Read what people have to say about Souseiki Ryu:

Souseiki Ryu has taught me to use my whole body as a weapon, and my opponent(s) as my target. It teaches you how to visualize your strikes without thought and to disrupt your opponent's perception thought process and concentration. During training here in Kandahar, we are taught in a wide range of culture combatants from all over the world. The art teaches you to correctly apply devastating techniques that can devastate or neutralize any opponent regardless of size or physical strength. Through the "live training" you learn precisely which techniques work and which ones do not. There is probably no other art that combines so many facets of training into one system, yet the skills are easy to learn and very effective.

Jose Z, USG Contractor

During the summer of 2004, while I was serving in the Romanian Army as soldier participant at the military operation called "Enduring freedom" in Afghanistan, I was searching for training partners for my spare time, as any real martial arts practitioner would do.

After few experiences at a Tae Kwon Do course and a small sparing with a boxer from the US Army, I was looking for a more complete martial art that would encompass all of the aspects of true fighting.
Fortunately, I heard of a training course for the Marines that were taught by an expert in the martial arts.
At first I was skeptical, but I went with a colleague, hoping how ever that the legendary US Marines practice some real martial arts and that would be exactly what I was looking for in my search...
There, I met Grandmaster Leon Wright, one of the biggest martial arts practitioners I have ever met.
I was really surprised how a man of his stature could flow movements so quickly and deliver pinpoint powerful strikes with near surgical precision. Leon Wright was teaching Marine Corps Martial Arts for the Marines and Souseiki Ryu for the civilians and other militaries.
I felt that Souseiki Ryu is a very realistic martial art that is why I was asking to the master for the permission to participate at his classes.
Due to this experience, the mission in Afghanistan seemed easier. The Souseiki Ryu experience changed my life for good as a martial arts practitioner.

Thank God that I had the opportunity of meeting the Master Leon Wright, a true Master of martial arts.
I still remember what Leon Wright wrote to me on a photo with him: "Emptiness of the mind produces flawless movement!”
I am waiting impatiently to meet again the great Master to prove to him that I chose the way he showed me.

With Honor and Respect,
Renshi C. Balanica
   Romanian Army  

 Souseiki ry Sekkinsen Shigaisen training has introduced me to a level of Martial Arts and self defense that is unmatched in all my years of fighting in the streets of NY or even 30 years of military service and a Combat Veteran of 3 wars and one conflict. The training and techniques that GrandMaster Wright teaches reaches deep into the core level of confidence while developing the fighting spirit. This combination of physical and mental training envelops the warrior spirit with patience, confidence, and self control.

E. Ortiz, USA CSM Ret, US Contractor    

 Souseiki Ryu Sekkinsen Shigaisen applied in a combat environment teaches an individual to think ahead of the enemy. Souseiki ryu teaches you to see through them and apply moves and techniques of combative training using Souseiki Ryu Martial Arts. It allows an individual to focus on the enemy or opponent while maintaining discipline and staying in control. This provides the ability to strike when needed and not leave yourself exposed to any attack at any time. 

Discipline when applied correctly and maintained in a hostile situation teaches you to be patient and conserve your energy while simultaneously allows you the opportunity to apply the most deadly strike to your enemy because your life may depend on it. 

K. Nixon, USA CSM

I have been a student of Hanshi Wright's system of Souseiki Ryu for more than a year. The transition from the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) to Souseiki Ryu seemed like the obvious step to the next level of training on the civilian side. Both systems utilize techniques where death is imminent to your opponent. One of the things that impress me the most about the system that there is a counter to every move, technique or strike, both offensive and defensive. I am in awe that you can train to fight against any style of fighter and win. I am fairly new to martial arts but, I don't believe that there are any Grand Masters that train their students the with such intensity and personal commitment as does Hanshi Wright.

F. Coburn, MSgt. USMC Ret, US Contractor

The original intent of martial arts was training for combat. Over time, martial arts have transformed from the most effective way to engage an opponent as part of a unit, to a way of developing the individual and for sport. Key elements of a warrior based martial art are:

• Training of simple effective techniques, not the 54 movement pistol take away.
• maintaining a high level of combative conditioning
• Developing the Warrior Spirit

The blend of tough physical training effective techniques and positive value reinforcement make souseiki Ry a combative martial art that embraces the development of Mind, Body, and Spirit. the living example and heart of the system is its founder Leon Wright and the transfer of values can be seen in his students. The training environment is one of dedication, intensity and respect for all those in the group. the system blends the best of traditional and modern training methods to develop capabilities that are effective in the modern combative arena.

In today's martial art community there are many pretenders that have fantastic claims of their abilities and impressive websites. Most of them can be identified upon meeting them. Some people have fantastic technical abilities, but are lacking in many other areas. Long ago, I was given some sage advice, "If you want to see how good an instructor is, watch his students." Watching the students durung a Souseiki Ryu training session, shows you the high standards that are maintained during the transfer of knowledge among the practitioners.

S.T. Franklin, MGySgt USMC Ret

When I first asked about the Training, there were (2) other Marines already doing it. They talked about Hanshi's teachings with such respect and courtesy. My first day there I could tell that all the members really value the time spent learning, respected one another and showed professional courtesies at all times. I was quickly instructed on the no swearing rule! (Which on our first day, one of the more senior students quickly broke.) My first night and already doing 100 push ups.

The training form start of the class to the end, maybe it's just my personal satisfaction and enjoyment that I get from the class when we all do the "bow in". As we are all formed up in seniority of belts, learning the procedures and techniques standing there from my first day to my present day, I feel good about this training. Although, I don't grasp it as quickly as others, I am focued on what I am doing and the movements of all the students. I 100% give it my best effort.

Everyone learns from everyone. It's probably said much better than that in class but it appears to me that it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned wrestler, an Olympic caliber boxer, or a seasoned martial artist, there is always something you canlearn through practice and training. When I watch the techniques being demonstrated , I am glad all the other students listen to my comments and questions. At least i feel they want me to get the moves and techniques down. This is truly a reason I continue to return to class.

"Keep at it" this is my personal motto. I have heard others being yelled out in class: keep on, continue, stick with it. They all apply very well to me. laerning a technique completely is really what I hunger for. The knowledge of when and what move to apply. Skill-What a perfect word! To have a nickname like that means(talent, cleverness, dexterity, expertise, and proficiency) all the reasons I continue to show up to class. Each night I am finding myself doing a self assessment. There hasn't been a night that during the training I have had the feeling of why didn't I learn this when I was younger. Now in my day to day activities, I am finding myself going over in my head: Is that the proper way to apply that technique? I am also finding myself not just standing in lines at the chow hall or the PX just to stand there, now I am standing there thinking how can i apply a move to the guy in front of me. What if the guy in back of me steps up. Well the skill may not e there just yet, but at least I am always thinking and assessing.

The training up to this point has not just been about learning interesting techniques, it has been about survival on the streets. In class the punches and knee strikes that i have received, laeve a mark for a reason. I am winded and fighting for another breath when paired up for stand up. I am often amazed that I have lasted the 2 minutes of beat down. I am really wanting the moves to sink in so I will know what to do when the next punch comes. During these past 2 months of training, "F" doesn't stand for failure it stands for feedback.

Getting my yellow belt came as a complete surprise. The rolling as it's called felt a lot different this time around. Not because Iwas landing the techniques but because of the confidence I had to roll with the others. i will always be showing up for class. I know i didn't correctly apply a choke or an arm bar this go round, but I figure the more classes I attend, I will just get that much better.

Thank you Hanshi for letting me take your class. I will continue to learn and "Keep at it"

Andrew Luken, USMC GySgt

What does Souseiki Ryu mean to me?

 Souseiki Ryu is not only a fighting style it is a way of life. Souseiki Ryu does teach you to fight and neutralize if needed, however it teaches you how to control yourself by staying relaxed in any situation you find yourself in. 

Souseiki Ryu is not only a fighting style it is a way of life because of how physically and mentally demanding the training is, it pushes you to your limits and further than you have ever been pushed before. You will learn, something about yourself each and every class you take. You will become mentally stronger because you will learn new limits to your abilities. You also learn how to fight against people of all different sizes. This really helps me out because I am only 5 foot 6 inches  tall so I have learned ways to deal with someone 6 foot or taller. As a result of the training of Souseiki Ryu I have been able to greatly improve against people my own size.

Souseiki Ryu is also a way of life because you become a family with the people you train with and it does not matter who they are, who they look like or where they came from. You will end up bonding with them. Souseikie Ryu also means love and protection. For both my family and my Marines because I know I can fight harder, longer and I have pushed myself, farther than I have ever experienced in anything else.
The most important thing I have learned from Souseiki Ryu is the intangible part. The conversations with Hanshi and the other students have always ended up lasting longer then the training session. We would talk about tie-ins like the Sheepdog, Sheep and the wolf, leader ship by example, character and whatever was on our minds. I learned so much about so myself during this training and how to be a better leader and mentor. I have started and will continue to apply the things I have learned in my very day life as well as teach these ideas to my Marines.

Souseiki Ryu will change you no matter what your skill set. You will be pushed to your limits and beyond. I can protect my family or my Marines for anything that can harm them and I will never give up on them. I will be able push myself harder and longer with everything I do in life. I will never quite fighting.
Souseiki Ryu has changed me. No matters the odds I know I can go the distance and come up on top better then I was. Hanshi, thank you, for your teachings and knowledge I’d also like to say thank you to each of the students.

Ous
SSgt Douglass, John C.
AKA SSgt D.

What I learned through Souseiki Ryu

By: Brandon Bowlin 

            The beginning set the tone through out the yellow belt course. Hands on, no holding back or slowing down for being tired on opponents, 100% every time all the time. That was only the begging. Through out the course I have learned so much not only about martial arts but about myself. I learned that your limitations that you thought were there are really just the beginnings of your potential not the boundaries of your physical and mental limits. When you start to focus so hard on some thing some how other things begin to happen as well. Like the tie-ins and how they correspond in to the training as well as in every day life. These are character traits that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have already been in situations were my integrity or judgment was put in a certain situation were I could have been selfish or other wise unjust and walked away freely since the training began, but because of the training I received from Hanshi Wright I thought back on that and rose above those circumstances that in a different time would have had me making poor decisions.  Being here in Afghanistan while training has also been I life changing experience as well because now I have the self confidence to believe that I can fight to the end if the time ever came for it to be needed. Overall for me as a Marine, father, and just an average individual the lessons I learned, rounds I’ve fought, and self confidence I’ve gained are irreplaceable. I thank you Hanshi and the rest of the individuals of the class for giving me all there heart while training and all there friendship in and out of class.

SOUSEIKI RYU

What It Means To Me:

I know that there are as many understandings of Hanshi’s tenants as he has students.  I am just a simple guy walking the path of one who protects those who cannot protect themselves.  Here is how I have come to understand them and what they mean to me:

What is isn’t What isn’t is:  Humility and peace outwardly displayed IS NOT weakness!  The violent proficiency of a protector IS NOT shown but it IS THERE.  It lies just under the surface; a strong, violent and efficient force kept under control…ready to be unleashed with violent proficiency when necessary. 

Technique Not Strength; Spirit Not Technique:  Spirit...a concept that is hard for some to grasp.  I think of it as who AND what I truly am.  My Spirit is internal.  It can not be defeated by anything outside of the body...I must submit my Spirit and allow it to be broken.  My techniques can be defended....My strength can be overcome be greater strength....but My Spirit cannot be conquered.  If my Spirit stays strong, I will never be defeated.  If my Spirit remains in tact then I will always have the ability to defend myself and those I love.

Heart:  This is the most important aspect of training and the key attribute I believe Hanshi looks for.  It is about QUALITY not QUANTITY.  I would much rather surround myself with a handful of quality friends/brothers in arms verses a magnitude of superficial friends.  Those superficial friends will disappear as quickly as the morning fog when the sun rises; at the first sight of trouble or the first pains of hardship they will be gone...those are not true friends, but rather people who will get you hurt should you attempt to rely on them.  If your heart is not right then whatever your endeavor is it will fail. If your heart is not pure, then the foundation of whatever you are establishing is flawed and eventually that flawed foundation will crumble. 

Why Do I Train?

Ever since I was young martial arts has always held a fascination for me.  I was amazed at how fast, graceful and powerful the martial artist was.  The movies made folks almost seem supernatural and I wanted to be able to doing all the fancy flashy kicks, punches and blocks.  I also had an ulterior motive…I wanted to be able to beat up those other boys who bullied me.  You see, I grew a school teacher/coach’s son in a small town in rural Michigan.  Everyone in my town knew me and a lot of school officials in our school district knew me as well…there was no denying I was “my father’s son”.   Because I was a “teacher’s kid” there were many kids in the school who did not like me because of who my dad was.   Maybe they didn’t get the grade they thought they should have in one of his classes…or maybe they “got benched” on one of the teams he coached.  What ever the reason, I was threatened on numerous occasions because of who my dad was.  I was fortunate that only a very few of the threats ever came to blows, but none-the-less I wanted to learn karate so I could take care of “the next bully” who threatened me.  Was this the proper motivation?  Not in the least.  And thankfully, there were no dojo’s close to my home town so I did not have the opportunity to learn “for the wrong reasons”. 

When I started college, I saw that my university had a Martial Arts Club.  I was curious so I decided to check them out.  There were 3 styles offered and I ended up and chose Shotokan Karate as it best fit my body style and athletic abilities.  I studied with the club for my entire college career and I can honestly say that I put in as much time studying Shotokan as I did to earn my Bachelors Degree and I was just as proud on the day I earned my Shodan as I was when I earned my Bachelor’s degree.  Once I started training it seemed like I could not get enough of it.  Training was almost like a drug for me and I was fully addicted to it.  I enjoyed the discipline, the respect and most of all the control it gave me over myself….both physically and more importantly mentally.  Along the way to earning my black belt a funny thing happened….my reason for training changed.  I stopped hoping for the chance to use what I learned to take out the bullies and started being thankful for every day that I did not have to use my skills to defend myself or those I care about.  You see, along the way I had discovered a new respect for those around me.  The discipline and respect taught in the dojo began to resonate within me and built on the “protective nature” that was also growing stronger as the result of my ROTC training enroute to becoming an Air Force Officer.  I no longer wanted to “prove myself” by taking out the bullies around me, but I now knew that I had the ability to better protect those that I cared about and I knew that protecting my loved ones would be the only time I would ever use my skills outside of organized tournaments.    Deep down inside of me resonated the knowledge that I was a protector…not a predator.

I started my career in the Air Force and maintained my training for a few years and then “life happened” and I slowly let other things fill the space that I had set aside for my martial arts.  As the years past I would occasionally see advertisements for a class in this style or that style and I’d say to myself, “someday I will start training again”.  But that “someday” turned into almost 15 years.  Then in late January 2010 (while on a 6-month deployment) I was sitting in the overflow side of the MWR Wi-Fi tent at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan and I watched a MCMAP class that had a special guest instructor that evening.  I would later discover that the guest instructor was Hanshi Leon Wright.  As the class started I watched the class intently and pretty much forgot about the IM chat I was having with a good friend back in the states.  Watching the class I was like an addict who had been sober for years, but took “just one hit”….and that was all it took and my addiction returned.  It may have been a long time since I had seen a Master perform in person, but it only took an instant to realize this was a man I wanted to train under/with.  At the end of class I approached the MCMAP instructor and asked if I could start training with them.  After a brief discussion he agreed that I could start training. 

By physical appearance Hanshi is a formidable man.  To quote a cliché, “he is as wide as he is tall”.  But I must confess that due to his unassuming nature I did not know that he was the guest instructor that first night, weeks ago, that I watched the MCMAP class until the MCMAP instructor introduced him.  I had overheard some of Hanshi’s credentials before he arrived and somehow I expected someone with a bit more “swagger” in his step.  I confess that (back then) I was surprised, but now that I have gotten to know you Hanshi….I should not have been surprised.  All questions disappeared from my mind as I observed you explain and then demonstrate techniques.  It was not only your style that intrigued me, but your philosophy as well.  One of the phrases the really struck me was “it’s not what if, but what’s next?”  As a protector, I know that there will be times that I’ll be called on to be violent, or put myself in danger’s path to protect others….so I have often told  myself the question is not “if it will happen”, but what will I do when it happens”.  So that “mantra” (if you will) of yours struck a familiar cord within my psyche.  Then it hit me:  “what better surroundings to practice/learn a warrior’s art than in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan where American and Coalition warriors are fighting with insurgents every day….sheepdogs going out to make sure the wolves cannot hurt the sheep any more?”  Learning a warrior’s art in the midst of warriors fighting our nation’s battle…there is no place that I’d rather be and no style I’d rather be learning…and I cannot think of a better person to “sit at his feet” and absorb as much as I can.  I am just a protector adding a few more tools to my tool belt to better protect our way of life and more importantly my loved ones. 

After a handful of training sessions Hanshi asked the class if we would be interested in going through his syllabus for Yellow Belt in Souseiki Ryu, it was a unanimous “yes”.  Hanshi is a warrior -- he is a protector and in a class full of military professionals that is a common trait.  We are all protectors….sheepdogs if you will (to borrow a term/concept from the book “On Combat”).  We protect the sheep (civilians) against the wolves (predators….in what ever form they come in).  Souseki Ryu is a straight forward, no-nonsense, street-smart fighting style which very much befits warriors.  As warriors and protectors we do not have time for flashy, movie-style kicks, rolls and jumps.  Not that those are necessarily bad….they just do not fit in the warrior’s tool belt as effective or efficient “tools of the trade”.  Predators are violent, no-nonsense, and merciless creatures that must be countered in the same way.  Sheepdogs must be just as violent; we must be just as no-nonsense; but most importantly we must be compassionate and respectful towards those we protect--otherwise we are no better than the wolves.  Souseiki Ryu and the principles of its foundation are just that; simple and no non-sense in execution; it is Goju…it has both halves of the equation, the violence necessary to be a protector (ability to neutralize the wolves) as well as the humility to show mercy and be tender to those we protect; and in that blending the most important aspect is shown…the respect for life and those around us. 

I have had friends, family, and even strangers in airports tell me how proud they are of me and how thankful they are we (military) do what we do cause they say “I could never do that”.  When I tell them it is who and what I am and that I enjoy serving and do it willingly some of them look at me with disbelieve in their eyes. It is like they could never see themselves having the strength to serve and be away from family and friends--miss birthdays/anniversaries/holidays/etc….and that is ok because sheep do not have to the same strength that we sheepdogs do.  I always smile politely and thank them for their support and that it makes me feel good because it lets me know that “the folks back home care” and what we (military) do matters and it is appreciated.

Our life is hard and sometimes painful, but when we have done our duty and those we love are safe…there is no more fulfilling profession that I can think of.  Only a select few can walk the warrior’s path. Ours is not always an easy path….there is a cost--sometimes it is high.  Although while we walk this path it does not seem like a burden too heavy to bear.  I have been walking this path my entire adult life….there is nothing else I’d rather be doing and there is no place I’d rather be than shoulder to shoulder with my brothers in arms.…. I am a sheepdog!

Hanshi, you teach humility not only with your words but also with your actions.  Thank you for taking the time to train us (me) and share yourself and your passion with us.  I know that when I leave Afghanistan I will return home a better officer, a better friend, a better husband, and more importantly a better man than when I arrived.  Hanshi, my friend I look forward to many more years of friendship and training and hearing you say…”sorry guys, I talk to long--I need to let you guys go”. 

Ous,
Nicholas Merkle
Major USAF

What does Souseiki Ryu mean to me: “It’s what’s real, It’s what works, It’s what’s next!”
 “Once you have walked through the fire and lived, there is little else that can burn.” –USMC
“Diamonds are forever.”  Diamonds are forged in the extreme heat and pressure in depths that very few humans have thought about venturing in their training.  Others will say they are diamonds, and have made themselves look strikingly similar to that diamond, but nothing will be as real as the time-tested stone. The look-alike fears any trial by fire. They will do whatever it takes to avoid that test of mettle that will inevitably reveal the façade.  As most things in life, “What goes around, comes around”. When the heat and pressure comes, the true diamond will be the one left standing. 
“What is, isn’t… what isn’t, is.” This analogy also holds true to the old adage, “Time tells all sins.” One’s heart and soul will show through when tested in the depths of pain and adversity.  These hardships serve as catalysts to the diamond who has worked their whole life to become something great, only to see the look-alikes try and take all the glory by mimicking the outer appearance of the precious stone. It is a parasite that siphons away whatever it needs to survive for as long as it can go undetected. The primary target is the hopeful but naive individuals who will accept the look-alike at face value, and be ignorant of the true essence. 

Much like a woman, one could venture on and further describe the true heart of a person by the qualities of this precious stone.  A diamond is judged by it’s beauty, quality and depth.    Just recently has the question of chemistry has been brought to the forefront due to the “McDojos” popping up all over the place.  The other discussion is nature versus nurture and if the diamond can originate from a conflict free zone.  A person’s environment and family upbringing have so much to do with the unique stresses put on a person and how they deal with those crucial choices that determine which path a person will take.  If one truly learns that lesson, they should feel comfortable on whatever path they choose, but if it has been given to them without understanding, they will falter on their own and forever look for the helping hand when things get rough. It is a constant battle of human nature to ward off complacency and stay true to that path despite the obstacles. 

Souseiki Ryu’s beauty comes from the rugged, time-tested beginnings of so many martial arts being smashed together in the streets and forged by the true spirit and heart of it’s founder.  It has been offered as a gift from the very maker in hopes it will be put in the hands of good people for the continuous safety and protection of loved-ones.  What we see now is the beauty, what we feel in our hearts is the humility, honor and deep seated respect for what it took to make such a thing.  The quality is undeniably present in the instruction, institution and individual’s growth in Souseiki Ryu.  This is a testament to the superb example Hanshi Wright sets.  The depth of this martial art is compiled by the blood, sweat and tears by a man with over 41 years of experience in more than 10 different martial arts.  Diamonds are created in the depths where very few would care to visit, the lasting effects are exemplified in every facet of life.  Hanshi Wright is a master craftsman that has forged this system full circle with functionality, morality, and the intangible purpose of doing what needs to be done.

Those that believe chemistry could create the same result as the time-tested diamond also believe the cover of a book tells you everything between the pages.  The flashy books are often seen as the most interesting; the more brazen the words the more people want to see why this is so flashy, so they buy it.  Those that look for a book by a certain author known for quality writing are more adept at finding what it is they are looking for.  They know to read between the lines instead of going with the flashy cover.  One could also argue that an author with an absurd amount of books written under his name is either hiding his staff that is doing the work for him, or is sacrificing quality for quantity.  In a world caught up in commercialization and opening up dojos with a minimal understanding of combatitives or even combat, the buzz-word Combat Martial Arts is being used in “reality based scenarios”.  These are played out in dojos across America where large pads, compliant partners and safe-words are used to create a false sense of security.  Individuals will flaunt credentials hoping it will lure even more unsuspecting paying customers to their doorstep.  My question is still, where has this been used or proven in combat?  How many of these individuals are banking on the reputation of the police and armed service members on weekend trips to the Middle-East.  These “seminars” are only available to those from a headquarters unit with time to spare. 
Where are these guys when war fighters return with combat stress, in need a mentor and a positive outlet to cope with their physical and emotional burden?  These “combat schools” lack in every aspect of combat.  One needs not to look at the credentials of the instructor; one merely has to look at the success and growth of their students.  Hanshi is a Marine and has shown his passion and continued support even after retirement.  He is able to relate to his warrior students on an exclusive and unprecedented level.  These warriors are drawn to him as a senior mentor, friend and brother in arms.  His experience over the years has allowed him to reach a vast number of people and influence them to take the moral high-ground.
Looks are deceiving, but they are meant to be.  The most dangerous person you will ever meet will not be the loud guy in the bar flailing around with a beer bottle threatening the next guy that challenges him, it is the guy sitting with his back to the wall with an unassuming appearance and nonchalant grin on his face.  One should be weary when he stands up and decides he wants to play.  Case in point, one should never take this kindness for weakness or accept anything at face-value.  One may appear extremely humble in nature, but, this is often a sign of inner calm and control of the exterior.  One who has reached an understanding of themselves to a point where they can change their appearance as a chameleon does by blending in with the surroundings; able to flick the switch from alert, to predatory mind-set and back again as easily as one turns on the lights in your house, and with the same void of emotion.  “Why would someone want to appear calm when they have so much power?” you might ask.  A fantastic quote from the movie Spider-man stated, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Utilizing this appearance allows them to shape situations from an unknown or unexpected angle, but only on the terms they choose.

 “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
You find out who you really are when you are stripped of the stone mask, exhausted through physical combat and forged with the sure hands of Hanshi while the iron is hot.  You will learn how much heart you possess, where your mind goes when the survival instinct kicks in.  When you tell your mind to take care of the breathing, the lactic acid, heart rate and shut the heck up about anything else unless it pertains to combat.  When the primal instinct comes out to play when you feel the first gasp of air exit your opponent’s lungs when your knuckles strike home.  Seeing their expressions of pain and feeling it fuel the machine inside.  It is with that flick of the switch when they go from sempai and friends, to targets of opportunity.  It is our responsibility to push each other to the limit.  It is here where we find and train our heart and indomitable spirit.  “I’m not done, until I’m dead”  “You may break my face, but my will cannot be broken” I have made peace with my maker long ago, when my time comes, it will come and most likely it will come without warning.  I live every day to the fullest and try to improve the world one tiny bit at a time.
 Introspection will reveal man y things to an individual; it is where we gain knowledge and understanding of ourselves and each other. For some, they are not able to fathom this without a certain spark or catalyst.  When you think you are the center of the world, why would you need to change?  “Humble yourself, or you shall be humbled.” All of your preconceived notions and questions about your physical prowess, fighting skill, or perceived invincibility are squashed in the first few moments after entering the Humbu Dojo.   After everything is said and done, you are reborn and welcomed into the ranks of those who have realized this very same fact.  A few of us have had the pleasure of sitting down to lunch with Hanshi and discussing everything from our families back in the states, to combat patrols and quite possibly everything in-between.  We would hear about his past and stories about his students, all the while learning and living vicariously through their positive and negative experiences.  He was training our hearts and minds during lunch and tying it all together with the physical training at night. There was always something more I was looking for in my training and experiences in life, Souseiki Ryu and the instruction of Hanshi Wright has brought my understanding and expectations to a completely different level.
 “The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.”

Hanshi has worked his way to the top of the Pyramid, he is at the pinnacle of martial arts; we stand at the bottom of this pyramid, in awe of how gigantic it looks.  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” During the short time I have trained with Hanshi, I believe I was able to take my first step and it has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life; every other step I’ve taken prior to this has simply allowed me to arrive where I am today.  I would have ever imagined meeting a 10th degree black belt and founder of a martial arts system in Afghanistan. I cannot express how grateful I am, or how much change I’ve seen in myself and the others he has taken under his wing.  Training has made the last three months of the deployment fly by, and has been the greatest three months of the entire year.  Becoming a member of his life’s work is a priceless gift that couldn’t possibly be paid back in our life-times, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we will do everything in our power to show how much this means and continue along the path he has shown us.  I can try to describe the experience our group has been through, but words fall short. 
Hanshi’s training isn’t just for the “worst case” scenarios, it is for the “any case” scenarios. He teaches you to look, listen and feel the environment around you with the senses you have available.  Never be too reliant on just one of your senses, but focus to use them all in concert with one another.  Your gut instinct us very important and will keep you alive.  The lessons of pre-emptive striking when someone invades your personal space, the sheepdog mind-set always focusing on what’s next in a constant state of suspicious alertness as well as training for the unexpected are all underlying factors of survival in this system.

“If not me, then who; If not now, then when?”
Hanshi preaches the intangibles through the physical, mental and moral development of a person.    His in depth knowledge, understanding and daily practice of the ethos emanates from his personality.  His passion and values spread like wildfire in the hearts of young Marines and “whipper-snappers” alike.  He is the ultimate example for us to emulate.  He not only preaches the values of honor, courage and commitment, he lives them.  He has an uncanny ability to mentor with every sentence.  When he senses a hint of personal troubles he engages those students and brings them under his wing.  We are not the same person that came over to Afghanistan, we will leave this country with a whole new appreciation for life and a commitment to spread the example that was shown to us. 
With the basics of survival ingrained in your mind, you begin to open up to higher learning levels and concepts that will continue your growth in life and in martial arts.  One can see in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, if the physiological needs of food and water and shelter aren’t being met, they will become fixated on these things as a matter of survival.  Once these needs are met on a consistent basis, they will start focusing on their safety, because others around them may be scavenging for their physiological needs.  This goes on to the need for love and belonging; further to esteem and then self-actualization.  Souseiki Ryu has the foundation to support all of those levels.  It meets and challenges every physiological need of the human body learning how to survive, digging past the point of (mental strength/gut check).  Your need for safety is reassured through the constant application.  You develop bonds of brotherhood deeper than that of civilian friends or even family.  Here on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Hanshi has brought together every branch of service with a common goal and it has improved the esprit-de-corps. It is here we gain a sense of accomplishment, noticeable achievement and respect of both friends and enemies.  I believe through this system, one could finally satisfy the self-actualization need. 

“To protect the sheep, you have to catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf.”              –Denzel Washington in Training Day. 

Hanshi has given us the weapon of Souseiki Ryu that gives the good guys an edge over the ones who wish to do us harm and inflict pain & suffering onto others.  It is where fantasy meets the cold-hard reality.  It is not a magical technique, but a system of training your mind, body and spirit to act as one.  “We block nothing; We strike everything!”  This simplifies and creates a more readily accessible repertoire of usable techniques.  This is the mentality of the street that has proven its effectiveness. Souseiki Ryu is for the warriors who prepare to confront those on any terrain.  This is used to prepare them for the clash of opposing wills, because the day you will be truly tested will be without warning and in the least ideal conditions.  It will be the time where you feel completely comfortable, or were too engrossed in the emotional work-up of your day to notice the indicators.  By the time you can react, the situation has already unfolded itself and has probably in favor of the aggressor.  The goal is to be a hard target.  This means to not make predictable or routine stops at the same times each day.  If someone is casing you or looking for a weak target to maximize their intent with little risk of their safety, they will check how you react to certain situations.  They may watch from afar, bump into you abruptly or even engage you in friendly conversation, but the intent is to gauge how to take you out or get what they want.  By varying your routes to and from work or school, you can make yourself less appetizing for predators.  The only thing worse than a sheep, is a defenseless sheep.  These are the ones who have not taken any precautions and are ignorant to the thought of somebody wanting to cause them harm.  It is only because the sheep dogs live among the population that they are able to survive.  Without military, police and upstanding citizens who fight to keep the wolf away from the door, the sheep would live in a constant state of fear and ignorance.  

“If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, so my child may have peace.”  -Thomas Payne,
Most of the population is stuck in the perpetual cycle trying to answer the question of “what if?” Hanshi has developed and preached the answer, and that is to train for “what’s next!?”  Hanshi instructs through the seasoned eyes of a street-fighter, the passion and compassion of a father and husband as well as the unrivaled understanding of a Soke-Hanshi.  He is the real deal in every sense of the phrase.  Why? Because he has been through hell and back to make it the system it is today. Why? Stick around and you will find out who, what, where, when and why, but I will highly recommend a large note-book and a few trustworthy pens/pencils.  His lessons are invaluable and will give you enough knowledge to “munch on” or “marinate” throughout the day and while you sleep.  By the time the next class is in session, it will have spun through your brain enough times to show noticeable improvement.  In his 40 plus years in the martial arts, he has summed up a lifetime of hard-learned experiences and put them into a digestible format for even the beginners who have never lifted their fists to another person.  Hanshi is the epitome of a sheep-dog looking over his flock and ensuring that each student that comes to his class has a fighting chance should some event or person cross their path minutes or years after his class.  His litmus test is to be able to take any lesson that day and apply it on the street for instantaneous results and sense of confidence in the midst of chaos. He teaches life lessons through the training of ethos and the physical, mental, moral and spiritual connection. Your eyes will be opened and you will discover holes in your life being filled that you had never known needed filling, you are somehow inches, feet and miles from where you once started.  You will never find this quality instruction out in town.  Hanshi is a visionary ahead of his time but rooted in the origins and traditions of the old ways.  He does the right thing, at the right time and for the right reasons.  Hanshi is one person who isn’t afraid to go against the grain, but if the grain was smart, it would be afraid to go against Hanshi. 

 John "Blanket" Trizila

 Hanshi- my testimonial

I am asked what does Souseiki Ryu Shigaisen mean-

In the literal form Souseiki means, time of creation; Ryu, school; Sekkinsen, close combat; Shigaisen, street fighting.  Personally it means so much more.  Allow me to explain.

I was speaking with Hanshi after training this evening, he said something that I had never considered, he said, "I can always tell when a woman has been battered".

I never put myself in that category - I may be small in stature, but I am strong, was strong enough to finally get myself and child out of the situation we were in, but a "battered woman, no, that couldn't have been me.  It wasn't until my training partner stated that every time he went for a grab with me, the panic in my eyes scared him.

I am an infant, in the beginning stages of this training, yet I have begun to find my inner calm.  I have read many of the testimonials, many say Hanshi "preaches", that may be their interpretation, however, I have yet to hear him "preach" per se.  What I have seen/heard is a true leader someone that truly cares about the welfare and training of his students.  There is much to learn, so much inner strength to build upon.  Hanshi is a true professional with an amazing heart, has a spirit that will not accept failure, who pushes you past what I may have thought were my limits. 

So getting back to the original question at hand, what DOES Souseiki Ryu mean?  It means simply, I have become a sheepdog, if the time comes, I know " what's next".  I am no longer a sheep, I am a survivor, I am the protector of my family, able to stand alone, I will not allow a wolf to see panic in my eyes.

Hanshi, thank you for helping me find my inner strength,

Trish

What Souseiki Ryu Means to me

I have studied many different martial arts. Since taking Souseiki Ryu from Sensei Michael Mabone, I have learned so many different things that I have never known before. As an infantryman over here in Iraq, we are outside the wire fighting alot. The techniques he has taught me have proved to be very useful. I have been able to apply the skills in actual combat so I know they work. The gun techniques have saved my life on more than one occasion, I have been able to teach the techniques to others. I am a police officer in the states and the hand-to-hand techniques and gun techniques are superior to what I was taught in the police academy and I hate to say it, but the Army training as well.

I wish I could stay and continue training with Sensei Mabone, he is very knowledgable and is an overall great person. My time is up here and I can't wait to get back to my family. I enjoy all of our training sessions, even though some are painful, like the joint destruction techniques. The biggest thing I have learned that will help me is the awareness of self and the personal space concept. It does not sound like alot,but it is very useful in alot of situations.

Steven B, SSG, USA

The first time I heard about Souseiki Ryu was from a co-worker who had taken a class from Sensei Michael Mabone. He told me how great the class was and all, but I never went until a week later. I figured it was like most karate insruction, you get in a horse stance and go one-two for a month and never learn anything of value until a year of training. When I finally went to a class, I was shocked. The class started at 7pm so I arrived at 630pm, I wanted to meet the instructor before hand and introduce myself prior to starting. I saw a big guy wearing timberland boots, a collared shirt, and affliction jeans. I asked if he knew when the instructor was arriving and was I in the right place? He answered, " I am the instructor, are you here for the class"? I was surprised, I was expecting him to be wearing a karate uniform, he welcomed me and told me tonight is streetfighting techniques. By this time, others started coming in for the class.

The class was wonderful, I learned more in one evening than I have ever learned in one night of martial arts from anyone. Some instructors will teach you a part technique here and there, but in Souseiki Ryu I was able to walk out and directly apply what I have learned right away. I love the no-nonsense approach to self-defense or as Sensei Mabone calls it, "Self-Offense." I like the way Sensei teaches, as a female I have taken womens only self-defense classes, but he discourages that for the most part. He explained to me that, unless you feel you will only be attacked by women, you need to train with different opponents both male and female, big and small. The biggest thing I have gained from Souseiki Ryu is the boost in my confifence. I have studied Tae Kwondo in the past, but never felt comfortable using it for street application. I have learned to use the streefighting techniques to my advantage and properly apply the tool of violence.

Moreland, B, US Department of State

What I Learned from Souseiki Ryu
              by
Robert Cole, Department of Defense  

Growing up I never really learned how to fight, I believe that is what prompted me to join the US Army after high school. I guess I thought I would learn the skill there, and to a point I did. From my training with Sensei Mabone here at JBB, I have learned so much in a very short time. The training surpasses all of my expectations. I like his way of teaching, he does not teach katas like most people, he teaches you to fight. The first night of class he had me roll with everyone in the class, I had never been so afraid in all of my life, even though I knew the situation was controlled. I was spent after a minute, but he made me keep going. Afterwards, he explained why he did that and that everyone had gone through the same thing. It was very humbling in alot of ways, especially being choked out by a female, no disrespect to women.

I have learned how to properly apply the tool of violence, In class, Sensei mentions that alot. I have learned to control my temper and relax in the face of danger. From the first night, you learn very valuable techniques. I like how he teaches you real world techniques you can use right away. Souseiki Ryu has increased my confidence to the point where I feel I have the ability to protect myself and my family should a violent situation present itself. I honestly don't believe I could have learned this much in any martial arts class anywhere, in this short of time. I would like to thank Sensei Mabone for all he has done for me.

I am very proud to have studied Souseiki Ryu under Sensei Mabone. He is by far an awesome instructor, he is a wealth of knowledge and anyone can gain from what he has to teach. I have a Black Belt in Judo and Kempo. I have never had to have a fight since I had been training, and to be honest, I am glad I had not. Sensei pointed out some holes in my current training and really helped me improve. He is very respectful of my past training and even had me teach some of my techniques to the class. I understand how he became so good, he is open to alot of things and constantly is refining his own techniques. I consider him a friend as well as an awesome instructor, he is a class act 100%. Thanks for the opportunity to learn and I promise I will drill what you have taught me and keep in touch, I really want to learn more, take care and God Bless.

Aaron Middleton, USG Contractor

                                                            Souseiki Ryu

What you know about yourself is gained via your experiences, parents and the environments you have been subjected to, therefore you think you know yourself and your abilities.

        I started training in Souseiki Ryu with this knowledge, but whilst progressing through being given projects on honor, combat fatigue, and cohesion you learn that you don’t know yourself quite as well as you thought. Just the spiritual side of the training and expansion of what characteristics you have is intense.

        I believed I had physically and spiritually gone through to my maximum potential, however I was wrong. Within a couple of training sessions I had experienced a whole new meaning to the “Combat threshold” I believed I could reach, Going to 100% physical fatigue whilst ground fighting and able to actually know that I have a reserve which can take you further and allow you to carry on is humbling.

        Obviously with this comes the pain, but no more that you would expect to receive within a combative situation. I have learned that this pain sensation can be utilized to your advantage and assist you in bringing this energy reserve to the surface quickly.

        So what has been learnt? Apart from the inner awareness, which is more that enough.  I have learnt techniques that can be utilized in a fight situation, all of which are personal to me. I know that I could physically use the moves when I need to, because I have done so whilst carrying out the training. This has been in a controlled environment but with much realism as you could safely apply in this situation.

        In summary it has been an enlightening but enjoyable journey, one of which I will not soon forget. My yellow belt which I have just earned will always be worn with pride, it is the first belt within Souseiki Ryu but the most important I think.

It is the point at which you discover your true potential and abilities, also that you have a personal inner strength on which you can harness great spiritual and physical energy.

Thank you for the journey, Hanshi.

Adrian Thompson, Sgt. (Bulldog)

Dog Trainer, Royal Army Veterinary Corps.  

Afghanistan, Helmand Province, Camp Leatherneck.

Souseiki Ryu has really opened my eyes to real world fighting. I trained with Mike for 2 months and I must say, he has taught me sooooooo much. I did not think there was a way to get out of some situations of violence, by was I wrong. I took some self defense classes that I paid good money for to learn knife and gun disarms. The stuff I learned was garbage compared to what Mike taught me. He showed me how the techniques i was taught previously good have gotten me killed. As he puts it, you have to be first I had apprehensions about pre-emptively striking someone, but not anymore. Thanks for the streetfighting techniques you taught me. I tried some of the techniques on my friend and they worked to perfection. You were so right about the concepts of streetfighting being dominant when no rules apply, I have alot of friends that compete in full contact karate, I feel happy that I can teach them things they do not know and it makes everyone better.

 Thanks again for the training.

Roger Neal, SGT USA

There is a famous saying, “All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten” – Robert Fulghum.  The ignition might have been started, but you continue learning the rest of your life.  
I am confident that our lives are dictated by fate, and all things have a reason both with action and reaction.  As you journey down your path, the path has many forks where unconscious decisions are made; it is rare to ever stand in a moment and realize you are staring at a fork.   I was fortunate enough to experience such a fork, March 5, 2010 when I was invited by Hanshi to enter the teachings of Souseiki Ryu.  Without truly understanding what I was accepting I knew there was a reason to respond with a resounding, “Yes.”  Upon entering the dojo and going through the evening’s lessons I immediately felt at ease among some amazing individuals.  It was at the end of the evening when I was called to the center of the mat that I started my true introduction to Souseiki Ryu.  The next fourteen minutes I ventured through many of life’s emotions; joy, strength, fear, weakness, pain, humiliation and pride learning to push the mind in a moment of physical exhaustion.  During my walk back to my living area I reflected on the things I had been exposed to and was anxious to begin what would become a paradigm shift in my life as an over confident man to a man that needs to express respect for all things; respect which would be gained by my personal thirst for the knowledge of Souseiki Ryu , the teachings of Hanshi, and the disciplines he instills in his students.  

As I reflect on what Souseiki Ryu means to me I am appreciative of the new level of respect that I have gained for myself, family, friends, fellow service members and those with whom I have spent many hours training over the past weeks.  The respect is very much personal, professional and spiritual as this form of discipline has taught me to control my inner thoughts and how my thoughts are projected onto others.   However, as identified by the Warrior Song of King Gezar, which can be found in the book “Three Cups of Tea” written by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin - The seeming opposition between life and death is now cut through.  Do not thrash or lunge or flee.  There is no longer a container or anything to be contained.  All is resolved in dazzling measureless freedom.  

Souseiki Ryu has not only shaped me as a combatant warrior, but also as a person operating among the world with balance and peace of mind.  One of the most obvious of the teachings is to expect the unexpected, which is true in all fascists of life.   I go forward taking with me these teachings and a new life influence with the aspirations of learning more about myself and Souseiki Ryu.  “What’s Next”!  

Lt. Patrick Porter, USN

     What Souseiki Ryu Means to Me   
      By HM2 Gonzalez AKA Band-it

At first I didn’t really had an idea what Souseiki Ryu was, I was under the impression that it was going to be like MCMAP but it wasn’t, It had a more realistic approach (your training partner isn’t as stationary). To my surprised I really started to get into it. After one of my missions I came back and it had become more exclusive that it was when a first had a feel for it. The group got smaller but the ones the continued to attend were the ones that were really into it, like me. The first challenge happened when I had to fight all the guys in the Sea Bees Compound (first time I ever experience something like that) little that I knew what was prepare for me, I felt that is was dying, I don’t know too much of Martial Arts my exposure has been limited MCMAP, a little of Combative (Army) and UFC (others) on TV  so I’m not sure about they're initiation process but the one from Souseiki Ryu it's extremely challenging, I thought I was in good shape before I started but soon I learn something about fighting never assume that you are on the top of your game or you have obtain a good physical shape because there is always room for more improvement.  What I also got from that day of the initiation in the aftermath I had become part of something, perhaps a brotherhood? A brotherhood within a brotherhood! Souseiki Ryu has grown on me since that day even if I haven’t really experience the whole magnitude behind it. There is always a new challenge a new move/technique, variations of, I have never felt stuck in a routine you never know what will be sent your way, like in real life, expect the unexpected and then some more when somebody is trying to attack you. The biggest impact that it had on me was my new found brotherhood as well the inner fire to learn more and get better not only physically but also mentally look for that calm and serenity but also being 100% aware of my surroundings and ready to engage if it becomes necessary. It also has been a vent-out for me I have been able to release some of the stress and issues I have encounter in this deployment. When I tested I had a completely a different mentality from that first encounter, I wanted to continued and give my all but my body wasn’t responding to want my mind wanted to do. I learned that I had to keep working more and harder than before, improve myself set a higher goal to achieve what I want be able to do, defend my family, myself and my country. I remember the rest of the team chanting “don’t give up DOC!!” “Perform the technique!!” “Fight for it!!” and in a background I would listen Hanshi saying you are doing this for the Marines they are counting on you and I knew I had to give my 110% and try my hardest. Every time I train I try to remember those words of encouragement to keep me focus I try my hardest. It has become clear to me that if I don’t put that 100% into it I shouldn’t expect 100% in return, now I don’t only practice in the Dojo but any free time I get I will work on something. Bottom line Souseiki Ryu means to me, friendship/brotherhood, It means unity,  it means a learning process and growth through experience not only yours but also of those around you, and it also means the search for a better me, to become a better citizen; a better sheep dog. I will continue to search and continued to growth. Sincerely thank you!

Capt W. ‘Rico’ Suarez, USMC

2D MEB, TF-Leatherneck

Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan

14 March 2010

 “There are only two Powers in the world….  The sword and the spirit. In the long run, the sword is always defeated by the spirit”  -Napoleon

Souseiki Ryu
I have a lot of experience in Tae Kwon Do and so when I joined the Souseiki Ryu program I thought that it would be like any martial art program back in the states. This is not the case. This program teaches everyday applications for protecting oneself and tests you to your limits and then beyond. I never thought of myself as a fighter or a protector, I like to think that if I was ever faced with the opportunity to protect my family I would, but I just do not know. Just from learning the first stage of Souseiki Ryu I have gained more confidence to know that I would never quit to protect my family. I’m also figuring out what is inside of me and what really pushes me outside that comfort zone to make me react with force. I’m still learning that I can be a protector and learning more every day. Souseiki Ryu gives me that confidence to know that I can use what I am taught and that it works for me. It is not about fancy moves or flashy forms it is about practicality, what works to survive and get out of bad situations.

CPT Michael Bellin

I only had the opprtunity to train with Sensei Michael for about 1 week and then I rotated back to stateside. I must say, in that 1 week I learned so much about the art of self-offense not self-defense. As Sensei puts it,"trying to defend against violence will often times leave you dead,violenece is a tool and the one who survives a violent encounter is the one doing the violence." This has been an incredible experience, the techniques I have learned will be with me for the rest of my life. They are simple yet very deadly and most I would only use in a life or death situation.

Anyone can benefit from his teachings and if I am in Iraq again, I hope to train with him again.

Thanks for the training

Robert North, CAPT, USA