Ninja Connection

 

The connection of mental conditioning to ninjas.

 

First...ninjas are cool!

 

I was given the name 'Ninja' by the coaches at Grandview H.S. and it stuck. Now the players refer to me as 'The Ninja'. From that I created a mental conditioning system using the idea of the ninja. 

 

 

"Inner Ninja"

This is the process of developing oneself through mental conditioning. In athletics the main concern is on developing the body to be able to perform at the highest level. The point of that seems premature as our body follows what our mind determines. That is like working on the outside of the car instead of making sure the engine is working.

 

 

Arsenal of "Weapons"

The ninja are known for their assortment of weapon. Different weapons were used depending on the situation and the environment. Everything from the katana (sword), shuriken (throwing stars), yumi (longbow), kusarigama (chain & sickle) and many more.

Through the Meiso System, you will be equipped with weapons to add to your arsenal to deal with the rigors of your job, sport and life. We know stuff will hit the fan and we will have things in place to be able to deal with those situations. 

 

 

"Find a Way" - Diana Nyad

The ninja code (ninjutsu) valued accomplishing a mission by whatever means necessary. Finding a way to compete at peak performance or grinding through a day requires mental conditioning. Through the Meiso System individuals will develop a focus, belief and trust of the process as these are controllables.

 

 

"Kunoichi" (Female Ninjas)

This idea of whatever means necessary involved using individuals that could get the job done. My experience with working with females in mental conditioning has seen overall quicker progress than the males I work with. My theory is that females have an easier time connecting to their feelings which allows them to understand their self-awareness. In the United States culture, it is more acceptable for females to express and connect with their feelings.

As men, we are supposed to be "tough" with no emotions. Personally, this is a continuous work because that is the environment I grew up in being a male in a Japanese home with 2 older brothers.

 

 

The Test of Time

The ninja began in 600-900 A.D. Yet they are still revered today in literature, television and movies. Their popularity continues in modern culture with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to characters like Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow in the G.I. Joe movies.

The skills of Ninjutsu emphasized the art of stealth which is still used today in military special forces such as the Navy SEALS.

The Meiso System of mental conditioning will teach people skills they will also use the rest of their lives beyond the field, court, swimming pool or track. The way in which we think will continue to influence the choices we make and the actions we take.

 

 

Skeptics of Mental Conditioning

Two main reasons that individuals are apprehensive to pursue mental conditioning:

1) There is a stigma working with a mental conditioning coach, mental trainier or sports psychologist because of the idea of going to a "shrink". In our culture to say you are going to a doctor to get a check up for your body is more accepted than saying you are going to someone for a check up on your mind.

Mental conditioning is more about subtraction than addition and is about being proactive rather than reactive.

 

2) The greatest progress in mental conditioning is by the individuals that have great self-awareness especially with their FEELINGS. For the males that I work with this can be a great challenge because of being uncomfortable and lack of experience growing up. Not to say that for all females it is easy, but they seem to be more comfortable connecting to their feelings and discussing them.

 

Mental Toughness -

 

Feeling comfortable in uncomfortable situations enough to persevere and stay fully in the NOW in order to consistently perform  our best.