According to Asian astrology, 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat. The Rat sign marks the beginning of the zodiac and is associated with an aggressive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. It is linked to material success, wellness, and a luxurious life. Rats are intelligent, energetic, and adaptable, solving problems with ease. Charm, a strenuous work ethic, discipline, and passion give people born under this sign a "tactical advantage" this year. Honor and lack of resentment are two things we can learn from the Rat. Action will be the keyword this year for all Rats – there is no time for laziness or waiting for miracles to happen.

For all of us "non-Rats," 2020 will be a year when we all will be able to take advantage of a new beginning, both in our personal and financial lives. Some of us will focus on fun, amusement, pleasure, and hobbies, while others will use our creativity, ambition, and confidence to initiate personal improvement and/or more extensive projects.

Exciting! 2020 portends to be a year of new beginnings for all of us. So, let's go!

But first, let's quickly recap what happened in 2019...plenty!

In terms of international travel, I attended the German BuyūKai in July. It was at Schloss Buchenau again. I have participated in BuyūKai a number of times. This is a GREAT event and I encourage all my martial arts friends to attend. There are buyū from all over the world – with some top-notch coaching on everything from the basics to pretty advanced stuff. Really, you MUST go.

BuyūKai info here: http://www.buyukai.de/. See you there next July!

We also had training seminars in NJ, of course. It's amazing how many people from around the world find our little training group in Spring Lake. Seminars are pretty much every month. You can see the 2020 schedule here.

We also did a couple of women's self-defense classes this year. Actually, we combined taijutsu and yoga into what we think is a unique new approach to personal protection. If you didn't know, I practice yoga daily myself, and highly recommend you look into it as a part of your junan taiso training. Finding the right teacher is key – so do your research!

The training was very fun, and I learned a lot. I often say that it is important to train with women and study their responses to conflict. Unlike men, women—especially the trained ones—tend to seek a sneaky way to escape force, rather than try to meet power with power. This is very "ninja-like." That's why the kunoichi were considered some of the most effective ninja operatives.

Maybe we'll do a few more in 2020—who knows?!

We had a workshop in Florida. Ed and Claudia Figueroa of Tampa Bay Buyū Dojo sponsors the training. Ed also works with the Orlando group.

I traveled to Grand Rapids (there's still no rapids, by the way). Had a great time training with some fine folks.

Thanks, Craig Gray, for setting that up.

I also got to train once again with my friend, Joe Lopez, and the dedicated buyū of Hawaii Bujinkan.