Ninjutsu is a martial arts practiced traditionally by Japanese ninjas. Some ninjutsu techniques, especially espionage principles, incorporate the idea of five elements, including earth, fire, wind, wood and metal. According to the Ireland-based martial arts club Bujikan Carroll Dojo, martial artists often refer to ninjutsu as bujikan or ninpo. Ninjutsu trains students to fight using both weapons and their own body. The Bansenshukai Ninjutsu organization highlights 15 fundamental techniques of ninjutsu.
Kamae
Kamae is the element of efficient movement of the body. Kamae translates as "posture." In ninjutsu, kamae is the position of the entire body, as well as the mind.
Taihenjutsu
Taihenjutsu involves falls, rolls and leaps that students use to evade an enemy. Along with other techniques, martial artists learn how to fall efficiently, creating as little impact on the body as possible.
Dakentaijutsu
With dakentaijutsu, students learn how to strike their opponent with various parts of their body including fingers, elbows, feet and even the mind through ki-ken or spirit fist, according to Master Richard Van Donk's Ninjutsu website.
Jutaijutsu & Nage Waza
Jutaijutsu teaches elements of grappling. Grappling can include using an opponent's movement and body weight to bring them down to the floor and contain them. Nage waza is a grappling technique that teaches students how to throw their enemy to the ground.
Kyushojutsu
Kyushojutsu is the technique of manipulating pressure points. Rather than manipulating pressure points to relieve pain or increase health as acupuncturists do, the ninjutsu martial artist strikes them to harm or incapacitate their opponent.
Shime Waza
Shime waza are choking techniques. Depending on the training school, ninjutsu has between five and 11 strangulation techniques.
Jujutsu
Jujutsu are skills for ground fighting. Students learn how to strike and defeat their opponent while they are on the floor, as opposed to standing fighting techniques.
Shinobi no Buki
In ninjutsu, students learn how to fight with a variety of weapons, a training known as shinobi no buki. Well-known ninjutsu weapons include throwing stars or shuriken, poison darts and swords. Traditional ninjas also used fire and explosives.
Elements of Invisibility
Along with armed and unarmed fighting techniques, ninjutsu students learn how to surprise their opponent through various tactics and techniques. Intonjutsu is the art of evading or escaping. In shinobi iri, students learn how to move quietly for stealth. Hensojutsu includes acting techniques and disguises.
Mokuso
Most martial arts teach forms of meditation. In ninjutsu, students learn mokuso, or meditation techniques and practice breathing exercises. They also learn kuji-in, or Japanese hand positions that enhance focus and spiritual development.
Okyu Shochi & Zanson
Ninjutsu students may also learn okyu shochi, or first aid techniques, including modern-day CPR. Zanson, or survival techniques, teaches students how to understand any environment and survive in it.
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