NINJUTSU 忍術

Ninjutsu, the Art of the Ninja, originally stems from an ancient discipline within Kobujutsu, an ancient martial art. It encompasses a range of martial techniques, both armed and unarmed, survival skills, and adaptive espionage methods to navigate life's challenges and protect against danger. Despite false associations with crime and espionage, Ninjutsu does not involve unprovoked aggression or taking lives without cause.

The character "Nin" (忍) in Ninjutsu (忍術) can also be read as "Shinobu" (忍) and is composed of two elements: a saber blade (刃) and a heart (心). This signifies constant vigilance in one's own mind and attitude, obliging the formation of one's heart in endurance and righteousness to avoid being halted, stopped, or cut by the sharpness of the blade.

Ninjutsu techniques can be dangerous for novices and those unwilling to receive proper instruction. The Ninja spirit involves enduring shame without harboring resentment. It is not about dangerous actions, like harming others with a sharp blade on the heart, but rather akin to a flower, imbued with love and peace.

What is Ninjutsu According to Master Hatsumi Masaaki and the Teachings (Denshos):

Ninjutsu is a comprehensive Japanese martial art, both martial and spiritual. According to Hatsumi Masaaki, the grandmaster of several Ninjutsu schools (Togakure Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, etc.), Ninjutsu is the "art of perseverance" and the "way of patience."

It comprises an extensive technical system for survival and adaptability in various situations. Techniques include unarmed and armed combat tactics, methods of stealthy movement and camouflage, strategies for infiltration and information gathering, as well as practices of meditation and self-mastery.

However, Ninjutsu goes beyond its technical aspects, encompassing a profound philosophy based on adaptability, virtue, and self-transcendence. Practitioners cultivate qualities such as patience, perseverance, and compassion.

The essence of the Ninja lies in being flexible and resilient like a reed, rather than hard and inflexible like an oak. The Ninja prefers the path of non-violence and inner transformation.

Thus, according to Hatsumi Masaaki, Ninjutsu, in its profound truth, is not a warrior art aimed at harming or spying but a holistic teaching of personal development to attain peace, love, and longevity.

Hiden Togakure Ryu Ninpo. Master Hatsumi Massaki.