Filipino Martial arts (FMA) are how Eskrima, Kali and Arnis are often referred. Eskrima or Escrima originates from the Spanish word “esgrima” which is the term for fencing. Kali is another name mostly used here in America 10 years ago many Filipinos would not know what to say if you asked where the nearest Kali school was located. The term is more widely used today due to the popularity of the art here in the USA. Arnis de Mano (Harness of the hand) is another very common term used in FMA.

Robert Humphrey, a Marine rifle platoon commander in the 1945 battle for Iwo Jima, had seen the worst the world had to offer. But to him, the lesson was not only the cruelty of war, but also the ethics of the warrior. The Japanese had twisted the moral code of "Bushido" into a philosophy of hate and intolerance. In contrast, Humphrey's experiences inspired him to write a creed, for American warriors then and forever more: "Wherever I walk, everyone is a little bit safer because I am there. Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend. Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.

Every year in the Bujinkan Dojo sees the introduction of a ryuha or weapon as a focus for the training. Added to which, Hatsumi Soke expresses a theme or concept.

As many of you may know the ryuha chosen for the training during 1999 is the Kukishin Ryu. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to put this school into context with training themes over previous years.