The form of the martial arts known as Ninjutsu is not very well known to the public and has a very clouded history. In fact, its history isn't documented all that
well, so, most of what is known about the martial art is that which has been passed down orally from generation to generation.
There are many historical records that seem to tell us that families from the Koga region as being the creators of this somewhat mysterious style of self defense.
Over the years, more than 70 different Ninjutsu Ryu (martial arts school or discipline) have been identified and discovered. However, most of these have died out over time. A majority of them were created, based on a specific set of techniques and skills, but, when those skills found at a specific Ryu were no longer needed or wanted, the Ryu commonly died out and faded away.
The art of Ninjutsu is best associated with the Ninjas of ancient Japan.
The ninjas are well known all around the world, for their stealth and very secretive ways of life and training.
The ninja of legend, and of fact, is known to have gone through a very tough and demanding training. Hardly anyone who has not actually done it really knows about or even understands it. Those that were actual ninja's are either dead, or not allowed to reveal their true identity.
During the 1980's, when the ninja trend really hit the United States, instructors of Ninjutsu popped up all over the place, making the black belt a very trendy fashion accessory.
Years later, the trend died out, and there don't seem to be that many people who want to learn the art these days.
In regards to the art, the term of "Ninjutsu" itself doesn't actually refer to any certain style, but rather a group of the martial arts,
with each one having its own view that's expressed with each of the different Ryu. The Ryu vary, meaning that
one may focus on one certain style of physical dynamic, while the next may be focused on another direction.
What many people aren't aware of, is the fact that Ninjutsu involves both unarmed
and armed fighting skills, along with philosophy,
strategy, and history. There are a few dojo’s
that offer the art, many of them being quite comprehensive with the way they teach.
During close quarters combat, Ninjutsu
focuses on distance, posture, and
flow. Stylists are taught to react to every movement, and
respond in ways that will place them in a position of
advantage. From that position of advantage, the stylist
can then effectively change the outcome of the encounter - quickly
going from a negative to positive situation.
Those that practice the martial art of Ninjutsu are instructed and
trained to use their entire body for everything they do.
This provides
the most leverage and power for offensive movement. Ninjutsu
is well known in Japan but even there it is a very secretive martial
art, yet
very powerful. The techniques can be used for self
defense,
along with stealth. It can be a great martial art to learn -
if you can find a dojo that teaches it.
Martial Arts
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