What separates the Ninja's martial art from those of other so-called "styles"? What makes the Ninja superior, and keeps him at the top of the proverbial martial arts "food-chain?"
In a word - "options."
This article explores the 4 combat strategies of the Ninja's armed and unarmed combat system, and how each relates to the perfect strategy for different types of self defense situations. After reading this article, you will have both a better understanding of the depth of the Ninja's self defense art, and a few additional strategies for handling a situation that you might not have thought of before.
The Japanese kanji character used to write the syllable "NIN," for ninja," "ninpo," and "ninjutsu," means "endure," to "persevere," and the quality of being able to "survive," or to "put up with" that which we cannot prevent or change.
So, a Ninja can be seen to be an "enduring person." And the art of ninjutsu is all about the ability to "endure," and survive. In fact...
There is nothing in the word Ninja, or Ninjutsu which suggests or limits the meaning to "information-gatherer," "spy" or assassin. Absolutely nothing.
And yet, there is this stigma that says that the Ninja are these super martial artist - killers, who should be feared because they are cold-hearted and merciless. When, in fact, the opposite is true!
Does that mean that the Ninja are no better at martial arts and self defense than anybody else? No.
It means that there is more to the Ninja than meets the proverbial "eye."
And one of these things is in the way the Ninja approaches personal combat, or self defense.
Where most martial artists and self defense practitioners limit themselves to a single "style," or approach to self defense response the Ninja understands the need for options and choices. Partly because of the existence of different types of attacks and attack strategies being thrown at him, and...partly because having options allows the Ninja to be "unknown" to his enemy, and not easily figured out.
In the general martial arts and combatives realm, there can be seen to be four basic approaches to fighting, or responding to an attack or other threat. Over time, these different approaches have more or less crystalized into "styles" and can be seen in the major arts or systems of Japan.
But, instead of limiting yourself to one approach or martial arts style, you can make sure that your ninja training includes the concepts, principles, strategies, and techniques from all four.
This is not to be confused with learning four different martial arts and then trying to mix them and make them work together, as is the case with modern MMA fighters. The point is to understand strategy and how to apply the same concepts and principles from different perspectives so that you can be effective and successful in as many different environments, situations, and against as many different types of fighters and attack-scenarios as possible.
The 4 general self defense strategies of the Ninja are:
The "Earth" Commander - This is the use of strength, positioning, and the principles of "using strong points against weak" as outlined in Sun Tsu's "Art of War." From the "earth" mode of response, we strategically hold our ground and use our positioning (rather than our muscle) as a base for stability and strength. From here we can stop, redirect, and crush our opponent's attack and bring him under control.
This strategy is most like the art of Sumo within the realm of Japanese-style martial arts. But, the scientific concepts and principles used to successfully employ this strategy do not require the Ninja to be physically bigger or stronger than his attacker.
The "Water" Strategist - This is the realm of strategic angling and long-range movement to create overwhelming power. Just like the ocean, as it pulls back and gathers power, before it crashes back against the rocks of the shore - pounding them into tiny grains of sand - when using the "water" strategy, you pull away from your assailant's attack using distance and angling to expose his weak targets. Then, with full-body power, you direct all of your effort and intention against them.
This flowing quality, response, and "fitting-in" with the timing and rhythm of your attacker's movements, is very much like what we see in the Japanese art of Judo. But, these principles and concepts are not limited to grappling and throwing techniques, and can be used whether armed or unarmed to combat a bigger, stronger opponent.
The "Fire" Warrior - From what we could call the "fire" realm, we take the initiative and directly attack our opponent with overwhelming intensity. Before he knows what hit him, we take the fight to him and shut him down before he has a chance to get in the first shot. In essence, we create a situation where the attacker is forced to become the defender, as he struggles to deal with the ferocity of our own attack.
This is most indicative of the martial art of karate. However, it should not be confused with a destructive nature. Aggressiveness comes in many forms and, in this case, can also represent direct, committed action.
The "Wind" Protector - The "wind" realm is the realm of the protector - the one who is willing to sacrifice himself for a greater cause. So, in this light, it is the true realm of the warrior-protector. From the so-called "wind-realm," we use slippery, light, evasive shifts and moves of the body to both evade, and trap him with his own attacks. But, just as the wind itself can be both a light Summer breeze, and a hurricane - we need to understand that it is the attacker's own actions against us which determines what he gets in return.
The strategy is much like that of the Japanese art of Aikido. But, it is not seen as a limited set of moves, so much as a means of controlling an attack and even protecting the attacker, as would be the case of a family member who is reacting violently and we must defend ourselves while still acting out of a sense of love.
It's important to understand that none of these strategies is to be seen as "right," or "best." While you might relate to one or two as "natural" for you, each has a place within the total scope of mastery, if we are to truly be skilled, prepared, and capable of dealing with any situation or attacker.
Are you serious about mastering the art of ninjutsu? Do you want to know what it takes to progress through the levels of mastery in this powerful martial art?
Read my newest ninja training book, "Becoming The Master." Get your free copy at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/becoming-the-master-subsc.html
Jeffrey Miller is a master-teacher in the centuries-old art of Japan's ancient shadow warrior. Each month he shares his 30+ years of training, research, and knowledge - combined with his years of real-world experience using these teachings on the dangerous streets of our modern world - with literally thousands of students from all over the world. Shidoshi Miller says, "If you really want to learn ninjutsu, and become a master of the Ninja's arts, then I can show you the secrets for developing the power, confidence, and control of a true Ninja warrior!"
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