The Essay on the Essence of Ninjutsu
by Takamatsu Toshitsugu, 33rd Soke in Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu
The essence of all Martial Arts and military strategies is self protection and the prevention of danger. Ninjutsu epitomizes the
fullest concept of self-protection through martial training in that the Ninja art deals with the protection of not only the physical
body, but the mind and spirit as well. The way of the Ninja is the way of enduring, surviving, and prevailing over all that would
destroy one. More than merely delivering strikes and slashes, and deeper in significanse than the simple out-witting of an
enemy; Ninjutsu is the way off attaining that which we need while making the world a better place.
The skill of the Ninja is the art of winning. In the beginning study of any combative art, proper motivation is crucial. Without the
proper frame of mind, continous exposure to fighting techniques can lead to ruin instead of self-development. But this fact is not
different from any other beneficial practice in life carried to extremes.
Medical science is dedicated to the betterment of health and the relief of suffering, and yet the misuse of drugs and the
exultation of the physician's skills can lead people to a state where an individual's health is no longer within his or her personal
control. A nutritious well-balanced diet works to keep a person alive, vital, and healthy, but grossly over-eating, over-drinking,
or taking in too many chemicals is a sure way to poison the body.
Governments are established to oversee the harmonious inter-working of all parts of society, but when the rulers become
greedy, hungry for power, or lacking in wisdom, the country is subjected to needless wars, disorder or civil and economic
chaos.
A religion, when based on faith developed through experience, a broad and questing mind, and unflagging pursuit of universal
understanding, is of inspiration and comfort to people. Once a religion loses its original focus, however, it becomes a deadly
thing with which to deceive, control and tax the people through the manipulation of their beliefs and fears.
It is the same with the martial arts. The skills of self-protection, which should provide a feeling of inner peace and security for
the martial artist, so often develop without a balance in the personality and lead the lesser martial artist into warped realms of
unceasing conflict and competition which eventually consume him.
If an expert in the fighting arts sincerely pursues the essence of NINJUTSU, devoid of the influence of the ego's desires, the
student will progressively come to realize the ultimate secret for becoming invincible - the attainment of the "mind and eyes of
god". The combatant who would win must be in harmony with the scheme of totality, and must be guided by an intuitive
knowledge of the playing out of fate.
In tune with the providence of heaven and the impartial justice of nature, and following a clear and pure heart full of trust in the
inevitable, the NINJA captures the insight that will guide him successfully into battle when he must conquer and conceal himself
protectively from hostility when he must acquiesce.
The vast universe, beautiful in its coldly impersonal totality, contains all that we call good or bad, all the answers for all the
paradoxes we see around us. By opening his eyes and his mind, the Ninja can responsively follow the subtle seasons and
reasons of heaven, changing just as change is necessary, adapting always, so that in the end there is no such thing as a surprise
for the Ninja.
Contributed by Shidoshi Mats Hjelm, Sweden. E-mail: 100115.2056@compuserve.com . Mats has been practising ninpo
taijutsu for the past ten years, has founded several Martial Arts BBSes, and has his own ninpo newsletter. He is accepting
articles for his publication and may be contacted via Email.
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