| My students and clients have constantly heard me | | | | power, and interdependence (as opposed to |
| stress that our Martial Art is more than just a physical | | | | dependence or co-dependence) in their affiliations. |
| discipline; that it is a discipline that develops both the | | | | Many lifelong friendships have begun in the dojo |
| mind and body. This is so important that Soke Masaaki | | | | ("martial arts training hall"). Here are some tips on how |
| Hatsumi, the grand master of our lineages, has made it | | | | to choose friends that might be right for you. |
| the primary thrust of just about every one of his | | | | [a] Look for people who share the same basic values |
| books about Ninpo and Martial Arts in general. | | | | that you do. The Martial arts teach certain values and |
| The presence of mind that your training demands | | | | principles that you should know to look for. Honesty, |
| helps you make wise and thoughtful decisions. Often, | | | | respect, individuality - these are all good qualities that a |
| these decisions involve choosing others as friends - | | | | lot of people share. Having friends with these qualities |
| and all of us would like to choose good friends - | | | | will make it a lot easier for you to feel relaxed and at |
| people we can consider real "team players." | | | | ease when you're with them. You want to develop |
| It's sometimes very mysterious why we choose who | | | | friendships that will be both fun and rewarding - |
| we do as team players. Often we like a person right | | | | mutually beneficial to all parties involved. One person |
| away based on some intuitive thought or feeling. When | | | | should never carry the burden of trying to make a |
| asked, we say that it just "felt" right. Other times we | | | | relationship "work." |
| may observe someone for a while with admiration, | | | | [b] Look for people who respect your decisions. Your |
| and build up to a formal introduction. | | | | friends will have different tastes than you do. They |
| Friendship is a wonderful thing and is vitally important | | | | should respect your freedom of choice, just as you |
| for personal growth and success. It can be found on | | | | should respect theirs. Sometimes you may feel that a |
| the Ninja's Kongokai mandala used in Japanese Mikkyo | | | | friend is not making a positive choice. Discuss these |
| esoteric mind-science training. Found in the 'wind' realm | | | | issues. Nothing is more important to friendship than |
| which represents surrendering oneself to a greater | | | | communication and honesty. Discuss things with |
| good where the total result produced is equal to much | | | | parents or significant others and your instructor(s) as |
| more than just the sum of the parts added together. | | | | well. |
| Friendship itself is sometimes sparked by what we call | | | | [c] Look for people who are real team players. You |
| "vibes," or a strange and electric power of attraction. | | | | know what that means: people who are willing to stick |
| This is what gives it such a terrific and seemingly | | | | by you through thick and thin, who will be there when |
| magical power to tie people together so closely. All the | | | | you need them, and will show you the understanding |
| same, our first impressions can often be mistaken. | | | | that you in turn give back. A friend you know you can |
| We've all made mistakes before in the friends we've | | | | depend on is one you will probably have for life. |
| chosen. Often, we'd like to ignore, forget, or believe | | | | There will be times when you feel that a friend of |
| that we had anything to do with the selection, but we | | | | yours is consistently making bad choices, or is not |
| shouldn't. It's these lessons that remind us that we are | | | | treating you with respect. The Ninja Warrior takes |
| human and make mistakes, as-well-as the fact that | | | | pride in understanding: try to see where your friend is |
| not everyone we meet will enter into a relationship | | | | coming from, and try to resolve any differences you |
| (whether business, personal, etc.), for the same | | | | might have. Don't be afraid to talk to your parents, |
| reasons that we do. It's not right or wrong - good or | | | | spouse, or your instructor. They have the benefit of |
| bad. It's just life. | | | | experience, and are always looking out for your best |
| There's really no way to be 100% certain that | | | | interests. There are very few things as precious as |
| everyone, or anyone, you choose as a friend will turn | | | | having good friends, and you should not let them go |
| out to be a good team player. But, the Martial Arts | | | | easily. Hold onto your friendships; let them know you |
| Academy 'is' a terrific place to meet new people, | | | | value them and do your best to solve problems as |
| especially those with many of the same interests, and | | | | quickly as they arise. Trust your instincts and follow |
| often with the same focus and desire for purpose, | | | | your heart! |