Shinobi Skills - 101

Last night, disguised as an ordinary citizen, hiding his super-Naruto-like powers, Yamaguchi-sensei shared the secrets to becoming an extra-ordinary Ninja.

Topics he covered were:

• How to look like an ordinary citizen, even though you're really a Ninja.
• Why running (away) is the true secret to a Ninja's success and life longevity.
• The true reason why Chiba Shin'ichi's Hattori Hanzo character turned from being a respectable Ninja-extraordinaire into a sword-maker in Kill Bill.
• And many more...!

Students who missed last night's practice will regret the information that they could have been privy to.

On a more solemn note, Yamaguchi-sensei requested that we maintain a quiet practice, in honor of the Matsuyama family's presence at the temple. As a result, the remainder of the night, until the family's departure, was primarily one of lecture on the basics of Kendo, such as:

• Proper attire for Kendo
• Proper method for holding Shinai
• Proper footwork
• Meaning of Ki-Ken-Tai Ichi

Post practice activities included the topic:

"How many Kenshi does it take to fold a table?"

Participants included:

• Hosokawa Hiroyoshi-sensei
• Hosokawa Yuji-sensei
• Kin'no Kohjiro-sensei from OCB
• Richard Ra
• Ray Vernica
• Kiju Park
• and this lone observer....

Approximately 20 minutes was spent attempting to fold a table that was used to serve post-practice drinks.

Unfortunately, Yamaguchi-sensei did not present any lecture topics on how to fold tables like a Ninja. Surely a request to be put in for next time.