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Training in any martial art, regardless of country of origin, requires one to understand what they are embarking on. It is good to "get off the couch" and engage in biweekly martial arts training. It's certainly a healthy activity to get out of the house and engage in something like martial arts. Has one considered looking deeper? How does one stay in fighting shape and achieve a reasonable level of fitness and health? What are the standards and markers (goals) to achieve that, the benchmark one sets for oneself. Has one considered looking at the history of the country and of the martial art one is training in (be it China, Korea, Philippines, Thailand etc). Has one considered the language and the culture? Educating oneself in a basic understanding of those two.

Certainly for Japanese martial arts, Budo, in general but more specifically for Koryu; these are necessary if not mandatory. With Koryu it's like installing a new OS (Operating System) on the computer (your own self). It will probably need to be dual boot in consideration of living in two different "worlds" so to speak. How do you manage switching from one OS to the other? What is the purpose? How does the computer benefit from both (both as the computer and the user).

Koryu is a serious undertaking. It's a commitment in which there is no room for hobbyists and dabblers. It requires one to look at oneself in the mirror (mind you Budo in general should do that). Engaging in training in a Koryu will and should change you. It will and should affect your level of health and fitness, expand and broaden your horizons by understanding history, culture and at least some amount of languge. It will and should enrich your life by engaging in that manner as pointed to in the first paragraph of this post. If it doesn't, and there are plenty of "official" examples, something is wrong.

Engaging properly by diving deep and making the commitment, letting go of ego and all. Results from engaging and training properly blossom from right View, trained Attention to what one is doing, steady commitment and the courage and nerve to examine one's motivation without hesitation (looking at the mirror). Work with this View and Koryu and martial arts in general cease being a trophy hunt, a "Like" on Social Media and/or a shallow boost to ego. Then it becomes an inner and healthy "weight" that anchors you. A Center that holds with a presence that doesn't get buffeted around by the winds. One develops...

(for the record, this is NOT AI generated)

W. Quan - July 2026

As Marishten-Kai says goodbye to 2025, the Year of the Water Snake, we prepare to trot into the bold, fast and free energy of the Fire Horse, with the Lunar New Year arriving on 17 February 2026 (for Tibetans, it is 18 February). The transition will bring about a noticeable shift for our group. Where the Snake encouraged stillness, introspection, and subtle internal change (sometimes via shedding), the Fire Horse brings outward movement, confidence, and decisive action.

Yang Fire Horse energy years occur only once every 60 years, making them particularly powerful. The Horse symbolizes freedom, movement, independence, and forward momentum. Combined with Fire, this energy is fiery, bold, passionate, and compels action.

Marishiten-Kai dealt with inward introspection, change and some shedding during the Year of the Snake. Fire Horse for the group and those that may join, will feel faster and energized. Marishiten-kai is taking initiative, starting new endeavors for training and education, taking action in and outside of the group, and speaking more honestly about Katori Shinto-ryu and the world of Koryu.

Fire Horse favours action, creativity, and forward movement. Marishten-Kai will go into the new year acting with awareness, grounding, and thoughtful growth. For those in the group and those that may join, it will potentially be a powerful and enlightening year. The group and individuals in the group will step into the year with confidence, clarity, and vitality, without flaming out (see what we did there?) along the way.

Happy New Year to those that visit this site and we encourage you to come back as we will post more regularly and share more of our vision outwardly.

W. Quan - New Year's 2026