Even though the roots of the Ninja’s martial arts reach far back into the history of ancient feudal Japan, if you really want to learn ninjutsu – the martial and life mastery system of the Ninja – then a good deal of your training emphasis should be on being able to handle real world attackers who are using contemporary attacks, not those that would have been common in 13th – 16th century Japan!
This article discusses the need for the modern Ninja student to stay focused on Ninjutsu’s approach as a results and self-protection-based martial system, not a sport or competition-based one.
Much to the dismay of many students who fantasize about being warriors in ancient Japanese society – we’re not living during that time. And, I know how obvious it sounds when I say that the reality is that we live in the 21st century, but…
…to look at the way most people in the art of Ninjutsu are training, there seems to be a major disconnect or denial of this fact.
What I mean by that is the shear number of students and teachers alike who focus almost entirely on training with and against punches, kicks, and other attack methods that would have been commonplace in 13th, or 16th century Japan. And, while it is important to learn the techniques that have been passed down through time by past masters, I think that the ancient masters would agree when I say that…
If you’re not training to defend against attacks that you’re likely to see, then you’re training really has little value outside of an enjoyable pastime.
It’s true.
Now don’t confuse what I just said as my belief that the traditional kata are useless. I mean no such thing.
What I mean to point out is that the kata are NOT the lessons, but rather contain the lessons that you need to learn to be a master yourself.
The reality is that an attacker doesn’t care what you think you know, or how many degrees you have behind your belt. In fact, the average street attacker isn’t even concerned about you knowing or using self defense at all.
Why?
Because he will already have controlled the situation to allow for him to have the greatest advantage. And, if you’re only focused on defending against training-style stamp kicks – if you haven’t figured out how to apply the principles and concepts of the art against a «haymaker» or a good ol’ right cross, then you will be no better off than anyone else with no training at all.
Think about it. How many people do you think are really good at the traditional «tsuki» (pronounced ‘ski’), lunging punch typically done in Budo Taijutsu classes and ninjutsu training groups? Really?
The answer is «only those of us who train.» And, I have to be honest with you. I only know a couple of practitioners of the art who actually scare me with their punches. And I’m not concerned about them because…
They’re all my friends or teachers!
The question isn’t, «how many techniques, fists, or kata do you know?» The question is…
Can you effectively use what you’ve learned to counter, defend against, and survive an attack from an assailant attacking you with:
1) a boxer’s jab or right cross
2) a tae kwon do kick
3) a shoot fighter or wrestler’s take-down
4) a street fighter with a switchblade
5) a mugger with a tire iron, or even…
6) a co-worker shooting up the place while committing an act of workplace violence?
No swords. No long staffs. No shuriken.
And no ancient punching, kicking, or grabbing attacks.