Interview with Anshu Christa Jacobson

Anshu Christa Jacobson is a truly remarkable woman whose life and accomplishments defy convention, transcend borders, and challenge every preconceived notion we might have about what it means to be a warrior, an artist, and a human being. Anshu is the Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Kai, one of the most respected and sought-after instructors in both traditional and eclectic martial arts, and a celebrated member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. She is widely recognized as the only non-Japanese individual to have been awarded a Menkyo Kaiden, the highest license in Japanese martial arts, and Sokeship, signifying her status as inheritor and grandmaster of a koryu bujutsu/ninjutsu tradition. Anshu’s journey into the martial arts is as unconventional as it is inspiring. While many may find her path through the disciplined halls of combat training impressive on its own, it is her unwavering commitment to authenticity, history, and integrity that sets her apart. In 2004, disillusioned by mainstream schools misrepresenting the art of ninjutsu, she founded Budo Ryu Kai to preserve and teach real, traditional ninjutsu, combining her extensive research, personal experience, and deep spiritual insight to create a holistic system that develops the mind, body, and spirit.

 

Today, her teachings resonate on an international scale, with students from across the globe following her instruction and guidance. But Anshu’s talents and passions do not stop at martial arts. She is an openly practicing Wiccan, deeply connected to nature and ancient spiritual practices, and she is equally known for her work in adult entertainment as an escort, courtesan, and erotic dancer, a choice she views as an essential expression of personal freedom, art, and femininity. Anshu embraces every facet of her identity unapologetically, embodying the belief that the human body, its sensuality, and its capacity for expression are forms of art that should never be constrained by society or government. Her life story is also one of courage, resilience, and authenticity. As a transgender woman, Anshu faced immense challenges when she began her transition at the age of 26: the loss of friends, family difficulties, and even a thriving business. Yet, she pursued her truth with unwavering determination, proving that strength and identity cannot be defined by the limitations imposed by others.

 

Today, as a mother of two daughters, a martial arts grandmaster, and an inspiring role model for transgender individuals worldwide, Anshu demonstrates that living authentically is not only possible, it can be transformative. In this interview, we dive deep into her extraordinary journey, exploring her martial arts mastery, her spiritual life, her unapologetic embrace of erotic art, and her experiences as a transgender woman navigating the complexities of a world often unwilling to understand. Anshu’s story is a rare confluence of strength, artistry, vulnerability, and courage, a testament to what it means to live fully, fearlessly, and authentically. Without further ado, I am thrilled to welcome Anshu Christa Jacobson.

 

Monika: Hello Anshu! Welcome to my blog.

Anshu: Hello! It is an honor to be asked to do an interview with you!

 

Anshu Ch. Jacobson; Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Kai.

 

Monika: You seem like a fascinating person. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Anshu: Well… I’m a very eclectic person who does many things. Outside of martial arts, I also work in the adult entertainment industry as an escort/courtesan (geisha) and erotic dancer. I’m very open about my spirituality as well, as I am an active pagan who practices Wicca. Wicca is a nature-based religion derived from very old spiritual and magical practices that help one become more connected to the earth.

Monika: What drew you to Japanese martial arts in the first place, and why did you choose to focus on Budo Ryu Kai rather than something like ikebana or other Japanese traditions?

Anshu: I’ve been doing martial arts for many years. Although I teach various arts within the Budo Ryu Kai, ninjutsu was the one I felt the strongest connection to. In the “ninja community,” the majority of schools are not teaching ninjutsu at all, they just claim to. They are teaching “taijutsu” and calling it ninjutsu.

Monika: What motivated you to create Budo Ryu Kai and teach authentic ninjutsu?

Anshu: Although the ninja of the past may have trained in taijutsu, taijutsu is not ninjutsu! I was tired of all major ninpo organizations not living up to what they say they’re teaching and making false claims about the historical art of ninjutsu. So in 2004, I decided to break away and show the world REAL AUTHENTIC NINJUTSU. The Budo Ryu Kai (School of the Warrior Way) was developed through my personal research, training, and experience, combining all of these facets into a way to fully develop one's mind, body, and spirit as one, while teaching the correct history and tradition of the ancient ninja.
Monika: Have you encountered other women with martial skills comparable to yours, or do you feel your achievements stand out in the martial arts world? 

Anshu: There are many women in the martial arts, and many women run their own dojos. But I am the only woman in the world (to my knowledge) who runs an international martial arts organization, teaching martial arts on a worldwide platform. I am also the first transgender woman inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. All of the awards and accolades I have achieved are wonderful.

Anshu Ch. Jacobson also works in adult entertainment
as a nude model, erotic dancer, and professional courtesan.

Monika: In what ways has your identity as a transgender woman shaped your journey and challenges within the predominantly male martial arts community?

Anshu: However, the majority of students and teachers in the martial arts community are men, and the idea that a transgender woman can be very successful teaching combat on a worldwide platform really irritates a lot of closed-minded, conservative people. The fact that I am a woman with multiple schools worldwide makes me a major target for hate and bigotry from many hateful and insecure people within the martial arts community.
Monika: Your YouTube vlog covers so many aspects of your life. What kind of questions do your fans usually ask?

Anshu: It all depends. On my vlog, I talk about everything in my life, like adult entertainment, martial arts, spirituality, meditation, etc. I’ve been married now 18 years, and we have two beautiful daughters together. As a transgender mom raising two girls, I sometimes get questions about that, but because I’m involved in so many different things, the questions I get from fans vary greatly. I would say the most popular question, coming from the martial arts community, is how a martial arts teacher can work in adult entertainment. There’s a long story on how I started working in adult entertainment, but we can leave that for another day.

Monika: How do you personally view your work in adult entertainment, especially as a transgender woman?

Anshu: To me, transgender women are just as “beautiful” and “sexy” as any other woman. Being able to show that and express that is important to me. The human body and human expression, to me, is the most basic yet complex form of artistic expression. A transgender woman will not be seen as “equal” if we are not seen as “equal.” Every woman, trans or otherwise, is beautiful and sexy. When we get a chance to express our femininity, it draws people in, and they get to see that. I’m a strong believer in freedom of expression, and I feel that the government should not be allowed to tell me what I can and cannot do with my body. Yes, it is a radical, progressive, unconventional stand, but I feel that nudity and one’s body should not be controlled by the government.

As an erotic dancer and martial artist;
maintaining a strong healthy body is essential.

Monika: Society seems to have very different rules for martial arts versus erotic arts. How does that affect you?

Anshu: I will say that it’s sad that it is socially acceptable for me to provide people with the experience of how to hurt others through martial arts, but it is not socially acceptable for me to provide people with the experience of how to enjoy their life through the erotic arts. But society is changing, so love and acceptance for all will hopefully become the norm for everyone in future generations.
Monika: Out of all the questions you get, which one strikes you as the most unusual or unexpected?

Anshu: This might sound like a really odd answer, but the strangest question for me is: “How did you know that you were transgender?” To me, that’s a really odd question, especially when the answer has to be: “I just knew.” I do not think that people realize how difficult it is for a trans woman to “come out” and start their transition. With the way the media portrays women, being a transgender woman, going through a transition, taking hormones, and living as a woman before our bodies have even started to change is really difficult. Every place you go, you get mocked and stared at. It’s tough. No one would ever go through that much ridicule if it was not a true reflection of self and a proper action within their heart.

Monika: How old were you when you began your transition, and what were some of the challenges you faced?

Anshu: I was 26 years old when I started my transition in 2003. It was a very difficult process. I had issues with my family, lost almost all of my friends, and even lost a very profitable business because of my transition. It was tough, but I was going to be damned if I was going to live my life by someone else’s standards, then die my own death. Fuck that, I am who I am. The greatest thing about going through a rough time is that you see real quick who’s with you and who’s not. For me, I’d rather have four quarters than 100 pennies.

Outside of Martial Arts Soke Anshu is a witch
who practices an ancient religion called Wicca.

Monika: When you were starting your transition, did you have any transgender role models you looked up to?

Anshu: No, years ago (2003) I was watching Oprah, and this lady on her show was a transgender woman. If I remember correctly, she was an English teacher and wrote a book called She’s Not There. So I bought the book and read it, and it was great. Other than the internet, that was really the only “look” into the life of a transgender woman as I was starting my transition.

Monika: Her name is Jennifer Finney Boylan. Today, are there any transgender women you particularly admire or respect?

Anshu: I respect everyone the same. So many people know that I’m a trans woman and send me emails with their love and support, thanking me for my strength. I guess because of my experiences and my success, they also found the strength to follow their hearts and come out as well! That in itself is cool, and I am honored that just me being me helps inspire others to do so. So to answer the question, I respect anyone who is true to themselves, transgender or otherwise.

Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of coming out?

Anshu: As I said earlier, I had issues at the beginning with family; I lost almost all of my friends and lost a business because of my transition. It was tough, but I’ve never been the kind of person that had a lot of self-doubt. I’ve always been very secure with who I am and go after what I want. So even though I was faced with adversity, it never stopped me from wanting to follow my heart and be the woman that I knew that I was.

As a witch, Soke Anshu Christa Jacobson
practices esoteric arts that connect
her to the elements of nature.

Monika: Within the broader LGBT movement, the transgender community is often represented as the final letter in the acronym. Do you think transgender people have enough space to advocate for their own causes within this larger group?

Anshu: I really do not keep up with the “LGBT community” per se. For me, I feel that if I just do what I do and inspire others to follow their hearts, then that is good enough for me. I do not care what race, religion, sex, or gender any of my students, supporters, friends, or clients are. I am going to do what I do, and that is to promote love, acceptance, and individuality.

Monika: So for you, is individual visibility more powerful than working within a formal group?

Anshu: Absolutely. I know it might sound like I’m sidestepping your question, but I’m not. As a transgender woman who runs an international martial arts school, I feel that I do not need to “join a group.” What I need to do is be a strong mentor and role model for other transgender people who are seeking to practice martial arts. If people see me, get inspired, and then find out that I am a trans woman, that is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Because then, they start to see that transgender people are no different from anyone else.
Monika: In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in transgender-related news stories and media coverage. How do you feel about the way the media represents the transgender community today?

Anshu: Well, I’m all for the media and the right to free speech, I just wish the media would portray the trans community in a more “normal” light. They always pick people who are very flamboyant and over the top. Not that that is a bad thing, it’s just not the norm. If people got to see the majority of trans people, I feel they would not see us much differently from themselves.

END OF PART 1

PART 2

 

All photos: courtesy of Anshu Christa Jacobson.

© 2017 - Monika Kowalska