It does not matter that Jamie Newton is only thirteen years old but it does matter that he has an insight to loyalty and dedication that many of all ages can certainly learn from: I personally find this very inspirational. Very well done young Jamie, gambatte kudasai.
Hi. My name is Jamie. I am thirteen years old and train with the Budo Warrior School at GL1 in Gloucester on Monday evening’s. I am honoured to have been asked to write something for the Budo Warrior School website.
I have been going to Ninjutsu for a total of eight years now, and I am working towards my black belt. I have trained very hard to get to the rank I am now, although have loved every minute of this.
*Jamie and fellow ninja friend approx 4 years ago eagerly waiting for class to start and being as fierce as they could be *
One of my most vivid memories is a simple move which I took as my own and I could say is one of the key reasons why I stayed. The story goes like this: I was five years old and was being bullied at school. I felt like a bit of a social outcast and was not enjoying going to school. My parents sorted this out with the school and the bully never bothered me again, but I wanted to make sure this never happened again and decided to do something about it.
So I started training in Ninjutsu when I was five and the first proper move I learned was a motae. I was fascinated by how it was so easy to manipulate a person’s body and strength against themselves. I have been training at Ninjutstu for quite a number of years now, and it is sad how many people have started and left. Some reasons, like going to college or a starting a job are understandable while others have just given up without really giving Ninjutsu a chance. Yes, it takes time to get graded (unlike some of the other “MacDojo’s” out there), but I feel that I have really achieved my grades and my black belt – which I hope to be awarded next year – is something I can be genuinely proud of.
Ninjutsu is about a way of living your life and not just about learning fancy moves (although these are very cool!). It is about being confident about yourself, respecting others, learning about your strengths and limitations, making friendships, relaxing, improving self-esteem and having fun. I have found the training and mentorship offered by Marc, Sinead and others to be genuinely helpful in all aspects of my life, and I feel I am a better person for this.
I would recommend Ninjutsu to everyone and can honestly say that anyone coming along will be made to feel welcome and part of something very special.
Hope to see you!
Jamie Newton
December 2012
Way to go Jamie. I am very proud of you.
Dad (sorry if this causes embarrassment!!!)