Shidoshi Paul Johnstone is somewhat of an oddity in the martial arts scene. On one side, he has forged a career on the front line with the Australian Federal Police and in teaching defensive tactics methods, formed from his study of reality-based combat methods. " In 2005 I was personally awarded my teaching licemce by Hatsumi Sensei and congratulated for opening a Bujinkan Dojo in Beijing, People's Republic of China. Hatusmi Sensei said that I was the first ninjutsu instructor since Takamatsu Toshitsugu (Bujinkan 33rd Soke) to teach ninjutsu in mainland China.

I have had the pleasure to have trained under Grandmaster Hatsumi on a number of occasions during my visits to Japan and I have much respect for him, both as a person and as a teacher.

I first met Hatsumi Sensei at the 1996 Taikai and was given privilege to take part in a demonstration honouring him during his birthday celebrations. The demonstration was i realation to the use of ninjutsu in modern special forces unarmed combat training and included Sensei Mike Hammond, who at that time had trained members of the elite NSW Police State Protection Group, and Sensei Alex Nordine, who was a former US Military Special Forces Officer who had seen combat in the Middle East and Granada.

At the end of the night I was introduced to Hatsumi Sensei and during our conversation, he placed his hand on my chest and said , "Good heart".

I believe that ninjutsu has gone full circle and there has been a resurgence in its popularity, and in its interest as a comprehensive and effective martial art.

I often recall the first day I marched into the Parachute Training School in Nowra to commence my military parachute course. There was a large sign with the encouraging words " Knowledge Dispels Fear" . Since then I have always utilised those threee words both in my professional and private life.

Several years ago while teaching in China, I was asked to attend a large demonstration of martial arts skills from a special unit of the People's Armed Ploice Force. At the completion of a spectacular display of skills and fitness, I was asked on the spot to lecture for three hours straight to the 5,000 police officers in attendance.

The training that has been conducted in China has previously been sanctioned and approved by the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as other government departments.

Initially I conducted training seminars for over 7000 police officers throughout China, including the prestigious Beijing People's Police College ( a similar concept to the US FBI Academy) , where honoured as visiting professors and approved by both the Chinese gouvernment and Ministry of Public Security."

More info in BLITZ - Australasian Martial Arts Magazine  www.blitzmag.net

Comments (1)

Ninja training
written by ninjutsu training, May 25, 2010

I believe you are right. Ninjutsu is the most comprehensive self defense system avaiable. That is why tons of people are enrolling in my school.
I have owned a dojo for over 12 years and the demand just keeps increasing.

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