Hoshinroshiryu

[khafra]

Nobody noticed this on the teacher board, so I thought I'd repost it here; there's a good chance you ninjas have heard of Dr. Morris:


Perhaps this one would be better suited to the general board, but does anyone have an opinion or experience with it? Soke is Dr. Glenn Morris, who wrote Path Notes of an American Ninja Master (introduction by Masaaki Hatsumi, so I guess he's not a complete nut).

It's eclectic and a bit scholarly, students read a related book and submit a report every month.
I like the inclusion of TCM, massage, and other such things into the curriculum, but I wish I had some disinterested but trustworthy third-party opinions on it. And where does one go for that?

Well, here, of course.

[eninpodotcom]

Dr. Morris is from my neck of the woods, Louisiana. Anything you want to know about him, I am sure he will answer freely. It might take some time, but he will get back to you.

[khafra]

I did ask him a question by email, and he answered, but not quite what I asked--he seemed a little hurried, I'm sure he gets tons of email, in addition to working at the college, Sokeing, doing seminars with businesses, and continuing to pursue other martial arts.

[KundaKali]

I've actually read all three of his books and bought the four tapes he sells on the site for general training purposes (read: reminders, they aren't meant to stand in for class attendance) and from all of that I'd say that he knows what he's talking about. Of course, being ninth-dan in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu helps his credibility imho.

His main forte as I see it is the esoteric/energetic side of the equation, taken from the perspective of a reductionist and applied with a mindset trained in Western Psychology grown from a down-home presbyterian morality, influenced strongly by Hindu and Buddhist symbology. He's also gone thru the Kundalini, which can be seen by some as the goal of meditation.

As far as taijutsu, he plays with it to make it a bit more urban, with such points as how to apply/get out of police come-along holds (which really is for advanced folks who aren't still in love with the image) and other such modern things.

I feel a bit like I'm flailing.. but, for who I am, I prefer his approach to Hayes' as far as the energy goes.

[Brad Ellin]

Read one of his books, Path Notes. Interesting, but not my cup 'o tea. But that's the beauty of it. Every one has there own flavor (stealing from my instructor who holds a Judan in the Bujinkan) and while none are right or wrong, they're just different. You may not like Indian food, while I love it. Same way, I may not get into Dr. Morris's ideas but you do. If it works for you and you understand it and get something out of, great! I'd be happy if you would share some of your ideas here. Don't worry about being esoteric or off the beaten path, I for one am here to learn.

[bostonninja]

He seems a little "out there" to me. He always goes off on these wild stories, and made up his own system to compete with ninjutsu. HUH??? I have read some of his stuff. Whatever... gets you bye. I like to train hard, and stay grounded, he goes off about ghost's and seeing energys.. hmmm Take what you like and drop the rest~

[Keikai]

i have got the path notes and the second book, have not read either yet, they are a bit intense!

[geves]

he will answer your questions, the reply might be a little harsh depending on what you ask him. My friend asked him a question he already talked about in one of his books, and he replied quite harshly. But if you go to his website http://www.hoshin.com/ and go to the ask soke section, he'll reply in about a day or two.