I had the pleasure of attending the Shen Yun performance this past Saturday in Boise at the Morrison Center. The performance is beautiful, the technical proficiency impressive, and the first time they did their screen-to-stage transition I was impressed, for a moment it actually seemed as if the performer stepped from the screen onto the stage. Their movements and timing were exact throughout the entire night. What I really loved about the performance, though, was the way they used it to share their spirituality. Every year, Shen Yun changes the performances so it is never the same show twice. They have eight troops performing all over the world at any given time. Except for China. Shen Yun is not allowed to perform their traditional Chinese dance performances in China because of the spiritual nature of their message (and no doubt due to their critisism of the current governemt). They even had dances depicting what it is like for oppressed religious minorities living in China under the current government. Or as they called it, the "current communist regime." They depicted true events of government cronies beating and killing their own citizens simply because of their beliefs and for daring to share those beliefs with others. This was an impressive performance and look forward to attending again when they next come to Boise.
For more information and tour dates, visit: www.shenyun.com

Here is an article written by a blogger, Kiarra H., who reached out to me for a comment. Enjoy. Her blog is the Freelance Resource (Ignore the Taekwondo kicker in the picture below, that was the author's artistic choice. Obviously it would have been better to show a Koryu style kick since I'm the one being quoted.)
​

According to statistical researchers, more than 18 million Americans practice one or more forms of martial arts. The physical, mental, and social benefits these participants gain play a role in their vast popularity. Such advantages are, in many ways, applicable to scenarios outside the dojo. Even teachers use martial arts to teach children life skills. Here are some reasons studying Eastern combat techniques can boost your performance as a startup owner.
 
Learn about teamwork, focus, goal setting, and integrity at Bujinkan: Living Warrior Dojo. Join a class today!
 
Discipline
 
Martial arts teach devotees the importance of persistence. Regular training is necessary to defeat opponents. Without a strict commitment to warriorhood, you're likely to make impulsive moves that cause your downfall. Fighters see a link between how much energy they give to training and the quality of their performance when facing adversaries. It's a lesson that persists outside these disciplines. Whenever quitting feels like an option, you'll remember that staying dogged about resolving business-related challenges ultimately yields rewards.
 
"In martial arts, it is up to the individual to put in the daily grind to learn and embody the material the teacher presents. Similarly, an entrepreneur has opportunities to learn from past trail blazers, but in the end it is that person's daily grind that makes those efforts come to fruition." 
- Shane Muir, Shidoshi
 
Resiliency
 
Martial arts show students why setbacks are only temporary. Mistakes during classes are going to happen. A seemingly simple kick maneuver might be challenging and take a long time to master. With patient and supportive instructors, you’ll be able to learn from failure. Likewise, business owners need to view every failure as another step closer to success.
 
Control
 
The more aware you are of posture and movements, the faster you'll climb the martial arts ranking structure. By elevating your level of control, you'll have an easier time executing winning strategies during matches. The ability to remain calm and focused while facing a martial arts opponent is transferable to threatening business scenarios. Staying clear-headed and free of emotional outbursts should make triumphing over corporate snafus less burdensome.
 
Another way of staying in charge and in control of your venture to register your business. Consider making your startup a limited liability company. As the owner of an LLC, you'll enjoy less paperwork, fewer taxes, and litigation protection. States have different regulations when it comes to forming LLCs. Learn how to start an LLC in Idaho and investigate the rules before taking action.
 
Health
 
Involvement in martial arts is a positive for the body in addition to the soul. The physical plusses are significant. Some include improved muscle tone, weight loss, and lower blood pressure. There may even be a connection between judo chops and superior mental health. Ridding stress and honing your body's condition should help you become an even better boss.
 
Collaboration
 
One overlooked aspect of martial arts is the team-building aspect. Students must respect one another and be encouraging at all times. This sense of unity is infectious. The optimistic vibes you generate from giving and receiving advice and support will carry over into your workday life. Gift this lesson to your employees by committing a day to karate, judo, or jiu-jitsu as a corporate exercise.
 
Martial arts are not merely hobbies. In truth, they're disciplines that strengthen the mind and toughen the spirit. See if involvement in one transforms you into a more effective entrepreneur.

This is a great article written by Sean Askew, shared on his Facebook account. Shared with permission.

​"Bad bad evil Koga!!!

On April 10th of 2022 the fifth convention of the International Ninja Studies Association began a two-day event in Koka (Koga) City, showcasing the shinobi or "ninja" of the Koka region. Koka. On the first day, research presentations were given by experts at the Koka Historical Ninja Museum in Konan Town, with over 150 people attending to listen to the presentations.

Mr. Takahito Fukushima, a member of the city's Community Development Cooperation, gave a presentation on the public's perceived image of the Koka Ninja. In a survey he carried out that involved over 700 people, 57% said that Iga was definitely the homeland of the ninja and only 14% said that Koka was the original homeland. The survey also showed that more than 30% of the people think of the Koka ninja as "evil". He cited the way the Koka ninja were portrayed in the mass media, animations and video games in the 1980s as the background. He analyzed that the generation that encountered these works was heavily influenced by the pattern of depicting Koka as the enemy of Iga. On the other hand, there was also a difference in opinion based on age groups, with those in their 30s and younger, who are familiar with the ninja comic manga "Naruto" and other works, tending not to have a specific image of the Koka ninja as they do not appear in the work.

The keynote speaker was Professor Michifumi Isoda, of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, who has been conducting historical research on the shinobi of Koka City. He introduced the world to the historical reality of the ninja who served the Owari clan during the Edo period. This was revealed through old documents found at the home of a descendant of a Koka shinobi. He explained that they were paid an allowance by the Owari clan and often held sideline jobs as yamabushi. Records show that they were upper class peasants in rank and were valued from the Warring States period (1467-1615) through the Edo period (1615-1868).

But how did their image get associated with evil and the enemy of Iga?

I think the answer lies in history. In the handwritten makimono for the Togakure Ryu by Takamatsu Sensei, he says that tradition states that the shinobi before the Eisho period in the early 1500's were not known by the Iga Ryu or the Koka Ryu, or by any other ryu's name. Ninjutsu was just ninjutsu and it was passed on in secret. They were simply warriors who lived in Iga and Koka. Both groups were loyal brothers in arms to the imperial court. But during the Eisho period the warriors of Koka sided with Ashikaga Yoshitsune when he went to Omi no Kuni to kill Yoshizumi. The warriors of Iga did not side with Ashikaga and for that reason it naturally caused friction and tension between the two regions. From this time on they were clearly separated into the Iga Ryu and the Koka Ryu.

Could it be the remnants of this discord from the Middle Ages that has led to the image of the Koka ninja as the "bad guys"?

Evil evil Koka Ninja!!!

Sean Askew
導冬Dōtō – Winter Guide
Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo
(Iga Ryu LOL)
2/6/2023"
Shared from a Facebook post on his personal account. He also has a blog on his dojo's website, BKRBudo.com

This is a brief interview with Darren Horvath from back in 2017. I've trained in his Hombu class several times in Japan. Always a very fun class, and he is a real mountain of a man!