Welcome to Hoshin Budo

A Journey of Dedication, Mastery, and Innovation

Rob Williams, the Soke (Grandmaster) of Hoshinjutsu Budo Ryu, is a multifaceted martial artist whose life revolves around the pursuit of physical excellence, healing arts, and personal development. With nearly four decades of martial arts experience and over 30 years dedicated specifically to Hoshinjutsu, Williams embodies the essence of a true martial artist and teacher.

Early Martial Arts Journey

Rob Williams began his martial arts journey almost 40 years ago, exploring various disciplines that would shape his comprehensive approach to combat and self-development. His extensive training includes proficiency in:

• Hoshinjutsu: Under the direct tutelage of the late Dr. Glenn J. Morris, founder of Hoshinjutsu, Williams achieved master-level rank in all areas of Hoshin combat and esoteric training.
• Kung Fu: Williams has studied various styles of Kung Fu, integrating its fluid movements and practical techniques into his practice.
• Systema: His training in the Russian martial art Systema has contributed to his understanding of natural movement, breathing techniques, and psychological resilience.

Successor to Dr. Glenn J. Morris

Williams's connection to Hoshinjutsu goes beyond physical techniques; he was personally trained and certified by Dr. Morris to teach and award rank in Hoshin Tao Chi Kung, the internal energy cultivation system that forms the core of Hoshin. Recognizing Williams's deep understanding and ability to convey complex principles effectively, Dr. Morris entrusted him with the task of refining and organizing the Hoshin system. In multiple communications, Dr. Morris explicitly stated, "I consider him [Rob Williams] my successor."

Contributions to Hoshinjutsu

Rob Williams has played a key role in organizing and structuring the Hoshin system. He developed clear outlines and syllabi, breaking down each belt level into sections to help students track their progress. This structure made the system more accessible, particularly for those unfamiliar with traditional martial arts training methods. Williams emphasizes the practical application of Hoshin techniques for self-defense and personal development, encouraging his students to enhance their understanding of the system and its underlying principles.

Creator of the Hoshin Healing and Massage System

Demonstrating his profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the body and energy, Williams created the Hoshin Healing and Massage System. This comprehensive approach to healing integrates traditional techniques, energy work, and holistic wellness, focusing on the body's natural ability to heal.

Author and Educator

Rob Williams is also an accomplished author, sharing his insights and experiences through his writings. Most notably:

• "Hoshinjutsu: The Art of Esoteric Budo": Exploring the principles of Hoshin and offering insights into its history and practice.

Mentor and Teacher

Beyond his technical skills, Williams is renowned for his ability to connect with and guide students, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. His teaching style emphasizes understanding principles, encouraging exploration, and promoting personal growth. Testimonials from his students highlight his dedication and the impact of his instruction on their lives.

Continuing the Legacy

Rob Williams's story is one of dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to the principles of Hoshinjutsu. His journey exemplifies the spirit of continuous evolution, refinement, and exploration. By honoring Dr. Morris's legacy and infusing his own insights and experiences, Williams stands as a testament to the enduring power of Hoshinjutsu to empower individuals and foster a community of dedicated practitioners.

Quote from Soke Rob Williams

"Many years ago Glenn asked me to clean up the Hoshin system so that the principles were organized and easier to deliver to students. Even though Glenn didn’t live to see the result of that work, I proudly continue my assignment, which was to advance our system. Those who have been training with me for many years have watched this process. Thank you for helping me 'dissect' our techniques. Those who have been training with me since Glenn passed are at the forefront of my work, my expression of the art I promised Doc I would continue to improve. Glenn called Hoshin the 'thinking person's martial art' and would say, 'When we find something that is smarter than what we are doing, we test it, and if it works we incorporate it into the system.' After studying Hoshinjutsu movements and dynamics so that I could improve the system for Doc, I believe I have harnessed the key principles that are shared by all the systems that influenced the eclectic martial art we call Hoshinjutsu."

"In 2001, Doc asked me to organize the system into palpable sections. The original manuals gave reading assignments with 'Path Notes' and 'Secrets of Shamanism' by Jose Stevens being the main two books for the course. Other books were assigned at the appropriate belt levels. The idea was to work with the chakra attitudes in order to open each center with an appropriate activity. He wanted students to get back to learning the core Hoshinjutsu techniques. I taught using the old manuals he had given me and worked on dissecting and perfecting techniques as well as the use of chi for healing and combat. I divided each belt into three sections, so students would have smaller chunks of information to focus on. Glenn would send me lists of techniques to add or remove, arranged into the appropriate elemental kyu grade. His main goal was to reduce excessive influences from other systems. Hoshin is not Ninpo, though it is a similar path to self-protection and development. Glenn used to joke, 'It's Ninja Lite ... less time, more filling.'"

"At their highest level, all martial arts look subtle because the movements become ingrained, then integrated, then refined. This is a concept Glenn-sensei would talk about, but he would only give a taste of it to keep us training and mastering ourselves. The Godai enables a person to understand the maximum use of intent, energy, and motion based on our true emotions in any given situation. Hoshinjutsu techniques are effective and efficient. We should refine these techniques so they work best with the least excessive movement."

"I always encourage my students to practice meditation and chi cultivation. These exercises are simple ways to observe phenomena occurring in and around oneself. A student always knows where they are in their development in Hoshin. The primary goal, of course, is to develop usable amounts of chi. This essential aspect is what makes Hoshinjutsu strategy effective. Otherwise, there is no integration—just prearranged movements that might or might not work. The latter sounds risky to me."

"At their highest level, all martial arts are similar. The human body isn’t going to change in our lifetime, so finding the spot where you are perfectly balanced and haven't moved too much but just enough... this is what I practice every time I train. The 'techniques' of Hoshinjutsu are just ways to apply our five principles. Glenn just showed the technique, then explained the particular area being affected. He didn’t teach the dynamics of Hoshinjutsu; he just moved that way naturally. Glenn wanted us to explore and find the elemental dynamics for ourselves. The Godai model of movement is sound; it’s what makes any given technique work its best. I would discuss the dynamics of Hoshin techniques with Dr. Morris, and he always agreed with my findings. I was asked by Doc to reshoot the ryu videos so I could explain the dynamics and leverage principles of Hoshin. Our ryu belt videos are just that. At the dan ranks, a student begins to exhibit the integration of the Hoshin principles and understanding of how to control the dynamics in any given motion. As black belts advance, they work on continually refining their movements so that wasted motion is minimized. This is the stream of thinking coming from the Hombu."

– Rob Williams
(10th dan) Hoshin Soke

Invitation to Learn

Under the leadership of Soke Rob Williams, Hoshinjutsu continues to thrive as a living tradition. Whether you are new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner seeking deeper connection, Williams invites you to join this path of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Let us know how we can assist you on your journey with Hoshin. We look forward to welcoming you into our community and supporting your path toward personal growth and excellence.