Quest List Google Group

An-shu on meaning behind training uniform change

2008-11-18T15:42:40Z

-----Original Message-----
Behalf Of Michael Bruce
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 10:15 PM
To: Quest List

In the home series, when Anshu goes outside and the techniques go "old
school" the uniform changes a little... Is that a Hakama? and does it tuck
into the boots or tie somewhere? Mostly a curiosity thing because I see it

A uniform question

2008-11-14T03:15:21Z

In the home series, when Anshu goes outside and the techniques go "old
school" the uniform changes a little... Is that a Hakama? and does it
tuck into the boots or tie somewhere? Mostly a curiosity thing because
I see it more and more now across the web.

Thanks!
Michael Bruce
To-Shin Do Distance Learner

Any To-Shin Do students in the metro Washington, DC area?

2008-08-11T20:35:38Z

Hello, everyone.
I'm looking to see if there are any students of To-Shin Do living in the
metro Washington, DC area, perhaps former students, perhaps some
long-distance learners, or perhaps some aspiring TSD students that would be
interested in getting together for some training.
Holler back if interested.

Mr Norris' UK Seminar

2008-07-02T14:11:10Z

Just a short word of thanks to all those involved in Mr Norris' seminar last weekend

It was my first time training with Mr Norris and I have to say I wish I'd been able to attend previous events!
Many thanks, sir, for so openly sharing your skill, experience and energy. Yet another To-Shin Do senior proves to be an inspiration.

James Kentoshi Norris seminar in Liverpool

2008-05-30T10:16:39Z

Hi everyone,

mr Dale Hesketh is organising a seminar on june 28-29 with Shihan
James Kentoshi Norris.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY !!

Covering:
Kenjutsu shoden Kata
modern knife fighting techniques

more information on [link] (word file
format) or contact DALE HESKETH trough his website [link]

Mountain Quest 2008!

2008-05-13T21:54:40Z

It's coming up on that wonderful time of year again, when the Chapel
Hill Quest Center relocates to its hidden retreat for the weekend of
intense training, cliff-side nighttime black-belt testing, deep
spiritual waterfall experience, and campfire crepe-cooking that we
call Mountain Quest. If you have not attended before (including those

RE: [Quest List] South Africa

2008-05-09T19:47:21Z

Dear Shihan Brett
It was an absolute honour to have you as a friend and teacher over here in
South Africa. We will definitely host the annual event of the Umoya Wendoda
Seminar (Spirit of the Warrior), and invite all our family friends in To
Shin Do to come and join us for the great event. See you all at festival

Re: Sixth Sense training

2008-05-09T17:15:23Z

Michael,

I know there have been a lot of good recommendations here. I'm a
L.D.S. as well.

Anshu Hayes covers the first basics of it in "Ninja Vol. 1: Spirit of
the Shadow Warrior" starting on page 105 (chapter 6). I recommend
starting with page 93 (chapter 5) which covers active meditaiton that

Re: [Quest List] Re: Sixth Sense training

2008-05-09T15:29:44Z

Michael,
You're time would be very well spent going over the meditation exercises
in Anshu Hayes' first book in the Ohara series. These are the BEST
books available in the English language for learning the martial arts
and sciences that Stephen Hayes has received from his teachers. As
others have reminded me in the past, there is enough there for you and

South Africa

2008-05-09T13:51:01Z

Hello All,
I got back last Friday from a fantastic trip to South Africa to train with
Denis Dorward and Rick Bothma and their students.
Denis and Rick are running a Quest Affiliate Group in the area northeast of
Jo'Burg and have a wonderful group of students training with them.
The country is beautiful and the hospitality was absolutely incredible.

Re: [Quest List] Re: Sixth Sense training

2008-05-09T03:29:55Z

Thank you for the advice guys
Michael Bruce
Distance Learning Student
Mountain View, CA

RE: [Quest List] Sixth Sense training

2008-04-30T09:06:14Z

Hi Michael
The previous replies have excellent information.
Some of the "sixth sense" may evolve from many many hours of realistic tai-jutsu training. Especially, and this may be difficult for you as a long distance student, with a variety of training partners. Take advantage of every opportunity you can to train with groups and at seminars.

RE: [Quest List] Sixth Sense training

2008-04-29T16:15:37Z

Kuji #5 training is probably a good start. Although there is not a lot
of teachers out there that have worked with it so it may be a bit
difficult. I also see that you are a LDS student so I believe that
AnShu's books will be a great help. I believe that in either Vol. 1 or 2
he has some good training that may start you off honing this skill.

Re: [Quest List] Sixth Sense training

2008-04-29T13:44:44Z

Hello,
I believe that the Sakki test used in the Bujinkan Dojo under Soke Masaaki
Hatsumi is the first step to being able to recognize the feeling of danger.
Being able to live with the ability of this "sixth" sense is the true
lesson.
Luis Acosta
Yondan
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Margate, Florida

Re: [Quest List] Sixth Sense training

2008-04-29T05:19:23Z

Michael
Anshu has several books and addresses the issue and has some exercises to
start training the sixth sense. try the six books in his series.
Pat Bailey
North Platte, NE
Inner power Martial arts
----- Original Message -----
To: "Quest List" <Quest-List@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:23 PM

North Georgia Martial Arts Club Seminar

2008-04-25T17:14:50Z

North Georgia Martial Arts Club

To-Shin Do Seminar

We at the North Georgia Martial Arts Club are pleased to
announce that we will be hosting a To-Shin Do Ninjutsu seminar in
Toccoa, Georgia on July 18th - 19th. The seminar will be taught by
To-Shin Do Yondan, Mr. Robert Tokutoshi Broom, owner of the Chapel

Sixth Sense training

2008-04-25T02:23:32Z

Hi all,
Does anyone have any recommendations for exercises / activities to
train and hone the sixth sense? One further question: is the sakki
test the ultimate test of this skill or are there other attributes
that I can look for?

Michael Bruce
Distance Learning Student
Mountain View, CA

Re: Shoden Advanced Training study andCertification

2008-03-02T13:10:42Z

Thank you for the information, I will start with the Kihon programs.
Only one more question, ¿it is possible to take private lessons or
Shoden test in some Quest's School around Europe?. ¿Perhaps it is
possible in the Wirral, Liverpool?.

Thanks again.

Yours,
Luis González
Bujinkan student.

RE: [Quest List] Shoden Advanced Training study andCertification

2008-03-01T17:48:42Z

You do not need to be a Brown Belt in To-Shin Do or Bujinkan to complete the
Kihon or Shoden study programs.
Somehow a misperception got out into the world.
First, study and pass the test for Kihon diploma.
After you get your Kihon diploma, you may start working on your Shoden
practice.
We do not offer testing by remote video or DVD for passing the Shoden test.

Shoden Advanced Training study andCertification

2008-02-29T20:51:51Z

Hello. I am currently a Bujinkan student from about 4 years near to
conquer the shodan level. In an old post I readed that in order to
study and certify in the Quests Shoden Advanced Training courses it is
neccesary to hold a brown belt personal rank in To-Shin-Do. My
question is if it is posible starting the shoden advanced training

Apt info in a better format

2008-02-12T18:51:32Z

I apologize for not attaching the previous flyer in a simple doc
format.several people emailed me and mentioned it. So here it is again
(hopefully) more viewable.

Don Siclari
Dayton Ohio and New Haven CT

Dayton Apartment Info

2008-02-10T16:48:29Z

Hi All,

As many of you know I have an apartment in Dayton that I make available for
people who are coming into town for training. I wanted to pass along a flier
with pictures and other details.

Please contact me if you're planning to make a trip to the Dayton area.

All the best,
Don Siclari
CT and OH

[Quest List] AWSDA 2008 Conference

2008-02-10T19:05:31Z

Greetings:
The AWSDA's (Association for Women's Self Defense Advancement) 17th Annual
Self Defense Training Conference will be held on August 2-5, 2008, at
Greenville, SC
[link]
If you have thought about teaching at AWSDA, please submit your proposal to

Re: [Quest List] Re: In Theory, In Practice

2008-01-24T17:28:40Z

I am not a Quest Student anymore, and I haven't been for quite some time, however I like to read some of the threads from time to time. I must say that this response is right to the point and should give some people a different perspective of their training, why and how they train.
It is UP TO THE STUDENT, to determine with whom, where and how they train. Each person's goal varies from one other. I realized a long time ago that the Quest Center way of things wasn't right for me. My reasons are my own however it is MY training and I am the one responsible for it, not someone else.

Re: [Quest List] In Theory, In Practice

2008-01-24T06:42:53Z

22 years ago at the age of 10 I realized I wanted to be a ninja. October
15, 2005 I started my training under an instructor. My goal is the same
now as it was then only broader and with more thought behind it.
I believe that our instructors don't care about how many black belts
they put out. Rather they care about the QUALITY of black belts they put

RE: [Quest List] Re: Reminder on replies re:Cold Moon

2008-01-23T14:41:40Z

Thank you for sharing this Chris,
I had no idea that Google kept track of this amount of information. This is
good to know,
Best regards,
Johnnie Mock
Former Dayton Dojo
-----Original Message-----
Behalf Of Christopher S. Penn
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 3:01 PM

Re: Reminder on replies re:Cold Moon

2008-01-23T14:00:38Z

Many thanks for the kind words, Mike.

I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to be mindful
of Google's watchful eye online. It is literally everywhere, and it
does not forget.

Google searches, indexes, and stores copies of every public web page,
public forum, public discussion board, public email list it can find.

RE: [Quest List] Reminder on replies re:Cold Moon

2008-01-23T09:48:58Z

Hi all, nor sure if Mr Penn works solo on the Quest list but I'm sure you'll join me in offering thanks to all involved.
As someone who once accidentally put personal info on a post, which I understand Mr Penn edited ( thank you ) I have reason to be grateful for his diligence in these matters.Kind Regards

In Theory, In Practice

2008-01-21T21:53:44Z

As a long time student of the martial arts (27 years now), I have been
witness to many different strategies on how a martial arts studio or
training group should be run. Granted that according to the means at
your disposal, you (as an instructor) would try to streamline the
teaching process to match your student body and facilities in order to

Reminder on replies re:Cold Moon

2008-01-21T14:37:31Z

Hi folks,

Based on the number of messages in the queue, it appears that more
than a few folks are hitting reply to one of Mr. Merz's posts on the
list and sending customer service inquiries to the mailing list
instead. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about your
copy of the book, please open your email software of choice, start a

RE: [Quest List] Re: meaning request

2008-01-15T12:16:17Z

Arigato Anshu Hayes for the reply,
will try to send you the Kanji characters if possible,
thanks a lot for the reply dear Sir,
With best regards
from Hyderabad,IndiaProf.Dr.S.M.SID DIQ MAHMOODI
+91-9885044250
[link]

RE: [Quest List] Mr Varnum,s visit to South Africa

2008-01-15T06:46:01Z

Hi all, if you can make it I'm sure this will be a great event.
I'm 100% sure that Denis ( who can teach a lot himself himself! ) and his students will provide the very warmest of hospitality in a unique setting.
Mr Varnum I sadly only know by reputation but have only heard the very best about.

Best Wishes

RE: [Quest List] meaning request

2008-01-15T04:12:53Z

Dr. Siddiq,
Can you show me the Japanese written characters for this term JINSHIN KANPA
JUTSU.
Without the written characters, I would only be guessing at the meaning.
Is it possible that you are referring to Jin-shin Kana-me jutsu?
That is an elevated state of awareness said to be "Knowing with the mind of

Re: [Quest List] The BEST way to learn Wate and Fire Techs and tactics?

2008-01-15T03:17:16Z

Very nicely put, Laurentia! I hope you get to enjoy training with Mr.
Varnum when he is in your country. He is a wonderful person and an
inspiring teacher.
Cheers,
-Kent Wood
Boston Martial Arts Center
I hope

Mr Varnum,s visit to South Africa

2008-01-12T11:33:18Z

Hi all.
We at Budo Quest are proud to announce the visit of Hombu Shihan Brett Varnum to South Africa.
Mr Varnum will share his exstensive knowledge of both armed and unarmed Taijutsu at the first Quest Seminar to be held in Africa, on the 25th, 26th,&27th April 2008.
So why not come down to Pretoria, in sunny South Africa and spend an enjoyable week training with us.

meaning request

2008-01-11T11:32:58Z

Respected Anshu Hayes,
a small request for the meaning of the word,
JINSHIN KANPA JUTSU?
thanks,
Arigato
Dr.Siddiq
Golden Dragons
Hyderabad,India

The BEST way to learn Wate and Fire Techs and tactics?

2008-01-11T08:39:47Z

I was 55 years old, when I started doing TO SHIN DO,
in July 2005. My first experience of the "Martial
Arts" ever.
Challenging does not describe the Water element for
me. It took me two months to comprehend the "stepping
45 degrees" never mind doing it.
At that point in time I was training in mixed classes

Please move further Cold Moon discussion to private conversation

2008-01-04T04:36:32Z

Hi all,

There's about half a dozen posts debating in semi-polite the
conclusion of the Cold Moon book campaign. Please contact each other
directly and privately regarding how you feel the production issues
were handled, as well as any account/transactional issues.

Words posted publicly in an open forum like this are read by Google

RE: [Quest List] Cold Moon Update

2008-01-03T16:39:38Z

Hi all,
So my understanding of an e-mail from Mr. Merz dated 11/29/07 was that the
book was at the printer and would be ready to distribute on 12/6. Mr. Merz
was to begin sending them out on 12/13 (possibly sooner).
I have to say I am extremely disappointed in the manner in which this whole
debacle has been handled (over an incredibly loooong period of time).

Re: [Quest List] Cold Moon Is Here!

2008-01-03T21:46:09Z

I just want to take a minute and thank Jon for all the hard work he's done
seeing this project through. I'm sure it's taken far longer than Jon or any
of us would have preferred, but it's important to remember that life doesn't
always work out the way we want it to. Jon could have easily given up, but

Cold Moon Is Here!

2008-01-02T22:59:18Z

Happy New Year All,
As some of you might have heard, the copies of Cold Moon are at last
here at my office and ready to ship. That's the good news. The bad
news is my computer took a cyanide pill and the hard drive was wiped
out. My backups will take time to restore, so I thought I would simply

Re: [Quest List] Re: The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2008-01-02T16:57:17Z

Happy New Year to you all.
Wow this suggestion from An-Shu has provided so many interesting observations and suggestions.
At Quest Dojo we have normally stuck with the one month water, one month fire standard model as set down in the syllabus.
However over the last couple of months I felt that the students would benefit from focusing more on water footwork drills to improve distancing, angling and timing. This in partnership with the training Journals we have produced for each element has greatly benefited the students development.

Re: [Quest List] Re: The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-31T15:56:44Z

Dear All,
As another person who experienced the change at Chapel Hill halfway through
blue belt, I completely agree with Kim Stahl's comments. I would add that I
have found great value in classes where multiple elements are covered,
though. At Chapel Hill, Week 3 is spent reviewing kata from your current

Re: [Quest List] The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-30T16:07:37Z

An-Shu Hayes,
Interesting variety of responses! More variety than I expected within our
network.
When Mary and I started training at the (then-named) North Carolina Quest
Center, the curriculum was 9 months of water, then 9 months of fire. When
we were at solid red belt, it changed to an alternating-month format. I

Re: The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-28T22:43:58Z

In Chapel Hill, Mr. Broom and Mr. Merritt changed the organization of
the water and fire kyu-level material when I was about mid-way through
my blue belt, not quite two years ago. We had been alternating fire
and water month-by-month for the blue and red belts. Now we have blue
belts practice just the water techniques and red belts practice fire

RE: [Quest List] The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-28T19:05:17Z

Part of the difficulty here is that students learn in different ways. I
tend to mix it up, not only during the week of curriculum, but also from
month to month. Sometimes, this is illuminating for students and sometimes
it is confusing, so I find myself adapting my teaching style based on the
students in each class.

Re: The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-24T17:52:40Z

In our current 8th/7th kyu class at the Boston Martial Arts Center,
the theme for that class is water and fire idea/energy techniques,
based in part on the older Marishi-Kai curriculum. Just to establish
context, I've been teaching this class on Tuesday nights since October
2001.

What I've learned is that a concentrated focus on three areas gives me

Response to Anshu's inquiry

2007-12-24T16:29:46Z

Here at the Warrior Quest Society in California we have our students on an
element saturation program where they spend 4 months (sometimes less) in each
element. When we have students of multiple ranks we group them by elements
and give them their element specific kata and lessons to work on. If we have

Re: [Quest List] The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-23T22:01:48Z

I am unaware of how our curriculum is set up at Ann Arbor Quest but I
believe we spend a month or two in each element, maybe more. As a student
It doesn't matter to me if its a month or two or three. I am sure that
Keith and Ryan have set up a well thought out plan for us. I have the
utmost faith in my teachers that they have worked out a program that will

Re: [Quest List] The BEST way to learn Water and Fire techniques and tactics?

2007-12-23T17:46:44Z

I do mix water and fire techniques and principles within the same class at times. I certainly mix the two within a monthly schedule. I also make sure that the uke, who is usually attacking with fire energy, pays attention to proper fundamentals and does not just throw out an "attack" that is meant to lose. I instead ask that they throw their best attack and then slow it down until the tori is able to do the technique we are working on correctly. I have found that forcing the uke to take the attack seriously is the best way to ensure that the tori has a proper attack to work with and then both are actively training, instead of the uke putting his mind in neutral until it is his turn to do the technique.