Editor's Note: These articles center around "touchy" subjects and often are topics for serious debates (more often, arguments). They are included in this newsletter to represent different viewpoints. These articles are of their author's own opinions and they do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the editor and staff of Ura & Omote.

The Devil's Advocate
by J. M. Miller

I have been following the articles and editorials in this newsletter and on-line, as well as the comments and rumors that have proliferated in the Bujinkan for the last few years. For the most part, I have just left much of it alone, preferring to just train and learn all that I could from every source available. I have attempted to ignore the "Shadows of Ignorance" and "Hayes-groupies" comments from those of you who profess to be 'living examples' of Hatsumi-sensei's art.

Well, you've done it. You have violated the primary rule of the warrior. You have offended and caused a desire for retaliation. Your shallow attempt at mute recital of philosophy and your obvious drawing attention to yourselves with your "Look, I talk and act like Sensei" routines has me gagging!

Having chosen shidoshi Hayes as my mentor through the incredibly vast amount of information embodied by Hatsumi sensei's system, I looked up to each with respect and awe; to sensei for what he embodies and toward Mr. Hayes for his ability to translate the art, and the Japanese mind-set and culture into something that I, with my Western perspective could understand.

Now before any of you start the usual eye-rolling or defensive attitude that seems to run rampant in this art today, . . .relax. I still hold respect for both and look forward to many more years of training. And besides, with all of the backstabbing and 'better than thou' attitudes already present within the Bujinkan, you don't need the Genbukan, or anyone else for that matter, to cause you worry.

What then, is the purpose for this piece? -- Just to point out a few observations based on a recent opportunity to train with many of you and, basically, just to get some serious irritation off of my chest!

First, I would like to suggest to all of you who just feel nauseous when you hear or read the name 'Stephen K. Hayes', should just take a hard, long look in the mirror. Preferably one not warped or rose colored. I have heard enough 'Hayes-bashing' to last me a lifetime. It seems that everyone who wants to be an authority or THE one selected by Hatsumi-sensei to be the true voice for the western students criticizes Mr. Hayes for already being that person. Personally, it sounds like a bunch of jealous school girls who start rumors and scandal over a girl who dates the one boy they all wish they could have for themselves. I have bad news guys and gals, he was there first and, like it or not, deserves the same respect given to any of the other shihans.

Everyone seems to be interested in doing it the Japanese-way and the 'right' way, knocking shidoshi Hayes for not doing it that way. Has anyone ever bothered to ask him? I have. And I know that anyone who does will get his honest reasons, none of which has to do with 'being like sensei' as evidenced by the facades worn by many of the so-called 'American Shihans'. As for some of these unasked questions, one need only look at the cultural differences and the way martial arts are practiced between the two countries.

One of these, I'm sure a major reason why many jet off to Japan in the first place, is that "Stephen Hayes doesn't promote like they do there." NO KIDDING! Can you imagine what other martial artists would have said in the early eighties, or now for that matter, if he would have returned from Japan with the 'martial art of the century' where you could earn your black belt in about a year?!!! The average time in most arts for attainment of shodan is three to four years, more for others. We would have been the laughing stock of the martial arts world.

The reaching of black belt is a coveted thing here and in Europe as is evidenced by everyone who wants one. We don't see it as the beginning of real training. We in the West see it more as a culmination, as proven by all of the new shodans who run out of their teacher's school to set up their own. And quite frankly, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the upper-dan people in this art. Come on; sixth dan in six years is a little ridiculous. I expect certain skills to be common-place with such a rank but have been sorely disappointed. When teachers of this rank and higher get hit by students going slower than fight-speed without being able to ride it off, not to mention those who hit themselves hard enough to knock themselves off-balance and into the paths of weapons, they had better watch their backs. There are places in this country where it is not uncommon for 'prospective students' to request a lesson looking for an opportunity to 'test' a teacher's skills. And no amount of justification or excuse making is going to change the fact that you couldn't cut it after the event.

Next is the problem with Hayes not teaching the Japanese curriculum. It could be, as difficult as it may be to believe, that he wasn't in Japan when the Shihan met to decide what they would use for kyu material. Another reason, for the 'kata-collectors' out there, could be that the Koto ryu is probably the crudest form of the nine and therefore easiest for a new student to get a hold on. Anyone who has been studying for awhile has, or should have, noticed that the Gyokko ryu (the material used in Japan) has many intricate aspects ranging from pressure points hits to throws and kuji material. The timing for a simple ichimonji with counter strike is much more involved, if done properly, than that of the Koto ryu. And as for actual curriculum, if people weren't so interested in the color of the cloth around their waist, the number they can place next to the dan-word, or the title they can place next to their name to impress others, they could see that a student training in the Kasumi-an system has everything in the Noda one by 5th kyu!!! -- plus some. I myself have been training in this art for eleven years and am only a nidan -- longer than many of you shidoshi have been around! I would be willing to trade notes anytime.

And, for those of you who have 'taken sides' with particular Japanese shihans who don't like the way Hayes teaches, you need to look at how many of the shihans don't like each other! And as for them determining how he should teach, Hayes sensei has been around longer than many of those you look up to!

And finally, for those of you who just have a chip on your shoulder, you know . . ., the ones out there who keep telling everyone how you would just like to "kick Hayes' ass", . . .grow up! Are you that insecure or jealous that you have to resort to violence to elevate yourselves?! YOU, above everyone else, need to listen to sensei's philosophy instead of nodding in agreement when you hear him talking.

We could all learn from the Chinese Emperor who disliked the political and religious self- righteousness displayed by many weak-hearted people. He placed stones at each border road entering his land that made it illegal to put down another's religion or belief system. He felt so strongly about this, believing that anyone who had to put down others to elevate themselves wasn't as good as those they condemned, that violation of this law was punishable by death. That would reduce the surplus shidoshi population!

Now, on to what I see as massive shows of disrespect towards Hatsumi-sensei.

That sentence should just about make most of you defecate in your gi. I say this based on seeing many of you in action, reading the 'sensei is great' articles, and watching training videos that some of you have had the guts to put out. I must say that most of my suspicions were verified at the last Tai Kai in Atlanta. You people need to look up the word 'cult' in the dictionary!

I decided to attend the event, not only to train with sensei, but to network and meet many of the other people holding senior rank in the Bujinkan. People that I could learn from and get to know. I have to tell you that I was seriously under-impressed.

Half-way through the first day I thought I checked into a southern-baptist convention instead of the Tai Kai. The only thing I didn't hear were people chanting,

"Sensei's Great,
Sensei's Good,
Sensei trains
with steel and wood."

I watched demonstrations by new Godans that looked like beginners, 9th dans nodding in agreement with sensei but not listening to a thing he said (i.e. the first demo had a 9th dan(?) attacking Noguchi-sensei with a 'street punch' that looked remarkably similar to a traditional (16th century) tsuki (and a bad one at that) even after sensei corrected it 4 times!!! -- and I watched a senior American teacher make a fool out of himself trying to make fun of someone else who was making tailored tabi. The joke was on him because Mr. & Mrs. Hatsumi took thirty pairs home with them!

People avoided the Hayes-group like the plague even though we attempted to train with as many of you as possible (Hint: I was one of those who, like the ninja I was taught to be by someone who 'doesn't know anything', wore a blank gi (no patch, nin symbol, etc.) and worked with those of you who didn't just work with a friend (why?). Keep training guys. You made me feel proud for the decision I made.

I watched shihan after shihan called to the stage by sensei to "give their impression of a technique" only to hear them describe how sensei did it. I SAW HOW SENSEI DID IT!-- Tell me what you (a teacher) learned or observed about it so I have a clearer picture. Don't get me wrong, I respect sensei a great deal and look forward to learning a great deal more from him, but some of you people act like puppies at feeding time. And I don't know how many times I was forced to watch a 'kata' performed after the person was asked to show something they learned during the weekend. If my memory serves me correctly, sensei's theme was Shinken Gata, remember? Helloooo, you're NOT listeninggggg!

And then there are those that are disgruntled with sensei for concealing facts, altering others, and withholding information. He's a ninja remember? This information has been distorted for a thousand years, in the light of tradition, who is he to change that now? And, if that's not enough, he's Soke. He has the power, like it or not, to completely rewrite any or all of the scrolls at any time. Originally, before everyone went 'kata-crazy' the Bujinkan was about not dying in a fight and, listening to sensei, I think it still is. It has just become so polluted with museum keepers, megalomaniacs, and dan- collectors that few can see it anymore. The Kasumi-an system is based on the original teachings of Hatsumi-sensei (who constantly points out that 'Hayes understands' when discussion this 'not dying essence' but ignored by those who want to be sensei's prodigal son). And as long as I feel that I can learn this 'essence' from Hayes and Hatsumi senseis, I will be around. THAT is my respect. The greatest a student can give a teacher. I give my respect to both-- to Hatsumi for the tests of honor and character. For baiting me with easy advancement if I just pay him the fee. And to Hayes sensei, for being true to his nature (ninpo) and not turning out clones or a 16th century answer for the problems I have to face today. To both I say 'domo arigato gozaimas''.

This article was titled "The Devil's Advocate" because, as far as Stephen Hayes basher's are concerned, he probably is to the Bujinkan what Satan was to Heaven. And because, to those who drool at Hatsumi-sensei's feet, I will be someone else to hate. But that's OK. You may not like anything I have said here, but you will NEVER forget that I said it!

J. M. Miller has been studying ninpo taijutsu for over 11 years. He is a personal student of Stephen K. Hayes, has trained under Hatsumi Soke, Manaka-Shihan, Jack Hoban and Bud Malstrom both abroad and here in the United States. He also has experience in Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do and Karate. He is a private investigator and runs a dojo full time. He may be contacted at: JMMiller@aol.com.

Controversy
by Christopher Davy

This past year has been very interesting in the Bujinkan. Lately there have been a few people publicly questioning and outright trying to remove the credibility of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi. This makes me very sad. First of all, let us remember that in the past the ninja have been misunderstood, and because of that history has been distorted. People who obviously misunderstand the art today are trying to compare are trying to compare our arts and practice to other Japanese martial systems. They are trying to compare apples and oranges. The point was brought up concerning the fact that other traditional martial arts organizations laugh at the Bujinkan. Of course they do! What we practice and say goes against every facet of most Koryu; why wouldn't they disagree? Our art is unlike any other martial art system, in the way it is practiced and in the way it is taught. It cannot be compared to other systems in any way; it is very different. I am glad that the others see the differences and criticize us, those differences are the exact reasons why I study Ninpo and not one of the more "formal" or "traditional" systems. The Genbukan seems to attract the people who want more structure and "kata". They feel more comfortable with a more regimented traditional martial arts organization. I believe that type of environment kills the nature of Ninpo, the creativity that can be nurtured becomes smothered and killed by that view of "kata" training. I also believe that it is a strong case of "The grass is always greener..." We have all been fortunate to study Ninpo. If Masaaki Hatsumi had not diverged from the ways of his teacher, Takamatsu, we would not have been able to study this age old system of the martial arts. Toshitsugu Takamatsu was apparently very much against teaching Ninpo to the masses (foreigners).

The latest outcry has been about Hatsumi's past, about the other men that he trained with, and the other men that trained with Takamatsu Sensei. There are several names emerging lately. There is Ueno Takashi whom Hatsumi trained with and studied under. Ueno Takashi was a student of Takamatsu Sensei's and was according to the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten passed several traditions by Takamatsu. Then there is Sato Kinbei that has been mentioned by Tanemura as being soke of several of the systems that Hatsumi Sensei lays claim to. I personally have not been able to find Sato Kinbei in reference to any of the Bujinkan schools in any publications that I have. The Bugei Ryuha Daijiten does mention his name on page 523 as the head of Taikawado (aiki, jo, sword, fist, bo). This is the only reference that I can find other than what Tanemura, of the Genbukan, states. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei IS LISTED in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten as the Soke of Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Kukishinden Happohiken, Gikan Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu, Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu, and the Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu. Some question the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten as a reference, it lists thousands of Japanese Ryu. To me it is the best un-biased reference that exists at this time.

Hatsumi Sensei may have trained with many other people throughout his life. He may even refuse to discuss them, or deny their existence. I believe that this is out of respect to his teacher Takamatsu Sensei. If you read Hatsumi Sensei's books, or listen to him speak, he makes it a point to give respect and credit to Takamatsu Sensei whenever possible. He never talks about himself. All of the stories of training and martial prowess are about Takamatsu Sensei. This is a traditional way to be; the Japanese honor the relationship with a teacher more than the relationship with their own parents. I imagine that Hatsumi Sensei feels he is thanking Takamatsu Sensei through this practice, and to mention and give credit to another would be disrespectful.

The common thread that all Ninpo practitioners share is the message that the art carries. The truth in the words and movements of Hatsumi Sensei shares with us is clear to some of us; it grabs your soul and becomes a part of you. Others live in fear, and are shrouded with doubt of themselves, and thus in anything they do. They unfortunately begin to resort to childish games where they feel the need to justify there own shortcomings as a human being by shouting "My father is better than yours..." Ninpo is not an easy endeavor. The people with strong spirits will endure through the hardships of the training and become "free" to enjoy life. Others will turn tail and run placing blame to others and begin to play politics, trying to discredit all who threaten their ego. If we listen to the message and stop trying to kill and discredit the messenger, even through the discomfort and pain that comes with the truth, we would all be able to transcend the politics and childish games that are now choking many of us. Let's strive to break this barrier together and show that Ninpo is in fact alive and well in this country.

In closing let me say that there is so much we don't know. Besides the immense language and cultural barrier, there is the incredible depth that the history of the martial lineages carry. They are so interwoven and linked to so many things and events, it would take years of research to sort out small pieces of the puzzle. You would always just be guessing at the truth of your findings. If we put our time to training and studying our art through putting it to practice in our lives we would all have much more to offer our families, communities, and to ourselves.

Shidoshi Christopher Davy has been practicing Ninpo for 10 years. If you have questions or comments feel free to contact:

Bujinkan Yume Dojo
PO Box 3109
Crofton, MD 21114-0109

Or feel free to respond by E-mail: JeffM777@aol.com.