Ninjutsu may be the martial arts style most wrapped in mystery and hype, largely because of the depiction of ninja in modern film and other entertainment. The ninja of feudal Japan were scouts and assassins, and their training went well beyond simple combat techniques. Togakure Ryu is one of the oldest schools of ninjutsu training.
Togakure Ryu
Ryu means "school" in Japanese. Togakure Ryu translates to "School of the Hiding Door." This style was developed by Daisuke Nishina during the 13th century A.D. As with other ninjutsu schools, it prepared students for the realities of the battlefield in feudal Japan. It was one of the first ninjutsu schools to formally link the combative and military training with spiritual development.
Open-Hand Techniques
Unlike many other Japanese martial arts, Togakure ninjutsu strikes and kicks focus on speed rather than power. Low kicks, chops to vital organs and pressure point strikes are all part of a Togakure ninja's repertoire. Joint locks, particularly those that lock joints and bones to manipulate the body, are also part of the curriculum. Specifically, Togakure students practice daken-taijutsu striking techniques and jutai-jutsu grappling.
Movement Skills
Togakure Ryu students study movement skills that go beyond direct striking and punching. They learn breakfalls -- rolls to help mitigate the damage from a fall or a throw. They also spend time studying taihenjutsu, a program of leaping and jumping not unlike modern Parkour. Once a Togakure student has mastered the basic movements, he focuses on learning to do them silently. This program that ultimately allows a practitioner to quietly perform acrobatic feats has a lot to do with the popular perception of the ninja today.
Weapons Training
As prototypical special forces soldiers, ninja learned the use of many different weapons. Togakure Ryu weapons training focused on bladed weapons. Students learned the use of the ninja-to -- a short, straight-edged, single-blades sword -- for close combat. They also trained with throwing knives and the iconic throwing stars.
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Historian; Hillsboro, OR
- Japan 101: Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu
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