The earth in all of its beauty is one of the primary sources for the holy warriors power and knowledge, while the heavens are the wellspring for the holy one of that mysterious force that binds all together and is one of the most basic elements of the Creator and the created.

Beauty in chaos, where the moment of order, fleeting but true, reveals the essence of truth in an illusionary world of conflict and crisis. Misunderstood and abused by the majority, the concept of martial action and presence eludes most in an understanding of life and death. To be, but not to be, is in truth the walking presence of the holy one. The flowing stream of earthly waters guides the mind of the holy one where nothing clings or burdens in a totality of earthly moments.

Others only see power in external finite patterns of culture and society and if the societal based culture is materialistic then power in most peoples minds will consist of things materialistic. On the other hand, a holy one only sees power within—themselves, the earth and the heavens.

Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei

Courage is of the heart not of the ego. A holy one listens and in the listening, learns. The ones that are directed by the ego only talk, for in the silence, the ego loses its power. Fools are the ones that are directed by the ego. Attachment is the stone balloon of spiritual/martial power. And the ego loves attachment, the larger the sense of ego the larger the attachment.

A holy one has a strong mind, whereas one ruled by the ego has a weak mind, no amount of training or physical ability can ever compensate for this weakness of the mind. A holy one’s ego, however, is that compassionate voice within us that provides a golden pathway between our heart and mind. A holy one’s ego sees I in the We and We in the I, not just I or not just We. This is the wholeness (holiness) of existence.

A dojo is a training place of the spirit. When you enter a dojo can you feel the spirit?  A true dojo is wherever the holy one decides to practice and share wisdom. This may be in a field or mist-covered mountain valley. The holy one and the dojo are one and the same. Do not be fooled by fancy large buildings. The dojo is within the heart of the holy one, wherever the heart is, there you will discover the dojo.

Tell me a secret, many will ask. But there are no secrets for the ones that see…many call themselves a master…but I ask them: “Have you mastered your own life?”

Warrior Sage Warrior Sage Training The Last Samurai