Ninjitsu Dojos?

[Hikage]

Hikage………..That example does not seem to be based on bigotry or discrimination (at least not from an ethnic perspective maybe financial). If only one were allowed access based on ethnicity that would be different. This seems an issue of simple capitalistic greed. Don't get me wrong I am not suggesting it does not exist; just saying it does not appear to be obvious in your example.

Then why was he awarded the 1st kyu? He paid the same price for that as the other guys? I suppose it's in the matter of your interpretation. Question? You a white boy?

-Hikage

[Uke]

This was an interesting topic, with many things said.

I agree that Ninjitsu is not a common art.
I also agree that there are some frauds out there, and I have met some.
Unfortunately, I am not in nor have I ever been to Oklahoma, so i cannot recommend anyone there teaching Ninjitsu.

However, I do know of 2 reputable teachers who have so many students that one may be located in your area.

Shoto Tanemura and Ronald Dunkin. I know some of Tanemura's students and Dunkin's students. They're both good. Really good.

Now for the politics.

Tanemura can trace his lineage to ancestors who have trained before him and so forth. If that means something to you, then he would be your man. In my opinion, it means nothing to me as long as the art I learn works and is of the highest quality.

Dunkin learned most of his what he knows through traveling in the military. He has spent years refining his techniques and from what I've seen he is quite the real thing. If you're old enough to remember the old "Ninja" magazines, you'll see him in there frequently. During the 80's, Dunkin was one of the highest authorities on ninjitsu. I can assure you that there is no buying rank in his system. Time on his mat is the only way to progress, and they don't play. I prefer his ninjitsu to Tanemura's. Dunkin's students seem to be far more skilled at many more skills including but not limited to empty hands, falls, tumbling, traditional weapons, exotic weapons, throwing weapons...they're worth checking out.

I have never met any of Hatsumi's students, and over the years the reputation of being a rich man's art came from them(Hatsumi and Steven Hayes). I'm not saying that Hayes hasn't payed his dues. I'm simply stating that I'm aware of him and that particular style having developed that rep.

If any of you are interested in reading and learning more about ninjas and ninjitsu, I'd suggest you take some time out and read Peter Urban's "Ninjitsu People". I enjoyed it and found it informative. As a matter of fact, I believe I have a copy on disk. If anyone would like it, just ask.

Peace

[m.artist]

i would like a copy of that information if you don't mind.

[Uke]

where to send it?

Write down your email address and I'll send it to you. Its too big to post here, but no, I do not mind sending it to you, M.Artist.

[IPON]

Then why was he awarded the 1st kyu? He paid the same price for that as the other guys? I suppose it's in the matter of your interpretation. Question? You a white boy?-Hikage

First, My ethnic background is irrelevant!

Second, I am a man not a Boy!

Thrid, I am far from being whatever is considered "white"

Fourth, regarding the rationale, again as you stated it seems more to due with money. I think you need to read between the lines. I undertstand your instructor told you this story, but without more detail it does not add up. I am sure that this other person paid for the first testing as well, which seems more logical considering the the additional money he paid in the subsequent months. Again, if everyone paid the same money and only this guy was promoted by virtue or being "white" that would fall into what is considered to be "racisim". Your example clearly shows differential treatmen, but is seems based on money not cutltural or ethic background. Again, I didn't say it didn't exist, it just doesn't appear that was the issue from what was written.

Answer these question

* Is that man teaching now?

* If it was so racist why did your instructor continue studies. I would have stopped for fear of not being allowed to truely learn the system.

* Your instructor EARNED his BB, no? Well ask your self who really came out ahead? who is more qualified to teach? Who can utilize thoses techiques and protect not only himself but his family/friends.

I would not waste my time thinking about someone who earned a BB in 6 months, I would laugh. But I am not sure if I would want to be part of a organiztion that promoted someone that quickly.

[m.artist]

Write down your email address and I'll send it to you. Its too big to post here, but no, I do not mind sending it to you, M.Artist.

i don't want to post it here (privacy i guess)
do you have private messaging or instant messaging?

[Uke]

Make up a hotmail account and let me know. Its not a big deal. I just happen to like what GrandMaster Urban wrote. Nice detail to it.

[m.artist]

martialartist16@hotmail.com

only thing i could think of

[IPON]

Make up a hotmail account and let me know. Its not a big deal. I just happen to like what GrandMaster Urban wrote. Nice detail to it.

Hi Uke could you also send me a copy, you can send me an email

[sirmattu]

hey if all else fails and you can't find a ninjutsu school you should look for another martial arts that compliments your style of karate like tkd, or do an art that isn't a striking art like judo. most schools have both of those arts available. just something to think about.

[Uke]

I've sent a copy to m.artist and IPON. I hope you both enjoy it. I know I did.

[m.artist]

thx alot man!