Ninjutsu
Intro:
Lit. Translation: "Nin" Perseverance/Endurance "jutsu" Techniques(of). Surrounded
by much controversy, today's "ninjutsu" is derived from the traditional fighting
arts associated with the Iga/Koga region of Japan. These arts include both "bujutsu"
ryuha (martial technique systems) and "ninjutsu" ryuha, which involve a broad
base of training designed to prepare the practitioner for all possible situations.
History:
The history of ninjutsu is clouded by the very nature of the art itself. There
is little documented history, much of what is known was handed down as part of
an oral tradition (much like the native american indian) and documented by later
generations. This has led to a lot of debate regarding the authenticity of the
lineages claimed by the arts instructors.
Historical records state that certain individuals/families from the Iga/Koga
(modern Mie/Omi) region were noted for possessing specific skills and were employed
(by samurai) to apply those and other skills. These records, which were kept by
people both within the region and outside of the region, refer to the individuals/families
as "Iga/Koga no Mono" (Men of Iga/Koga) and "Iga/Koga no Bushi" (Warriors of Iga/Koga).
Due to this regions terrain, it was largely unexplored and the people living within
lived a relatively isolated existence. This enabled them to develop perspectives
which differed from the "mainstream" society of the time, which was under the
direct influence of the upper ruling classes. When necessary, they successfully
used the superstitions of the masses as a tool/weapon and became feared and slightly
mythologized because of this.
In the mid/late 1500's their difference in perspective led to conflict with
the upper ruling classes and the eventual invasion/destruction of the villages
and communities within the Iga/Koga region. The term "ninja" was not in use at
this time, but was later introduced in the dramatic literature of the Tokugawa
period (1605-1867). During this period, ancestral fears became contempt and the
stereotypical image ("clans of assassins and mercenaries who used stealth, assassination,
disguises, and other tricks to do their work") was formed which, to this day,
is still very much the majority opinion.
Over 70 different "ninjutsu ryu" have been catalogued/identified, however,
the majority of them have died out. Most were developed around a series of specific
skills and techniques and when the skills of a particular ryu were no longer in
demand, the ryu would (usually) fade from existence. The three remaining ninjutsu
ryu (Togakure ryu, Gyokushin ryu, and Kumogakure ryu) are encompassed in Dr. Masaaki
Hatsumi's Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu system. These ryu, along with six other "bujutsu
ryu" (Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Gikan Ryu and
Kukishinden Ryu), are taught as a collective body of knowledge (see Sub-Styles
for other info).
During the "Ninja-boom" of the 80's, instructors of "Ninjutsu" were popping
out of the woodwork - it was fashionable to wear black. Now that the boom is over
there are not as many people trying cash in on the popularity of this art. However,
as with all martial arts, it would be wise to be very careful about people claiming
to be "masters personally taught by the Grandmaster in Japan".
How do you verify the authenticity of an instructor? In the case of a Bujinkan
Budo Taijutsu instructor there a few points which one can use.
First: all recognized "instructors" of the Bujinkan Dojo will, in addition
to their Dan grade (black belt), have either a Shidoshi-ho (assistant teacher
- first to fourth Dan) or Shidoshi (teacher – fifth to ninth Dan) certificate/
licence from Dr Hatsumi. Only people with these certificates are considered to
be qualified to teach his system (a Dan grade alone DOES NOT make one a teacher).
Second: in addition to these certificates/licences, all recognized "instructors"
of the Bujinkan Dojo will possess a valid Bujinkan Hombu Dojo Shidoshi-kai (Bujinkan
Headquarters Dojo Teachers Association) for the current year. These cards are
issued each year from Dr Hatsumi to those recognized as "instructors".
These points will help you if you are looking at training with someone from
the Bujinkan Dojo. Beyond that, it's a case of "buyer beware".
Description:
Terms like "soft/hard", "internal/external", linear/circular" have been used
to describe ninjutsu by many people. Depending upon the perspective of the person,
it could appear to be any one, all or even none of the above. It is important
to remember that the term "ninjutsu" does not refer to a specific style, but more
to a group of arts, each with a different point of view expressed by the different
ryu. The physical dynamics from one ryu to another varies - one ryu may focus
on redirection and avoidance while another may charge in and overwhelm.
To provide some kind of brief description, ninjutsu includes the study of both
unarmed and armed combative techniques, strategy, philosophy, and history. In
many Dojos the area of study is quite comprehensive. The idea being to become
adept at many things, rather than specializing in only one.
The main principles in combat are posture, distance, rythm and flow. The practitioner
responds to attacks in such a way that they place themselves in an advantageous
position from which an effective response can be employed. They are taught to
use the entire body for every movement/technique, to provide the most power and
leverage. They will use the openings created by the opponents movement to implement
techniques, often causing the opponent to "run in/on to" body weapons.
Training:
As was noted above, the areas of study in ninjutsu are diverse. However, the
new student is not taught everything at once.
Training progresses through skills in Taihenjutsu (Body changing skills), which
include falling, rolling, leaping, posture, and avoidance; Dakentaijutsu (Striking
weapons body techniques) using the entire body as a striking tool/ weapon - how
to apply and how to receive; and Jutaijutsu (Supple body techniques) locks, throws,
chokes, holds - how to apply and how to escape.
In the early stages, weapons training is usually limited to practicing how
to avoid attacks - overcoming any fear of the object and understanding the dynamics
of its use from the perspective of "defending against" (while unarmed). In the
mid and later stages, once a grounding in Taijutsu body dynamics is in place,
practitioners begin studying from the perspective of "defending with" the various
tools/weapons.
In the early stages of training, kata are provided as examples of "what can
be done here" and "how to move the body to achieve this result". However, as the
practitioner progresses they are encouraged to explore the openings which naturally
appear in peoples movements and apply spontaneous techniques based upon the principles
contained within the kata. This free flowing style is one of the most important
aspects of ninjutsu training. Adaptability is one of the main lessons of all of
these ryu.
Due to the combative nature of the techniques studied, there are no tournaments
or competitions in Ninjutsu. As tournament fighting has set rules which compel
the competitor to study the techniques allowed within that framework, this limits
not only the kinds of techniques that they study, but also the way in which they
will apply those techniques. The way that you train is the way that you fight.
Ninjutsu requires that its practitioners be open to any situation and to be able
to adapt their technique to ensure survival.
Sub-Styles:
There are a number of people claiming to teach "ninjutsu".
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi has been the recpient of numerous cultural awards in recognition
of his extra-ordinary knowledge of Japanese martial culture. He is considered
by many to be the only source for authentic "ninjutsu". However, as was noted
above, the teachings of the three ninjutsu ryu which are part of his Bujinkan
system, are not taught individually. Rather, they are taught as part of the collective
body of knowledge which forms the foundation of his Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu system.
Shoto Tanemura, formerly of the Bujinkan Dojo, formed his own organization
(Genbukan Dojo) and claimed to be the Grandmaster of teaching both Iga and Koga
Ryu Ninjutsu. He has since formed a number of other organizations and is becoming
more widely known for his "Samurai Jujutsu" tapes (Panther Productions).
The list of names of people claiming to teach "Koga Ryu Nijutsu" is quite long.
The last person to be recognized as part of the Koga Ryu lineage in Japan was
Seiko Fujita. His knowledge of "ninjutsu" died with him - he left no successor.
(Contributor: Joachim Hoss, Adam James McColl)
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