If You're Looking for "Cool" or "Pretty" Ninjutsu Martial Arts Training...It Isn't Here!

I don't know about you and your goals. Well, not unless you're one of my personal students with whom I've been working closely with for a while now.

But, when I came to the Ninja's martial arts, I was a police officer. That means that I wasn't looking for fluff, "official" kata, or "soft-training."

I was looking for close combat training and hand-to-hand self-defense techniques that worked. I was also looking for self defense tactics and training that the other martial arts and self defense programs that I had been through just didn't teach.

That being said, I wanted to give you a little more background as to why, how, and some of the reasoning behind my own focus and training. Of course, if you're not looking for real self-defense training, or you're looking for the movie or storybook Ninja - if you want to dress up like a 16th century shadow and take on the mafia single-handedly...

Then, for better or worse...

I can't help you!

You see, unlike many people in the martial arts world, I didn't come to Ninjutsu or Budo-Taijutsu from a sense of love for the martial arts. I didn't set out to become a martial arts teacher or even have one of the "beyond mastery" ranks after 10th degree. Hell, when I first started in this art, I couldn't see beyond Nidan - 2nd degree Black Belt. But, then again...

Ranks meant something very different when I began training in 1980.

So, what was it that brought me to this training? Well, in a word: "Reality!"

Understanding what I mean requires that I share a little bit of who I was before training. It also means that I need to step down off of the pedestal that many have placed me on.

You see, I grew up in a very abusive home (mentally, physically, and emotionally). I was the victim of every bully in school. So, I had the chance to see some of the worst that humanity could be capable of, very early in my life.

Like others in the art, Soke Hatsumi included, it was this need to become strong in the face of danger, and to protect myself from real harm that sent me looking for answers. That, and my exposure to an old television series in the 1960's called, "Kung Fu."

You see, I wasn't attracted to the martial arts, including Ninjutsu, from some sense of becoming a Ninja Turtle, Power Ranger, or another lick-ass Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris wanna-be. I came to this training out of a need for self-protection, but without becoming a fighter. Very different things.

So, starting in Junior High School (we didn't call it "middle" school back then), I discovered the martial arts and joined the karate club. That lead to my search through many different martial arts styles, systems, schools, and teachers... but not feeling "at-home" in any one of them because they just didn't match what I experienced in the "real world."

Then, while stationed with the U.S. Army in South Korea in 1980, and while trying to figure out how to make tae kwon do serve me on the streets as a Military Policeman (without getting nailed for brutality charges for kicking perpetrator's heads in!), I discovered Ninjutsu. And, not only was I impressed with the self-defense and combat aspects of the art (they were presented in a way that dealt with real-world, modern attacks back then), I was also drawn to the composite and dynamic nature of the training - things that went far beyond the scope of conventional martial arts.

But, I didn't stop there.

My years as a street cop, and then eventually as an undercover investigator, private detective and body guard allowed me to go beyond the dojo mentality and really get to experience how these techniques, tactics, and strategies work - against modern attackers, on the street, in the 20th and now 21st century. And, there was even a time where I and a few of my friends spent some time...

...trying to prove this art WRONG!

Instead of being blind believers and followers, we put the art to the test by getting together with other practitioners, by going to other martial arts classes, and by trying to beat the techniques ourselves. And, do you know what we came away with?

We came away with a new-found understanding of the reality and true nature of the training. No illusions. No "pipe-dreams." No super-hero delusions.

That's why you won't see me getting upset because somebody wrote to me to tell me how "bad" my taijutsu is - or that I'm not doing this or that kata "right."

Because I'm not doing this to look like everyone else. I am, and always have been, engaged in this system of self-protection and personal mastery from a realistic perspective that's focused on producing real-world results. And, because it has proven itself to me, not through a politically biased association with certain teachers that I know, like, and trust, but because the lessons that I received from those teachers has proven themselves again and again in the only place that matters -- on the street and in real situations that strip the facade off of those who have other agendas.

Again, I don't know about you, but...

I don't want to look "cool" or "pretty" with my training.

I train the way I do so that my training can "serve" me, and produce the results I need when I'll need it to the most!

Does that sound familiar? Are you learning Ninjutsu and getting the kind of real self-defense tactics and hand-to-hand training that teaches you how to defend yourself with the least amount of wear-and-tear on you?

If so, and you're not already receiving my email newsletters containing self defense tips and strategies for real street training, then now's the time. And, if you do, you can also grab two of my most popular free ebooks on how to protect yourself.

This one is from the purely street fighting self-defense perspective. It's called, Fight Smarter - Not Harder!

And this one discusses the advanced abilities and training as you progress through real ninjutsu training. It's titled, Becoming the Master.

After you download your books and get a chance to see what the best self defense and close combat training programs should be teaching you, perhaps you'll feel driven to go ahead and reserve your place at one of my upcoming ninja camps, and take the next step on the Path of Warrior Mastery!

In Mastery!

Shidoshi Miller


Warrior Concepts Int'l, Inc. / Bujinkan Moki no Tora Dojo
362 Market Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801 USA
(570) 988-2228

The Path of "Greater Sameness"

Do you know why it's getting more and more difficult to find the "best" martial art or self-defense system?

Do you have any idea why, if your attacker has been paying attention and not living under a rock somewhere, that it's getting harder and harder to have the advantage in a fight or self-defense attack situation?

It's because...

Everyone is doing the same thing!

I don't mean that all the martial arts styles and self-defense systems are doing exactly the same thing, but...

When you look at each style or system, you very quickly see that vitually everyone is focused on applying the same skills, against the same targets, and in practically the same way... REGARDLESS of what they're calling what they do.

On top of that, if you take a good, hard look at the way Ninjutsu, Ninpo-taijutsu, or Budo-Taijutsu (whatever you want to call it) is being practiced today, by and large, most teachers and students are doing the exact same thing. Everyone is saying that their art or system is "best," when in fact they are going about things that the teachers and students in the conventional martial arts are doing.

I call this, taking the Path of "Greater-Sameness."

Everyone wants to do the same thing as everyone else... only better.

The problem with this is that, every fighter, attacker, and potential threat to your well-being... has seen your moves before.

He may not have seen your stance or kamae, but he's seen one like it.

He certainly expects you to "block" or counter what he's doing - regardless of whether you call it a "block" or a ken-nagashi, or whatever.

In fact, if he can see what you're doing - at ALL -even a little bit...

whether he's trained or not...

He's NOT going to let you do your cool moves... BECAUSE he can see them coming.

So...

What's the answer?

Well, I can tell you that, for starters, it does not lie in or on the Path of "Greater-Sameness."

In fact, if you're going to be able to survive, you absolutely must think differently.

About fighting.

About conflict.

About Self-defense.

And about "Surviving violence."

You must think about these things from the perspective that no one else is doing. Not other martial artists. Not other self-defense "experts" and practitioners. And not even others studying the same art that you are!

That goes for the everything from the way you punch, kick, and apply a joint lock, to the way you actually think about and assess a violent situation.

My "Inner-Circle" students know this. My in-house, dojo students know this. And those who attend my intensive seminars and yearly Ninja camps know this.

And now it's time for you to know and understand this fundamental truth, if you're going to get out of the same trap that every other student and teacher of martial arts and self-defense are caught in.

Now, if you think that you don't need to know this... that what you're doing is perfect and unbeatable... or if you think I'm "full of it," then I wish you all the "luck" should you ever find yourself in the "thick of things."

But, if this is something that you think you want to explore, to know and understand, to Master...

Then, I have a special treat for you. Because...

I just conducted a free, online training seminar where I taught students how to avoid this trap. This was a special, closed-door, private and personal tele-seminar for serious students only - people who (I hope) are just like you - students and teachers who know that something is wrong with the way things are being done and taught in the self defense and martial arts world...

...and now they know why.

So, what's the treat?

The treat is that, if you're serious about your training, then I'm offering you a complimentary copy of the recording from this class.

All you have to do to claim your free audio training seminar recording is to shoot me an email with the words, "Greater Sameness" in the subject block, and then a short note requesting the recording.

That's it.


In Mastery!


Shidoshi Miller

Self Defense Tips - Street Fighting and Modern Street Self Defense Tips From the Art of Ninjutsu

You don't have to be a Ninja to get some very powerful street self defense tips from the ancient art of Ninjutsu!

It's true. There was a time when I was discouraged with what was being offered as traditional martial arts masquerading as effective systems of self defense for today's world. I saw a huge difference between what we practiced in class and used in the tournament ring, and what was really needed for surviving a street fighting self defense situation.

Do you know what I mean?

But, here's something that I found out. Not all martial arts were created equal. More to the point, most of the conventional systems of martial arts training that we see today, were modified and radically changed from their original combat forms between the mid-1800's up to as late as the 1950's! Fortunately for us, the art of Ninjutsu, a counter-culture to the ruling Samurai, never made the change.

What that means for those of us looking for effective and, more importantly - proven - self defense tips, is that what is being taught today is the same thing that was being used by people who had to save their lives from attacks practically every day. It means that what we're learning and putting to use in our modern street self defense situations worked again and again. And...

Anything that was tried by an ancient warrior that didn't work - we don't know about. Why? Because it died with him!

Here are 3 powerful self defense tips right from the Ninja's art of Ninjutsu that I seriously recommend adding to your self defense skills. They are not step-by-step techniques but rather concepts that will make any technique better, and they will make techniques that are already good - more powerful and effective than you can imagine!

1. Nagare - "Flow": This is the relaxed natural transition of one movement into another without the jerky, start-stop, robotic action of karate-kata. You naturally slip your attacker's attempted punch, grab, or kick, and then, without stopping, respond with a counter attack of your own.

2. Ritsudo - "Rhythm" or "Timing": The ability to move, defend, or attack at just the right moment that makes both your attack a surprise and impossible for your assailant to defend against!

3. Kotsu - "Essence": The technique behind the physical movements. The idea or strategy that we're applying. Instead of "counter-striking his attacking arm," the Ninja sees this as "neutralizing the force of his attack." This way, it's not "how" we're doing what we're doing, but "what" we're doing to him - and "why."

If you're looking for powerful self defense tips that are effective, time-tested, and proven, then I recommend that you explore the world of Ninjutsu and the Ninja's ability to adapt to, and deal with, modern street fighting self defense attacks.

Do you want to know how I do it? You can learn more about defending yourself using the principles of Ninjutsu in this powerful course called, "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery."

Self Defense Tips

And don't forget to get your free Ninja training dvd: "Ninja Camp 2004". Get your free course and ninja camp dvd and learn how to really protect yourself - Ninja-style! Go to: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Self-Defense Within Martial Arts Training Demands a Real-World Perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request made by my teacher, Soke (Grand Master) Masaaki Hatsumi, during a recent training visit to Japan. During one of the training sessions, Soke was suggesting that everyone, regardless of rank, should make it a point to talk to those with actual combat experience and to learn from these people. The point was, if you do not know what a real fight is like, you will not be able to train properly for an authentic situation.

I was asked to share some of my experience in dealing with an attack and the following story came to mind. Though I have much experience with dealing with danger and dangerous people, this particular situation stands out as both a successful outcome where I was able to use some of my ninpo-taijutsu martial arts training, and a learning experience where I was actually able to control both my awareness and response, instead of mentally shutting down and "hoping" for the best.

***

The incident occurred many years ago while I was stationed in, what was then, West Germany. I was serving with the United States Army Military Police Corps. My partner and I were called to respond to a unit where a serviceman was assaulting others, including the officer-in-charge.

When we arrived at, what we thought was, the location of the incident, there was no one but the Charge of Quarters present. He had no idea about the incident. What none of us knew was that the 'problem' was occurring next door and moving in our direction.

While my partner and I were confirming the call with our superiors, the attacker entered the building where we were. He was obviously intoxicated and shouting racial insults and demanding satisfaction before he started a 'real war.' By the smell of him, he had been drinking heavily and primarily whiskey. His clothes showed signs of a struggle and at this point I wasn't sure if I was facing an attacker or the victim of an assault.

I immediately tried to calm the individual and find out what the problem was. As I was doing this, several other soldiers, including the command duty officer entered the building and became involved. The belligerent soldier was going on with his racial attacks and how he was attacked by what he thought were his friends. It was then that he turned his attention to me and began implying that he had martial arts experience and "didn't have to prove himself to anyone."

During this, and later after interviewing witnesses, we found that the individual had tested for his black belt in another martial art earlier that day and was out 'celebrating' with his friends. Witnesses testified that the more intoxicated he became, the more he started "showing off" to his friends which involved hitting and kicking. Eventually, his friends had had enough and then attempted to stop his obnoxious behavior by pushing him away and leaving him behind. This only made him more "playful" at which time he jumped on his friends resulting in them throwing him down on the ground. It was this that finally enraged him enough to chase them to the barracks and begin attacking others.

As he was telling me that he didn't have to prove himself, he also made statements that I only thought that I was tougher than him because I carried a gun, a nightstick and wore an MP helmet. I responded by removing my helmet and handing my night stick to my partner in an attempt to neutralize any perceived threat that I might be projecting and bring the soldier's anxiety level down. I informed him that the gun stayed where it was but that we needed to talk like civilized men so we could solve whatever problem was going on.

The soldier continued on with the "I'm a black belt and don't need to prove how tough I am" speech when he closed the distance and, from about an inch from my face, stated that, "I'm going to show you how tough you're not."

I ordered the soldier back and before I knew what was happening, I sensed his fist coming up between our bodies toward my jaw. I rode off the strike which landed before I could evade and then backed out as he began to flail widely with both arms at my head and body. I remember taking up a hoko-like position (a guarding posture in ninjutsu designed to create a protective 'bubble' that is difficult for the attacker to get through) to cover against the incoming attacks and having to simultaneously deal with an officer who thought that I was the one doing the attacking!

At one point, I realized that his right arm had wrapped around my left forearm and that a 'musha-dori-like thing' (uplifting elbow - shoulder dislocating technique) was happening. I remember moving to capture his balance and laid him down when suddenly his feet went out from under him. Later I found out that, in an attempt to help, my partner chose that moment to sweep my assailant's legs out from under him. I felt the soldier's shoulder give way as I applied the lock and took him down. This didn't help with the anxiety and emotional pressure I was dealing with as I was now worried about a possible 'police brutality' charge for excessive force.

This injury didn't deter his aggression though as he continued to fight against our restraint. We were finally able to subdue him and get him onto his stomach to be handcuffed when his wife and young child entered the building. I don't know how they found out about the situation but there they were. I felt sad for them and was only able to give a look of apology for having to do this. Again, more stress was added in that I didn't want to have to physically hurt this man in front of his family.

Unfortunately, their presence only served to escalate the problem. When the soldier became aware of his wife and child, he blamed my partner and I for his "embarrassment" and began to fight against his restraint again. I am not a big man and this soldier's build was easily 150% of my own size and weight, so holding him was a serious problem. Having to improvise and immobilize the man, I placed my night stick between the handcuff chain and his back and applied leverage against his spine which created a situation where he would only hurt himself with his continued resistance. This was only necessary for a moment or two, as he passes out from his exertion.

*************

As I related during my initial telling of the story at the Hombu Dojo ('main training hall'0 in Noda-city, Japan, my legs begin to shake and I can feel my breathing change as I recall this situation and many others like it. It does not control me or the way I go through my life in the ordinary sense that I am not afraid to associate with people or the like. What it has done is imprinted on me much more than just a step-by-step memory of the events, and I'm sure that my recollection of these is less than accurate because the experience was much more emotional and from what Soke has called "budo-nerves" orientation or perspective than from any sort of memorized technique string.

I will simply end this by saying that, this situation is one that has forever changed my perspective on how I should train, and as a teacher, how I should train my students. It has taught me that kata-like, step-by-step training is only a piece of the training puzzle but, anyone who believes that they will fight this way is deluding themselves. Conversely, it has also taught me that training that is just henka-based, where the basics like cover, distance and the like are not drilled until they become second-nature and the student just "does whatever" in an attempt to imitate (his or her teacher) is also deluded. This type of practice is necessary but, again, only a piece.

I am in complete agreement with Soke when he points out that it is the ability to go between the animal instinct response required for surviving an attack and returning to the civilized state to live a happy life, unstained by fear, defensiveness or antisocial behavior because of the attack that should be the goal.

Let me also say that, I respect Soke and the Shihan master instructors that I train with. But, not simply because they are Soke and the Shihan. I respect these people and continue to train in this art precisely because my own experience with having to handle danger tells me that what they have to offer is authentic and "on the mark" with that experience. Because I know that should I ever be attacked again, it will be the lessons that I have learned from them and not my admiration of them or their abilities that will help to insure that my family gets to have me around a little while longer. In a world filled with martial artists and instructors who want trophies, admiration and to 'look good,' it is comforting to know that there are still those who have what the true warrior needs to create a life worth living and the power to protect that life from whatever might harm it.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu - "the art of the Ninja," he specializes in teaching these ancient, proven, and time-tested self-protection and personal development secrets in a way that transforms his students into modern-day Ninja warrior masters themselves.

Want to master the science of self-defense? Get your copy of my free e-book, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder" by going to http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

For additional information about how Jeffrey Miller or Warrior Concepts can help you transform yourself with the secrets of the ancient Ninja Warriors, go to the Home page or call WCI at 570-988-2228

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