“Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn’t even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.” – Heraclitus

 But until then what is he to do? What is the life of an eagle amongst chickens? The 99 will seek status and possessions. But the One will be concerned with what he is, over what he has. That is their reason for living, but the One must journey and transform. 

We call such a journey Musha shugyo, and our avatar, or icon for this is Miyamoto Musashi who set a wonderful example 500 years ago and left words to guide those who might follow. 

He is the figure above in the logo, who at thirteen  set out alone in 1596 on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. He became the greatest of samurai swordsmen—a master strategist, artist, sculptor, and author of   The Book of Five Rings. Musashi knew who he was, what he was doing, and why. He was the hero of the adventure that was his life. 

To accomplish this he made a transformative journey 

In feudal Japan, Musha Shugyo was the samurai’s transformative pilgrimage—a journey of adversity and risk, undertaken to forge character, refine skills, and uncover one’s true essence. 

Now its your turn. It works for me to call your goal The Mind of the Martial Artist. 

This quest is not one you take alone. Many others walk this path, bound by a shared curiosity for the books, films, and ideas that reveal deeper insights into the martial way. While discussions often revolve around weapons and tactics, the true treasures are often found on the shelves of books or in the quiet reflections they inspire. 

As we progress, I’ll share recommendations and invite you to share your own discoveries—be it books, movies, or wisdom you’ve encountered. Together, we can enrich this journey and support one another in our pursuit of excellence. 

The beauty of Musha Shugyo is its unending nature. It is not merely a goal to reach but a way of life. Along this path, you will continually rediscover who you are, what you stand for, and the deeper purpose behind your actions. 

Our training system begins with a framework: a mnemonic of eight positions that will strengthen your core, physically and mentally. Each position is paired with a micro-exercise, blending ancient traditions with modern insights from sports psychology and neuroscience. 

This system isn’t just about physical training—it’s a tool to cultivate clarity, discipline, and a mindset that thrives in adversity. 

Thank you for your trust in beginning this journey. I hope we meet along the way, sharing stories, learning, and evolving together.  This happens when you hit the button below.

—