The Ninja Mindset: Awaken the Warrior Within by Randell Stroud @randellstroud

About the Author

Randell Stroud has over 20 years of experience in Chinese Martial Arts and other combat sports like Boxing, military combatives, and weaponry. He has published several human rights shadow reports to the United Nations and has worked as a paralegal and investigator in a variety of areas within the law.

Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?

I have experienced a lot of hardships alone. I have experienced legal battles, losing a business, homelessness, friends turning into enemies, organizing political movements, deadly encounters with gang members, romantic breakups, and as of recent, and even surviving a gunshot wound after being caught in a mass shooting incident. Yet, despite all this, I always found a way to survive and get past it. In fact, I wrote half of the book while I was homeless, hence its choppy style.

My friends sometimes refer to me as a “Ninja who can escape any problem.” I was also known for my martial arts throughout my life, so that also added to my mystique. Since my childhood, I’ve competed in all kinds of martial arts and boxing competitions. Those experiences have really shaped me as a person.

Often times in a boxing match, you are hurt, but you can’t let your enemy see it or he will pounce on you. Life is a lot like that too. People say you can trust them, but once you open up, any knowledge you give them can be intel used to hurt you later.

I grew up in a lot of rough neighbourhoods and had my life threatened a lot. I also watched many of my family and friends get mistreated in the court systems because they lacked legal knowledge or couldn’t afford a good lawyer.

I promised myself at the age of 14 that I was done being a victim. I’ve spent the last 20 years ever since studying martial arts, law, survival techniques, psychology and anything else that can give me an edge on the battlefield of life.

I became a paralegal, worked as an investigator, boxing coach, and even ran for public office. Every time someone said that my odds were impossible, I somehow survived it and came out of the situation either stronger or better equipped to handle similar situations in the future.

This book is a collection of my mental tricks and philosophies inspired by life experiences and other famous leaders, to which I used to overcome those dark days that find us all from time to time.

If you’re sick of feeling like a victim, then this is the book for you.

Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?

I think everyone can benefit from this book honestly. The world is a dangerous place that doesn’t discriminate in its violence or greed. However, I will say, I had a strong motivation to release these writings for the sake of the abysmal state of masculinity today.

The last two generations of boys have been raised by single mothers at a rate of 40-60% (depending on your demographic). Masculinity was once a word that evoked strength, leadership and protection over the weak. Now, I see so many young men who can’t do a push-up or even change a tire.

Some things just can’t be taught at school or by a mother. Boys/men aren’t protected emotionally in the same way women sometimes are. We are expected to produce and “man-up”. But, how can these young men today be held to a generational standard that is fatherless?

I think this book will invoke a mindset that is needed to inspire these traits that have been lost or ridiculed. Preparedness, strength, planning, and having control over one’s emotional state are highly desirable and necessary especially for those who seek to become leaders in their chosen fields.

I use examples of the Ninja, boxers, and Military soldiers because these are the archetypes that young men have historically looked up to. Having worked in the legal. Investigative, security, and personal protection fields, these traits are basically mandatory.

I discovered a book called, “The Dokkodo: The Art of Walking Alone” by Miyomoto Musashi. He is an old folk hero in Japan. But his quote, “The acceptance of death is the way of the warrior”, really touched me. It is only when we can accept the inevitability of dying or losing at something at some point, that we can truly grow and stop fearing failure.

While this book does reference masculine themes, I don’t leave out women’s issues either. For certain self-defence situations, they are an even bigger target. With the decline of what I call “Positive Masculinity”, women are forced to be more responsible for their own self-defence than before. But, I see this as an empowering opportunity because YOU are your first responder, not your dad or the police, but you!

We live in a time right now of great economic and emotional uncertainty because of the ongoing pandemic. I think a book like this is more needed than ever. These are scary times, but that fear can be removed if you’re willing to accept these inevitable dangers and be proactive in preparing yourself physically, legally, and mentally.

Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?

” Dokkodo: The Art of Walking Alone” by Miyomoto Musashi

“The Prince” by Niccolo Macheavelli

“The Art of War” – Sun Tzu

“Book of Proverbs & Book of Ecclesiastes ” by King Solomon in the Holy Bible

All of these men had one thing in common. They all accepted the harsh realities of this world and made plans ahead of time. They listened more than they spoke and they all commanded respect while also giving it.

I think that’s key, especially in today’s world of cancel culture and tribal politics. If you’re willing to listen, you may just discover that your enemy makes a few good points and perhaps you aren’t the all-knowing God you thought you were. Listening to the storm is the first step in reaching for the umbrella.

I’ve been humbled so many times in life and I believe these authors who were all great warriors also experienced defeats that would have submitted most men, yet their mindsets allowed them to fight another day. I am the reincarnation of Miyomoto Musashi, Niccolo Machiavelli, and King Solomon.

Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?

Don’t think. Feel. Whatever comes from your mouth, let it flow from your fingertips in a similar manner. Have a conversation through your hands. Writing is no different than talking but through a different medium of exchange. Let go and let your expectations die. Don’t worry about judgements, for you will always have both fans and haters.

But, be warned, be careful what you write. It’s easy for a spoken word to dissolve but a written one can haunt a man’s legacy forever. Words are powerful and are tough to disavow. Whatever you write, you own those words forever.

With that being said…

I love my God. My countrymen. And am forever loyal to the cause of my survival and the survival of my comrades. I also want to thank my father, Ronnie Stroud, After reconnecting with him after so many years, I levelled up. Go to your ancestors for advice. They have been here much longer than you.

Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?

Just Google my name “Randell Stroud” and do your own research. Those who seek shall find. I’m a Ninja who hides in plain sight.