Now that you are preparing to test for your black belt, how has your view of Ninjutsu changed?
When I first started, I really enjoyed my time in class. Now, it's more of a necessity/addiction. I truly love being in class, learning and spending time with the people who attend. When I can't come to class, I'm not a happy ninja!
What has been the greatest benefit from your training?
The benefits are numerous, but for me, the biggest has been an awareness of what my body is able to do, even when it doesn't want to or think it can, which includes my mind. The decision to not quit is a big hurdle to overcome in any physical or mental confrontation, and I'm happy to have cleared it in and because of this class.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Overcoming my insecurities. If I did (or feel I did) poorly on a technique, I tended to not train on it as much. I've come to realize this only weakens me, and helps any opponent I might have.
What advice would you give to a new student?
Take your time! I went through a lot of my lower belts very quickly, and it is only through time and repetition that you will truly internalize many of the techniques we train in, particularly their subtleties. Things like movement (stepping off-line when appropriate, etc.) and synchronization of movements (cover hand, step off-line, drop weight, simultaneously) are two examples of skills that I didn't possess, and came later.
