Right and wrong, to my mind are judgements we our selves make. That to judge right and wrong for others assumes that there exists some universal guiding right. That assuming that requires the assumption that their is some form of intellect which devised or guided this right. That in effect this divine right is a manifestation of some kind of god. That essentially to judge others morally is to suggest not only that one believes in god but that one believes that theirs is The only true god. That given the lack of evidence of god that this is an act of faith. That in essence to judge another person, culture or religion morally is to assert that one's faith is better or more real than anothers. Which could simply be restated as "My god is the bestest god you go squish now.".
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If it is in the Bujinkan curriculum we study it. Certain things like inton jutsu are a little out of the league or interest to the average martial artist. We focus on the combat side of things, but we can learn the special stuff if want to. The truth is, there are very few people truly qualified to teach it. If you REALLY REALLY want to learn the secret stuff you need to go to Japan with lots of money, time, and hope to get the trust of one of the Shihan. I don't have time for that myself, I have better things to do, like not play Canadian Ninja.
I know many Ninjutsu teachers and they all have specialties... So if somebody decided they needed to be FAC certified for restricted and unrestricted weapons I know just the man. He also teaches offensive driving to security, body gaurds, special agents, and military... I'm sure he has many other specialties. I know the perfect people to go to if you want to learn Combat Ki or amatsu tartara...
I find most of the extra ninja stuff cool, but mostly useless unless you want to be cool or plan a career that requires those types of skills. Let's face it, we're in modern times and most of us have day jobs and don't need to learn the ancient arts of brewing poisons or how to break into castles.
Ninja nerds are a little hard to take. Yes, I think that we should be active in keeping the traditions alive, but very few people have the actual time to learn them all. I have my interests and I know who can teach me what I want to know. I can also help people find teachers for what they want to know. I find ninja nerds, or any over-serious person totally unbearable. If they have no sense of humor, I don't have the time for them.
I'm a serious practitioner, but I'm totally tired of the ninja dorks that honestly think they are REAL ninja warriors. Even Hatsumi Sensei claims that Takamatsu Sensei was the last REAL ninja.
[Edited on Aug 26, 2004 2:18PM]
I've never trained with the Victoria Bujinkan guys ever... Well I have, but only with the guys that left the Victoria dojo to try other schools. We've been quietly running our school in our little corner of the Island for a good chunk of time now. Our dojos had some differing ideas on certain things...
I hear there is a new Bujinkan dojo in Victoria under another guy that my instructor used to train along side. We thought about dropping by to see what the vibe is like. It's always good to make friends.