Monday’s Martial Madness: To the Hawker of Horror and Hijinks, the Purveyor of Punishment and Purpose, the Retailer of Reality and Regurgitation: An Ode to the Sensei.

This one’s for all you sensei/instructor/whatever who like to dole out physical punishment, I mean training to your students. Read ’em and weep. These verses I mean.

O Madness! You bring
That most sinister of gleams
You rub your hands and sing
“It’s time for some real FUN.”

From the highest of fears
To the lowest of tears
As I land on my rear
I question your definition of “fun.”

O Blackbelt! You slay me!
Upset and repay me!
Your madness, so cray cray!
As your eyes gleam in your “fun.”

I find myself down here
On the mats, as I lay here
Reeking of sweat
And the elements of undeserved fun.

Rife with butt cruises
And the elements of undeserved fun.
I’ve gathered here
All from that maddening gleam

O Sensei! O Sensei!
You help me out plenty,
As I land on my back
And rub my sore hiney

Let's do this some more
One more time on the floor,
Here we go again!
All in the name of fun

Published by Stephanie Dunham

Stephanie Dunham Sensei (Steph Sensei) is a firm believer in empowering others to be their best selves. Stephanie has been training in Ninpo Bugei since January 2016 under the guidance of Mark Bramble Shihan (Ninpo US), and José Benitez (Banri Dojo in Wilmington, DE). She achieved her 1st degree black belt in February 2020. Steph Sensei believes in taking some of the ancient disciplines and traditions of Japanese warrior culture and applying them to modern needs. She enjoys teaching and writing, but most importantly she loves learning. As she continues training in Ninpo, she is adding Krav Maga and some other styles into her repertoire. Steph Sensei believes in a holistic approach in training and works to achieve balance in mental, physical, and spiritual approaches to martial arts training. She is looking forward to working with anyone interested in training, but especially women and kids. Stephanie Sensei believes that martial arts training is for anyone, regardless of limitations, who wishes to improve their lives. Ninpo Ikkan! View all posts by Stephanie Dunham