James V Morganelli

James V. Morganelli is a writer, teacher, and lifelong martial artist with 50 years of study and practice. He has taught both nationally and internationally. A prolific writer and award-winning screenwriter, his work has appeared in national outlets such as The Federalist and Black Belt. His article “Ethical Warrior” was featured in Black Belt magazine’s 50th anniversary issue, and his long-running blog, KOSSHI: Martial Arts and Ethics and Stuff, has attracted readers around the world.

A Sword to Cut Stone is his most recent work. His other books include the award-winning The Protector Ethic: Morality, Virtue, and Ethics in the Martial Way, along with two training guides on the art of the staff, BOJUTSU and BOJUTSU: HIDEN. He is also at work on a debut thriller novel.

A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, James majored in philosophy with a concentration in East Asian language and culture. In 2013, he earned a Master of Arts in Social Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, where he concentrated in Applied Ethics and Natural Law. James also serves as a staff member at Resolution Group International, a professional conflict-resolution company dedicated to teaching ethical, verbal, and physical skills to civilians, law enforcement, and the military under the leadership of Jack E. Hoban.

Upon returning from Japan in 1998, James founded the Bujinkan Shingitai-Ichi Dojo to continue his training and outreach. More than twenty-five years later, the dojo continues to thrive. He holds a master instructor license with the Bujinkan Dojo and is one of only a handful of practitioners to hold the rank of Junkyoshi through the Makko Ho Kyokai, a Japanese system of stretching and rejuvenation.