Stephen K. Hayes

An-shu Stephen K. Hayes and An-shu Rumiko Hayes hosted another energizing weekend of training at the To-Shin Do Hombu, their home dojo in Ohio. For this gathering, we focused on the Kukishinden Ryu Shoden scroll. An-shu Hayes expertly brought the historical combat principles to life in modern self-defense context. He also shared 2nd Kuji practices for balancing and re-vitalizing the body's natural energy centers. On Sunday we enjoyed the beautiful and bright spring day with sword training and meditation down by the river.

Phenomenal training partners from all over (as far as Hawaii!) came together for this special event. Many have several decades of training and teaching experience. It's easy to get comfortable with our familiar training partners and friends in our local training groups. Too often, we fall into a routine or pattern with our practice. Gatherings like this are so essential for sparking new ideas that keep things fresh, exciting, and challenging. Everyone leaves motivated to work on a few new things when they return home!

With more than 50 years training and teaching this art, An-shu Stephen and Rumiko Hayes' presentations keep getting better and better. It's inspiring to see them mixing in with training groups and practicing the techniques alongside everyone. It is a gift to watch your teachers demonstrating how to be students. A reminder to maintain the spirit of the beginner, forever seeking deeper understanding and refinement in our practices. The journey never ends! 🔥