Practice Ninja Throwing

A Case For Ninjutsu Over Simply Practicing Budo-Taijutsu

This article should probably be called: "What's a master Ninja martial artist - a teacher of the art of ninjutsu - do after surviving a near head-on car crash?" Before I answer that question though, let me tell you what prompted the idea behind what I'm about to say.

 

Since 1997, a little over a decade now, the average martial arts practitioner within the Bujinkan Dojo has been lead to believe that what they are studying is limited to the armed and unarmed martial art skills that everyone sees when training in Japan. In fact, most students have been convinced that the last remaining Ninja in the world, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, doesn't even teach Ninjutsu, also known as Ninpo in its higher form.

 

This, to me is amazing. It's amazing because this is the same teacher that I, and several senior practitioners have been studying with and under...

 

...since 1980/81...

 

...when the art was first introduced to the Western-world!

 

But, I digress. Before I discuss what people believe and don't believe they're studying and practicing...

 

...I should probably talk about the two things I've been discussing already. Yes?

 

Ninjutsu and the Art of the Ninja

 

In the world of martial arts and self-defense training, where arts are generally broken down based on their primary fight techniques - where...

 

 

• Karate is known for punching and kicking
• Judo is known for its throwing
• Aikido is general seen as a locking, throwing, restraining art, and...
• Tae Kwon Do is known for it's high, flashy kicks and aerial maneuvers...

 

The Japanese art of the Ninja, known as Ninjutsu, pronounced "neen-joo-tsoo," has all of these aspects and more. Where modern martial arts can be seen to have become specialized in their focus and application, the art of the Ninja is still rife with all of the options and contents used by ancient warriors who were battling for life and survival, not belts or trophies.

 

Ninjutsu is what you might call a composite martial art. It is, as pointed out by the grandmaster of the art, "true budo" or true martial ways. Instead of merely focusing on unarmed skills with a hint of weapons training thrown in, the art of Ninjutsu contains a whole slew of sub-arts that make it up. I like to tell my students that...

 

"...it's like Ragu spagetti sauce. Name a skill, weapon, or strategy, and if it's a viable, usable application for dealing with a real-world assailant...

 

...it's in there!"

 

While it IS true that ninjutsu is typically the methods for information-gathering, historically, the ninja combatant was required to know, not only the 18 fundamental skills that all warriors of the time were trained in, he or she was also schooled in another set of 18 skills that were reserved for advanced ninpo practitioners to insure that the operative was truly prepared for just about anything.

 

Do a little research and you'll find that most arts being taught today focus on umarmed and armed fighting skills. Ninjutsu, on the other hand, also teaches the use and understanding of such arcane methods as...

 

 

• Goton-Po "Escape and Evasion, Wilderness Survival, and Use of Nature"
• Hensojutsu "Disguise and Impersonation"
• Teppojutsu "Firearms"
• Seishin Teki Kyoyo "Spiritual Refinement and Personal Development"
• Omyo Do "Balance and the Forces of Nature"
• Kuji '9 Syllable Seals' (Tapping into the Secret Powers inherent within the human being's body, mind, and spirit)
• And so much MORE!

It All Begins with Ninpo/Budo-Taijutsu

 

Laying at the foundation of the advanced levels of power and ability attributed to a Ninja - a Master Warrior - is the art of Taijutsu, or simply...

 

..."The Ninja's Body Art."

 

This is the realm of physical training that most practitioners of the art are familiar with and ficus their attention. However, within the grand scheme of things...

 

...taijutsu is merely a sub-art making up the whole.

 

And...

 

...while it is a significant part of the whole, and an essential piece to accessing many of the higher levels of training...

 

...it is NOT everything.

 

How do I know this? How can I say such a thing when doing so borders on heresy in the world of the Bujinkan?

 

Simple. I have real experience dealing with real problems in a very real world.

 

Experience Changes Everything

 

As long as anything can remain in a theoretical realm for a person, he or she is free to play what I call "mental gymnastics" with that thing. In the context of martial arts, you can do things like:

 

 

• Imagine yourself a modern-day Samurai (without really knowing what that is or was)
• Create impressive techniques (that work well in the sterile confines of the dojo but will fail miserably in a real-world encounter with a murderous attacker)
• Choose favorite techniques or skills (without the understanding that a real assailant will have his or her own agenda and force you into areas that your not familiar with)

 

Get the picture?

 

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

Why am I going on about this?

 

Why another comparison between Ninjutsu and Budo-Taijutsu?

 

Well, you see...

 

...I'm in the process of recovering from injuries sustained in a near head-on collision with another driver that, through lack of awareness, turned his car into the path of my own at the end of September.

 

"So? What's that got to do with martial arts training?" I can hear you asking.

 

And my answer is...

 

...it depends on how you see your martial arts training.

 

But, let me give you a hint:

 

How much good do you think my kamae (postures/stances), strikes, kicks, joint locks, or throws were when the accident was occurring?

 

Right...

 

...they were worthless!

 

In fact, at this very moment, I am physically incapable of doing most of what took me years to perfect.

 

Now, before you get too sympathetic, all is not lost.

 

Why?

 

Because I don't just study Budo Taijutsu. I personally have been studying the full gamut of skills and lessons within the art of Ninjutsu since the beginning. And while my taijutsu training has had to take a back row seat due to severe back trauma and what the doctors are calling Post Concussive Syndrome - a result of my being knocked unconscious - I am able to shift my focus to things like meditation, honing my weather-reading, disguise and impersonation, and interpersonal communication skills.

 

And never leave the realm of Ninjutsu at all!

 

Because, in this "attack," my assailant was not throwing punches, kicks, or a knife-edge at me. He wasn't even trying to hurt me.

 

No. What I was, and continue to have to survive and get through, is an attack from a human being who was throwing ignorance, inattentiveness, and a two-thousand pound car at me!

 

As I always tell my students, the goal of a Ninja student is to...

 

Become a NO-LIMITS Person.

 

And that, my friend, requires training and exploration in more than just physical fighting skills.

 

The question is...

 

...are you training to be able to handle a fight, or are you training to be able to survive anything the world might throw at you?

 

I know my answer. How about you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Do you want to be able to defend and survive a real street self defense attack? Do you want to know how to have just the right technique for the attack that's happening, and be able to defend yourself successfully against a violent attacker who's throwing anything he wants? Well, you can. How? By learning what it's like inside of a real attack, and developing the skills necessary to handle a variety of self defense situations.

If you want to learn more than just the step-by-step punches, kicks, and techniques that most students limit themselves to, then you should read my newest <a target="_new" href="http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html">self-defense book</a>, <B><I>"Fight Smarter - Not Harder!"</B></I></a>

You can download it free at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html">http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html</a>

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally recognized self protection expert and the creator of the unique, <B>EDR: Non-Martial Arts Defensive Training Program.</B> Each month, he shares his 30+ years of real-world study, training, and experience to help literally thousands of students from all over the world, to be more safe and secure in Today's often dangerous world. Jeff says, <I>"If you really want to be able to protect yourself, then I can teach you the critical skills you'll need to defend and survive an attack against any attacker - <U>guaranteed</U>!</I>

Set 3 Ninja Stealth Silver Throwing Knives With Nylon Case $26.53 These throwing knives are great for practicing your throwing technique. The sport of throwing knives is becoming more and more popular as people realize the fun and excitement of being able to land a knife exactly where you want it. These inexpensive throwing knives are ideal for beginners and those just getting interested in the sport. They re sturdy enough and balanced enough to practice with. While perfecting your throwing technique you will be able to make these knives stick whenever you want. The set of three throwing knives comes with a case that you can keep them in. Carry on your belt or in your backpack. When camping bust them out and practice learning your new skill 6 overall (knife) Features included:. Set of three knives. Black Nylonsheath included. Circle loop on the end of the knife. Blade measures 2.75 inches. 100 440 stainless steel construction

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Knife Throwing $9.95 A concise, informative book on "the sport of the pioneers". Knife Throwing includes beginning and advanced throwing techniques and covers everything from home practice to hunting methods with accurate instructions. Readers will learn how to hurl hatches, tomahawks, the Gurkha Kukri, Bowies, and other knives.

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The Basics of Throwing $27.95 To master the timeless craft of clay wheel throwing, a ceramicist must understand more than the attributes of clay and the operation of the potter's wheel. Successful practitioners learn to combine technical knowledge and physical skill with emotional control and a highly developed aesthetic sense. The learning process can be extremely frustrating for beginners, but thorough background information and a proper mindset can ease the journey to technical proficiency and self-expression. "The Basics of Throwing" offers the kind of detailed instruction that is critical to the sustained practice of clay wheel throwing. In this thoroughly illustrated book, master potter David Cohen explores the essential aspects of the craft-the preparation of clay, the required tools, the mechanics governing the potter's wheel, the technical vocabulary, and the fundamental thrown forms of ceramic ware. In addition, Cohen shares insights into the value of related details, such as posture, breath, rhythm, and drawing, in the creation of quality clay ware. His clear writing links the physical relationship between body, clay, and wheel to the principles of beauty. Full-color photographs further clarify each concept and method. "The Basics of Throwing" ends with inspiring profiles of some of today's best potters. David Cohen's comprehensive instruction and holistic framework make "The Basics of Throwing" a unique resource for potters and ceramics educators.

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Effective Practice Drills for Throwing a Baseball (DVD) $35.82 Effective Practice Drills for Throwing a Baseball features a series of game-tested drills designed to enhance the key factors involved in throwing a baseball. Appropriate for coaches, athletes, and teams at all competitive levels, the DVD explains and demonstrates each developmental drill in an easy-to-understand and -apply manner. Among the topics covered: arm-speed and extension drills, balance drills, upper-body isolation drills, rotation drills, separation-and-turning drills, accuracy and control, arm action and reaction, and overload.

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Native Americans Practice Running, Shooting Arrows, and Throwing Ball, Florida, 1500s $39.99 Native Americans Practice Running, Shooting Arrows, and Throwing Ball, Florida, 1500s - Giclee Print

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Defender 6-inch Black Carbon Steel Throwing Knife with Sheath $34.28 6-inch throwing knifeCarbon steel constructionSharpSheath IncludedNaruto Ninja Kunai Throwing

Knife and Tomahawk Throwing $21.09 Harry McEvoy, foremost expert in the field of knife and tomahawk throwing and best-selling author of Knife Throwing: A Practical Guide, provides us with an exciting, in-depth look at the popular sport of weapon throwing.Meet the men who will through a flaming knife at a lovely lady on a spinning target-and not scorch a hair; learn about the legendary "Skeeter" Vaughan, whose record-breaking throw saved the lives of hundreds of U.S. servicemen during World War II; and witness the courage of Tony Cascarella, who brought down a 275-pound wild boar with only three Bowie-Axe throwing knives.In addition, this book will clearly show you the skills involved in knife and tomahawk throwing-skills all the professionals first mastered before attempting the daring feats required when performing the "impalement arts." Also presented is an interesting history of throwing-knives, from the earliest times, through the development of the European daggers, and up tot the knives used during the Vietnam War. Furthermore, you`ll learn about many of the other throwing instruments of the world, including the martial arts weapons used by the ninja of Japan, and the deadly boomerangs of the Australian aborigines.Concisely written and illustrated with more than 50 photographs (including many of the "greats" in action), Knife and Tomahawk Throwing is a must for anyone interested in these fascinating sports.

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Stealth Ninja Child Costume $19.99 Take to the shadows in this Stealth Ninja costume and practice your killer moves. The child's Stealth Ninja costume is highly detailed and easy to wear; check out the silvery foam Ninja stars on the

Kodokan Judo Throwing Techniques $35.95 Throughout the long history of Japan's martial traditions, judo has evolved into one of the nation's richest and most revered cultural legacies. The vast array of judo techniques has branched out into three distinct categories: throwing techniques, grappling techniques, and striking techniques. Of these, throwing techniques (nage-waza) represent some of the most dynamic and compelling aspects of this world-famous martial art. Recent developments in competition (shiai) and free practice (randori) have seen an increase in the number of forms of nage-waza, leading to often confusing interpretations of the techniques' names. The purpose of this book, therefore, is to provide a comprehensive and correct classification of nage-waza terminology as used in both competition and practice. All the sixty-seven official Kodokan throwing techniques and their various forms are explained thoroughly and concisely, and over 1,800 photographs accompany the text to provide the reader with the most comprehensive guide to judo's throwing forms to date. For many years author Toshiro Daigo has held the prestigious position of chief instructor at the Kodokan, regarded as the mecca for all judo enthusiasts, and this book is the result of painstaking research into the constantly changing forms of judo's nage-waza. It will be an invaluable resource for practitioners everywhere.

Knife & Tomahawk Throwing Knife & Tomahawk Throwing: The Art of the Experts the Art of the Experts $13.07 Harry McEvoy, foremost expert in the field of knife and tomahawk throwing and best-selling author of "Knife Throwing: A Practical Guide, " provides us with an exciting, in-depth look at the popular sport of weapon throwing. Meet the men who will through a flaming knife at a lovely lady on a spinning target-and not scorch a hair; learn about the legendary "Skeeter" Vaughan, whose record-breaking throw saved the lives of hundreds of U.S. servicemen during World War II; and witness the courage of Tony Cascarella, who brought down a 275-pound wild boar with only three Bowie-Axe throwing knives. In addition, this book will clearly show you the skills involved in knife and tomahawk throwing-skills all the professionals first mastered before attempting the daring feats required when performing the "impalement arts." Also presented is an interesting history of throwing-knives, from the earliest times, through the development of the European daggers, and up tot the knives used during the Vietnam War. Furthermore, you'll learn about many of the other throwing instruments of the world, including the martial arts weapons used by the ninja of Japan, and the deadly boomerangs of the Australian aborigines. Concisely written and illustrated with more than 50 photographs (including many of the "greats" in action), "Knife and Tomahawk Throwing" is a must for anyone interested in these fascinating sports.

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Throwing Circle Weather Cover $545.33 Save valuable practice time with the new Throwing Circle Weather Cover. Allows the ring to be covered between uses to keep out rain and debris. Made from 18 oz. vinyl-coated woven polyester. Fill bags with sand and slip into Velcro® pouches for anchoring. Gray only. 12' x 12'.Please Note: This item CANNOT ship to P.O. Boxes, APO, or FPO Addresses. It CAN ONLY ship to a Street Address.

Ninja Weapons $10.95 This handy volume introduces the exciting and deadly secrets of two ninja arts- the chain and the shuriken. The Masaki school of chain fighting was developed in the feudal society of the early eighteenth century by a swordsman-sentry in Edo (Tokyo) Castle. Feeling that the shedding of blood in such a hallowed place would be disgraceful, he devised the combat use of the weighted chain . Even the name he gave to the art proves the trust he placed in its effectiveness- manrikigusari (chain with the power of ten thousand). The equally devastating art of shuriken, the throwing of metal stars and spikes, evolved shortly after manrikigusari. The easily concealed shuriken soon became known as an extremely effective. weapon for both ninja and samurai warriors.

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