Beneath all of the combat training you endure, the journey to master Taijutsu, the art of the body, striving to get the feeling of Ninpo, underneath all of that is a warrior's awareness. You can be physically ready, having mastered all the aspects of hand to hand combat, and conditioned all of your body weapons (taiken), but if you walk through life in a fog, then you are as vulnerable as a child. Develop the eyes of a warrior. When you walk in to a strange place, do you make a mental note of who is in the room? Where are they in relation to you? Watch for people sending signals to each other. Are you aware of all the exits? Can someone come at you from behind? This is not paranoia. Maintain your natural qualities- but simply raise your level of awareness.

Hatsumi Sensei told me a story once about his early training with his teacher, Takamatsu Sensei. Several times a week, Hatsumi Sensei would travel for well over an hour to get to Takamatsu's house to train. When he arrived, they would sit together in the parlor. Mrs. Takamatsu would bring a tray with tea for both master and pupil. This she did every time he came. When she handed Hatsumi Sensei the cup, she told him what variety of tea he was drinking. This went on for a very long time. One day, Takamatsu Sensei brought out the tray. After he handed Hatsumi the tea, he asked of what variety it was. Hatsumi could not give the correct answer. Takamatsu Sensei scolded him, and said that it is important to be aware in all things. In this way it would be possible to detect if someone is trying to poison you. He said not to dull your senses with spices and over indulgence. After that, Hatsumi Sensei became aware of subtle things.

Work to free your mind from the useless chatter of everyday life. Float through the stream of your life like a leaf on the water, leaving no trace. If you move through the world in a natural and humane way, and maintain a pure and joyous heart, you will come to the way of the true warrior.

Shidoshi Ken Harding, 6th Dan, heads the Missouri Ninja Center in St. Louis. He started his training in 1984, has trained with Hatsumi Soke in Japan, and studies Japanese, Yoga, shiatsu, herbology and nutrition. He may be contacted via E-mail: Shadowswrd@aol.com.