Ep17: The Ninja - Stephen K Hayes
In this episode I talk with Stephen K Hayes, martial arts master and ex security advisor to the Dalai Lama. We discuss Stephen’s early interest in the martial arts and his journey to Japan in search of the Ninja.
Stephen recounts his early interest in the martial arts and his journey to Japan in search of the Ninja.
We learn about his training and relationship with the iconoclastic sensei Masaaki Hatsui, and how it was the Stephen first met the Dalai Lama.
Stephen then gives a detailed analysis of the Dalai Lama’s skill in social engagements, as well as the lessons learned serving in the close protection field.
Topics Include:
0:00 – Intro
0:30 – A childhood interest in martial arts
03:42 – Stephen’s early spiritual leanings
06:03 – Disillusionment with Episcopal Christianity
07:44 – Stephen’s take on reincarnation
11:34 – University experiences studying theatre and speech at Miami University
14:24 – Learning Tang Su Do and opening his first school
16:30 – Stephen’s incongruence with the 70s American martial arts scene
18:06 – Why Stephen describes himself as an oddball guy
20:46 – Travelling to Japan and searching for the Ninja
27:50 – Meeting Masaaki Hatsumi
34:18 – Fame and fortune as a martial arts author
37:43 – Hatsumi’s dojo schedule and curriculum
39:28 – The essence of what Stephen learned from Hatsumi
43:16 – Travelling to Tibet in search of the dob-dob fighting monks
47:28 – Meeting the Dalai Lama in New Dehli
50:01 – Intelligence and spiritual transmission
53:43 – The Dalai Lama’s emotional impact on Stephen
57:29 – Stephen’s role as a security advisor to the Dalai Lama
59:56 – The Dalai Lama’s skill in social engagements
1:06:32 – Western attitudes vs pre-invasion Tibet
1:09:23 – What Stephen learned from the Dalai Lama
1:13:58 – Final words of advice
To find more about Stephen, visit: http://www.stephenkhayes.com/
Music: ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James