I told my friend Jack Hoban that I am getting a lot of questions from my friends about our up-coming ethical leadership seminar. Martial arts practitioners and spiritual seekers alike want to know why I have chosen to make such a boldly different move in my presentation for this event. I tell my friends I am doing this because I have passed the 60-year mark and there is much I have learned in my decades of study that I have not taught because it just did not seem to be in demand yet. But now things are different. I can no longer wait for my seniors in their 70s and 80s to take that initiative in teaching, and the world seems different now, suffering from financial, ethical, and health crises that have caused so many to question the way they live their lives. I feel morally compelled to do it.

I asked Jack what he tells his friends. Give it to me straight, I said. Why should people trust us on this one, and make it happen to be there with us on this special day in March?

Here’s what Jack wrote back:

Some people (actually many people) have asked about the seminar I am giving in two weeks with Stephen Hayes.

The first question is: Why? Answer: Because I want to. I have been friends with Stephen for almost 30 years. Our lives took different paths over that time, but our friendship remained strong. He introduced me to Hatsumi Sensei at his house and facilitated my first extended solo visit to Japan. He is a brilliant guy with many interesting experiences to share – and I want to continue to share them, and I want my friends to have that opportunity, as well. If they want to.

Second question: What is it about? Answer: It is about ethics, leadership and warriorship. While not a martial arts seminar, per se, it will have all the elements of the sanhsin: body, mind, spirit. We will draw from our martial arts experiences, military experiences, experiences in Tibet and with the Dalai Lama, business…in other words, LIFE. How do you live in the REAL world as an ethical person, a leader and a warrior. You do not need a martial arts uniform (loose-fitting business casual clothing is appropriate) but this ain’t going to be no Anthony Robbins workshop.

Third question: Should I go? Answer: Only you can answer that. But if you agree that the world needs some fierce, ethical leadership in this day and age, you may want to join us. Because that’s what Stephen and I think.

Fourth, (and unspoken) question: You are confusing me – Is this some weird twisting of the Bujinkan? Answer: Bujinkan is Masaaki Hatsumi’s martial art. So, no, this is not Bujinkan. Have both both Stephen Hayes’ and my perspectives of life been impacted by our (very different) experiences with Hatsumi Sensei? Absolutely, and that is part of who we are and what we will present. But this is not a martial arts class. This is an ethics and leadership workshop – for warriors willing to take the lead in their lives.

There is an agenda posted RGI. Check the bottom of the page.