Ninjutsu

By Yossi Sheriff

At its core, Ninjutsu (忍術, נינג'יטסו) is a martial art that emphasizes resourcefulness, fighting spirit and gains, not glory. While often shrouded in myth and hyperbole, our practice is deeply rooted in historical techniques and principles. In the AKBAN academy, we view Ninjutsu not just as a set of combat skills, but as a holistic approach to fitness, resilience, and emotional regulation.

Table of Contents

Origins

Founder of Modern Ninjutsu, Masaaki Hatsumi
Founder of Modern Ninjutsu
Masaaki Hatsumi

When we talk about Ninjutsu, we're diving deep into the annals of feudal Japan. Here, the art wasn't about throwing punches or kicks; it was a comprehensive skill set closely aligned with guerrilla warfare, counterintelligence, and counterinsurgency. While the term 'ninja' often conjures images of shadowy figures in popular culture, the historical Shinobi were hidden in plain sight and far more complex. In ancient texts and in practice, Ninjutsu techniques have been preserved in various Samurai martial arts like Katory Shinto Ryu.

In the AKBAN academy, we deeply respect the diverse lineages that have contributed to Ninjutsu, including the Bujinkan school, which has been a significant part of our own heritage. Bujinkan encompasses nine different martial systems, one of which is the Togakure system that focuses on Ninjutsu. While the lineage of this particular system is rich and storied, it's important to note that the formal recognition of it is lacking. Martial arts lineages can vary depending on the accrediting organizations and their criteria.

Crow Tengu, the Yamabushi martial instructor Crow Tengu, Yamabushi Ninja

Peeling back the layers of myth, some trace the origins of Ninjutsu to mountain-dwelling ascetics known as Yamabushi. These ascetics were practicing Shugendō, a Japanese religious practice that integrates self-preservation, non-detection, outdoor survival techniques and religious practices. In AKBAN, we see these historical and spiritual roots not as mere footnotes, but as integral aspects of our practice today.

Historical Context

While it's tempting to romanticize the role of Ninjutsu practitioners in feudal Japan, the truth is, much of what we know is based on educated guesses and fragmented historical records. In the AKBAN academy, we approach this history with a critical eye. What we can surmise is that these individuals likely had a pragmatic approach to their tasks, which could have involved a nuanced understanding of human psychology, geography, and even rudimentary chemistry.

Principles and Techniques: The AKBAN Perspective

Totoku no kamae - Ninjutsu Totoku stance - Ninjutsu

In Ninjutsu, the range of techniques is vast, extending from unarmed combat to expertise in various weapons. But it's not just about the physical maneuvers; it's about a comprehensive understanding of human psychology, emotion, and the environment. In the AKBAN academy, we've distilled these principles into a structured approach we call the Methodical Pyramid. This framework serves as a guide for teaching not just combat skills, but also resilience and emotional regulation. It's a holistic approach that reflects the depth and breadth of Ninjutsu, tailored to the complexities of modern life.

Core Techniques and Modern Adaptations: The AKBAN Approach

While the techniques in Ninjutsu can differ depending on the school, there are core principles that remain consistent across the board: strikes, throws, armlocks, and weapon techniques. However, it's not just about the physical moves; it's also about the mindset. In the AKBAN academy, we emphasize "goals, not glory," advocating for minimal aggression whenever possible (link to ethical code). This is in line with the covert warrior ethos, where the objective is to achieve the mission with as little conflict as necessary and also from just wanting to do good when possible.

Another crucial aspect is the importance of community trust and communication. Historically, ninjas operated in close-knit groups, often outside of conventional military structures. This required a high level of trust and effective communication, principles we uphold in our modern practice.

Moreover, the legendary adaptability of the ninja to new technologies is a spirit we aim to maintain, especially in this age of rapid technological advancement. From the mythic diving apparatus and poison bombs of yore to the utilization of modern tools and even artificial intelligence, we believe in staying ahead of the curve. It's this forward-thinking approach that makes Ninjutsu, particularly as practiced in AKBAN, a continually evolving and relevant martial art.

The AKBAN Approach

At AKBAN, Ninjutsu isn't just a martial art—it's a holistic system for cultivating resilience, both physical and emotional. With a team that includes board-certified physical therapists and medical doctors, we've been refining our methods since 1986.

Blending Tradition and Modern Science

We've distilled the core principles of Ninjutsu and enriched them with cutting-edge fitness methodologies and emotional regulation techniques. Our unique regimen is backed by biofeedback technology we've developed in-house, offering a training experience that goes beyond self-defense to enhance overall well-being.

Modern Applications: The AKBAN Vision

In today's world, the principles of Ninjutsu extend far beyond the dojo. While the art is globally practiced for self-defense, fitness, and spiritual growth, we at AKBAN see it as a blueprint for fostering a more resilient and compassionate society.

Humanizing Martial Arts

Our vision transcends the traditional boundaries of martial arts. By integrating modern scientific insights and ethical considerations, we aim to contribute to a world where the martial ethos serves not just individual practitioners but society at large. In a time when resilience and resourcefulness are more crucial than ever, we believe that the AKBAN approach has much to offer.

Appendix - The 18 Ninjutsu disciplines:

We believe some of these disciplines have cultural importance but the list was shortened in all the modern Ninjutsu schools.
  1. Seishin-Teki-Kyo‘yo‘ (精神的教養)
  2. Taijutsu (unarmed combat, using one's body as the only weapon), (体術}})
  3. Kenjutsu (sword fighting) (剣術)
  4. Bōjutsu (stick and staff fighting), (棒術)
  5. Shurikenjutsu (throwing blades), (手裏剣術)
  6. Sōjutsu (spear fighting), (槍術)
  7. Naginatajutsu (naginata fighting), (長刀術)
  8. Kusarigamajutsu (chain and sickle weapon), (鎖鎌術)
  9. Kayakujutsu (pyrotechnics and explosives), (火薬術)
  10. Hensōjutsu (disguise & impersonation), (変装術)
  11. Shinobi-iri (stealth and entering methods), (忍び入り)
  12. Bajutsu (horsemanship), (馬術)
  13. Sui-ren (water training), (水練)
  14. Bōryaku (military strategy), (謀略)
  15. Chōhō (espionage), (諜報)
  16. Intonjutsu (escaping and concealment), (隠遁術)
  17. Tenmon (meteorology), (天文)
  18. Chi-mon (geography), (地文)

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