Copyright 2026

The Dojo Blog is a place of mental reflection for students, teachers, watchers and warrior seekers of the Martial Arts.  

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当身 – The Importance of Atemi by Sensei Norcross

In the context of Japanese Budo, the practice of striking (atemi-waza) transcends the simple goal of causing physical damage. While the mechanical efficiency of a strike is vital, its purpose is deeply integrated into the philosophical and tactical frameworks of classical martial arts.

1. Disrupting the Structure (Kuzushi) In many traditional lineages, a strike is rarely an end in itself. Instead, it serves as a tool to create Kuzushi (disequilibrium). A well-placed strike to a specific Kyusho (vital point) or a sensitive nerve cluster causes a momentary "system shock."

This disruption of the opponent's balance and mental focus creates the necessary opening to execute a throw, a joint lock, or a definitive finishing technique.

2. Distance and Timing (Ma-ai) Striking practice is a primary method for mastering Ma-ai—the combative interval between practitioners. Controlling Space: Strikes are used to "gauge" or "buy" space, preventing an opponent from closing in or forcing them to retreat into a disadvantageous position.

Sensory Training: It teaches the practitioner to recognize the exact moment when an opponent's intention becomes movement, enabling a proactive response rather than a reactive one.

 3. Integrated Body Dynamics: Striking in Budo is a laboratory for whole-body movement. Unlike sports-based striking that may rely on isolated muscle power, Budo emphasizes Tenchi-jin (Heaven-Earth-Man): aligning the body's structure so that the strike is backed by the mass of the entire frame and grounded through the legs.

Softness and Relaxation: Practicing strikes helps a student learn to stay relaxed until the moment of impact, ensuring speed and preventing the "telegraphing" of intent.

4. Psychological Conditioning: The repetitive practice of striking builds a specific type of mental fortitude known as Fudoshin (immovable mind).

By training to deliver and receive strikes within a controlled environment, a practitioner develops the ability to remain calm and analytical under the pressure of physical conflict.

It moves the practitioner away from a "panic" response toward a "principled" response.

5. Tactical Efficiency (Economy of Motion) In historical contexts, particularly those involving armor or multiple attackers, a strike had to be precise and economical.

Practitioners learn to strike with whatever tool is available—fists, palms, elbows, or even the head—aiming for areas that are difficult to protect. This fosters a mindset of adaptability, where the strike is simply an extension of the body's natural movement.

Comparison of Striking Objectives

Objective Focus:

Result: Tactical Vital Points (Kyusho)

Neurological shutdown or distraction.

Structural Alignment & Core Maximum power with minimum effort.

Philosophical Intent & Spirit Unity of mind, body, and technique (Shin-Gi-Tai).

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Real-World Self-Defense, not an afterschool sport activity.

If you have ever watched a martial arts competition and wondered whether any of it would actually protect you in a real situation, you are asking exactly the right question. Sport systems are built around referees, rulebooks, and controlled environments, and those boundaries disappear the moment you step outside the ring.

At The Dojo Martial Arts, we have been teaching authentic Japanese self-defense techniques in Mason, Ohio since 2006, grounding every class in traditional Budo principles that were designed for real life, not scoreboards. This post walks through what makes our approach different and why it matters for adults and families who want training that actually carries over.

When Sport Martial Arts Leave a Gap

Competition-focused systems like point karate, BJJ tournaments, and MMA are genuinely impressive athletic disciplines. They are also designed for controlled environments with weight classes, time limits, and protective gear. Real-world self-defense situations offer none of those courtesies, which is exactly why traditional Budo training has attracted growing attention from adults who want practical, philosophy-rooted skills rather than trophies.

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu: A Living Self-Defense System

50% of our curriculum is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, a traditional Japanese martial arts system rooted in the same lineages practiced by samurai and ninja for centuries. It does not ask you to memorize patterns for a judge. It asks you to understand distance, timing, and body mechanics so thoroughly that you can adapt to whatever unfolds in front of you. Our unarmed self-defense classes and weapons training are built on this foundation, giving students skills that translate far beyond the mat.

Our core training areas include:

Unarmed Self-Defense: Strikes, joint locks, throws, and escapes drawn from authentic Japanese Budo techniques

Weapons Training: Foundational work with the katana, bo, and hanbo as natural extensions of body movement

Wednesday Koryu Samurai Classes: A dedicated weekly session exploring classical samurai arts in their original historical context

Progressive Certification: Black belt rankings from 1st through 10th Degree, plus specialized training certificates that mark meaningful skill milestones

Youth Martial Arts Built Around Lasting Development

Parents across the area are searching for structured activities that build something lasting in their children, not just athletic ability. Our youth martial arts programs are designed with that goal at the center. Discipline, confidence, and anti-bullying resilience are woven into every class, not treated as extras. Spring is one of our busiest enrollment windows as local families plan ahead, and our youth curriculum is a natural fit for children who are ready for something more meaningful than another recreational season.

Youth program highlights include:

Age-Appropriate Progression: Curriculum paced to meet each child where they are and grow with them steadily

Confidence and Discipline: Core values reinforced through every class, not just recited on a poster

Anti-Bullying Resilience: Practical awareness and boundary-setting skills built into foundational training

Family-Friendly Scheduling: Classes structured to fit the real rhythms of busy Cincinnati-area households

Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and Cultural Depth

There is a broader shift happening right now as adults and parents move past sport competition and toward training that carries philosophical weight. Traditional Japanese martial arts sit at the intersection of real-world self-defense awareness and a cultural wellness movement that values depth over spectacle. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, observed through May, makes this a particularly meaningful time to explore the samurai and ninja traditions that live inside everything we teach. These are not marketing angles; they are living lineages honored with care every time we step on the mat.

A Credential-Backed Community in Mason, Ohio

Since 2006, we have built a reputation across the Cincinnati region for the quality of our instruction, earned one student at a time. Our instructors hold credentials that reflect years of authentic study under verified lineages, not weekend certification programs. We are not trying to produce competition champions. We are trying to produce capable, grounded, confident people who carry what they learn on the mat into every part of their lives. That philosophy shapes every rank we award and every relationship we build with our students and their families.

Take Your First Step With Us

We would love to welcome you to the mat, whether you are an adult looking for practical self-defense skills or a parent exploring options for your child. Your first class is free, with no pressure and no sales pitch waiting at the door.

Contact us through our website to schedule your free introductory class, and learn more about our instructors, our history, and our full training program. We look forward to meeting you.

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The Dojo Martial Arts in Mason, Ohio is Celebrating 20 Years of Budo Taijutsu training.  Are you in?

If you are searching for martial arts classes in Mason, Ohio that offer more than a basic fitness routine, you are in the right place. The Dojo Martial Arts has served the Mason and greater Cincinnati community for 20 years, delivering authentic Japanese self-defense training, weapons instruction, and structured youth programs built around real character development. This post walks through what makes our school different and why Spring 2026 is a great time to get started.

A 20-Year Milestone in Mason, Ohio

The Dojo Martial Arts opened in Mason, Ohio, in 2006 with a focused mission: bring authentic Budo martial arts to families across the Cincinnati area. Two decades later, that mission has not changed. Reaching a 20-year milestone reflects every student who has tied their first belt, every instructor who has committed years to this craft, and every Mason family that has trusted us with their child's growth. This anniversary belongs to the whole community.

Traditional Budo Martial Arts Training for Adults and Families

Our training programs go beyond fitness. Every class at The Dojo is designed to develop the mind alongside the body, which is exactly what adults and parents across Mason and Cincinnati are looking for right now. Traditional martial arts instruction provides students with a structured environment in which discipline, focus, and resilience are practiced in every session.

Our core martial arts classes include:

- Unarmed Self-Defense Classes: Practical Japanese self-defense techniques taught for real-world application - Weapon Techniques: Instruction in katana, staff, and many other samurai and ninja weapons for students ready to deepen their Budo practice - Special Youth Programs: Age-appropriate classes designed to build confidence, coordination, and respect in younger students

Youth Martial Arts Programs That Mason Parents Trust

Families across Mason and the Cincinnati region are prioritizing programs that do more than keep kids active. Parents want their children to develop anti-bullying resilience, self-discipline, and lasting confidence that carries into every part of life. Our youth martial arts program was built with exactly that goal in mind. Every stripe earned and every new technique mastered reinforces a growth mindset that students carry far beyond the dojo floor.

A Structured Path to Black Belt Certification

One of the things that sets The Dojo apart in the Mason and Cincinnati martial arts community is our formal certification structure. Dojo practitioners progress through a clearly defined path with recognized credentials at every level, so they always know where they stand and what they are working toward. The Dojo even has a beautiful 80-page curriculum book to help guide everyone toward their black belt.

Our advanced certification programs include:

- 1st through 9th Degree Black Belts: A rigorous multi-year progression that recognizes genuine mastery at each stage - Specialized Training Certificates: Recognition of advanced competency in specific martial arts techniques and weapon disciplines

This structure serves everyone, from a child in their first Mason youth class to an adult pursuing advanced Japanese weapons training.

Community-Centered Training in the Cincinnati Area

Post-pandemic life has reminded many people in Mason and the broader Cincinnati region that training alone is not enough. The hunger for in-person connection, shared goals, and a real sense of belonging is strong right now. The Dojo has always been a place where that sense of community comes naturally because Budo martial arts is practiced, learned, and celebrated together. When you walk into our school, you are not just joining a class. You are joining a group of people who show up for each other week after week.

Spring 2026 Is the Right Time to Begin

Spring is when Mason families start planning their next chapter, whether that is a new commitment to self-defense training, enrollment in a youth program, or simply a fresh reason to get out of the house and into something meaningful. Twenty years of serving this community have taught us one thing clearly: the best time to begin is right now.

We are proud of what two decades of martial arts training in Mason, Ohio, represent, and we are excited about the next twenty years ahead.

Ready to take the first step? Contact our team today to schedule your first class and discover what The Dojo Martial Arts has built for Mason families over the past 20 years.

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What is Nagare and why is it so important in the martial arts?

Flowing, Finding and Feeling

Nagare 流れ means “Stream” “Washing away” or “gracefully flowing”. You will often hear me yelling this out in class: “Have more Nagare.” I can instantly assess who is moving skillfully in the way they are maintaining their Nagare; even when obstacles or the uke’s resistance occurs.

Taking out your pauses during Taijutsu training - while maintaining slow control - is the highest form of martial movement.

If you are always categorizing techniques, yelling out the proper Japanese names of them or mentally thinking in your “word brain”, you are not really present. You will lose in a fight. You are just collecting katas but not finding the feeling.

Wash away thought and just allow your body to solve the issue. When overwhelmed, let go and enter into the power of emptiness (Ku空). It will serve you well.

The key is to feel. Stay in constant Nagare.

If we use the analogy of liquid, water flows into the shape of the vessel that it is within. Water does not think, it just flows. When practicing a technique, slow down and breathe. Strictly learn the form, do not deviate yet. Over hundreds of repetitions, find and feel for the secrets in it.

Flow seamlessly from one kamae to the next, fill and create spaces in which he falls.

Graciously take the errors that the uke has given you. This is Nagare.

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Dojo Courtesy, Professionalism and General Training Etiquette

Just like college tuition:

If you are going on a vacation or are out for an extended period of time due to injury, please do the common courtesy of calling (513) 770-0834 or emailing thedojocincinnati@gmail.com to let the dojo know when you will be gone.

As the school has a family atmosphere, you are looked for and missed by everyone when you are not present.

Please do not 'disappear like a ninja' with no communication for weeks at a time.

That is bad etiquette.

Respectfully check in with your Sensei and dojo, periodically.

If you miss your classes, please make them up when you get back. There are several classes per week to choose from that will work with everyone's schedule.

Just like any other service industry, students will continue to be billed each month for tuition notwithstanding personal vacations, illness, injury, etc.

Unlike other dojos, the school does not have signed long-term contracts. 

However, training is a commitment and should be taken seriously.

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Five things to help you in life

1. Search yourself to find and get really good at something that you love.

2. Know that the world owes you nothing. Believe that you have the same opportunities as everybody else or you will blind yourself to opportunities.

3. Don’t let others take away your talents. You often become just like those that you choose to surround yourself with.

4. If you want to feel like you are living a full life, run toward your responsibilities - not away from them.

5. Learn to manage time better than you manage excuses.

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Good article for parents:

Mindful Tips to Use When Kids Don’t Want to Attend Class

Kids are not naturally self-motivated. When your child’s mindset is not in the right place, even the most fun activities can be a struggle to get to. With that said, here are some strategies to help you work around lack of motivation when trying to get your child to class. 

1. Be attentive to what your child is doing in the moment he/she is supposed to get ready for class. If he/ she is playing or having fun with a friend, then be ready for a battle. With that said, have your child participate in a chore or task that’s not as much fun around 10 to 15-minutes prior to getting ready for class. 

2. Be attentive to your own projection of emotions as you get your child ready for class. If you are stressed, rushed, or aggravated in any way, this will project the same emotions on your child. With that said, be sure to project positive and upbeat energy as you are getting your child ready for class. 

3. Be attentive to how you respond to your child’s overall performance after class. If you are expressing too much emphasis on what he/ she did wrong versus right, then those negative feelings will carry over. With that said, be sure to limit criticism and focus more on productive conversations after class.  

4. Prompt motivation by rewarding your child. Remember that children’s brains are still growing, and most of their development comes from positive stimulation and experiences. With that said, pre-frame the proper behavior that you would like to see when going to class, and then set an attainable number of classes he/ she must attend with this behavior, along with a reward for doing so. For example: attend the next 3 classes with the proper behavior and we will grab ice cream on the way home.  

These tips are not rocket science, but are often overlooked. As parents, we get caught-up in the daily grind, so we sometimes forget that situations like this require attentive and intentional parenting. 

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Bullying .  What can we do to help?

Have you ever been bullied? Are you being bullied right now at school, home or work? Chances are, most of us reading this have been bullied at one point in our lives. Sadly, bullying has always been around. It still is. And we can instantly recall the fear and pain it gave us as children. We never forget it. It can be a shadow for decades on our self-perception. Today, bullying is still active. It is seen more and more because technology is capturing and then broadcasting it. So, what can we do?

 

As a teacher of Martial Arts, I too was bullied as a child for a short time – until I chose to take action and stop it by fighting back. That was not my first choice. It was my last resort. I know now that fighting is a low form of self-defense. Yes, it can work, but fighting can have terrible and long-term negative consequences. It may even make the bullying worse? There are some better and higher levels of self-defense that we can use to stop a bully. 

When I was a kid, I was always quiet, except when I was with my close friends. A bigger kid used to pick on me with his words. They were painful to me. It never got to the point of physical violence, because I was also a big kid. I did used to try and avoid him, but that never really worked. I spoke up to him, but that also didn’t seem to last long. This guy wouldn’t stop. The school was also informed but nothing was done in those days except giving the bully detention time after school. I then decided to learn martial arts. So, I signed up at a dojo and after a few months of training my confidence and technique built up and the bully never bothered me again. The actual power that I needed to stand up for myself was in me all along, I just didn’t believe in myself enough to unleash it. Martial Arts changed all of that. That was now more than 35 years ago - and I am still doing martial arts nearly every day.

Bullies do not want to fight; they want to hold power over you. Often, they are wracked with internal pain of some sort and feel compelled to lash out at others to gain control over their lives. They hold in a lot of anger. Bullies often repeat the pattern if they are also being bullied at home. But analyzing the causes of bullying does the victim no good. Bullying is real. It is real for both youth and adults. Bullying must not be tolerated in any form, whether it be physical, mental or in cyber-form. Nowadays, those who are bullied often will not tell their parents or friends. They hide it and stew in it. They begin to actually believe what the bullies are saying. Their self-esteem goes way down, and in some extreme cases they feel valueless and even do not wish to go on with life.

There is much we can do.

Our jobs as parents and guardians is to guard our kids; and then help them become successful adults. But none of us can be there 24/7. Therefore, communication is essential to the health of our children. How can we help if we avoid the uncomfortable talks about bullying? Most parents avoid talks because it makes them feel better. They do not want to seem overbearing to their child, so they ignore the signs. My opinion is, if we only treat our children as ‘friends’, we are not really parenting. Communicating with or kids is one the best ways to safeguard them. If our child is being bullied, we need to respond and take action.

Parents, school staff, and the entire community can help children prevent bullying by addressing it. One can then begin to build a safe school environment, and get both teachers and parents on the same team. 

Things a parent can do:

1. Talk to your kids - a lot. Ask them questions. Get involved. Go out to eat and just talk. Often in the house, kids are at their most defensive and most quiet attitudes. The right environment can bring down their walls.

 

2. Monitor their social media for suspicious activity, or get rid of it altogether whenever possible. Are we parenting, or is the cell phone or computer doing our job for us?

 

3. If your child is being bullied, contact the school immediately and have the school officials contact the parents on both sides. Sweeping it under the rug will not solve any issue – it just prolongs the suffering and empowers the bully (and his parents) even more.

4. If the school does not get involved, get the law to work with you. State and local lawmakers have taken action to prevent bullying and protect children. There is lots of professional help available in your area.

5. Sign the kids up for self-defense classes. Why? Because bullies tend to attack those who they think are weaker. Self-Defense classes are proven to build strength and confidence in both children and adults. Through training, the meek kitten will slowly become the lion. And, if all other higher avenues fail, the Martial Art practitioner can definitely handle and stop any bully – both mentally and physically.

If you are being bullied?

1. Talk to people and get advice. Do not hold your fears and concerns in. Communication is the first step to freedom from bullying. Thousands of us have been bullied. You are definitely not alone.

2. If you cannot avoid the bully or walk away, use your voice to tell the bully to “stop it”. I have known stories where humor has actually turned bullies into lifelong friends.

 

3. Find an adult to stop the bullying on the spot. Speak up and be heard!

4. Stay near adults and other kids. Most bullying happens when adults aren’t around.

5. Speak up if your friends are being bullied. There is tremendous power in sticking together. If you watch and do nothing, you are part of the issue. Become a friend to someone who is being bullied, so that they know they are not alone in this.

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 Online Bullying is real. What can I do?

1. First of all, know that you do not need to be online to feel like you belong to a group. Ironically, the more connected we are, the lonelier we actually feel. The best things in life are in the real world. Try logging off and spend some quality face to face time with family and friends. Happiness will not last long with you from viewing a screen.

2. Always think about what you post. You never know what someone will forward. Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe. Do not share anything that could hurt or embarrass anyone. Would you show this post to your Grandma?

 

3. Keep your password a secret from your friends, but let your parents have your passwords. They bought the phone for you as a privilege. They own the phone. They have every right to use it or take it away.

4. If people are saying cruel things about you, speak up and tell your parents. Capture the screen for evidence and present it to those who can help you. You are never a snitch for coming forward. You are doing what is right. You are protecting your peace of mind and stopping the mean people from winning. Be the victor, not the victim.

5. Think about who sees what you post online. Complete strangers? Friends? Friends of friends? Privacy settings let you control who sees what. Use your computer’s software as your shield/ally.

6. Talk to an adult you trust about any messages you get or things you see online that make you sad or scared. If it is cyberbullying, report it. Keep your parents in the loop. Let them friend or follow you. Remember, your parents were once kids too – and they probably have also been through very tough times, just like you.

 

7. Know that what they are saying is not true. You are worthy of happiness. You are loved by so many. You will get through this. And you will need help, so talk to us and let us help you.

 - Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross 

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Change the way you think and assume about the learning process of Budo.

Student:  I have seen that technique before.

Sensei:  Not today, you haven't.
 

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Finding Dō  'The Way', Together

After a long and tiring day, the easy thing to do is to go home and crash on the couch.  The couch is safe and soft.  It is easy to stay indoors in comfort, and no one would really care if we didn't show up for class tonight, right?  

Wrong.  

Of course we notice when you are not here.  And yes, you are indeed missed.  We notice when you are absent, because we care about you.  You are part of our dojo family.  Your presence in class and excitement when you are training also benefits our needs; so that we can all stay positive in this hectic world.

We are a team, you and me.  Together, we can both succeed.  Remain alone and we will never grow and learn how to get better.  We only have so much time...

We need you here to add your positive energy to the classes.  We need your life's wisdom, your day's experience and your strength.  You matter in all that we do.

Regardless of how many decades of experience we may have under our belt, I do not believe that any of us are completely immune to negative thoughts and 'bad days'.

But I train for the answers and to be better than I was before.  That was why you started too.  You see, you and I are symbiotically learning how to win at life. We are both learning "the way".  

The way is open to all.  The way cares not of age, race or religion.  It just is.  It is just there-whether we choose to extract its secrets or not?

Going to class shows us both the way.  Lying home on the couch will not.

After classes and much movement with our friends and fellow practitioners, we are all re-charged - able to go home and better manage the stress, anger and sadness. And in many cases, the stress can be fully dispelled altogether.  We all go home and we sleep far better after a class or two at the dojo.  Hey, it turned out to be a really good day, afterall. We both experienced a glimpse of "Dō ".

So, yes.  We all do get excited to see you drive up to the dojo. We can see how you came in somewhat stressed-out, but left pumped up and confident.  We did too.  By training, we are helping each other master these same human emotions.   So get your butt in here so we can mutually assist each other on how to win and succeed at life.

Onegaishimasu!

 - Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross 

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Low Hanging Fruit Goals

If you set your goal too short, you will never last very long in the Martial Arts.

Do not just set your goal at 1st Degree Black Belt.  That is not very hard to achieve.
That is like saving up for years for your dream car and then once you finally buy it,
you never even take it out of the garage for a spin.

Set your goals higher and go for a 5th degree, or even an 8th degree!   Then, when you earn your first degree, you won't stop.  You will instead just see that particular belt as another small goal on the way to the bigger one.

There are no shortcuts to become an expert.  It takes thousands of hours of training in the dojo to learn everything.  

To stand out and shine, one must forge himself/herself in the fires of time with the hammer of endurance.  

We only live short life.

Why not reach way higher and work to be different from everybody else?

Avoid the going after the low hanging fruit of the masses.  It is much sweeter near the top.

 - Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

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Obstacles or the Path?

There is such a huge difference in atittude (and outcome) when one says "I am going to keep doing this." VS the phrase " I cannot do this."

The former guarantees long-term success and deep meaning.  The latter guarantees failure and emptiness.

Converting the negative into the affirmative is the way to trick your brain into believing in you.

It is one of the most powerful mental strategies that exists.  And it gets you to your original goal.

If you are a skier, and you do not want to hit the trees, then do not focus on the trees.
If you just focus on the obstacles, you will surely hit them.  If you want to not hit the trees, focus only on the path around them and you will be safe.

Your career in martial arts, and in relationships, and at work are all literally determined by your perspective.  They are dictated on your perception of your path.  You either get taken out by the obstacles or you don't.

Try it.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross


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The Joy of Laughter

Laughter and Resilience

When teaching at the dojo, the sound that I often cherish is not the kiai power shouts of hard-working practitioners. It is not the warm beating rhythms of the background Taiko drum music from the speakers on the wall. The most joyful sound that I experience is the bright laughter from everyone who is training and succeeding. From both children and adults alike, the joy emanates from us all as we all explore and discover the powerful life-lessons in the deep study of the Martial Arts.

I am somewhat wary of a dojo where there is never any smiling. Ironically, they may not be 'serious' enough if they are not expressing fun and joy while training.

Many of us travel to our dojo from far away to be under this one roof. We have a common and worth-while purpose. We try our best to leave the dojo a bit stronger than when we arrived. We are all trying to locate and master resilience. We train to recover.

I often notice when I hear laughter in class, as people’s social walls come down. I listen and smile as I hear the giddiness from older practitioners, who find new martial secrets and feel rejuvenated once again. They are always open-minded and excited to learn something new in every class - which is the fastest way towards enlightenment.

We are all brightly present while training. We feel alive. And we are all truly enjoying our chosen lives - moving ever upward between each and every challenging moment. This is what this magical sanctuary called a 'dojo' is all about.

I find that laughter is the universal solvent that breaks down any anger, sadness or frustration that life will try and pile upon us. It is this natural laughter that gives me occasional pause to stop and feel so thankful for our humble dojo. We all lend our collective energy to keeping it positive and very strong.

Resilience, once again, is the goal. 忍

In my own experience, laughter is perhaps the greatest of all weapons against sorrow.

- Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

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Why do youth students need to write essays on the Mindful Actions in order to complete the application process for their new belt rank?

The Mindful Actions are one of the many things that separates us from other martial arts schools.  The Mindful Actions are tenets to make sure that the student of Martial Arts is balanced, both mentally and physically.

The Mindful Actions are ethical tenets that teach practitioners that their thoughts, words and actions all have either positive or negative consequences.  Life is literally shaped by what we do and say.  Therefore, the earlier that a person learns these moral principles, he or she will grow up to both strong and compassionate.  He or she will become a protector of all that is light and good in humanity.

If the students just read the Mindful Action tenets, they will not internalize them very well.

 Many people learn information in different ways.  Some learn by hearing, some by seeing and some by writing.  

The youth practitoners at our dojo are required to write essays on each of the Mindful Actions as they achieve new rank.  By writing, they memorize and then put into action these fantastic lessons.  Each student must write a minimum of fifty words on what the Mindful Action means to them and how they can use it in their life to become a better person.

Can you imagine a dojo where there is only 100% physical technique and no discussions and lessons on cause and effect, legalities and morality?

Again, very few schools adequately balance the mental aspects of Martial Arts.  Without mental training, schools become too competitive, highly arrogant, frighteningly aggressive towards others to achieve goals and status and just overall better bullies.

 Our dojo teaches the opposite, just as the ancient samurai and ninja would have wanted.  Get what you want in life by being a powerful role-model, a strong and focused warrior and a compassionate healer when the need arises.

These are the true ways of the Samurai.

- Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

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Beginner's inner dialogue of self-doubt:

"I want to train. But I am worried that I won't last long. I tend to be lazy and leave things that challenge me. I like the comfort zone that I have created. I am not used to such a long-term commitment. And I am afraid that I will fail myself and my family."

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Response from Sensei Norcross:

I thought all of those feelings as well. Thank goodness I didn't give much attention to that younger, doubtful voice.

I think that "being afraid" is our conscience manifesting itself as the 'inner child' in all of us. We are afraid to disappoint those whom we love.  When we start and then quit something (or even someone), we can sometimes hide our failure from family and friends.  But we cannot lie to ourselves. We know when we fail the person in the mirror.  Remember, our "self" will always be the most difficult opponent that we will ever face.

When we begin any new endeavor, such as martial arts, and our friends and family become aware of it, we, of course, want them to support us. We hope that everybody will acknowledge and bless our journey. The little kid in us still wants to be seen and accepted. This is normal human behavior. We have evolved to want to be a productive part of the greater group.  If we contribute to society and accomplish our goals, we are socially embraced as important members of the clan. Conversely, if we consistently lie, fail, and quit everything that we start, we are eventually ostracized by family and friends  - and secretly viewed as either unreliable or even worse, untrustworthy.  

Respect among family and peers is not quickly earned.

In joining the Martial Arts, a common goal of each new practitioner is to seek out (and train to become) the hero/heroine that he/she has always longed to be.  We unconsciously wish to mimic the omniscient, omnipotent archetype who inspired us all when we were young. Most of these archetypes first caught our attention through literature, art or mythology. Training in the martial arts allows us to engage our inner warrior and unleash our own potential to serve others.  It is a noble and, in my opinion, necessary motive in this hectic world. 

If we are being honest, we are engaging in fantasy fighting just long enough to actually punch free and become that warrior. We want to be confident enough in who we are to take care of others. We want to strive to be better people; in order to let go of that shy kid from our childhood who just wants to curl up and quit.
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To those who wish to seriously begin the never-ending journey towards self-mastery.

First of all, there is no such thing as mastery. A 'master' is just a fool with delusions of grandeur. When you assume you have mastered something, you are no longer open to learning.  Mastery will never be attained. It will always be just out of reach.

Know that up front - but please continue to chase it, forever.

I began my journey in Martial Arts when I was eight years old.  That was forty years ago.
So much has changed, but my study and passion to get good at the Martial Arts have never abated. I have never been a master, although many now call me by that misnomer.

Much of the success in my journey was due to the support I received from my family and friends.  Yes, I was scared and afraid to move a thousand miles away from my home on the East Coast to train with my teachers, but I was determined to find those who could help me discover the hero that I always wanted to become.  I still have not found my full "inner hero", but I have seen his face show up in times of crisis over the years - once or twice.

The Martial Arts have never failed me. They have never left me down or lonely. They have protected my family and me for decades.  They were always the mountain on which I stood. To this peaceful and life-balancing path, I owe everything.

In the foreseeable future, I will teach whoever desires to learn.  And I will probably make many mistakes as a teacher.  Perhaps we can both keep learning together? 

If you want this training badly enough, nothing and no one will ever stop you from finding that train that takes you to the dojo. Others will either get on board with your dedication or drift away towards their own personal truth. Each person must follow their own path.

If you show the people around you that you are serious about your training, some naysayers will still doubt you - and watch to see if you will quit. However, if you stick with the training long enough for it to become not just what you do but who you are, you may reap all the rewards that Budo has to offer.  And maybe then, your family and friends will be the loudest ones to cheer for you as you finally earn your Black Belt. 

 - Todd Ryotoshi Norcross