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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 E
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".
Sub Styles Described
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).(Jinenkan)The Jinenkan was
founded by Fumio Manaka (martial name "Unsui") in 1996.
The purpose of the oganization is to allow students to
study the martial arts of old Japan freely and
unhindered under his guidance. 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.
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