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Ninjutsu
(Contributor: Joachim Hoss - jh@k.maus.de,
Adam James McColl - amccoll@direct.ca)
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
- 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 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".
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).
The list of names of people claiming to teach "Koga Ryu Nijutsu"
is quite long. 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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