Explore Quotes by Masaaki Hatsumi

It's important to make an effort under any circumstance - stagnant, sickness, being in an unstable lifestyle, even when society is insane. You should consider such periods as an omen before you move. When you are stuck on something, it is important to hold to your purpose but not press onward against the current. When you can't move at all, try to concentrate, continuing forward as if in a boat switching to a stronger motor. The keiko that is most important when you cannot move is kage no keiko [shadow training].

Focus on the future for 50%, on the present for 40%, and on the past for 10%

There was a famous Zen master whom people would seek out to become enlightened. He was strict and would occupy people with things having nothing to do with seeking enlightenment. You see, that is the only way to achieve enlightenment; by not focusing on achieving it. Then, one day it will just come to you.

Don't think that any one technique is the end. there is no end._x000D_ There is no perfect technique. Just when you think you've got_x000D_ them, you're dead because you didn't.

Breathe life into the weapon, don't take life away from it._x000D_ Keep walking, because walking is life.

The first priority to the ninja is to win without fighting.

What I want you to do is just take it as it is. Don't think too much. If you get involved with thinking about it, the whole thing gets lost or loses its purity. Don't think during practice - DO! The more you think, the further from the truth of budo you get: Budo is NOT an academic subject!

When weak or injured always continue training as you should always be able to adapt in any condition.

Budo is simply the study of the best ways to kill.

Forget your sadness, anger, grudges and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in a breeze. Do not indulge yourself in such feelings.

Humans have yet to dwell upon the consequences of their_x000D_ actions. People have yet to admit the bad that they do to_x000D_ nature, for example. Actually, most people spend their time_x000D_ finding fault in the action of others, rather than their own.

People who cannot respect others for their good qualities -_x000D_ people who only look at the bad in others - are no good_x000D_ themselves. By looking at only the bad points, you open_x000D_ yourself up, and in a real encounter, will most probably be_x000D_ killed.

Looking for the meaning of life, one man can discover the order of the universe. To discover the truth, to achieve. a higher spiritual state, that is the true meaning of ninja.

Always be able to kill your students

If you do something and it saves your life, it was good_x000D_ taijutsu. In a real fight, you aren't worried about what's_x000D_ pretty.

You are not punching them; it is your going into kamae that_x000D_ punches them.

Don't have a fixed idea in your head (that you have to use_x000D_ this or that technique). Use everything you've learned until_x000D_ now.

When properly applied, the kamae reflects the ninja's heart._x000D_ This means that our physical nature conforms to our intentions,_x000D_ and there is no division between our interior and exterior_x000D_ aspects. This state of integrated mind and body action is_x000D_ totally natural, and can be observed readily in the movements_x000D_ of animals as they interact with their environment. Only human_x000D_ beings seem to develop the need to be trained in natural body_x000D_ motion.

Move with your feet, the hands will follow.

There are times to kill and times not to kill. Please bear this in_x000D_ mind with grave consideration.

From now on you must strive to cut out unnecessary_x000D_ movement. Waste in movement is wrong and will get you_x000D_ killed.