subject: The 2 Key Skills Needed To Master Ninpo-taijutsu - The Ninja's Unarmed Self Defense Method [print this page] In the art of Ninjutsu - the art of Japan's ancient Ninja shadow warriors - the Ninja's unarmed combat method is one of the most complete and scientific methods ever devised by man. However, in order to master this natural method of self protection, you must understand what the key principles and concepts are that give Ninpo-Taijutsu its power.
This article outlines the 2 key skills necessary for mastering the self defense method of the Ninja. After reading it, you will be able to look at your training from a new perspective, and have some very specific goals to work on that will advance your skills and proficiency with all of your techniques to the next level!
Taijutsu allows the ninjutsu practitioner to move with natural speed, power, and timing - but only if the practitioner is moving "naturally." Unfortunately, what many people think of as being "natural for them," is really more along the lines of being "habitual."
The reality is that, if you really want to master the art of ninpo-taijutsu, or budo-taijutsu as it is known by many, then you will need to master the two base skills that have been identified by the grandmaster as the 2 most important skills in the art.
And, these two critical skills are:
* Ichimonji no Kamae and
* Yoko aruki
Ichimonji no kamae is the primary defensive posture within the Ninja's combat arsenal, and yoko aruki is the method of moving sideways or laterally, maintaining balance and the body's natural power line for offensive and defensive action.
Hatsumi Sensei, the Soke or headmaster of the Bujinkan Dojo, the primary source for Ninjutsu and Budo-Taijutsu training at this point in history has said many times that:
"If you cannot do ichimonji, then you cannot do taijutsu. And, if you cannot do yoko aruki, then you cannot do henka (variation)."
The point here is that each of these skills or waza teach you very specific lessons that, regardless of whether you are using the 'official' forms from the scrolls or not, will keep you safe and provide you with the tactical advantage against a very skilled, and very serious opponent.
What do they teach? Good question.
As I alluded to above, yoko aruki, while often seen in the light of the Ninja warrior's stealth walking methods, is actually a method of using proper footwork that allows for:
* remaining bladed to the attacker's line of power and sight while moving from point to point
* maintaining the ability to step or kick with balance, speed, and power, and
* being able to quickly and easily change direction and technique in an attempt to both keep the attacker off-balance and confused during the confrontation
And, ichimonji actually teaches the 3 key elements of effective self protection:
* Stability
* Proper positioning relative to your assailant's weapons, and
* effective use of the limbs for cover and striking
Of course there are many other lessons taught by these two critical skills, but those listed above are a starting point for the serious student who wants to truly master the art of Ninpo-taijutsu, rather than just play games and "feel" like a powerful martial artist!
