Update 2014

  So after a year of no entries I'm back.  No CombatCon in 2013 but we did have a bigger and better SoCal Swordfight.  I taught cane and helped with the longsword class. We'll be having another one at the end of March. https://www.facebook.com/events/183176325224863/  There will also be another CombatCon in June.
  It's been an interesting year.  Getting used to being retired and figuring out what to do with my time.  Keeping up with my Bujinkan training and trying to progress in HEMA.  I need to get serious and get ready to test for my Godan rank.  We are thinking of moving out of state and if we do, I'd like to open an Ohoko Dojo wherever we end up.
  I've been playing with the hanbo, cane and shillelagh (Irish stick).  Although the weapon systems originated in different areas, there are a lot of similarities.  Since the cane is legal pretty much anywhere and it can be used in a variety of ways, including sword techniques, I feel it is the ideal weapon.
  This year looks to be a very good.  I'll try to do better with keeping up on updates!
 

Miles Spiritium

A friend of mine from the dojo has started an interesting blog that is martial arts related. I would highly recommend checking it out and reading his posts. Kerry is a godan (5th Dan) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and is very skilled with a wonderful understanding of taijutsu. Check it out at http://milesspiritium.blogspot.com/

Why I study the martial path.

I was talking with Mark, one of the group, and he was telling me about when he first started making knives. He was working with an experienced knife maker who asked Mark why he was getting into the art. Mark expalained that it was something he'd always felt drawn to - as if it was a calling. I feel that way about the martial arts. When I first saw Karate, I was a geeky 12 year old who was more into reading than anything else. The movement fascinated me and I started training with Mr. Kanahele. From then on, wherever I moved, I found someone to train with. It is a calling and a way of life. It can be difficult to weave training into the real world of family, work, church and all the other responsabilities that are part of life. I just can't imagine not training. I train and I teach. I feel everyone should be able to defend themselves and others who need their help. I like the quote by Robert Humphrey and used by many in the Bujinkan:
Wherever I go, everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.

Why do you do what you do? My wifes calling is to be a doctor. She knew this from childhood. Are you doing what you are called to do? If not, why not?