Musashi's Heiho

Miyamoto Musashi

"He who wishes to undertake the study of my Heiho should be aware of the following:

FIRST: Do not harbour sinister designs.
SECOND: Diligently pursue the path of Niten Ichiryu (school of two swords)
THIRD: Cultivate a wide range of interests in the arts.
FOURTH: Be knowledgeable in a variety of occupation.
FIFTH: Be discreet regarding one’s commercial dealings.
SIXTH: Nurture the ability to perceive the truth in all matters.
SEVENTH: Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.
EIGHTH: Do not be negligent, even in trifling matters.
NINTH: Do not engage in useless activity."

...study this well. ~Musashi

'Kokoro Arata Nikoto Ni Atare'

By keeping a beginner's mind (fresh perspective) a mind open to change, one will succeed in (be able to confront/deal with) anything.

Shorin-Ryu Shorin Kan Association Patch
(my core art)

The Renbukan Dojo

The Renbukan Dojo

Renbukan is the name of the dojo family that I'm proud to be a part of. It was given it's name by Taika Seiyu Oyata. Renbukan is translated as: 'The place where people come together to practice stopping violence.'

From: Renbukan Dojo Manual

In Okinawa the Karate Dojo is a highly respected place. It is where the art of self-protection is raised to a way of life. The serious student of Karate is strengthened both physically and mentally while his character is polished through training in the art's moral principals. The Dojo is held in such high regard that even cleaning and maintenance tasks are handled exclusively by the members.

The Dojo Kun

Shorin-Ryu - Dojo Kun
Strive for good moral character.
Keep an honest and sincere way.
Cultivate perseverance through a will for striving.
Develop a respectful attitude.
Restrain physical ability through spiritual attainment.

Goju-Ryu - Dojo Kun
One thing: Be humble and polite.
One thing: Train considering your physical strength.
One thing: Practice earnestly with creativity.
One thing: Be calm and swift.
One thing: Take care of your health.
One thing: Live a plain life.
One thing: Do not be too proud or modest.
One thing: Continue your training with patience.

ISKF - JKA - Dojo Kun
Seek perfection of character
Be sincere
Put maximum effort into everything you do
Respect others
Develop self-control

Bushido - Dojo Kun
Loyalty is the essential duty of the soldier.
Courage was essential since the trait of the fighting man is his spirit to win.
Valor is a trait to be admired and encouraged in the modern warrior
Faithfulness in keeping one's word
Simplicity is a samurai virtue

Gichin Funakoshi is usually recognized as writing this but some say it was written by Kanga Sakukawa. Regardless, the Dojo Kun serves as a set of five guiding principles applicable to every part of your life. Adhering to these principals to the point of ingrained sub-conscious programming is essential when adopting the lifestyle of a modern-day warrior.

...about Nintai

This blog has been created to try to help people with their understanding of traditional martial arts training, and to provide a glimpse into one student's experiences and growth in the art of Karate. I affectionately named this blog Nintai, which loosely translated from Japanese means perseverance. When I was trying to decide how to describe the concept of perseverance, I found this...
This is the best explanation of perseverance that I have read. I have had the honor of training with the author, and Mr. Logue is an amazing person, and an ocean of knowledge and ability.