Currently in Ireland the main location for " Teaching Authentic Ninja Ninjutsu
Samurai Jujutsu Unarmed Combat Traditional Weapons " is in Wexford Town, Co, Wexford. here is their web site address
The Wexford Dojo
Lit. Translation: "Nin" Perseverance/Endurance "jutsu" Techniques (of). Surrounded by much controversy, today's "ninjutsu" is derived from the traditional fighting arts associated with the Iga/Koga region of Japan. These arts include both "bujutsu" ryuha (martial technique systems) and "ninjutsu" ryuha, which involve a broad base of training designed to prepare the practitioner for all possible situations.
The history of ninjutsu is clouded by the very nature of the art itself. There is little documented history, much of what is known was handed down as part of an oral tradition (much like the native american indian) and documented by later generations. This has led to a lot of debate regarding the authenticity of the lineages claimed by the arts instructors.
Historical records state that certain individuals/families from the Iga/Koga (modern Mie/Omi) region were noted for possessing specific skills and were employed (by samurai) to apply those and other skills. These records, which were kept by people both within the region and outside of the region, refer to the individuals/families as "Iga/Koga no Mono" (Men of Iga/Koga) and "Iga/Koga no Bushi" (Warriors of Iga/Koga). Due to this regions terrain, it was largely unexplored and the people living within lived a relatively isolated existence. This enabled them to develop perspectives which differed from the "mainstream" society of the time, which was under the direct influence of the upper ruling classes. When necessary, they successfully used the superstitions of the masses as a tool/weapon and became feared and slightly mythologized because of this.
In the mid/late 1500's their difference in perspective led to conflict with the upper ruling classes and the eventual invasion/destruction of the villages and communities within the Iga/Koga region. The term "ninja" was not in use at this time, but was later introduced in the dramatic literature of the Tokugawa period (1605-1867). During this period, ancestral fears became contempt and the stereotypical image ("clans of assassins and mercenaries who used stealth, assassination, disguises, and other tricks to do their work") was formed which, to this day, is still very much the majority opinion.
Over 70 different "ninjutsu ryu" have been catalogued/identified, however, the majority of them have died out. Most were developed around a series of specific skills and techniques and when the skills of a particular ryu were no longer in demand, the ryu would (usually) fade from existence.
During the "Ninja-boom" of the 80's, instructors of "Ninjutsu" were popping out of the woodwork - it was fashionable to wear black. Now that the boom is over there are not as many people trying cash in on the popularity of this art. However, as with all martial arts, it would be wise to be very careful about people claiming to be "masters personally taught by the Grandmaster in Japan".
it's a case of "buyer beware".
Terms like "soft/hard", "internal/external", linear/circular" have been used to describe ninjutsu by many people. Depending upon the perspective of the person, it could appear to be any one, all or even none of the above. It is important to remember that the term "ninjutsu" does not refer to a specific style, but more to a group of arts, each with a different point of view expressed by the different ryu. The physical dynamics from one ryu to another varies - one ryu may focus on redirection and avoidance while another may charge in and overwhelm.
To provide some kind of brief description, ninjutsu includes the study of both unarmed and armed combative techniques, strategy, philosophy, and history. In many Dojos the area of study is quite comprehensive. The idea being to become adept at many things, rather than specializing in only one.
The main principles in combat are posture, distance, rythm and flow. The practitioner responds to attacks in such a way that they place themselves in an advantageous position from which an effective response can be employed. They are taught to use the entire body for every movement/technique, to provide the most power and leverage. They will use the openings created by the opponents movement to implement techniques, often causing the opponent to "run in/on to" body weapons.
Training :
As was noted above, the areas of study in ninjutsu are diverse. However, the new student is not taught everything at once.
Training progresses through skills in Taihenjutsu (Body changing skills), which include falling, rolling, leaping, posture, and avoidance; Dakentaijutsu (Striking weapons body techniques) using the entire body as a striking tool/ weapon - how to apply and how to receive; and Jutaijutsu (Supple body techniques) locks, throws, chokes, holds - how to apply and how to escape.
In the early stages, weapons training is usually limited to practicing how to avoid attacks - overcoming any fear of the object and understanding the dynamics of its use from the perspective of "defending against" (while unarmed). In the mid and later stages, once a grounding in Taijutsu body dynamics is in place, practitioners begin studying from the perspective of "defending with" the various tools/weapons.
In the early stages of training, kata are provided as examples of "what can be done here" and "how to move the body to achieve this result". However, as the practitioner progresses they are encouraged to explore the openings which naturally appear in peoples movements and apply spontaneous techniques based upon the principles contained within the kata. This free flowing style is one of the most important aspects of ninjutsu training. Adaptability is one of the main lessons of all of these ryu.
Due to the combative nature of the techniques studied, there are no tournaments or competitions in Ninjutsu. As tournament fighting has set rules which compel the competitor to study the techniques allowed within that framework, this limits not only the kinds of techniques that they study, but also the way in which they will apply those techniques. The way that you train is the way that you fight. Ninjutsu requires that its practitioners be open to any situation and to be able to adapt their technique to ensure survival.
Contributor : Joachim Hoss - Adam James
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Some answers given may reflect personal biases of the author and the martial arts FAQ listing's contributors. The answers contained herein pertain to discussions on the rec.martial-arts group, and are by no means exhaustive.
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--
Matthew Weigel
Research Systems Programmer
mcweigel+@cs.cmu.edu
bujinkan, budo, taijutsu, martial arts, martial arts ireland, masaski hatsumi, hatsumi sensei, soke, ninjitsu, ninpo, seminars, dojos, dojo, hanbo, bo, staff, sword, jo
The Bujinkan is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi, it is best known for its association with ninjutsu. The system taught by this group, called Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, consists of nine separate martial arts traditions.
The head of the Bujinkan organisation, Masaaki Hatsumi, is the lineage holder of several ryuha taught in the Bujinkan, transferred to him in the middle of the 20th Century by his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu.[2][3][4][5]
From 1968 and onwards, the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten has entries bearing the name of Hatsumi below his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu for the following school entries: Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu, Kuki Shinden Happo Bikenjutsu, Koto-ryu Koppojutsu, Shinden Fudo-ryu Dakentaijutsu, Takagi Yoshin-ryu Jutaijutsu, Gikan-ryu Koppojutsu, Gyokushin-ryu Ninpo and Kumogakure-ryu Ninpo.
In 1843 several of the Bujinkan ryuha were mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (“The History of Fighting Arts”).[6] Although details of the ryuha were omitted, the publication states, "even though they are not mentioned in this particular periodical, there are several schools that are well-known for being ‘effective arts’ (jitsuryoku ha)." Among the schools listed in this section are Gyokko Ryu, Gikan-ryu Koppojutsu, Gyokushin-ryu Ninpo, Kukishin Ryu, Takagi Yoshin-ryu Jutaijutsu and Asayama Ichiden Ryu (which is not part of the Bujinkan’s nine schools but was studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno). [6] The Bujinkan as a whole has been recognised by the Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (All Japan Sword Federation).[citation needed] However, the recorded history and lineage of several of the ryuha taught in the Bujinkan, as documented by the Bujinkan, especially of Togakure-ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, have been called into question.[7]
Several of the above martial arts taught in the Bujinkan can allegedly be traced back to the Iga region of Japan and were developed and used by the Yamabushi and the Ninja. The arts said to be in the Iga-ryu Ninjutsu tradition include Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Gikan-ryu and Shinden Fudo Ryu. The alleged connection to Ninjutsu is through Hatsumi's teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu who was, among other things, permitted to copy the Amatsu Tatara scrolls. Takamatsu Toshitsugu grandfather was a samurai and a direct decedent of the founder of Gyokko Ryu (the Gikan-ryu was passed to Takamatsu Toshitsugu through another source). Other arts, such as Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishinden Ryu were developed and used by members of Japan’s Samurai families. Today the Bujinkan incorporates techniques from all of the above 9 ryu and others.
In 1843 several of the Bujinkan ryuha were mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (“The History of Fighting Arts”).[6] Although details of the ryuha were omitted, the publication states, "even though they are not mentioned in this particular periodical, there are several schools that are well-known for being ‘effective arts’ (jitsuryoku ha)." Among the schools listed in this section are Gyokko Ryu, Gikan-ryu Koppojutsu, Gyokushin-ryu Ninpo, Kukishin Ryu, Takagi Yoshin-ryu Jutaijutsu and Asayama Ichiden Ryu (which is not part of the Bujinkan’s nine schools but was studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno). [6] The Bujinkan as a whole has been recognised by the Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (All Japan Sword Federation).[citation needed] However, the recorded history and lineage of several of the ryuha taught in the Bujinkan, as documented by the Bujinkan, especially of Togakure-ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, have been called into question.[7]
Several of the above martial arts taught in the Bujinkan can allegedly be traced back to the Iga region of Japan and were developed and used by the Yamabushi and the Ninja. The arts said to be in the Iga-ryu Ninjutsu tradition include Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Gikan-ryu and Shinden Fudo Ryu. The alleged connection to Ninjutsu is through Hatsumi's teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu who was, among other things, permitted to copy the Amatsu Tatara scrolls. Takamatsu Toshitsugu grandfather was a samurai and a direct decedent of the founder of Gyokko Ryu (the Gikan-ryu was passed to Takamatsu Toshitsugu through another source). Other arts, such as Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Kukishinden Ryu were developed and used by members of Japan’s Samurai families. Today the Bujinkan incorporates techniques from all of the above 9 ryu and others.
Theme of 2009 - Mu - No theme
Theme of 2008 - Togakure-ryu Ninpo Taijutsu
Theme of 2007 - Kukishin Ryu
Theme of 2006 - Shinden Fudo Ryu
Theme of 2005 - Gyokko-ryu Kosshijutsu (Bo and Tachi)
Theme of 2004 - Daishou Juutaijutsu (Roppo-Kuji-no Biken)
Theme of 2003 - Juppo Sessho
Theme of 2002 - Jutaijutsu (Takagi Yoshin Ryu)
Theme of 2001 - Kosshijutsu (Gyokko Ryu)
Theme of 2000 - Koppojutsu (Koto Ryu)
Theme of 1999 - Kukishinden Ryu
Theme of 1998 - Shinden Fudo Ryu
Theme of 1997 - Jojutsu
Theme of 1996 - Bokken
Theme of 1995 - Naginata
Theme of 1994 - Yari
Theme of 1993 - Rokushakubojutsu
Theme of 1992 - Taijutsu Power
Theme of 1991 - Sword and Jutte
Theme of 1990 - Hanbo
Theme of 1989 - Taijutsu and Weapons
Theme of 1988 - Taijutsu