Ninjutsu Exercises

Taijutsu

Ninjutsu movement pivots on the ability to move with speed and stealth. This system of movement, or taijutsu, relies on the spine for power. The training regimen includes body conditioning, or jun un do, and specific exercises, or junan taiso, to improve the range of motion in your joints. Because a ninjutsu practitioner rarely attacks an opponent head-on, her ability to stay low to the ground and conduct evasive maneuvers depends on flexibility. The focus in taijutsu is typically on unarmed fighting, such as punching, grappling, rolling and kicking. An example of a punching exercise begins with standing in a natural position. Step forward with your right leg and simultaneously punch with your right fist shooting straight out from your hip. Keep your hips open to maintain balance. Compared to a straight-on jab or side hook, this punch comes from below the waist and catches your opponent from a blind angle.

Ninjutsu Kicks

Ancient Japanese martial arts emphasized joint locking and throwing rather than striking, according to Sebastian Philllips’ article, “Kicking Techniques of Ninja Warriors,” published in Black Belt. Ninjutsu’s fighting techniques were devised by warriors in heavy armor. If you punch someone wearing a metal helmet, you’ll just bruise your own knuckles. The majority of kicks in modern ninjutsu training come from shinden fudo ryu, or one of the nine schools that make up the bujinkan, a martial arts organization, in Japan. Compared to high roundhouse and front kicks seen in Kung Fu, ninjutsu kicks are characterized by low sweeping angles. The stand-out kick in ninjutsu is the zenpo-geri, or the stomping heel kick. In this move, a partner stands before the fighter with his arms crossed in front of his chest to shield his ribs. The fighter delivers the kick as a stomp to his partner's chest and sends him across the dojo. This should only be attempted under the guidance of an expert.

Spiritual or Sensitivity Exercises

Ninjutsu training involves exercises in concealment, stalking and silent movement. You work with light and shadow patterns to navigate charts and terrain. You also learn how to sense the presence of others in darkness. In particular, night training engages students in the metaphysical journey of the ninjutsu regimen. For example, one night exercise would have you standing with your eyes shut and listening to various sounds in your environment. Another ninjutsu student will brush your shoulder or attempt to distract you with noises. A group exercise involves two teams trying to move undetected through a dark forest. When one team detects the other, the exercise ends. Both teams must figure out what triggered exposure.

Ninja Festivals

The Shadows of Iga ninjutsu festival was held in the 1980s and introduces about 150 people from all walks of life to ninjutsu techniques. Courses included training in taijutsu, pistol tactics, improvised explosives, stick fighting, fast-draw sword technique, archery and assault rifle training. You could learn how to fight in water as well as how to rappel down the side of a cliff. Instruction was also provided on hand-held weapons, with special emphasis on a three-foot stick, a single-edged blade, a knife and a short chain.