A 10 year reflection- Ryan's story.

The fall of arrogance &
​the birth of humility.
​

Part 1

Why do you practice?

For over half of my life—22 years to be exact—I have been practicing martial arts and have been passionately interested in combat sports, boxing, fighting, warfare, and anything that promotes skill, style, and ass-kicking. It's been a constant presence, from real-life to movies, Japanese anime, cartoons, video games, and any other outlet I could find. This passion will always have a special place in my heart. Over the years, various experiences and influences, in different arenas and under different teachers, have both encouraged and disillusioned me. Few have stood the test of time, serving as examples of patience, perseverance, humility, and humbleness—virtues often talked about but not often practiced by serious martial artists.

Before meeting Ishizuka Sensei and becoming a student of my current teacher, Kacem Zoughari, I had practiced in Bujinkan, Taekwondo, Aikido, Boxing, and MMA, with limited exposure to BJJ. While I enjoyed Bujinkan, it was the effectiveness, flow, agility, and assertiveness of boxing that impressed me the most. These characteristics still hold my interest today, and I deeply appreciate the sweet science of boxing.

Blinded by ego, my approach to martial arts improvement revolved around a desire for effectiveness through violence and athletic prowess. I foolishly believed that by simply training harder, I could acquire the desired skills through sheer sweat and effort. (Thank you, Dragon Ball Z, for the misguided inspiration!) However, this proved to be a foolish and idiotic approach.

My focus was solely on short-term goals such as grades, awards, titles, and the admiration of my peers, teachers, and others. I was so preoccupied with being effective, feeling confident in my abilities, and ensuring my ego was constantly stroked that I failed to consider crucial aspects like my position, precision, structure, gravitational loading, movement efficiency, and, most importantly, my mistakes and weaknesses, what are they? What am I terrible at? Mindfully addressing and deliberately focusing on practice specifics that challenged my ego rather than bolstering it were completely foreign concepts that never existed in my universe.

"Some 12 years ago, at the age of 26, after a 3-year layoff from martial arts due to work circumstances, I found myself being heckled and harassed by a long-term friend to return to training. Encouraged by my partner at the time (now my beautiful wife and mother of my 2 awesome kids), I decided to go along just once to humor my very persistent friend. 'If you're not into it, at least you showed your mate some courtesy and tried,' she said."



Boom! Just like a rampant infection spreads, that's all it took. The desire for what I used to call training (now practice) returned and took hold. With just one visit to my old training dojo, the fire was lit once again. To my old friend, I am forever in debt and immensely appreciative of his encouragement. Each week, he would pick me up on the way to training and drop me back, never once asking for money or anything in return. The training sessions were an hour in each direction, often resulting in both of us not getting home until after 10 pm, sometimes even later.

Unfortunately, due to some disagreements, different outlooks, and poor attitudes, especially on my part, we are no longer close and don't communicate at all. I should have been more considerate and empathetic. I am deeply sorry. For this, I am forever saddened. If you ever read this, Andrew, I know we have had our differences, but I do miss the friendship we once had, and I am genuinely sorry for the issues we encountered in the past. I am only a phone call away if you ever want to hang out again.

As a result, a rekindled outlook on training blossomed. I would only miss one class in the next three years that followed. (But notice the word I used: TRAINING instead of PRACTICE. Two very different mindsets.) I was now back teaching and training a class for this particular school on Wednesday nights, in addition to attending the Monday classes. The dojo was strong, and the school had an infectious energy. I was back in the groove, baby! And I loved it! The passion for martial arts burned stronger than ever.

Ryan and his daughter practicing together from the start!

​A new fusion of MMA/Boxing and Bujinkan was being taught at my old school, advertised as "Ninjutsu for the modern day." It was addictive, aggressive, assertive, painful, sweaty, and tough! Real warrior stuff, or so I thought. How delusional I was. Upon reflection, it was more akin to bullying, institutional inbreeding, and violence—lacking control, humbleness, or humility. It was nothing but egotistical bravado and brainwashing, resembling a cult.

For years, without question, like a young boy wanting acceptance from the older guys, my logic and questioning were overshadowed by nourishing my ego. It was during this time that I ventured to some MMA and boxing lessons to test out my Bujinkan practice. Within my own dojo, I felt confident in my skills, so naturally, I thought I would be more than capable. How wrong I was. My first attempts against MMA, like trying to apply Ichimonji and various other tactics taught at my dojo, resulted in me receiving an ass kicking. 

It's important to note that at this point, I had at least 10 years of martial arts experience and was teaching many students. However, individuals with significantly less experience in martial arts but some exposure to MMA, boxing, BJJ, and wrestling were easily picking me apart. I then brought this question to my teacher at the time. “How can I make Bujinkan practice effective against MMA?


He explained that he had practiced boxing and kickboxing with bare knuckles against opponents, and that this formed a significant basis of his style and movements. His conclusion was simple: I should learn to box. And so I did.





Now, where was my ability to rationally question what I was learning? It was non-existent! Thinking for myself? Forget about it. It wasn't Ninjutsu that would address the holes and weaknesses I had, but another style that I intended to fuse with Bujinkan training to improve myself, which included violence and aggression. Have you ever seen that Netflix show Cobra Kai? That was my dojo for the most part. 

When Gray Anderson and I later started Siechusen Dojo, students from our previous schools even came to a class to dojo storm us and demand we shut down our dojo, just like an episode of Cobra Kai! Crazy stuff; some people are just dickheads. At this school, I was never even taught the true names of techniques or their origins. Heck, they weren’t even techniques; they would make things up on the spot based on feelings. WTF? I was completely unaware and unfocused on the accuracy aspects of my practice, yet if you asked me, I would have proudly said I practiced Ninjutsu and was a black belt. How ridiculous!

"My skills improved, and so did my ego. This delusional outlook focused on what validated my ego, what made me feel good. Hitting students and friends hard, thinking it made me powerful, effective, a real tough warrior (how pathetic, in hindsight). I genuinely believed I was good. This blindness prevented me from recognizing my shortcomings, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Moreover, the longevity of practice never crossed my mind. I didn’t notice how most guys in class over 40 had poor musculoskeletal health, lots of aches and pains, and terrible flexibility. During that period, I never contemplated the future of my practice. It never occurred to me that continuing down this path would inevitably lead to my body breaking down and prevent me from practicing. I hadn’t even delved into how broken professional fighters and most athletes are as they approach their 40s and 50s. This distracted view meant that problems were never addressed until they became painful enough to demand attention. It also became clear that much of what I had learned from my Bujinkan experience was fundamentally flawed, particularly at its core.. No wonder other styles consider Ninjutsu the laughing stock of the martial arts community."

The Awakening Begins - Part 2

The first to my trips to Japan occurred in October 2014. It all started when my close friend and brother, Gray Anderson (of Seichusen Dojo), re-entered my life in early 2014 after nearly a complete decade of no contact. Through sheer chance, we reignited our camaraderie over martial arts and life, feeling as if we were 16 all over again.

Gray began sharing stories of movements on the line and concepts he had learned from a captivating Frenchman, Kacem Zoughari, who possessed remarkable skills in the 9 Ryu. He had met Kacem in Japan during his final few days of his previous trip in 2012. I was immediately intrigued, and we delved into deep debates and discussions.

We decided to incorporate the concept of the one line into our Bujinkan practice, both in our personal training and in the classes I was teaching. This single fundamental principle added angles, purpose, and effectiveness to our training. I couldn't help but wonder why no one had ever mentioned this in my previous decade of practice. Why was it not taught? Why did no one else know about it? Also, what exactly was a line of transmission?

At that juncture, I held the position of foreman at a construction geotechnics laboratory. Gray expressed a keen interest in organizing a trip to Japan in October, spanning several weeks, with the aim of tracking down Kacem and training at the dojo of his master, Tetsuji Ishizuka. Gray began working alongside me at the laboratory and we meticulously planned for the journey.

Ryan loved practicing in the Lab, because we had 6ft10 giants to play with!

This trip was a pivotal moment for me, as it would determine whether the martial arts of Japan were superior to my MMA/Bujinkan hybrid. If proven ineffective (classical Japanese arts), I would pursue that hybrid Bujinkan/MMA  path into the cage. Regardless, heading directly to the source would provide the answer I desperately sought.
It was during this trip that all my outlooks, foundations, and fundamental knowledge of everything I wholeheartedly believed in would be challenged and shattered. A profound desire for truth, correctness, and knowledge was born. Our journey spanned five weeks, during which we stayed at Ishizuka Dojo. For those who haven’t had the privilege, this place is akin to a university but for classical martial arts.

The dojo itself is quaint but rich with history, echoing with the sounds of years of bodies hitting the floor under Sensei's guidance. Books on the 9 Ryu line the shelves, while an array of weapons adorn every wall. Nestled amidst the remnants of a bamboo forest in Noda, Japan, the dojo offers Spartan-style living with a shower to squat in, minimal furniture, and an abundance of wildlife, creepy crawlies and one of the smallest TVs in all of Japan. Despite its rustic charm, it boasts its own Hawaiian-themed bar and a potato garden just outside.

Practice is available anytime you like, offering a martial arts retreat with just the right amount of grit and old-school ambiance. It was truly an experience of a lifetime, the dream of many young 10-year-olds when I was growing up and embodying the legendary type of place every serious martial arts practitioner would aspire to practice at. I consider myself incredibly privileged to have had this experience, as it was solely responsible for the cascade of changes my life has undergone over the past decade. Though none of them easy, each change has been fruitful, rewarding, humbling, and ultimately life-shaping.
It took a man 66 years young, a Japanese master of classical martial arts, and his highly skilled disciple, a charismatic and youthful rap-busting Frenchman of 42 years, less than two days to humble me in a major way. I wasn't prepared for the abrupt education I was about to receive, but that's exactly what I had come for.

Kacem removed his Beats by Dre headphones as he left his master's dojo after teaching a class. I approached him, brimming with confidence, and challenged his skills. "Can I try you?" I asked with a cocky demeanor. "Sure, are you ready now?" Kacem replied. I was caught off guard (His reply meant right here,right now!). We moved into the center of the dojo,  standing in shizen, he waited for me to make a move, and before I knew it, I was on the floor. This process repeated itself another six or so times. On the final occasion, a slight tweak to my neck from Kacem made it clear that I had been outclassed every time. I had no chance. I couldn't see his movements, let alone stop or avoid them. I felt like a four-year-old trying to fight a professional. 

I don't actually know what I had expected to happen. I can't believe I ever thought I could even lay a hand on this guy. But as they say, ignorance is bliss. When you're filled with ego, you walk around blind to a lot of things—how could you not? This is what happens when your head is so far up your own ass that you can't see any light, let alone the right path to take.

It's fair to say that this moment was the single most defining and change-provoking experience of my entire life. It set my course with laser-like focus on challenging all the concepts I thought I knew, and it sparked a curiosity to question all the knowledge and truths that I had previously considered undisputed—which, as I've since discovered, were often not true in almost every aspect of my life.

The true impact of this experience wouldn't be felt until 12 days into my trip. Devastated by how humbling the last 10 days had been, I found myself trying to find solace in any thoughts that would comfort me about my past achievements. I had a few choices I could make: #1 - Bury my head in the sand or back up my ass and pretend it didn't happen. #2 - Quit martial arts altogether and find something new to distract me. Or #3 - Start from the beginning again and walk this difficult path laid before me.

I came to the realization that my experiences in martial arts and fighting up to that point were infinitesimal. While they served as stepping stones to get me to where I was, they were ultimately pathetic and completely outclassed. Kacem had infected my brain and crushed my ego. I needed redemption... So I chose the hardest option: #3. I would need to begin rebuilding myself with a new foundation, in the image of my new mentor. It would be a path of constant self-analysis, humbleness, perseverance, and a quest for true self-knowledge. A path that seeks only to be disciplined like the master and to honor the previous generations of the 9 Ryu through lifelong practice and patience.

A Paradigm Shift - Part 3

Since my first meeting with Kacem and Ishizuka Sensei some 10 years ago, my entire life has taken a new course. On a personal level, I have married the most beautiful and kind woman in my world and have been blessed with 2 amazing children who bring joy to my life every day.
Furthermore, my professional trajectory has shifted significantly. Encouraged by both Ishizuka Sensei and Kacem to deepen my understanding of biomechanics and human movement, I pursued a diploma in Remedial Massage. This endeavor led me to an incredible opportunity to study under the foremost experts in soft tissue injury in Australia, who happen to be father and son. Under their guidance, I acquired invaluable concepts that now inform the way I approach the body and treatments for my clients.

Today, I am the director of my own clinic, where my pursuit of knowledge on the body, movement efficiency, postural issues, and longevity is seamlessly integrated with my martial arts practice. I have tailored my life to align with what I believe practice entails and means to me. Even the act of learning massage skills imparts a wealth of knowledge: anatomy, body functions, movement, communication, observation, awareness, touch sensitivity, precision, accuracy, humbleness, and professionalism. On a physical level, it instills good posture, efficiency in body use, and hand conditioning, along with structural alignment for my hands, thumbs, fingers, and so forth. Through reflection, it fosters humbleness, reminding me that if clients are limited in physical capacity, perhaps I am too. These are invaluable tools for understanding what the practice of martial arts in the modern day should represent and what it signifies to me.

It's all about longevity. Can I attain and help others achieve quality movement throughout life? Movement that continuously challenges and propels us to surpass yesterday's capacities, enabling us to live longer without being hindered by weakness, poor joint function, and a prematurely deteriorating body. Humans are having children later in life; I didn't have my first child until I was 30. If the same timeframe applies to my kids, I'll be at least 60 when my first grandchild arrives, and they typically aren't fully active and mobile until around age three. Having the ability to move with silky smooth, effortless skill is something I aspire to—a possibility I believe we can achieve through humble education and following the right path. 

I believe that practicing the 9 Ryu provides us with the tools to age with style and grace. Modern nutrition and longevity research offer even more advantages than those available to warriors and practitioners of the past. Continually refining our knowledge throughout our lifetimes, discerning what is useful and what is not, is the key to ongoing improvement. 

If you struggle to do something physically at age 40, consider how that same process will look at 50, 60, 70, and beyond. If you haven't stopped to acknowledge that aging and frailty are real issues beyond 65, it's time to wake up and reconsider. To every sports martial arts practitioner (BJJ, Judo, MMA, Karate, Kendo, Iaido etc.) with sore knees at 35 years old: While you may love what you do, have you considered the impact on your knee health at ages 50 and 60? Have you thought about how this affects your hip function and its connection to your pelvis and lower back?  Don't ignore the pain—seek treatment. And if what you're doing causes pain, pause for a moment! Consider why I urge you to do so. Think about how you can change or improve to minimize your discomfort. Something you do for fun three times a week for two hours shouldn't have a debilitating effect on the rest of your life.

I've completely transformed my life to align with the practice of the 9 Ryu under the guidance and influence of Kacem. His gift of teaching me humility has shown me how to gradually shed my ego piece by piece. Delving deeper into the understanding and workings of how and why has provided profound insights into all aspects of my life, and this journey of discovery continues to unfold.

There's always more work to be done. Can you polish that diamond even further? Can you uncover more magic in seemingly mundane movements that appear straightforward and boring on the surface? How deep are you willing to dig? How much do you aspire to emulate your teacher? These are the questions that drive me forward on this path of growth and self-discovery.

The Movement is Simple but hard to find. It has a structure, a nucleus - Part 4

Fundamental structural concepts are at play here. These concepts serve as the cornerstone for correct postural function in Earth's gravity for all humans, across all tasks, work, and movements. They are the very principles that enable infants to begin generating locomotion and stability, laying the foundation for how we all learn to walk and move. These principles form the core nucleus of the 9 Ryu we practice, but they are equally significant players in our everyday lives.

The inability to utilize these foundational movements runs counter to our inherent nature. It's evident that modern-day living is negatively impacting our lives in all aspects. Physically and mentally, we are deteriorating as technology and convenience play increasingly significant roles in our lives each year. Our bodies' natural movement capacities and stability are being heavily affected, leading to postural deviations so far from neutral that it's no wonder we struggle just to assume Ichimonji.

While services like Netflix and Uber Eats offer convenience, they are also contributing to our decline. Takamatsu Sensei never faced issues assuming Kamae or briskly walking into old age. Yet, the majority of people over 40 in modern times experience some degree of lower back and knee pain, hindering their ability to sit comfortably in seiza.

If you haven't yet discovered the nucleus that enables you to unify your body as a whole and stabilize it on the surfaces from which you operate, you will inevitably face limitations and begin to exhibit symptoms of physical decline. Without finding a way to integrate common everyday movements with our practice, the journey will remain arduous and lengthy.

I believe in the truth of what Kacem says: "everything is the same." There are only a handful of ways we can bend and move, but without access to proper movement, we cannot position ourselves to reinforce the body correctly and utilize it effectively. Learning to do this is essential for longevity in both life and practice. This underscores the importance of self-reflection and adopting a humble attitude, as they are crucial for progress. Continuously asking questions like "why" or "how" is essential on this journey of discovery.

The practice and way of the sword, staff, spear, rifle, pistol, unarmed combat, and more all demand a cultivated awareness of our body's weaknesses and limitations. It is imperative to address these fundamentals before any meaningful acquisition of skills in the aforementioned disciplines can occur. Factors such as flexibility, stability, coordination, structural alignment, joint centration, and the highest level of proprioception are essential. Additionally, one must undergo a thorough dismantling of the ego at its deepest level.

These elements are crucial for fostering a continuous lifetime of learning and improvement. It entails never resting on the achievements of yesterday but always striving to enhance oneself for tomorrow.

The most misunderstood aspect and foundational part of the 9 Ryu curriculum is the fundamental ability to unify all of these seemingly separate skills under one body structure. This structure prioritizes the health of the body, enhances range of motion, and cultivates strength that can be applied to everyday life. This is where the true usefulness of martial arts in the modern day lies. So no, you're not a ninja. Just a modern-day enthusiast (like myself) who requires more self-reflection and humble approaches to all aspects of life. It entails continually striving to stay disciplined on a long journey of deep personal cultivation and mastery of one's body and mind.

I now realize that claiming to practice Ninjutsu is ludicrous. Ninjutsu encompasses spying, assassination, infiltration, and exfiltration—skills and techniques passed down through a direct lineage, from one master to one disciple, from assassin to assassin. It is not a haphazard collection of techniques demonstrated and transmitted poorly in a classroom or large group that one attends once or twice a week.

The concept of Ninjutsu exists within all human movements, and its form can be found in everything, every task, every chore. Kamae and structure represent our efficiency in gravity—or, for the ignorant, a lack thereof.

These past 10 years have been my most profound life lesson. They have humbled me and revealed to me that there is another path—a different perspective and an unexplored, scarcely considered way to move, to be effective, to live, and to age with grace, style, skill, and class. It's about pure efficiency and control, with an attitude that should never outgrow the boots you wear, always keeping you humble enough to remain engaged and continue forward. There's always more to do. That is the path, the way.

Thank you for your time.

Ryan

P.S (by Gray)

Ryan is too humble to mention it, but he is probably the best soft tissue therapist in Australia, in conjunction with being Dr Kacem Zoughari's only student in Australia.
Ryan, practices out of Newcastle, Australia. If you ever want to practice in Australia, this is the place to be at. And if you have injuries, aches and pains or you just cannot move well, he can probably get you on the mend better than almost anyone can. You wont find anyone more dedicated than him, when it comes to his family, his practice and his clinic!