HOME                SERVICES                TRAINER                LOCATIONS                COSTS              GALLERY

Personalised services based on an " ... as real as it gets " philosophy & structure...

From both the martial arts school, our security advisory and through the development training & specialist training programs that we offer, we teach modern, dynamic and effective application of reality-based training strategy, principles and techniques.

Our training objectives aim to help our adult and junior students to:
- Develop levels of self-confidence
- Improve knowledge and skill in the related arts
- Enhance a positive outlook and attitude on life
- Increase respect for others in society
- Improve attention span and the ability to focus
- Improve levels of fitness from natural body movement/mobility-based function

In short, all of our training is conducted in an open, safe and enjoyable manner and is affordable providing you with quality, expert tuition at convenient locations & class times!​

Authentic, structured training...

We provide combat martial art training sessions throughout the week catering to both adults & juniors ('Ninja Cadets' 11-17 year old's, adults 18+).

We also provided exciting outdoor special interest events designed to develop and hone outdoor skills related to the once secret art of the Ninja in Japan!

...professionally presented

Depending on the training, our classes are provided 'in the dojo' as well as in the classroom...plus there is external training provided in the great outdoors. 

All of our development programs are modern, professionally led, effective and provide efficient & effective competencies and skills no matter where you might be in need of them e.g. be it on the 'street', in the workplace, or simply at home!

Skills for real life!

We operate a comprehensive training School (encompassing adults and juniors) with locations across Victoria with an adult membership that includes for example current and/or past; Security/Prison/Police Officers, Defence Forces, Special Ops members, other martial artists (making the change from styles including; Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Wrestling, Boxing, MMA, etc), as well as men & women who just want to pursue a street effective art who have no previous martial/fighting art experience - in short, catering for all experience levels from 11 years of age upwards!

We include a unique Bujinkan School experience that is based in Australia teaching the once secret art of the ninja of Japan using traditional 'dojo' (internal) training complemented with access to regular external ('budo' warrior related) physical as well as Spiritual development events!

Our training is conducted at numerous facilities located south-east of Melbourne as well as regional Victoria, led by internationally renowned and awarded Senior Master/Teacher (Dai-Shihan/Shidoshi) Dr Jon Hodson, Jugodan (15th Dan) Black Belt in Bujinkan Ninjutsu & Budo Taijutsu (the highest Black Belt 'dan' rank achievable in the Bujinkan - the highest level achievable) comprising: Ninjutsu/Ninpo Taijutsu, Jutaijutsu, Koppojutsu, Koshijutsu, and Dakentaijutsu.

There is also occasional (by private invitation only) access to Master Hodson's own private training centre; 'Buyu Retreat Estate' (Warrior Friends Retreat) on a 60+ acre site in a secluded forest environment - the property including approx. 200m2 indoor dojo training area, two airstrips, aircraft hangar (for those adventurous enough to 'fly-in/fly-out'!), landscaped dam...and close proximity to other air training operations e.g. parachuting centre, water training at a large lake system...and more!  The site and associated facilities making 'Hands On Defence - Spirit Of Ninjutsu' arguably a world leader in the field of outdoor as well as indoor ninjutsu and budo taijutsu training!

---

Ninjutsu & Budo Taijutsu

Ninjutsu originated as a Japanese fighting art - unparalleled in the history of the World!  During the 13th - 17th centuries in Japan, ninjutsu developed out of the Iga & Koga territories near Kyoto. Largely hidden from the Western world until the 1980's, the art of ninjutsu continues to be an extremely effective & efficient martial art in the world today.

Ninjutsu is a warrior tradition having its roots deeply connected to the martial and cultural histories of Japan.  Conceived of during the times of feudal war, when day-to-day survival depended on personal strength of will, resourcefulness and creativity - the art of ninjutsu characterised by the universal principles of mind and body remain as relevant in our society today as they were eight centuries ago for the ninja of Japan.
​
Ninjutsu meaning ‘art of stealth’, was developed by mountain-dwelling families; these families were great observers of nature and were seen to have a close connection to the Earth.  The Ninja were also very spiritual people, and their beliefs became an integral part of Ninjutsu.

It is also generally accepted that a number of the methods found in Ninjutsu originated in China, as after the fall of the T’ang dynasty many outcast warriors, philosophers, and military strategists escaped to Japan to avoid punishment by the new Chinese rulers.

It is believed that Ninja families were exposed to many of these exiled people's sophisticated warrior strategies and philosophies over the centuries, helping to influence and shape what became Ninjutsu as it is known today.

Overview of the 18 Skills of Ninjutsu & Budo Taijutsu:
1. Seishin teki kyoyo (spiritual refinement)
2. Taijutsu (unarmed combat)
3. Ninja ken (ninja sword)
4. Bojutsu (stick and staff fighting)
5. Shurikenjutsu (throwing blades)
6. Yarijutsu (spear fighting)
7. Naginatajutsu (halberd fighting)
8. Kusarigama (chain and sickle weapon)
9. Kayakujutsu (fire and explosives)
10. Hensojutsu (disguise and impersonation)
11. Shinobi iri (stealth and entering methods)
12. Bajutsu (horsemanship)
13. Sui ren (water training)
14. Bo-ryaku (strategy)
15. Cho ho (espionage)
16. Intonjutsu (escape and concealment)
17. Ten-mon (meteorology)
18. Chi-mon (geography)

Today, a Grandmaster in the martial arts, Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, practices and teaches the warrior ways of ninjutsu - teaching the school system known globally as the 'Bujinkan' (comprising Bujinkan Ninjutsu and Budo Taijutsu).

The Bujinkan is based upon nine different ‘Ryu-ha’ (School styles), namely:
- Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu
- Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu
- Kuki Shinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu
- Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu
- Gyokushin Ryu Ninjutsu
- Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
- Gikan Ryu Koppo Taijutsu
- Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu
- Kumogakure Ryu Ninjutsu

Practitioners & fitness levels: Practitioners are taught from a basic level requiring only reasonable health and fitness. Classes are taught in an open and enjoyable way ensuring practitioners progress their own learning journey.

Associated terminology: "Bujinkan" can be seen as "Bu" meaning Martial, "Jin" meaning Spirit, and "Kan" meaning Warrior Training Hall.  Likewise "Budo" can be seen as "Bu" meaning Martial and "Do" meaning Way or Path.  Ninjutsu can be seen as "Nin" meaning to Persevere/ Endure or Stealth and "Jutsu" meaning Skill or Technique.  "Ninpo" can be seen as "Nin" meaning to Persevere/ Endure or Stealth and "Po" meaning Philosophy or Direction.  "Taijutsu" can be seen as "Tai" meaning Body and "Jutsu" meaning Skill or Technique.

Key Offering: By studying the devastating secrets of ninjutsu, practitioners will reap the benefits of increased fitness and self-confidence.  Practitioners will be taught a complete training curriculum involving both unarmed and armed self-defence.  Practitioners will be equipped with skills such as punching, kicking, joint locks, throws, constrictions, pressure points, nerve strikes, grappling, ground fighting, grab escapes, knife defence, evasions, psychological controls, defending against multiple attackers, rolling and break falling.

There is also a comprehensive weapons training program that is second-to-none, using core safety training weapons such as: Tanto (Knife), Bokken (Sword), Kusari Fundo (Weighted Chain) and Hanbo (Half-staff).

Formal ‘belt’ gradings are held approx. every 3-6 months subject to regular training, personal attitude towards training and skill level of the practitioner.

Other examples of specialty safety weapons in our training include:
- Tanbo (2 foot stick)
- Shuriken (throwing stars & shafts)
- Teppan (small flat metal plate)
- Shoto or Wakazashi (short sword)
- Naginata (halberd - curved blade spear)
- Hojo (rope)
- Tessen ('iron' fan - 1 foot)
- Yawara (short stick 6" to 12")
- Rokushaku Bo (6 foot staff)
- Kama (sickle)
- Kusari Gama (chain & sickle)
- Kyoketsu Shoge (straight & hooked blade with flexible weapon)
- Yari (spear)
- Metsubishi (blinding powders)
- Shuko (hand claws)
- Aruki (foot spikes)
- Jutte (forked truncheon)
- Kunai (ninja specialty tool)
- Pistol (hand gun)
- Shotgun (12 Gauge Magnum)

So what makes this School different from other Schools?...in short, the training provides practitioners with confidence, skill and a ‘street ready’ capability to effectively defend themselves in our society.  Practitioners learn a complete training curriculum at our Ninjutsu Training Centre - for Children/Young People (non-Bujinkan Melbourne), and Adults 18 years of age and over - who like to learn at their own pace and interact with others in an enjoyable and safe manner.

Practitioners:
- will study devastating & secret skills (as taught to Ninja of Japan)
- are presented with a complete training program
- that will help them build skill, character & confidence
- will apply principles of body, mind & spirit
- learn truly effective skills in self-protection
- are taught by a highly qualified & Japan accredited instructor

School Safety - Our aim is for “Zero injuries and zero incidents”!
Like most sports that have an element of danger present whilst participating, the martial arts and what this School practices are no different.  Hands On Defence – Spirit Of Ninjutsu (incorporating the Bujinkan Melbourne Dojo), as a martial arts School practicing ninjutsu, taijutsu and jutaijutsu, views your safety as the highest priority however no matter what precautions and level of instruction are provided to you, there will always remain a degree of risk of harm to yourself and/ or others whilst training.

The following is a mix of principles, policy and procedures relating to School safety that have been developed to ensure a pro-active approach is taken to managing the safety of members…

Students are:
- Offered training in facilities that are professionally managed in so far as to ensure fittings/ fixtures and the general training environment are maintained in a safe condition.
- Provided with other training documents at enrolment and ongoing during their training with the School that reference aspects of safety e.g. ‘School Policy and Dojo Rules’, etc.
- Provided with a period for ‘warm-up’ exercise so as to prepare the body prior to training.
- Provided with clear instruction and demonstration of techniques at every class.
- Provided with instruction by a qualified instructor who has completed first-aid training.
- Required ‘to ask’ if they are in any doubt and/or have not understood any instruction related to the performance of any technique.
- Required to have read, acknowledged and signed a ‘Release of Liability’ form as part of enrolment to ensure that there has been a comprehensive understanding of the degree and nature of the risk involved with training in the School and the martial
arts provided.
- Provided with the freedom of choice in whether they participate in any or all techniques.
- Required to advise the instructor of any incident and/ or injury, no matter how caused during the participation in a class and/ or technique.
- Required to ensure that they seek trained medical advice if they are in any doubt with respect to their own ability to participate in the training provided.
- Asked to show medical clearance to train following any serious injury.
- Free to seek external/ independent personal accident insurance should they desire to protect themselves mentally/ financially from any training injury however caused.
- Asked to uphold the good name of the school in respect to safety at all times.
- Able to choose a learning style appropriate to their grade e.g. slow/ moderate or fast application of a demonstrated technique (unless advised otherwise by the instructor).
- Required to only train with training weapons that are in a safe condition e.g. that would not lead to injury if used e.g. no splinters on wood, no sharp points, no defects, etc.
- Asked to remove jewellery and/ or personal effects that would place either themselves and/ or a training partner at risk of injury.
- Asked to train only in a state that is able to maintain a reasonable degree of awareness and concentration in the training hall e.g. they have not participated/ taken drugs, alcohol and/ or any other substance that could place either themselves and/ or others at risk.
- Asked that they make reasonable effort to take responsibility for their own safety in so far that is reasonable to expect for a person training in the martial arts e.g. maintaining: control, safe distance/ attitude, appropriate behaviour, professional conduct, mindful of safety at all times (both for their own safety and in context to their interaction with others), and respect/
willingness to help maintain a safe environment for all concerned.
[Refer also http://www.bujinkan.com/guidelines.htm ]


Key 'Take-Away' Message:  Hands On Defence incorporates the Bujinkan Melbourne Dojo's within its service portfolio providing effective skills of combat/self defence.  Training is conducted in an open, safe and enjoyable manner.  Based on the power of natural movement, ninjutsu training is a complete martial arts experience. Safe training instruction is provided by an internationally accredited 'Dai-Shihan' (Senior Master) & 'Shidoshi' (Teacher of the Warrior Ways of Enlightenment). Dai-Shihan Dr Hodson continues to use the principles and spirit of ninjutsu as it was taught to him by a current Grandmaster (Soke) living in Japan - Dr Masaaki Hatsumi (34th Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu) and his direct disciple Japanese Masters of the art.

[Picture below shown of Soke Dr Hatsumi with Dr Hodson - whilst training at the hombu dojo in Japan].

---

Security & Advisory

'Hands On Defence' can be employed* to provide security operations, private security training and/or investigative related services to licensed security businesses in Australia - be the need arise from either the public, private, national defence or corporate sector.

Dr Hodson is a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor (incl. Batons & Handcuffs), a Police approved Firearms Instructor (incl. Pistol & Revolver) and holds an Individual Private Security Licence endorsed by Victoria Police in the security operational areas relating to:

- Bodyguard/Close Personal Protection (e.g. to access, analyse and supply services to ensure the safety and protection of clients be they an individual, a celebrity, a corporate executive or government official, etc)
- Armed Guard (e.g. to protect, watch or guard any property within such venues as financial institutions, private and/or corporate entities)
- Guard with Dog (e.g. use of K-9 in the application of security operations)
- Cash-In-Transit (e.g. to protect, watch and guard valuables and/or cash in-transit from a property to another location, etc)
- Crowd Controller (e.g. to provide crowd control duties at events, clubs, hotels, night clubs, etc)
- Unarmed Guard (e.g. to provide unarmed guard duties for company reception, corporate foyer, building facilities, court, airport, government department, shopping centre, etc)
- Private Security Trainer (e.g. provision of security industry training related services)
- Investigative Services (e.g. provision of Private Investigator related services)
- Security & Risk Management (e.g. to provide assessments of security operations & staff in accordance with ISO31000:2009 incl. security advisory)
- Monitoring/ Control Room Operator (e.g. to provide support to clients with control room services communicating to clients/ guards such as that needed in large facility management complex, etc)

Licensing & related notes:
(1) *Dr Hodson does not have a security business license, nor is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - thus all services provided are as an Individual licensed operative only thereby requiring the business to whom services are contracted/ employed to have its own security business license and/or be a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in its own right e.g. if service involves training security officers.
(2) For 'Armed guard' & 'Cash-in-transit' duties, Dr Hodson is qualified to carry revolver, semi-automatic handgun, baton & hand-cuffs.
(3) All firearms will need to be supplied by the requesting entity on an operation 'as needed' basis.
(4) Dr Hodson is a current registered (with Victoria Police) approved security operations trainer.  Further, previously Dr. Hodson was registered as a Victoria Police approved RTO trainer with the Australian Vocational Education Training Academy (AVETA), Securecorp's SecureTraining entity, as well as previously with the International Security Training Academy (ISTA).
(5) Since December 2015, Dr. Hodson is a Principal Preferred Partner (Australia) and accredited Trainer of the training programs in human investigation management (lie and deception detection methods) on behalf of the 'International Security Industry Organisation' (ISIO).

[Note also that although not shown in this section specifically (refer section below under 'Development Training'), we also provide lie & deception detection based training to the Security industry as part of the 'Human Investigation Management' (HIM) training portfolio of services]

At the heart of our security services is our code of ethics & core Values, namely:
- To ensure confidentiality
- To apply professional discretion in all matters
- To provide services that are non-political & non-sectarian
- To recognise equal opportunities & diversity of backgrounds
- To provide services in an ethical manner
- To be reliable and trustworthy

If you are interested and would like to have a confidential discussion about a potential security operations and/or advisory service need, then please contact us directly.

---

Development Training

Example 1 - 'Human Investigation Management' (HIM) incl. lie & deception detection training

Based on the art of human-investigation-management, we provide ISIO accredited criminology training programs via Australian training in Human Investigation Management.  Dr Hodson can be contacted to provide training in the internationally acclaimed and popular Deception Detection & Investigative Interviewing skills training that includes 1-day workshop with Dr Hodson, access to the 'HIM' e-manual and a 9-week training program incl. research materials/ related 'toolkits', etc.  [Note: Students 'online' access is granted for 12-months].

Valuable skills for all job areas, and whilst originally developed for Security & Criminology practitioners, the skills are transient across other areas for example (but not limited to):
- Journalism/Crime Reporting
- War Conflict Correspondence
- Criminology and Security
- Forensic Investigations
- Judicial System
- Management & Human Resources
- Directorship/Negotiation
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Forensic Accounting
- Oversight Governance
- Disciplinary Hearings
- Vetting Compliance

However, clearly there is a 'niche' specifically related to Criminology and Security...as:
Security Success depends on the level of situational awareness of the decision maker on the ground and the reaction speed...as people's lives could hang in the balance!  And, clearly it is not the weapon that kills, maims, rapes or creates havoc - it is people!

In any event, the level of situational awareness comprises:
- Historic data
- Current challenges
- The 'X' Factor

Decisions need to be based on reliable and all the information.  Reaction speed depends on 'SPI' [Situation, Position, Implications].  We gather information from people to determine the situational awareness to make decisions...BUT...People lie, hide or volunteer information!  Knowing if someone is lying is relatively easy.  The point is to know the ''Why?" they are lying, hiding or sharing information.  For further details on our training refer: www.human-investigation-management.com 

---

Example 2 - 'Kuji-In' training

The School provides students rare access into the esoteric art of the spiritual warrior - the Kuji-In - under the qualified instruction of Master Dr Hodson. Dr Hodson is a Kuji master certified under Grandmaster Maha Vajra and 'The Nine Esoteric Seals of the Transformational Approach'.

Master Dr Hodson runs Kuji-In programs periodically throughout the year, allowing students to practice, develop and grow their skills between sessions.

[Example Student Feedback...Kuji-In Course: "Kuji-In compliments both Buddhism, and Ninjutsu in a unique way. I think my mind, body, and spirit grew a little bit richer today. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful, and compassionate Sensei."] 

What is Kuji-In?
Kuji-In is a ritual process that encourages the development of body, mind and spirit. It enhances the nervous system, endocrine system, energy channels of the body, mental abilities, comprehension, quickness of body and mind, and open the doors on great spiritual depth. It involves the combination of many tools to focus all of the practitioner’s attention: hand gesture, spoken words, mental visualization, philosophic contemplation, focus points on the body.

The moment you start practicing Kuji-In, it will take effect in various forms of enhancements: better thinking, quickness of mind and body, more willpower. Yet, Kuji-In will keep on delivering new abilities and expand your awareness over years of practice.

Kuji-In was first created for everyone to use. Over hundreds of years, it was adapted in different forms for: martial artists, holistic healers, spiritual seekers and the general public. Our first approach is global, followed by adaptations to each tradition.

The Nine Esoteric Seals of the Transformational Approach’ - Teachings by a Buddhist Bishop...
Maha Vajra is a modern day enlightened spiritual master. His teachings contain wisdom from more than 20+ years of experience on a spiritual path. He masters oriental and occidental spirituality alike, yet most of what he teaches he acquired during his enlightenment experience. Although he is a Buddhist Acharya (bishop), his teachings are from Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Kabbalah, Christianity, and are non-dogmatic. He teaches healing to holistic healers, empowerment to martial artists, ESP to justice enforcers (Police, SWAT, Security Agencies...). We are all ONE.

Kuji-In Origins – History & Variations
The 9 hand seals technique and its teachings were initiated in the Hindu religion, where it was used by a few groups of the lower casts. It was a way to bring the virtues of the spirit into the physical experience. It was not as developed as we know it today, it was part of the origins of the kuji-in we know today. From Hinduism came Buddhism, and with it, the 9 hand seals became more popular. The mudras remained the same, but Buddhist mantras where added. The original mantras were in Sanskrit. They seem to be invocations and celebrations of the Buddhas, but once understood, they are personal growth and empowerment contemplations, that has only to do with the Self. The Buddhist movement went to china, where the tradition was passed on to the hermetic and esoteric groups. Boa Pu Zhi, a wise Chinese master, was the first to put the nine hand mudras on paper, in his work published around the 3rd Century AD. Then, the technique migrated to Japan, along with esoteric Buddhism, where the mantras where translated in Japanese.

As it seems, the kuji-in technique is composed of a ritual technique containing the traditional application of the Buddhist three secrets (mudra, mantra, mandala). The true kuji-in secret lies within the contemplation of its philosophy that we use to change our attitude in life. The goal of the kuji-in technique is not to acquire strength, control, healing powers, telepathy… these are only side-effects of practicing the ritual technique and focusing a bit on the philosophy. Most people learn the technique simply to get these side-effects. They will develop only to a tenth of what they could if the kuji-in was practiced to its fullest. The real kuji-in path is the quest for knowing the truth about ourselves. It is a contemplation of higher principles, an application of noble behavior in our daily lives, and mental availability to perceive knowledge that is not studied, but revealed. Once a revelation occurs, one of the side-effects will develop rapidly without effort.

A teacher of the kuji-in will transmit the technique according to his own experience of its revelations. Since the technique was transmitted orally at many different groups, by many different masters, the organization of the knowledge remained the same, but the ritual aspect changed a bit through time.  That is not dramatic, since the true knowledge of the kuji-in is acquired through revelation, and the different ritual techniques stimulate the mind towards the same goal, which is to acquire the revelation of the truth about the self. While the ritual practice is applied, the side-effects eventually manifest, and it is enough for the general public.

Some kuji-in practitioners are adepts of meditation, and according to them, the kuji-in technique is a way to deepen meditation. Others are adepts of martial arts, and for them, the kuji-in technique builds the profound inner powers of the warrior. The sorcerers will say it develops the ability to manifest magical phenomena. Peasants and farmers might say it is the technique used to attract good fortune and stimulate good crops! Speculators say there might be around 4000 different schools of this technique around the world, all transmitting a slightly different ritual technique. Some Buddhists will use a chi-gong dance along with 9 syllables, while others will sit in meditation and use 9 longer mantra prayers. It doesn’t matter. As long as there is philosophy behind the ritual technique, the results will be attained.

Acknowledgement; the above text and many of the images shown have been taken directly from Grandmaster Maha Vajra's official website: www.kujiin.com

---

Example 3 - 'Reiki' training

Reiki Practitioner ('Usui First Degree Reiki', also known as Level 1): Training is based on traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho.  Participants will be provided with a Usui Reiki 1 Manual and 'attunements' over a two (2) day period. The program will also conclude with students receiving an internationally recognised Certificate.

Advanced Reiki Practitioner ('Usui Second Degree Reiki', aka Level 2): Training is based on traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho.  Participants will be provided with a Usui Reiki 2 Manual and 'attunements' over a one (1) day period. The program will also conclude with students receiving an internationally recognised Certificate.

Reiki Master/Teacher ('Usui Third Degree; aka Level 3): Training is based on traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho. Participants will be provided with a Usui Reiki 3 Manual and 'attunements' over a one (1) day period. The program will also conclude with students receiving an internationally recognised Certificate. 

General note on conditions/requirements:
(i)   Up to 10 adults per class.
(ii)  All fee's to be paid in full prior to commencement.
(iii) 'Release of Liability' form to be signed.
(iv)  No uniforms are provided - adults are requested to wear loose casual clothing.

---

Example 4 - Corporate & Community programs

We provide tailored short courses and other related programs to the public and private sectors across Victoria. This includes for 'after work' or 'lunch' training sessions in self-defence - some of our recent examples being specialised programs developed for:

• 'Cricket Australia'
• 'Whitehorse Cycling Group'
• 'Nagambie Lakes Community House'.

​Please contact us for a tailored program to suit your needs.

---

Example 5 - Specialised Training

Flying training (gyrocopter):- endorsed as an accredited 'Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association Inc' (ASRA) Flying Instructor, Dr Hodson provides specialised flying training related services in Country Victoria (located in the Nagambie region, North Central Victoria).  Services rendered include:

- Flight training (per ASRA pilot training syllabus)
- Ground theory instruction (per ASRA pilot training syllabus)
- Preparedness for related pilot endorsements/exams, and
- Training in a modern European aircraft: two place (tandem) trainer.

Notes: Trial flights (TIF) are available for first time gyrocopter experiences (flight based on circa 0.5 hours local to Nagambie area).  Full flight training aircraft - 'Magni M16 Trainer' tandem included, and ground (theory) school training.

For further related details/terms and conditions, please contact Dr Hodson.