Martial art has been one of the favorite techniques of people who want to excel in physical combat. A very good example would be Ninjutsu which literally means Ninja techniques and is translated to the technique of stealth. The part Nin in the word Ninjutsu usually refers to a Japanese character and is translated to Shinobi which has several meaning such as perseverance, sufferance and endurance. The term Ninjutsu refers to specific techniques and methods used by the people who practice this form of martial art and are also known as Ninja.
Ninjutsu unlike other common methods also involves learning skills like swimming, horse-riding, military strategizing etc. The technique of ninja involves self-protection and relies on methods like walking, hiding, different methods of running and utilizing the body specially. It basically aims to develop power with the help of body movements and removing an opponent’s balance. Ninjutsu in general refers to any technique that uses chakra or the special powers-points of the body. In this technique the hand is essentially folded in different manners to unleash the power of the chakras.
Ninjutsu can also be called elemental Ninjutsu when only one particular element among the earth, fire, water, wind and void is used. Ninjutsu can also be classified in four fundamental categories depending on the weapons and strategizing method – the Taijutsu skill of body or awareness of bio-mechanical movements of the body, the Ninki-weapons method, the Heiho strategy method and the practices of Shugyo-philosophy. There are a number of weapons used in this technique depending on the choice of the Ninja. It is believed that the goal of Ninjutsu was to master all the aspects available but the opposite is true. The Ninja used to specialize in any one single technique rather than specializing in all techniques. The training also included practical tasks such as breaking in an enemy camp and gathering information about the enemy or spreading rumors about the enemy which leads to his downfall.
Sage of Six paths
The history of Ninjutsu is quite disputed and there is not a single lineage to which it can be traced back. It is believed that Ninjutsu was created on one of the Japanese islands named central Honshu about eleven hundred years back. It is believed that two brothers were born one of whom was known as the Sage of Six Paths- the founder of Ninjutsu and the other was known as Sarutobi. When the Sage of Six paths or Rikudo Sage as he was called defeated his brother, he deleted all things related to his existence and brought the various clans together. He taught people his technique of Ninjutsu and how to control the chakras.
Shinto and Mikkyo
The two of the biggest spiritual influences on Ninjutsu were Shinto and Mikkyo. Shinto preached what is called the way of Kami. Mikkyo on the other hand stressed to enhance personal power and focus intention and energy towards a single specific goal. The Ninja also came in contact with a group of people called Shugenja who roamed in the same regions as the early Ninja. The Ninjutsu was influenced by their methods of spiritual self-discovery by putting one in harsh natural conditions to imbibe power from it. Saying that these influences have a root in Ninjutsu would be wrong but Ninjutsu for sure was influenced by these.
Daisuke Togakure
The Ninja have always been perceived as assassins and spies because they have always been noted for using deception and stealth in their operations. All through the time different schools have taught their different and unique versions of Ninjutsu. A very good example of a different and unique version of Ninjutsu would be Togakure-Ryu which was developed by a samurai Daisuke Togakure after escaping to the region of Iga. In Iga he came in contact with a warrior-monk Kain Doshi who helped him view life in a different perspective and helped him learn the technique of survival namely Ninjutsu.
Ninjutsu was essentially developed as techniques for surviving in the feudal Japan where the different fighting clans did not pardon anyone. The Ninja with the help of these techniques survived the political violent turmoil. These techniques of misleading and stealth were also used for assassinating the leader of the enemy camp. These activities were seen as dishonorable and hence, the Ninja are often associated with allegations of crime. After a long period of popularity of this technique in winning over the enemy it came to be known as Ninjutsu.
There are many schools in modern world teaching Ninjutsu as it exists. It is one of the most advanced forms of martial art, difficult to master but helps winning over any enemy when practiced correctly.
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