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