Is Ninjutsu a Real Martial Art? – Here’s a Case For Why the Answer is “No!”
What is Ninjutsu? Have you ever thought of that?
To some, it’s a martial arts choice among martial arts choices. To others, it’s the martial art of the Ninja – these superhero, commando, super-warriors capable of taking on an army of “bad-guys,” single-handedly.
But, if you’re going to master this “thing” called “Ninjutsu,” doesn’t it seem logical to first know and understand what that “thing” is? Otherwise, especially with something as deep as Ninjutsu, also known as “Ninpo” in it’s higher, philosophical, life-mastery form, you could end up wasting a lot of time, effort, and money – and still be no closer than you were when you started!
This article explores the question that is hardly ever asked… “Is Ninjutsu a real martial art?” And, believe it or not…
…the answer comes straight from the Ninja’s philosophy – not the author’s opinion!
It is also important to note that, regardless of the attempts of a group of instructors to force the Ninja martial art into a formal, “official” structure – a “right” way to do it…
The fact remains that Ninjutsu is unlike any other martial art in existence. So much so that I personally don’t believe that it is a “true” martial art at all.
Now THAT is a controversial statement. And here’s why I believe that to be true. But that belief is not based on empty opinion, or y own unique way of approaching it – it comes from three decades of exploring, studying, and coming to a direct, real world use and realization of what the ancient masters of the art and it’s philosophy and life-ways, passed down to us.
In the realm of conventional martial arts – as opposed to “True Budo” – the real “martial or warrior ways” that were passed down to us from ancient masters – there are certain common factors that are simply outside of authentic Ninjutsu.
Some of these factors include:
1) Adherence to a set, predefined way of doing things. The presence of a “style” mentality.
2) Generally, there is only one school or set of principles being taught. You can see this even in schools where the teacher has attempted to combine styles in an attempt to fill in the gaps of each other.
3) A sport, competitive, or recreational focus, and…
4) Almost entirely limited to the learning of and use of martial, combative, and self defense skills
To be sure, there are many other commonalities among today’s conventional martial arts. But the point is that at least these elements run contrary to the focus and ideals of Ninjutsu. The art of Ninjutsu is not, and has never been limited to “fighting” and self defense. Does it have those elements? Absolutely.
But, in the realm of the Ninja’s philosophy… The self defense and combat aspects were developed to protect the philosophical teachings – not the other way around.
In fact, in today’s world of conventional and sport martial arts, the student learns or develops life qualities as a by-product of the martial training. Completely opposite the fact that the Ninja student learns ancient lessons and strategies for recreating his or her life to be in alignment with their life-purpose and Universal laws – and then the martial skills are there to protect that life from whatever might threaten it.
In conventional martial arts systems, if a student wants personal development training, it has to be added on or he or she must seek it out elsewhere. In Ninjutsu, it is the personal development and life mastery teachings that give a purpose to the self defense skills!
In Ninjutsu, the only purpose for the combat skills is for the protection and preservation of life! Not for rank, trophies, status, or the elevation and glorification of ego!
Very, very different focus altogether. So, are you looking for a martial art where you can be a “tough-guy” – one where you can win trophies and earn a bunch of brightly colored belts… Or are you looking for something deeper, more significant – something that has stood the test of time and produced Warriors – not just “fighters?”
Are you serious about mastering the art of ninjutsu – about having the power, confidence, and control to handle any attacker – any situation?
Read my newest ninja training book, “Becoming The Master.” Get your free copy at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/becoming-the-master-subsc.html
Jeffrey Miller is a master-teacher in the centuries-old art of Japan’s ancient shadow warrior. Each month he shares his 30+ years of training, research, and knowledge – combined with his years of real-world experience using these teachings on the dangerous streets of our modern world – with literally thousands of students from all over the world. Shidoshi Miller says, “If you really want to learn ninjutsu, and become a master of the Ninja’s arts, then I can show you the secrets for developing the power, confidence, and control of a true Ninja warrior!”
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This is the Kashiwa Bujinkan Ninjustu dojo. This video contains training held both inside and outside the dojo. Along with this, there are scenes from previous demos and information about the dojo. Enjoy! If you enjoyed this video please check out our website, at www.kbninjutsu.com, or watch more of our vids right here on youtube. Exclaimer: In this video there are images of black clad ninja garb and dress. Yes it is unrealistic and romanticized, yet the video aims to make a point on the traditionalism of ninjutsu and the legend or mysticism that surrounds it. While it has been mistaken as role playing or LARPing video, we do not train in this way. We strive to maintain a positive training ethic towards realistic combat methods while keeping humble with the preservation of traditional martial arts that has been handed down from generations back. The beautiful music was created by Hans Zimmer, he is the composer for most of the music from “The Last Samurai.” Check him out!
Video Rating: 4 / 5
A Look At Ninjutsu
The martial art known as Ninjutsu is very secret, with a very clouded history. The history isn’t documented all that well, as most of what is known about the martial art is that which has been passed down from generation to generation. There are a lot of historical records that state families from the Koga region as being the creators to this very secret style.
Over 70 different Ninjutsu Ryu have been identified and discovered over the years, however most of them have died out. A majority of them were created around a set of specific techniques and skills, although when those skills of a specific Ryu were no longer needed or wanted, the Ryu seems to die out and fade away from existence.
The art of Ninjutsu is best associated with the ninja’s from ancient Japan. The ninja’s are well known all around the world, for their stealth and very secreted life. The ninja is known to have went through very tough and demanding training, which hardly anyone really knows about. Those that were actual ninja’s are either dead, or not allowed to let anyone know their true identity.
During the 1980’s, when the ninja trend really hit the United States, the instructors of Ninjutsu popped out all over the place, making black a very happening color. Years later, the trend seemed to die out, and there aren’t that many people trying to learn the art.
In regards to the art, the term of Ninjutsu doesn’t actually refer to any certain style, but rather a group of the martial arts, with each one having it’s own view that’s expressed with each of the different Ryu. The Ryu vary, meaning that one may focus on one certain physical dynamic, while the next may be focused on redirection.
What many people aren’t aware of, is the fact that Ninjutsu involves both unarmed and armed fighting skills, along with philosophy, strategy, and history. There are a few dojo’s that offer the art, many of them being quite comprehensive with the way they teach.
During combat, Ninjutsu focuses on distance, posture, and flow. Stylists are taught to react to every movement, and respond in ways that will place them in the advantage position. From being in a position of advantage, the stylist can effectively change the outcome of the encounter – quickly going from negative to positive.
Those that practice the martial art of Ninjutsu are instructed and trained to use their entire body for everything they do, which provides the most leverage and power. Ninjutsu is well known in Japan, and for good reason. It is a very secretive martial art, yet very powerful. The techniques can be used or self defense, along with stealth. It can be a great martial art to learn – if you can find a dojo that teaches it.