Having just spent an evening with David catching up on nearly 20 years I paused to reflect on the beginnings of Ninjutsu as we know it in the UK and in particular the Forest of Dean.
I had previously studied Kendo and Iaijutsu and felt the need to expand my somewhat limited knowledge when I chanced upon an advert in "Fighters" for a seminar of Ninjutsu to be held in a scout hut at Pinewood in Croydon. It was here that I was introduced to Bo Munthe and Brian Mc Carthy, both at that time shodan's. To say that it was a life changing event would be an understatement. And I returned to the Forest with my head full of new techniques! I had been running a Kendo club at the Heywood sports centre but felt that I wanted to give 100 percent to this new discipline and upon my announcement of this intention the whole club, to a man, stepped forward and wanted some! It had not been my intention to lead this venture, it just seemed my enthusiasm for knowledge put me in the line of fire. I organised a visit from Bo Munthe and we literally (I mean literally) 'took off'. There followed a grading for me and our entry into the 'Bujinkan Dojo Ishizuka Society" and a series of seminars through which our numbers grew.
I spent a good deal of time hurling on the Irish sea on frequent visits for 'pain fixes' with Brian, Tommy, Eimon and the Guiness!! Eventually I had dojos in Newport, Chepstow, Bristol and the Forest of Dean. Closest to my heart were the two outdoor dojo's Hakutsuru and Ozeki in which training (not for the faint hearted) continued in all weathers. It was during these beginnings that seeking out genuine Togakure technique became my soul purpose and I was honoured to recieve a scholarship to train with Bo in Sweden. My vision for our training group was based as closely on videos and techniques from Japan as I could get and our group in the Forest gained a rather 'colourful' reputation! David had been with me from the beginning, his thirst for knowledge had him continually bending my ear and his grasp and interpretation of technique was impressive even then. Both he and Brian Carpenter ran my Hattori group in Cinderford. I decided to send him on a scholarship to Ireland with Brian from which he returned full of new ideas. My 'retirement' from the Bujinkan came amidst the inevitable political ramblings. That plus the accidental death of my dear friend and Ninja brother Derry Campbell broke my heart and I walked away. I cannot forget the good times we shared. The loyalty and the love I recieved from 'my boys'will always be with me. All these years later time has come full circle and I have visited Brian Carpenters kobudo dojo (a humbling experience) which proved to be a moving one too.
To find David also and to see all that he has achieved has overwhelmed me. From such humble beginnings have grown a mighty oak forest of true Togakure ninjutsu. To have David in my home sharing his vision with me was like looking at myself all those years ago (moved me to tears) and for him to call me sensei was bizarre. Brothers and sisters he has my greatest repect and proud admiration, here is an example to follow. The true warrior path is the road to knowing oneself and each day is a new dojo. As Sven Eric once said 'You must treat each day as if it were your last and be the best you can'. I truly dont know where to go next, I only know it will be exciting! David and I are now in close contact and I feel a visit to his dojo is imminent. It would be an honour and a priviledge to talk with you all.
My love and hugs to each and every one of you. Steve Popejoy
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