With origins in feudal Japan, traditional ninjutsu encompasses a wide variety of survivalist, stealth and martial techniques. Developed during a time when skills in espionage and assassination were in high demand, ninjutsu curriculum encompasses disciplines and techniques as diverse as: concealment and escape, archery, medicine, poisons and explosives. Popularized by martial arts films in the '60s and '70s, the number of students seeking ninjutsu instruction has swelled considerably in recent years. Whether you are an experienced martial artist seeking to fine-tune your abilities, or an aspiring practitioner, following certain guidelines will help you gain proficiency in ninjutsu.
Step 1
Open the phone book and search for traditional ninjutsu schools in your area listed under the "Martial Arts" section. Mark any dojos that you see with a pen and call each ninjutsu school. Ask to speak with the sensei and write down the frequency and times of their classes, as well as basic information, such as monthly fees. Select a ninjutsu dojo in your area that appeals to you.
Step 2
Write a schedule of your daily routine on a piece of paper and determine how many classes you can attend a week. Schedule in time for solitary training in your own home or yard outside of class. Practice each of the punches, strikes, stances and blocks learned in class on your own, completing repetitions of 50 or more for each strike in order to develop strength and dexterity.
Step 3
Practice weapons techniques by performing the basic ninja-to "katas," or sword-training sequences, learned in class. Grip the handle of your wooden bokken with both hands with your dominant hand higher up on the handle. Perform the basic ninja-to navel cut by lifting the bokken straight above your head until your elbows are point directly upwards. Swing the bokken down, so that "blade" of the wooden sword passes directly down the center-line of your imaginary opponent.
Step 4
Secure your plywood section or other throwing target in a safe area where no by-standers are liable to be hit by a missed shuriken throw. Mark a line 10 paces in front of your target. Then, lift one of your four shuriken throwing stars in your dominant hand with one of the star's points pinched between your thumb and pointer finger. Pull your arm back behind your head and swing your hand forward, releasing the star just as your forearm completes the throwing arc. Continue until each of your shuriken have been thrown before collecting them from the target.
Step 5
Commit to your training routine diligently as you practice and perfect your new ninjutsu techniques and kata learned in class. Progress through each of your kata, practicing the short form, basic self defense and shinobi defense katas, along with the advanced forms as you learn them. Set aside time to also practice the non-martial aspects of ninjutsu, such as the stealth walk, herbal medicine and "Monomi no Jutsu" or stealth entering techniques. Commit yourself to your training schedule and ask your sensei for advancement once you feel prepared.
Tips and Warnings
- While traditional ninjutsu teaches that nothing can replace the attention and intensive education provided by a live instructor, it is possible to learn basic ninjutsu techniques by searching for ninja instruction videos online, or actual ninja "online courses," such as the kind offered by Warrior Concepts Online. If you decide to go this route, however, be advised that ninjutsu was an art primarily taught in small classes by a sensei, and that hands-on instruction plays a vital role in learning ninjutsu techniques.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden ninja-to "bokken," or wooden sword
- 4 shuriken throwing stars
- 4-by-5 foot plywood section, or throwing target
- Mirror
- Phone book with yellow pages section
- Telephone
- Paper
- Pen
- Computer with Internet connection (optional)
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