As of this writing, different schools or ryus of ninjutsu teach this martial art style. Some of the most popular ninjutsu schools among practitioners include the Bujinkan, Genbukan, and Jinenkan. These schools are known to follow the teachings of Hatsumi Masaaki, who is considered by many to be the current grandmaster or soke of ninjutsu.
Hatsumi, who is now 90 years old, is highly revered among ninjutsu practitioners around the world. He is known to have mastered numerous martial art forms and combat techniques. He continues to be a source of inspiration for many new and aspiring ninjutsu practitioners today.
The Basic Principles of Ninjutsu
While the specifics may vary depending on the particular style being used, there are some basic principles that lie at the core of ninjutsu as a martial art form. One of its basic principles includes the idea of remaining calm, centered, and alert at all times.
Calm and alertness are important in ninjutsu because they allow practitioners to be aware of their surroundings and react quickly and efficiently to any threat or danger. This is especially important in combat situations, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.
Another basic principle of ninjutsu is the idea of using only as much force as necessary to achieve the desired result. This means that the practitioner should be able to sense the flow of energy and move in a way that can stop or redirect the force being applied.
In addition, ninjutsu emphasizes using both one's body and mind as a single unit. This means that physical movements are always accompanied by mental focus and awareness, allowing practitioners to achieve maximum performance.
It is important for your mind and body to work as one because it allows you to move swiftly and with great accuracy, regardless of the situation. This also makes it easier for you to anticipate your opponent's actions in battle and respond accordingly.
Ninjutsu is also known for incorporating weapons into its techniques. While the focus is on unarmed combat, practitioners are also trained in using various weapons, such as swords, knives, and staff.
The use of weapons is not meant to replace unarmed combat but rather to complement it. In ninjutsu, the goal is to be able to defend oneself using whatever is available, whether it is a weapon or not.
This versatility is one of the many things that makes ninjutsu such an effective and popular martial art form. It is also one of the reasons why it has been able to withstand the test of time and remain relevant even in today's modern world.
Many people practice ninjutsu because of its emphasis on self-improvement, both physically and mentally. It is a challenging discipline that pushes you to become stronger and more capable in every aspect of your life. It also helps you achieve certain goals, such as focus, concentration, and determination to succeed in the sport and other areas of your life.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, ninjutsu is a martial arts style that can help you achieve your full potential as a martial artist and a person.
Conclusion
From feudal Japan to modern times, many people are still enamored with being a ninja. While the reality is far different from fantasy, the principles behind ninjutsu are still the same. Ninjutsu's glorious history has made the sport what it is today.
It is a discipline that can help you achieve your goals, both in martial arts and life, by teaching you to be calm, focused, and determined. It is also a versatile sport that can be adapted to various situations, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to be empowered and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle.