person's lead.( Just be sure you don't pick somebody that people listen to only because he or she is a smartaleck or a show-off!) Another good thing to do is to pay attention to the way the grownups talk on National Public Radio's news programs ("Morning Edition," "Weekend Edition," and "All Things Considered") or on the PBS television show called "Washington Week in Review."
The Gentle Art of Communicating with Kids
To find out more about Verbal Self Defense please visit the source. Click Here
On behalf of the Samurai School I would like to thank Martin and Sam Bell for their kind donation of equipment to the Samurai Kindy.
Sam was one of the first students to enter into our Samurai Kindy program commencing training at just 5 years old. He trained with us for two years until his graduation into the Samurai School program at age 7. Like many students his enthusiasm and contribution during class time made training a welcome and fun place to be.
Thank you for your kind donation which has allowed us to purchase new blocking and target training equipment for our Samurai Kindy program.
Sam was one of the first students to enter into our Samurai Kindy program commencing training at just 5 years old. He trained with us for two years until his graduation into the Samurai School program at age 7. Like many students his enthusiasm and contribution during class time made training a welcome and fun place to be.
Thank you for your kind donation which has allowed us to purchase new blocking and target training equipment for our Samurai Kindy program.
16/09: TAIJUTSU
By 34th Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu & founder of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Excerpt from the book Ninjutsu: History and Tradition
Click here to see this book on Amazon.co.uk
Taijutsu (literally translated as “skill with the body") forms the basis for all understanding in the fighting arts of ninjutsu. By concentrating on developing natural responsive actions with the body during initial ninja training, one can then use the physical lessons as models for psychological and tactical training in advanced studies. The ninjas Taijutsu is made up of methods for striking and grappling in unarmed fighting, tumbling and breaking falls, leaping and climbing, conditioning the body and maintaining health, as well as special ways of walking and running.
Some of the more popular Oriental martial arts and training systems attempt to mould the practitioners’ ways of reacting and moving to fit a stylized set of predefined movements. In effect, they are "adding to" the student’s total personality. The Taijutsu of Togakure ryu ninjutsu works in the opposite manner to naturalise all movements by stripping away the awkward or unnatural tendencies that may have been picked up un-knowingly over the years.
As a fighting system, Taijutsu relies on natural body strength and resiliency, speed of response and movement, and an understanding of the principles of nature, for successful results in self-protection. The techniques take advantage of natural physical construction and efficient employment of body dynamics. The students need not imitate some sort of animal, nor distort or deform the natural body structure, in order to employ the Taijutsu techniques for self-defence.
The principles of Taijutsu also provide the foundation for combat with weapons in ninjutsu. The loose, adaptive body postures and movements readily fit the fighting tools employed in the ninja’s art. Footwork, body balance, speed, energy application, and strategy are identical for practitioners of ninjutsu, whether fighting with fists, blades, or chains.
The effectiveness of Taijutsu as a total fighting system is based on the ninja’s reliance on the harmony inherent in nature. Even the fundamental fighting postures and techniques model themselves after the manifestations of the elements in our environment, and advanced training methods use the balances of the psychological as well as the physical ways. The five elemental manifestations of the physical universe are the classifications of solid, liquid, combustious, gaseous, and sub-atomic potential, which are the chi (earth), sui (water), hi/ka (fire), fu (wind), and ku (emptiness) of Oriental metaphysics. By increasing our observation and awareness of the inter-relationships of these various levels of reality, we can develop the ability to see vast patterns of cause and effect that are unrecognized by other people around us.
In this sense the practitioner of ninjutsu learns to use the natural progression of the universe to his benefit. His actions conform to the playing out of universal cycles, and his body and intentions always adapt to the advances of any attacker. By coming into attunement with the scheme of totality, the ninja always knows the appropriate response for any given situation that confronts him.
Excerpt from the book Ninjutsu: History and Tradition
Click here to see this book on Amazon.co.uk
Taijutsu (literally translated as “skill with the body") forms the basis for all understanding in the fighting arts of ninjutsu. By concentrating on developing natural responsive actions with the body during initial ninja training, one can then use the physical lessons as models for psychological and tactical training in advanced studies. The ninjas Taijutsu is made up of methods for striking and grappling in unarmed fighting, tumbling and breaking falls, leaping and climbing, conditioning the body and maintaining health, as well as special ways of walking and running.
Some of the more popular Oriental martial arts and training systems attempt to mould the practitioners’ ways of reacting and moving to fit a stylized set of predefined movements. In effect, they are "adding to" the student’s total personality. The Taijutsu of Togakure ryu ninjutsu works in the opposite manner to naturalise all movements by stripping away the awkward or unnatural tendencies that may have been picked up un-knowingly over the years.
As a fighting system, Taijutsu relies on natural body strength and resiliency, speed of response and movement, and an understanding of the principles of nature, for successful results in self-protection. The techniques take advantage of natural physical construction and efficient employment of body dynamics. The students need not imitate some sort of animal, nor distort or deform the natural body structure, in order to employ the Taijutsu techniques for self-defence.
The principles of Taijutsu also provide the foundation for combat with weapons in ninjutsu. The loose, adaptive body postures and movements readily fit the fighting tools employed in the ninja’s art. Footwork, body balance, speed, energy application, and strategy are identical for practitioners of ninjutsu, whether fighting with fists, blades, or chains.
The effectiveness of Taijutsu as a total fighting system is based on the ninja’s reliance on the harmony inherent in nature. Even the fundamental fighting postures and techniques model themselves after the manifestations of the elements in our environment, and advanced training methods use the balances of the psychological as well as the physical ways. The five elemental manifestations of the physical universe are the classifications of solid, liquid, combustious, gaseous, and sub-atomic potential, which are the chi (earth), sui (water), hi/ka (fire), fu (wind), and ku (emptiness) of Oriental metaphysics. By increasing our observation and awareness of the inter-relationships of these various levels of reality, we can develop the ability to see vast patterns of cause and effect that are unrecognized by other people around us.
In this sense the practitioner of ninjutsu learns to use the natural progression of the universe to his benefit. His actions conform to the playing out of universal cycles, and his body and intentions always adapt to the advances of any attacker. By coming into attunement with the scheme of totality, the ninja always knows the appropriate response for any given situation that confronts him.
01/09: Goodbye Summer
Welcome back to practise and I hope everyone had a great holiday.
There are a few changes I need to remind everyone about.
Training Times and Class Changes
Tuesday evening at Winterbourne change to training times: 1st class is now 6pm-7pm, 2nd class 7pm-8pm, adults class 8pm-9/9:30pm
Thursday evening at Filton High School: 1st class 6pm-7pm, 2nd class 7pm-8pm
It is crucial that everyone reacquaints them self with the Terms and Code of Conduct especially the terms relating to Junior Students.
Regarding Tuesday evenings: Now that the adult class is to follow on from the children’s classes I will be strictly enforcing the terms and conditions especially points 13 and thereafter. Only students who need to be in the training hall will be admitted to the training hall.
Adult students
- are not to enter the training hall before 7:45pm unless assisting classes (by invitation only and subject to screening – see below)
- should already be changed into their training uniform; there are toilets available in the main hallway to the left of the main reception.
- should also remain invisible until it is time for your class to start.
Payment of Fees by Standing Order
All class fees must now be paid by Standing Order. Junior Students are required to pay £14 per month per location and adults £20 per month per location, paid no later than the 9th day of each month – first payment is due 9th September. Students will be refused training until payment can be confirmed received.
Better Screening Methods for Instructors and Assistants
As of October 2009 all Instructors and Adult Assistants will be required to submit to the new register introduced by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The information and nature covered by this scheme will, in our case, allow us to drop the CRB screening currently carried out. This is better than a CRB check because information updates are instant rather than the current 3 year period. So should anyone’s circumstances change, and they pop up on the grid, we would be alerted immediately and that person can be ‘swiftly’ removed from any involvement within our organisation.
New Coach Certification
I am currently formalizing a Coach Certification for non-practising assistants to be introduced in October following the implementation of the new ISA vetting scheme. As a Coach you would be involved in helping to motivate the students, assisting the instructors with training drills, and having great time learning a little bit about our training. That is of course providing you don’t need the hour or two a week to yourself.
Training with 15 Dan Ninja
Over the holidays the adult class travelled to Kent to learn from 15 Dan Ninjutsu Master Instructor Sveneric Bogsater (based in the Netherlands) at a seminar hosted by UK based 15 Dan Shihan Keith Porter. The practise involved authentic ninjutsu training with one of the best instructors in the world in the nine schools on ninjutsu now formally known as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. This was the second of many training events planned for the adult class as I endeavour to reaquaint our clubs with one of Soke Munthe's original and most influential martial arts; ninjutsu. In doing so I hope to regain direct links to Japan enabling us all to experience a little bit of of the journey that my master Soke Bo Munthe experienced before us.
Outside of his own school Mu Te Ryu, Soke Munthe is/was also a Shidoshi/Shihan in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu under the guidance of Soke Hatsumi Masaaki and Shihan Tetsuji Ishizuka.
There are a few changes I need to remind everyone about.
Training Times and Class Changes
Tuesday evening at Winterbourne change to training times: 1st class is now 6pm-7pm, 2nd class 7pm-8pm, adults class 8pm-9/9:30pm
Thursday evening at Filton High School: 1st class 6pm-7pm, 2nd class 7pm-8pm
It is crucial that everyone reacquaints them self with the Terms and Code of Conduct especially the terms relating to Junior Students.
Regarding Tuesday evenings: Now that the adult class is to follow on from the children’s classes I will be strictly enforcing the terms and conditions especially points 13 and thereafter. Only students who need to be in the training hall will be admitted to the training hall.
Adult students
- are not to enter the training hall before 7:45pm unless assisting classes (by invitation only and subject to screening – see below)
- should already be changed into their training uniform; there are toilets available in the main hallway to the left of the main reception.
- should also remain invisible until it is time for your class to start.
Payment of Fees by Standing Order
All class fees must now be paid by Standing Order. Junior Students are required to pay £14 per month per location and adults £20 per month per location, paid no later than the 9th day of each month – first payment is due 9th September. Students will be refused training until payment can be confirmed received.
Better Screening Methods for Instructors and Assistants
As of October 2009 all Instructors and Adult Assistants will be required to submit to the new register introduced by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The information and nature covered by this scheme will, in our case, allow us to drop the CRB screening currently carried out. This is better than a CRB check because information updates are instant rather than the current 3 year period. So should anyone’s circumstances change, and they pop up on the grid, we would be alerted immediately and that person can be ‘swiftly’ removed from any involvement within our organisation.
New Coach Certification
I am currently formalizing a Coach Certification for non-practising assistants to be introduced in October following the implementation of the new ISA vetting scheme. As a Coach you would be involved in helping to motivate the students, assisting the instructors with training drills, and having great time learning a little bit about our training. That is of course providing you don’t need the hour or two a week to yourself.
Training with 15 Dan Ninja
Over the holidays the adult class travelled to Kent to learn from 15 Dan Ninjutsu Master Instructor Sveneric Bogsater (based in the Netherlands) at a seminar hosted by UK based 15 Dan Shihan Keith Porter. The practise involved authentic ninjutsu training with one of the best instructors in the world in the nine schools on ninjutsu now formally known as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. This was the second of many training events planned for the adult class as I endeavour to reaquaint our clubs with one of Soke Munthe's original and most influential martial arts; ninjutsu. In doing so I hope to regain direct links to Japan enabling us all to experience a little bit of of the journey that my master Soke Bo Munthe experienced before us.
Outside of his own school Mu Te Ryu, Soke Munthe is/was also a Shidoshi/Shihan in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu under the guidance of Soke Hatsumi Masaaki and Shihan Tetsuji Ishizuka.
