Ninjutsu is an ancient Japanese martial art of the ninja shadow warriors that focuses on movements and thought processes. Taijutsu is the defense movements associated with the technique. Together these two methods create a well-rounded fighting system that incorporates the entire body. The martial art includes using any and all available resources for defensive measures and staying relaxed in order to think through a situation. They are complementary to each other and used in combination in an attack. (See References 1)
Evasion
Ninjutsu’s roots are in evasion, non-detection and espionage. Traditional Ninjutsu practitioners received training in disguise, escape, poisons and hiding when necessary. (See References 2) Stealth was a necessity to early practitioners. Ninjutsu taught pupils to evade an attacker. Evasion was the first technique since fighting and combat should be the last resort. If a fight is necessary, the Ninjutsu practitioner should allow the opponent to attack first as a counter attack provides the upper hand. (See References 3)
Reflexive and Unarmed
Taijutsu means the empty handed practice. Practicing Taijutsu involves being aware of the body’s position in relation to space, the attacker and the proximity of weapons. Through the course of an altercation, there may be a need to roll out of the way of an attack or to properly break a fall from an attack. These movements must be natural and relaxed. (See References 4) Stance is an important Ninjutsu and Taijutsu technique. The Kamae or body posture sets up any movement for the practitioner when they are unarmed. There are natural, defensive, side natural defensive, angry tiger and crane postures to master. (See References 5)
Striking
Striking and kicking techniques are called dakentaijutsu. (See References 3) Practicing Ninjutsu and Taijutsu means using all the body parts as weapons if that is all that is available. Clenched fists, the back of the hands, the knuckles, a cupped hand, knees, elbows and the head are all used to strike the opponent. There are many kicks including spinning back kicks, hooking kicks and shin kicks to move and injure an opponent. (See References 5)
Weapons
These techniques teach that anything that is available can be used as a weapon against an attacker, but there are some specific areas that were taught in depth. The kenjutsu is sword fighting, bojutsu is stick fighting, tantojutsu is knife fighting, shurikenjutsu is thrown weapons and kusar fundo jutsu is rope and chains as weapons. (See References 4) Each weapon listed as well as those that come up on the battlefield are taught as if they are an extension of the arm and what was learned in the unarmed movements. That makes the movements more natural and allows the practitioner to be more relaxed.
Mental
Mental and spiritual health is an important technique and principle for Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. Breathing exercises are learned to teach relaxation and rid the body of stress and anxiety. Having an enlightened mental and spiritual state is thought to give practitioners an advantage over their opponent. This allows them to fully concentrate on using the body as a weapon. (See References 3)
