An Interview with Joe Maurantonio, Shidoshi
by Kihon Press (Sept 2004)
Question: When did you become involved in the Bujinkan ninjutsu?
Answer: My first authentic ninjutsu lesson came in
October 1983.
Question: What do you mean by "authentic ninjutsu
lessons"?
Answer: The 1980's were very popular years for
ninjutsu. During those popular years many charlatans
appeared, opened schools, taught seminars, and enticed
people into their training. Yet, the harsh reality of
this is those charlatans were teaching karate and kung
fu, with some weapons skills and contrived methods of
stealth movement, and packaging it under a "ninja
training" banner. Many, many ninjutsu practitioners
- myself included - had dealings with these individuals
before finding the real training that is offered by
Hatsumi Sensei, his Shihan and Shidoshi.
Question: What attracted you to ninjutsu?
Answer: It was the relaxed, flowing taijutsu
movements coupled with its practicality that really
captured my eye. In addition, I enjoyed the fact that
while certain fundamental forms were required, practicing
variation and adaptability was expected -- which is NOT
what I was used to in other arts/styles.
Question: When did you first open your dojo?
Answer: The Bronxville location was opened in
December of 1992. We had several previous locations but
they were not as viable as the Martial Arts Center in
Bronxville.
Question: Have you studied other martial arts besides ninjutsu?
Answer: Yes. Before I became involved in ninjutsu,
I studied several other martial arts. From an early age,
I was always interested in training and found myself
pursuing my interest with several styles... Though I
didn't attain any advanced ranking in those arts, I did
learn some habits that were difficult to shake when I
moved to taijutsu. Once I became involved in budo
taijutsu I swiftly shed interest in any other martial arts.
Question: Since 1983, the only martial art you have studied is
ninjutsu. Don't you feel limited?
Answer: Though I have been involved in Bujinkan
ninjutsu for over twenty years, in the last ten years I
have spent a small portion of time experiencing other
martial arts. These arts were all recommended to me by my
Bujinkan seniors, and were for the purpose of offering me
a contrasting, educational view of my taijutsu training.
For instance, I have spent time learning a Koryu (old
tradition) sword style and renaissance swordplay for the
purpose of better understanding the sword. Yet, it is
important for me to note the staple of my training has
been in the Bujinkan martial arts and these other lessons
were supplementary; if I had to miss classes one week,
there is no question that I would NOT be missing taijutsu.
Question: Do you recommend "cross-training" for your
students?
Answer: While I think that cross-training can be
very beneficial, I do not recommend it to students in
their initial years of training. It is our hope that
during these early years a student will whole-heartedly
devote themselves to Bujinkan training. Thereafter, when
their ingrained method of movement is relaxed and flowing
they are better able to view other arts, and adapt
lessons while leaving behind tension and unnecessary
movement. Sometimes the recommended training can also be
in areas like Chado (tea ceremony), Japanese language,
military history, etc.
Question: When did you receive the title shidoshi and what does
it mean?
Answer: I was awarded the shidoshi title in 1991
after having passed the godan shinsa test. The actual
translation of the characters implies "teacher of
the warrior ways". Now what that means is really
up to Hatsumi Sensei as he is the person that awards
the title of Shidoshi. For me, the title implies that
not only is the instructor a teacher of martial arts
but also a mentor of how to blend mind, body and spirit.
Ultimately, a shidoshi is one who can help his students
and friends on the path of becoming a human being.
Question: What are your thoughts on martial arts like
karate, tai chi...
Answer: They have their place but they are NOT
what I do, nor are they what interest me. It is my
feeling (my point of view), that they do NOT offer the
depth of knowledge and training that this art offers.
Question: Does your dojo enter sport competitions or tournaments?
Answer: No. Our training focuses on the self-defense and combat
practicality of martial arts training, not sports.
Question: Do you teach shuriken throwing, stealth walking and
strategy?
Answer: There is strategy taught in every class,
in every lesson that we learn. Shuriken and stealth
training are taught very infrequently (perhaps in two or
three classes a year) as they are somewhat auxiliary to the
main training.
Question: Can you explain the difference between these:
Bujinkan, ninjutsu and budo taijutsu?
Answer: The Bujinkan is the organization
that Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei uses to teach his martial
arts. It was named to show respect and reverence for his
teacher (Takamatsu sensei). These martial arts consist of
several samurai and ninja influenced styles. Ninjutsu
is the "art of perseverance" (art of stealth)
and was defining of the early development of the
Bujinkan; it is also the art through which Hatsumi Sensei
gained some notoriety. Budo taijutsu is the
reference we use today to express the fact that our
martial traditions are more closely integrated and
stress combative effectiveness.
Question: What do you call what you teach?
Answer: Depends on who's asking (smiles).
Seriously though, when acquaintances ask me what martial
art I train in, I tell them taijutsu (body skills).
Question: You have translated, edited and published a book by
Hatsumi sensei. Can you tell us a little about it?
Answer: Absolutely! The book is called Ninpo:
Wisdom for Life. It's
about 200 pages long. In Bujinkan circles it is referred
to as Hatsumi Sensei's philosophy book. I began working with
translators on the translation of the book as a process
to come to know my teacher better, and to read more of his
writings. In time, I felt it was unfair to hoard the
information for myself. I spoke to Hatsumi Sensei about
possibly publishing it and he took the idea under consideration.
In time, he came to encourage me to publish it as a
positive offering to our Bujinkan community.
Question: How often do you train with Hatsumi Sensei?
Answer: Annually. I make it a point to train with
him once a year and have done so for the past fourteen
years. I feel that this is important for all teachers of
our art. If you'll permit a metaphor here, Hatsumi
Sensei's is the tree trunk from which all our dojo
branch. The branches need to make contact with the tree
trunk in order to remain healthy and vibrant. To stay connected,
I also train with other senior Bujinkan practitioners
throughout the year.
Question: When did you first meet Hatsumi Sensei?
Answer: I first met Hatsumi Sensei in 1986 at the
first USA Tai Kai. There were over 200 people that
attended the event. I would guess that less than ten percent
of those people are still training today.
Question: Who were your teachers before you received the Shidoshi
title?
Answer: Stephen Hayes and a student of his named
Darryl Caldwell. Darryl was well known and resepcted at that
time for his passion, ability and for writing
"The Shadow Warrior" column in Black Belt Magazine.
There are many other instuctors (a few of these still train)
I acknowledge as seniors and mentors that helped me learn.
Question: In several of your writings, you mention the qualities of
a warrior. Can you please explain?
Answer: Some people believe the word
"warrior" implies "one who goes to
war" or "brings battle". But for me, a
warrior is someone who aspires to the path of self
growth. I believe that a warrior lives every day by doing
the best he or she can. Helping others if they can and
when it's appropriate. Ultimately, I think a warrior is
someone who seeks the path, embraces personal growth,
protects his loved ones and shares this growth with those
around them.
Question: On behalf of myself and our readers I would like to thank
you for this interview. Do you have any parting thoughts?
Answer: Yes. I thank my teachers for their lessons,
time and patience. I thank my students for their dedication
to our training. Finally, but most importantly, I want to
thank my wife, family and dear friends for their support.