"The mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting."
— Plutarch
Sensei Norcross brings a profound depth of experience and a rich tapestry of martial arts expertise to his teaching, having embarked on his martial arts journey at age ten and earned his first Black Belt in Karate by 1987. His quest for a discipline with greater complexity led him to train under revered masters like An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes and Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. A dedicated educator and practitioner, Mr. Norcross has accumulated over 30,000 hours of hands-on instruction, nurturing students' growth with his extensive knowledge in the Bujinkan Budo, Budo Taijutsu, To-Shin Do, and the arts of Samurai and Ninja. His passionate teaching style is drawn not only from traditional martial arts but is also informed by his achievements as a bodyguard for luminaries, a best-selling author, and a certified Anti-Bullying specialist.
His devotion extends beyond technical training; he instills in his students a philosophy of self-defense that is as much about mental preparedness and character development as it is about physical technique. With a shared journey that traverses from traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate to the founding of the Tōnō Ryu Sword Style, Mr. Norcross's deep connectivity to the art form and his students shines through. Whether teaching law enforcement, military personnel, or eager students in your dojo, he imparts not just skills, but an enduring legacy of self-discipline, resilience, and honor intrinsic to the martial way.
(Photo- Sensei Norcross with one of his mentors, Black Belt Hall of Fame member and Author, Anshu Stephen. K Hayes
Why bother with mental practice?
Because we are our own worst enemy.
Every moment of every day, many of us think negative thoughts about our abilities. Like an assassin in the night, we sabotage our progress with the weapon of doubt. We lie to ourselves and make up mental stories. We worry about what might be. Or we sit and drown in the regrets of our past.
None of these habits will help us be better people. In fact, they'll make us quit the martial arts and destroy our relationships. Then where will we be?
These short reminders and lessons keep us in the moment. They keep us thinking about purpose and our place in the world.
Following codes of Ethics and Morality are absolutely essential to Mastering the Martial Arts...
and just being a good person.
Watch the lessons
- A Warrior's Code of Ethics and Morals for a modern, hectic World (6:23)
- Intent into Action part 4 - Run Toward Responsibility (12:09)
- I Regret Quitting. How Do I Stay Motivated? "Fight Toward the Light!" says Sensei. (15:37)
- Daily Gratefulness is Essential to our Happiness (0:59)
- The Five Elements explained in detail - Martial Philosophy (13:09)
- Martial Arts Philosophy - Isshin Mushin Zanshin - Three Stages of Conflict (7:16)
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