Additional Site for Instruction

Sensei Jesse Best, 6th Dan, Menkyo Jiro

Classes offered at:

1st Seventh-day Adventist Church
127 Earl Avenue
Glassboro, NJ 08028

Schedule: Sunday, 10A-12P

Registration: Call Best Sensei directly for class registration details at, (856) 534-3530

Practice, Practice, Practice

The martial arts cannot be practiced as a form of entertainment or distraction. They are a serious undertaking which does not necessarily mean a sad one – - far from it! You cannot approach them tentatively with your fingertips, with a mere touch of the lips, or with superficial layers of thought or heart. It would be better never to become involved. But if you do, it is essential to carry on to the end; until one’s being is regenerated to the point of being made man again / woman again.

As soon as your naked feet have entered a dojo, you have entered forever. If you give up, or if you waver, you risk finding yourself weaker than before. This is an important risk and a handicap which is difficult to compensate.

Such a message of beauty and truth from the east brings an understanding which is new because it is timeless to all those (and they are many) who are drawn and fascinated by the virile and knightly way of Budo!

Training

by: Calvin D. Lester

The Philosophy and Effect of Exercise

By an irrevocable law of physiology growth of brain and body is acquired by exercise. The vital organs are involved as much as are the superficial organs in the benefits that flow from physical activity. All organic development is along the lines of use. Nutrition and nervous supply follow absolutely and closely on demand, whatever direction this may take. All muscles and organs possess a latent potentiality for development, by virtue of which the different parts are capable of increasing in size and strength and if necessity arises, of successfully performing other work in conjunction with their own. Though supported by its bony framework, the human body owes its power of movement and its beautiful proportions to its muscles and tendons. All movements in or of the body are accomplished by muscles. The muscles actually make up the greater part of the weight of the normal body and this should indicate their great importance, as well as the importance of their proper care. Read more

Harmony Is the Flower of Virtue

The Bujyutsu is the protector of Virtue.

According to Tenjin Shinyo Ryu, the main point is as follows: (translation from the Founder)

When people fight with force, people reject with force

What is good about it? The techniques of Soldiers. The enemies always move around.

This is just like watching a Willow Tree shaking in the wind. I came to realize that Unity of the great realization of harmony and virtue. This is the first time I named Tenjin Shinyo Ryu.

Harmony is the flower of virtue.

Bujyutsu is the Guardian of virtue.

There is a mystery in it. The disciples of the later generations should respect this and keep it secret. The theory of the Willow Tree shaking in the wind is the fundamental essence of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu. The theory of strength is used in Atemi. This is characteristic of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu. Iso Mataemon went Kitano Tenmangu (shrine) in Kyoto, practiced and invented part of a new technique that he said was a revelation from God.

Activities of the Founder in Edo (Tokyo)

After several years of pilgrimage, Iso Mataemon returned to Edo. He established a dojo of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu called “Iso dojo” at Otamagaite, located behind Shusaku Chiba’s house. He accepted many disciples and taught them.

The ancestor of Iso Minamotoemon was born in Mikawa Prefecture (aichi area). He was loyal to Tokugawa Icyasu. They stayed in Edo and worked for the government continuously. Iso Mataemon’s adopted father’s name was Bungo. He belonged to the 8th generation of the Iso family. In 1830, he was selected to the group to maintain the Bullets and Gun powder. He was awarded 20 units of rice, which was a very large amount. In 1825 or 27, Iso Mataemon was adopted (married into) by Bungo’s family. In 1842, Bungo died. Iso Mataemon received the family fortune.

At age 54, on December 25th, Iso Mataemon retired from teaching because of his failing health. His second son became the heir. Iso Mataemon died in the 3rd year of Bunkyu at 76 years old.

For Whole Life

by: Calvin D. Lester

Health Nourishment

The human body is a complex organism with the ability to heal itself – - if you only listen to it and respond with proper nourishment and care. In spite of all the abuse our bodies endure – - whether through exposure to environmental toxins, poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, or inactivity – - they still usually serve us well for many years before they start to break down. Even then, with a little help, they respond and continue to function.

Think of your body as being composed of millions of tiny little engines. Some of these engines work in unison, some work independently; they all are on call twenty-four hours a day. In order for the engines to work properly, they require specific fuels. If the type of fuel given is the wrong blend, the engine will not perform to its maximum capacity. If the fuel is of a poor grade, the engine may sputter, hesitate, and lose power. If the engine is given no fuel at all, it will stop. And in the same vain, if the engine is not started and driven, it will decay and become unresponsive. Read more