I, Ninja

I believe ninja training is based on personal preparation for existence and the ability to overcome any obstacles they face along the way.

I, Ninja

There should be no single focal point. Self-protection, weaponry, strategy, survival, stealth and mysticism. Each of these skills are invaluable, so a ninja can adapt to random situations as they occur. This makes coming up with a definitive list of key lessons difficult because we cannot be certain what the future holds. In this way, having no purpose is a purpose. This is important, because if a ninja trains for a specific reason, they sometimes subconsciously limit themselves to that single objective. However, if their mind is open and receptive to change, their training will continuously adapt and grow, making the art they study the vehicle used for the attainment of deeper understanding.

However, that being said, a foundation for becoming a ninja lies in developing physical skills in four areas. Godai Taijutsu (elemental body art), Karujutsu (acrobatics), Kenjutsu (swordsmanship) and Nin-Buki (weaponry). Within these four areas, the ninja learns everything they need to create an effective self-protection method that adapts to their size, strength and dexterity. Although fighting skills are the first stage to becoming a ninja, they are considered to be used only as a last resort. Stealth and espionage are at the heart of a ninja’s existence. The true art of the ninja is to work their will from the shadows. But, as with all things, the ninja prepares for a worst-case scenario in the event they are discovered using deceptive tactics.

Although the world is full of great and wonderful things, it also has a darker side. This dark side is created by man. In our world, it is not uncommon for people to give their opinions strength through the use of force. It is inevitable. All across the world, throughout time, forces have opposed each other for a variety of reasons and causes. These conflicts are in our very nature. Although it’s commendable to seek peace, it is unwise to ignore potential violence. This is where the need for ninja training arises. I find it greatly disturbing that people, in general, forget that we live in a dangerous world. Most are content to hide behind trivial defences that make them feel more secure. Home security systems, car alarms, secure online ordering, rape prevention courses, pepper spray, etc. It seems we will buy into anything that will make us feel safer. Although these precautionary measures can be effective, they are limited to their specific tasks. True defence lies in acquiring a deeper understanding of the dangers that lurk in the world around us and developing the necessary skills to survive them.

A ninja is not a violent person, but they are capable of violent action. This is an important factor. One should not be aggressive in their approach to life, they should simply be prepared. I train people in one of the most effective unarmed and weaponry systems available, but that training is only part of what is required to be ready to deal with unforeseeable danger. My ninja students are exposed to stealth and concealment, reconnaissance, infiltration, group tactics, psychological warfare and a variety of other skills that will prepare them to face danger if and when it arises. It goes far beyond physical combat and into the realm of the survivalist.

Although it seems extreme to most, these skills are invaluable tools in a world that is plagued with organised crime, common criminals, gangs, terrorism, racism, war, and the random acts of violence that seem to erupt within our communities, perpetrated by what most would deem as normal individuals overwhelmed by the stresses of the world. Sometime during the course of their lives, everyone will have to face danger in some form. What matters is how they deal with it. Some will watch on as others clean up the mess, others will ignore the problems altogether, some will become victims and others will point fingers and assign blame. It is my sincerest hope that the ninjas I train will use their skills to become involved, do what they can to help and, most importantly, survive.

Ninjas are appealing because they are so diverse. James Bond meets Batman. A super-skilled spy that operates under the veil of darkness. What could be better than that?

In the Eighties when the ninja boom hit the world, I would say that the depiction of the ninja was very surface. Silly stuff like disappearing in a puff of smoke and sticking throwing stars in their enemies’ foreheads. The same was true in videogames where the focus seemed to be limited to physical combat. Over the years, Hollywood has never quite got it right, but videogames started to delve a bit deeper into the ninja arts to create characters and situations that made stealth a key factor in the ninja’s ability to complete their missions.

Fighting is one thing all arts have in common. Roman gladiators, Shaolin monks, Vikings, Spartans, samurai – they all spent a great deal of time deciphering the body’s weak points, developing weapons and combative strategies. What sets ninjas apart from this list is that they focused on the battle that takes place in the mind – a place where armour and weapons are ineffective. Aside from their elite fighting and stealth skills, ninjas were also accomplished mystics and sorcerers. The most common mystic skills associated with ninjas are the Gorin Kuji Myo Himitsu Shaku or the Secret Knowledge of Inner Strength. This art form makes use of in-depth meditative techniques that are focused on unleashing the dormant spiritual powers that dwell deep within. If a ninja can successfully tap into their inner power, they can accomplish superhuman feats. Feats such as heightening mental and physical strength, refining mental focus, directing spiritual energy, projecting thoughts and emotions and tapping into the realm of the shadow. As mysterious as this sounds, these powers exist within every human being in existence. They are not magical energies as much as they are personal, spiritual energies that, if focused, can bring about the creation of powerful skills that breach the realm of normal human abilities.

Beyond this mystic craft, there are also arts that delved into Akuma Kenkyujutsu (demonology), Koshinjutsu (necromancy), Yogenjutsu (divination) and Renkenjutsu (alchemy), were known as ‘Inkijutsu’ or ‘Dark Sorcery’, and the arts that delved into Hoshiuranajutsu (astrology), Senninjutsu (spirit guides) and Genjutsu (illusion), were known as ‘Yokijutsu’ or ‘Light Sorcery’. However, mysticism and magic aside, superstition was a common trait among the people of that time, so ninjas took full advantage of it and created situations that made them appear to be supernatural. Carved devil masks, rope and pulley systems that gave them the ability to levitate or fly, and any other trickery that simulated magic was used to convince those who witnessed it that ninjas were an unnatural force that should be feared.

Mark Steven Grove is founder of the Kurai Kotori Clan and its Warrior Quest School in Denver, Colorado. He is an expert on the core values of the Ninja and the benefits of training for modern life.

If Mark has given you a taste for the ways of the Ninja, you can...