Martial Arts Training

Of all of the stock characters that are commonly seen in popular movies, books, and comics, ninjas are certainly some of our most beloved martial arts characters, and, for many people, their only exposure to the martial arts. Much of the mystique and popularity of the ninja comes from over-exaggerated depictions that have little to do with reality, but there is a grain of truth behind the ninja legend, and it is possible to train yourself to become extraordinarily skilled in the ninja arts. This can be done through the ancient art of ninjutsu.

The historical ninja were Japanese assassins, scouts, and spies that used a unique form of martial arts that was built on deception and guerrilla warfare. Aside from the techniques that normally come to mind when we think of the ninja, ninja were also trained in deception, disguise, explosives, stealth, espionage, and concealment. While one can use training to further all of these studies, this article will focus mainly on how to develop the armed and unarmed combat skills that made the ninja so fearsome that today, six hundred years later, they are still remembered with awe.

If you are serious about becoming a ninja, the first thing that you need to do is find a good school and enroll in it. No matter how dedicated you are, you will progress much slower in your training on your own than if you are studying under someone who knows their stuff and has devoted a large part of their life to the martial arts. Now, the specific training is known as ninjutsu, but unless you are very lucky, you probably do not live near a school that offers ninjutsu. No worries; nearly any martial art that you take up will help you in a study of ninjutsu, and the basic kicks and strikes of ninjutsu are similar to those encountered in most other external martial arts.

Once you are enrolled in a good martial arts school, try and research to find out as much as you can about the historical ninja and their ways. Seek out exercises that develop balance and agility, and work on your gymnastic abilities as well. Much of ninjutsu is a fusion of martial arts and gymnastics. Develop your body and your physical and mental abilities in every direction, and you will be ready for the demanding techniques of ninjutsu.