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For many people, the word ninja evokes images of a fearsome assaisin, secretive and silent, striking fear into the hearts of peasants and emperors alike. Ninjutsu (art of the ninja), developed throughout several centuries, is often seen as the most mysterious of the martial arts. Utilized by military spies in feudal Japan, ninjutsu was considered an alternative to direct combat. Unlike the stereotypical imagery overshadowing this material arts form, authentic ninjas were extremely skilled, relying on calculation, stealth and trickery over brute strength to achieve their goals. They received training in many different fields including armed and unarmed combat, manufacturing of poisons and explosives, wilderness survival methods, geography, meteorology, medicine, concealment tactics, and infiltration skills. Though the origins of the ninja and traditions of ninjutsu date back nine centuries, images and the study of ninjutsu are still prevalent in popular culture. The resurgence began in the 1950’s and 60’s when ninjas were prominently featured in pop culture artifacts like TV shows, comic books and video games. The first appearance in a popular western work was in the 1964 James Bond novel, "You Only Live Twice." When the movie version appeared in 1967, its popularity exploded across Europe and North America. Since then, it has appeared everywhere from the G.I. Joe character Snake Eyes and his archenemy Storm Shadow, to parodies such as The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that appeared in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Martial arts star Chuck Norris fought off hordes of ninjas in his popular action movies. Unfortunately many of these “Hollywood” portrayals have resulted in the misrepresentation and declining respect for what should be an esteemed ancient martial arts form.
Ninjas of the modern world are not just pop icons; they are living among us. They have families, shop at the local grocery store, sit beside you on the subway and eat the same restaurants. However, they are not the vengeful assassins of Hollywood glam lore. They are students of a martial arts form based on mediation, spirituality, self-control and physical conditioning. Essentially, they hope to attain the enlightenment or the development of jihi or kokoro - a benevolent heart.
The form of ninjitsu that exists today has evolved to suit the needs of modern society, while still preserving the core values of the ancient form. Students of ninjutsu practice visualization and breathing exercises while training their whole bodies. Junan taiso, or body conditioning, is attained through breathing, stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. Following a program that includes several training methods, modern ninjutsu students learn how to protect themselves through striking, kicking and blocking methods, grappling, chokes and escapes, rolling, leaping, tumbling and silent movement. The qualities of a ninja are true patience, self-control, dedication, loyalty and brotherhood.
Modern equivalents of a ninja can be found in the special operatives and espionage agents used by military forces around the world. These elite troops combine combat skills, stealth, and technology to infiltrate enemy strongholds, gather secret information, and spread disinformation - just like their forefathers hundreds of years ago.
It is unfortunate that many views people hold are stereotypical and inaccurate, resulting in a romanticized fear of a brutal villain. Ninjas and the study of ninjitsu encompass much more than what the shallow, glorified Hollywood characterization offers; it is a journey of self-discipline and self-preservation that offers many physical and spiritual benefits.
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