KUDEN! Martial Arts, Self-Defense & Survival

In this week's episode, we're looking at how the belief that “you have no choice” can quietly imprison even the strongest among us – how the illusions of limitation, born from habit, fear, or past pain, can create a mental trap disguised as reality. “Freedom Through Options” isn't just a slogan – it's the foundation […]

In this week's episode, we're looking at why every serious student eventually encounters hidden gates – points where distraction, ego, or social friction threaten to derail growth – where they are forced to choose between staying the course or leaving everything this Path could give them…behind. “Enduring the Knowledge” – another aspect of the Ninja's […]

Most people in leadership positions, and those seeking success in any endeavor try to cover their insecurities with success. But the greatest warriors – and the most effective leaders – understand this secret: True strength is built by transforming weakness into power. In this episode, we'll explore a timeless Ninja strategy for overcoming fear, self-doubt, […]

Most martial artists misunderstand ‘Kyushu' as just “pressure points”. This leaves them open to believing that they're primary focus is on pain compliance. In this episode, we're going to break that myth wide open – taking a look at the true meaning of Kyusho in both self-defense and life. You'll learn why relying on pain-alone is […]

In the words of my teacher, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi: “Students move on too soon. They want the next technique but have not truly understood the first.” During this episode, I want to share a perspective that might make you question everything you've been told about ‘basics'… especially if you've already moved on from them. Because […]

Most martial artists never quit at white belt. But most stay white belts — mentally, emotionally, and tactically — even long after they've earned the rank of black belt. Why? Because they never stayed on the path long enough to discover that the deeper lessons are smaller, quieter, and more transformational than any technique they […]

What does it truly mean to be a warrior in today's world? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into a rarely understood but critically important principle from Hatsumi Sensei and the old warrior traditions: the idea that a true warrior must be willing to be cut before they cut. Is this about compassion, strategy, […]

In this episode of KUDEN! Radio, we look at the hidden wisdom behind one of Ninjutsu's most misunderstood combat postures – Hicho no Kamae – and why it's far more than just a ‘one-legged (‘crane') stance'. Discover how this posture trains vital skills for surviving unpredictable, chaotic situations, not just for self-defense but for life […]

The #1 thing most martial artists are missing is what made the Ninja masters of survival: Mental Mastery. In this episode, I'll reveal the powerful training methods, skill-development areas, and mindset strategies that allowed a true Ninja to win before the fight even started. Discover the 8 Gates of Authentic Ninjutsu and how the Togakure […]

The #1 thing most martial artists are missing is what made the Ninja masters of survival: Mental Mastery. In this episode, I'll reveal the powerful mindset skills that allow you to win before the fight even starts. Join me as we uncover – The inner secrets of the Ninja's mental and emotional training. – How […]

Over the centuries, warriors have trained their bodies for battle – but the true Ninja knew that the mind was the ultimate weapon. During this episode, we're diving into the hidden side of Ninjutsu – the mental, emotional, and strategic training known as Seishin Teki Kyoyo. Think you know what makes a true warrior? You […]

Over the past week, questions and misconceptions have been pouring in about the “Ninjutsu Combat Matrix” Guide – and tonight, we're tackling the biggest ones. If you think you understand how the different lineages of Ninjutsu work in real combat, you might be in for a shock. Hint: It's NOT just about techniques – It's […]

Most people assume they'll rise to the occasion when danger strikes. You know, because of all the training they've done. But the reality Well, let's just say that Karma can be a cold, uncaring, and unforgiving…b*tch! Based on one of the earliest lessons I received from Hatsumi-Sensei and reinforced by other master-teachers along the way, […]

Most people don't realize just how much time and energy they waste – until it's too late. This goes both for those who are too tense, as well as those who think they're using ‘relaxed energy'. In a fight, in survival, in life itself…every fraction of a second, every movement, and every drop of energy […]

Most people think they understand Zanshin (enduring or lingering mind), but what if you've only seen half the picture – what if we only understand part of this skill? During this week's episode, we uncover TWO sides or levels of Zanshin – the one everyone talks about and the one that determines survival beyond the […]

During this episode, we'll be discussing the often overlook concept of Shugyo (‘Discipline' / Continuous Training'), as-well-as the 3-phase traditional training framework passed down through many classical Japanese martial traditions: SHU HA RI, and how these two work together to produce Mastery. But what is being mastered – technique, self-protection skills, ourselves… what is being […]

Have you ever found yourself wanting to quit something the moment things get difficult? Whether it's a failed technique in training or a problem in life you'd rather avoid, failure and hardship are often seen as obstacles to success. But what if they are actually the key to Mastery & Success? In this episode, we're […]

Welcome to 2025! This is our special New Year's episode and, as such, we'll be discussing several aspects surrounding this time of year – especially from the perspective of the traditional Chinese / Japanese way of looking at it, and what it means within the dual realms of warriorship and Life! During this episode, you'll […]

In this episode, we'll explore the transformative power of Kaizen, the Japanese art of continuous improvement, it's connection to our Ninpo-Mikkyo's Sanmitsu (“Triple-Secrets of Success”), and how this powerful tool for growth and progress can help you take massive control of your training and your life. You'll learn how small, consistent steps lead to big […]

During this episode of KUDEN! Radio, we're going to be taking a look at the first of several aspects and actions needed for Mastery in the Ninja's arts which align perfectly with the Chinese zodiac animal and conditioning element of the coming year. We'll also take a look at several very powerful quotes from Hatsumi […]

In this episode we'll be diving into the world of the Ninja's psychological warfare, advanced levels and forms of “power” and “control,” and how to manipulate and influence the thoughts, decisions, and actions of others without anyone knowing that you're doing anything at all. More than just self-defense and personal combat “tricks,” these skills can […]

Within the Shinobi Warrior's philosophical underpinnings – the life-mastery and wisdom teachings that cover the “OTHER HALF” of TOTAL training – is the study of what many call “the Human Condition.” Called by different names across as many lineages, this is known as Seishin Teki Kyoyo – ‘personal development, clarity, and spiritual refinement' – within […]

This is part 3 in our 3-part miniseries on the Togakure Ninja school's principle of “never engaging the enemy head-on”. as well as the deception tactics that “nothing is ever what it looks like”. During this episode, we're going to continue our look into these principles by exploring what they look like when used by […]

When the art of the Ninja exploded onto the scene in the early ‘80s here in the Western-world, everything… everywhere was about “Ninjutsu” and how it was different from nearly every other conventional (read: ‘modern') martial art. But, along the way a shift occurred and, ever since then, there has been a debate about whether […]

Ever since the art's introduction to the Western world, it has always been easy for folks, both inside and outside the art, and especially those coming from more conventional martial arts backgrounds, to try and relate to and/or translate Ninjutsu through that lens. What this means is trying to see Ninjutsu as another head-to-head / […]

It's easy to understand physical distance, known generally as MAAI in Japanese, regardless of whether we're talking about a carpenter or other tradesman measuring off a certain length of wood or tubing to make sure things fit, or the distance between our body and that of our assailant in a self-defense situation. It's also one […]

Discover the “unseen” skills that set Ninjutsu apart from other martial arts in this episode of KUDEN! Radio. This week, we dive deep into the advanced art of “sensing” unseen danger—a skill famously tested for in the Bujinkan's 5th Dan Sakki Test—and explore three other powerful perception abilities that extend Ninjutsu beyond mere physical defense. […]

Every master teacher I have ever trained with had a saying – something which summarized their approach to training, and a very important, core lesson they wanted students to “get,” through their study and practice. During this episode I'll share some of these gems that I've received from several of my own teachers – focusing […]

Part of the art of enduring and persevering, in fact right there in the name: Ninjutsu, is a key element to being able to “weather any storm.” And, without it, one cannot really say that they are, or are really working on becoming, a true “Ninja.” During this episode, we're diving into just how students […]

Many years ago, Hatsumi-Sensei penned an article that was titled: “Pride Goes Before the Fall”. In it he discussed how one's belief systems and bad habits, while allowing for certain success in certain areas will, eventually, cause them to fail. And, when that failure comes, it very often causes a catastrophic crash to rock bottom […]

This episode is the next installment in Dai-Shihan Miller's new: “Student's Perspective” interview series, designed to not only spotlight his highly engaged Ninjutsu students, but also to give them a chance to share their successes and, perhaps most importantly, how they're overcoming the obstacles to success. He and his guest this week, former U.S. Marine […]

What is “Mastery?” How do we go about attaining it? Not just the physical expertise with our bodies – with the physical fighting techniques – but with the core philosophical, strategical, and tactical lessons, insights, and levels of understanding described in the ancient scrolls? In this episode, we'll delve into something that my teacher, Hatsumi-Soke […]

What if the key to mastering self-defense and Ninjutsu lies not in flashy, pre-set techniques but in navigating the unseen paths of training? For many, the allure of immediate results can overshadow the profound truths hidden beneath the surface. Yet, for those committed to genuine mastery, understanding these invisible principles can make all the difference. […]

What if you could follow a guaranteed, time-tested path to mastery in both martial arts and life? In this episode of KUDEN! Radio, Master-Teacher Jeffrey M. Miller reveals one of the timeless processes used by warrior's since ancient times to become a master of yourself and your life. Many avoid the path to greatness, even […]

Join Dai-Shihan Jeffrey Miller for the latest installment of the “Student's Perspective” interview series on KUDEN! Radio. In this episode, Jeffrey Miller spotlights Fred Strickland, one of his most dedicated and highly engaged Ninjutsu students. Together, they delve into Fred-Sensei's journey towards Black Belt Mastery, exploring how Ninjutsu serves him in both martial arts and […]

Are you struggling to get the training you need to start or advance on your path to Mastery? Whether you're a solo student just starting and forced to train from a distance, or someone looking to take your skills to the next level, the journey can feel overwhelming and isolating. In this episode, we'll explore […]

The debate about whether or not online ninjutsu training programs actually work to help you develop the skills you're looking for. So… … during this episode we're going to revisit the topic, but from the historical perspective (something that seems to be popular among many, “only want to do it the ‘traditional' way, students) to […]

During this episode of KUDEN! radio, I'll be kicking off my new student interview series designed to spotlight some of my highly engaged Ninjutsu students. My guest, Lee Davis, and I will be discussing their perspectives on the art, how it serves them and the value they get from it, and even their dislikes as […]

In this episode of KUDEN! Radio, we explore the Ninja warriors concept of kamae from the perspective of a master strategist. We'll discuss how these physical postures and attitudes, used to keep us safe and protected in self-defense, can be adapted to handle life's non-physical challenges such as arguments, stress, and common daily scenarios as […]

During this episode, we'll be taking a look at the realm of Mastery, what past (and present) master-teachers say about it, as-well-as what modern science has discovered that backs up the ancient teachings. We'll be specifically looking at how we develop the habit patterns necessary for success, why what we've been taught or modelled from […]

During this episode, we're going to play a game of “Mission Impossible,” with you using your strategic and tactical-thinking skills to solve a riddle – one where the fate of the world (literally) hangs on your ability to understand the enemy, the threat posed, and successfully complete the task before you. Sound like fun? If […]

In this episode we'll discuss a comment posted on one of my videos regarding the effectiveness of Ninjutsu for real-world self-defense, and how the power of our beliefs about any ‘thing' is often rooted in Ego's tendancy to use vagueness and generalization to define that thing…which in itself affects everything else we do, say, think, […]

In my book, “Fight Smarter – Not Harder”, I share 3 very common things that over 90% of the people say to me, that all point to the same problem – a very REAL problem in the world of self-defense and personal protection; and that “thing” is a sense of feeling lost when it comes […]

In the realm of the Warrior, especially when dealing with the Bushido code, one of the core tenants, character strengths, or virtues is that of makoto. This can be translated as ‘sincere truth' and includes the way we express that truth in words. During this episode, we'll be taking a look at a few of […]

One of my military leaders once said to me, “Sergeant Miller, hope is not a strategic plan!”. Couple this with a technique I learned from both Soke Hatsumi, as well as my Mikkyo teacher for using both of the Ninja's mandala perspectives, allowed me to master techniques, gain skills, and produce success much faster. During […]

A very common theme that has run through my training, from Soke Hatsumi's lessons and those of other master-teachers, to my Mikkyo teacher and other life mentors…was centered around a very uncomfortable truth about warriorship. Warriorship isn't always about fighting the enemies “out there”. Sometimes it's about facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves, our choices, and […]

Are you tired of feeling like common beliefs, the “rules”, or life's obstacles are holding you back? Tune into this episode where we dive deep into not only the essential skill of distinguishing genuine confidence from mere bravado, but a critical key for growth, breaking free from limitations, and getting massive results. Packed with actionable […]

During this episode we'll be taking a look at a lesson I was introduced to in the early days of my martial arts and life-mastery training in Ninjutsu. The personal combat and lifeways of Japan's ancient Ninja families. This lesson though, seemed to run in direct contradiction to another belief held by the masses, and […]