I think, really, it is was middle span of years, encompassing the 1990′s, in which a lot of folks were out of sync, as far as general Ninjutsu training was concerned. I first met Mr. Hayes in 1984. I attest that his message then was not much different than what I can gather it is today; this training is about making yourself more effective!

This is what some of the people in Japan are missing. I’ve looked at other styles and they are living in the past.

“We often think of scientific ideas, such as Darwin’s theory of evolution, as fixed notions that are accepted as finished. In fact, Darwin’s On the Origin of Species evolved over the course of several editions he wrote, edited, and updated during his lifetime. The first English edition was approximately 150,000 words and the sixth is a much larger 190,000 words. In the changes are refinements and shifts in ideas — whether increasing the weight of a statement, adding details, or even a change in the idea itself……”

Right under the introduction, the complete work is shown, animated with progression in time and editions….
Couldn’t help myself thinking about seeing this same animation of our ninja tradition over the centuries.
Wouldn’t it be saddening to see that the animation wasn’t “animated”?
What would a lineage be without the mark of the lineage successor or branch leader?
Thank you An-Shu for keeping our art evolving and UP to date!

for the curious ones, here is the link
http://benfry.com/traces/

I agree that modern worth, efficiency and beauty of a relic of the past is dependant of the respect we have for it’s original function and intention. You have undoubtedly done the spirits of those from ages past (and present) a great justice by doing what you have with To-Shin Do, and you have mine and I’m sure many others endless thanks and respect for it. Thanks again for the gifts you continue to give everyone.

All the best for an even brighter future-

Happy 60th Birthday and Kanreki!

= )

Daniel L Dunn
SLC, UT

For example this post. It reminds me of the day of choosing of restoring and revitalizing my life from a life in the IT world 12 hour days and on call to teaching, weekends enjoy with my wife and family.

What is also amazing, is have noticed how your posts, your comments, become lessons, that through experiences, bring out incredible potential.

Thank you An-Shu for this, from the barn dojo ..to now…and tomorrow,,,looking forward to sharing a part of your journey….each moment of Here….Now …Wow ….,moments.

All the best to you and family…along with wishes for a memorable Happy Birthday, where you can enjoy reflecting on those times of revitalizing….and the wonders that lay ahead!

Bill

God bless,

Matt & Vicki Woodard

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated your last two blog posts.

I have never seen the reason & importance for creating To Shin do explained more clearly or eloquently.
Everyday at our dojo we see the power of To Shin do and the great joy and benefit it brings to lives of others including our own.
And I especially enjoy it when I am able to toss the guys around like rag dolls!

The other post Another Day at Work was inspirational & thought provoking.
What a beautiful picture of a beautiful place and people, it made me smile inside and out.

Happy Birthday a day early

May it be as spectacular a day as any other!
Look forward to seeing you both at Festival

Enjoy!
-Theresa