Why do you practice ninjutsu, How has it benefited you ?

[bujinkanplym]

I am posting this as i am interested in why do you study ninjutsu? , this post is mainly aimed at Togakure-ryu Bujinkan Ninjutsu students and intsructors.

please answer these questions if you have time :

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

5.
thanks from Bujinkan Plym ( reference to the 18 levels of togakure-ryu teachings are taken from Dr. massaki hatsumi ,book Ninjutsu History And Traditon )

[Tudoggz]

hello! il try and answer these as best as i can :D


1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

i do ninjutsu because i think it is a true warriors art. To me its not only a development of a physical things like hitting and kicking, its the development of a fighting spirit and heart. it teaches you how to be gental and soft but also to be devastating and brutal. Above all i think (depends on the instructor i guess) it makes you a better person! :Angel: i could rant on for ever but ill stop lol

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

Ninjutsu has improved my reflexses alot, also my flexibilty. and of course has taught me how to protect my self, through fighting skills but also in being smart seeing a situation before it accours and maby avoiding it. Mentally it has helped me by teaching me to think more about anything! helped me to learn control over my anger problems i used to have! hehehe

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

training is the thing i enjoy most, simply because i love the art, i love learning it, and while im training nothing else matters. i am lost in training and i love it! helps me escape from stress ;)

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

hmmm as much as i would luv to learn every school. sum would b to unrealistic in the modern world eg. ba-jutsu but that dosnt mean its not good or would be good to learn just not realistic imo. kayaku-jutsu i dont know about u but theres ppl in the world i wouldnt want knowing this school lol

hope i didnt ramble.
peace
mick

[bujinkanplym]

Bravo , great answer's to my questions , finally sum1 who can write about ninjutsu with truthullness sir i salute you :D

[dragon_bunny]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?[/QUOTE
to be honest i wanted to be a ninja when i was little! my dojo is an hour drive from my house but i just love going :)

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?
Its made me more aware of my limits and given me the chance to over come them. i feel fitter and more confident in myself just because i can pull of new moves i couldn't even see myself doing months ago

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
I enjoy it because i like the people in my dojo and i love the art :) i takes my mind off everything and strangly enough i feel more relaxed after 2hrs of fighting that anything else.
4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

I'd love to learn ba jutsu as i used to horse ride for years, would be a great mix but it's pretty impractical but i coud see how shinobi-iri would be a useful thing to learn!

[Tudoggz]

why thank you good sir *bows*

[bujinkanplym]

im likin the results of my questionaire , the more peeps that answer the better :Angel:

[sshh]

> "1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?"

It is interesting and useful.

> "2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?"

It has given me different perspectives on life, and given me the physical and mental skills to protect myself and enjoy life.

> "3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?"

Love it! It is fun; always physically and mentally stimulating; a good workout; good stress relief; good way to meet and socialize with like-minded people.

> "4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)"

I do train in all those areas. They are still a part of the bujinkan as far as I know. They will always be useful, regardless of time period.

> "5. "

That last one is too open-ended for me right now!

[Kalifallen]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

- First because I thought it is the coolest art I have ever seen in my life. Then it became all the things I could learn. Now it is all the things I will be able to do. To me learning Ninjutsu is like saying, "I want to be 'super human' or I want to become a Navy Seal." Stealth, climbing, running, silent movement, camouflage, concealment, weapon training, physical training, combat training, etc. All these things and more, wow. Who wouldn't want all that?

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

- Hm, haven't taken a class yet. Don't have no dojos by my house, but I'm saving for a home study course. I think it will help me physically (power control, balance, flexibility, etc), mentally (help me with my breathing techniques and meditation), and spiritually (not sure on that part yet, then again, it probably has helped and I just haven't realized it yet). Still, what I have learned from books and videos. I think it has helped me in those things.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

- Of course, because it has everything I want. Acrobatics, grappling, balance, nerve and breaking techniques, elemental forms, etc. It is not a just do it type of art. It so many aspects that it couldn't be. For exsample, Karate is basically just the Earth element but Ninjutsu has four to become resulting in void.

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

- Oh yeah, they should be taught! Heck, that is one of the main reasons why I like it so much. I would love to learn it all. Of course on the weapons part I think you should learn more than just the sword, halberd, shuriken, bo, hanbo, spear, etc. Like you should also learn the more modern weapons, such as the nunchaku, sai, kama, and any other weapon you might want to learn. And you should learn some stuff on pharmacy and other medical stuff. I think it will be helpful in the end.

[Rus]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?
To gain confidence and develop focus, it's also really interesting and fun and the people I train with are great.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?
It's helping with my flexibility and fitness, my confidence in myself has grown.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
Yes I enjoy training. It's nice to see improvement in myself, often I don't have the technique nailed first time round but, usually, eventually I get there. And there is a good atmosphere.

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)
I see no reason for them not to be taught as such, but our dojo certainly doesn't have a stable :) Would I like to learn them, definatly, do I think they are too old to be of use, definatly not.

[ShadowHunter]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?
Ninjutsu i think is more than just a fighting art it good for concentration and helps bring out the better side of someone :)

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?
It has made me a better person and developed my senses and made me stronger and better.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
Yes I enjoy training. I am trying to join the ninjutsu academy of Plymouth as i live in mannemead and want to learn around other people not just my dad! But i enjoy it because its practical it takes up the time and its an anceint tradition that i want to help carry on.

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

Definatly! They ar enever to old,i mean stealth is usful for all sorts of things whilst water training and explosives have many uses in modern life although horemanship might be difficult for some people who hav eno horses near them but still LEARN THEM THERE NEVER TO OLD!

[Brad Ellin]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ? As corny as it sounds, after trying several other arts, I can't imagine doing anything else. It is the only art that "feels" right. Body, mind and soul.
2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ? I'm calmer, more self assured, more humble (believe it or nor!). Flexibility is still there, when it may have lessened after several illnesses and surgeries.
3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ? Can you say "YYYEEESSS!" Because as I stated in #1, I can't imagine doing anything else. I can't imagine NOT doing this, it's been a part of my life for too long. It's fun, mentally and physically. And I have met some of the best, nicest, kindest people while training in this art.
4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ? Yes, I do believe they should be taught. And they still are, just have to find the right instructor who thinks you are ready to be taught. These "more traditional" teachings still have a place in todays world. They teach more than there outward appearance would suggest. Stealth for example, can teach patience and how to calm your mind.

P.S. Reminds me of a quote about tattoos... if don't have one, you'll never understand.... but if you do, I don't need to explain.

[K_Coffin]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu? As Kurohana said, it feels right. I study Ninjutsu because it is more than a fighting style, it encompasses a philosophy that I deeply believe in. I feel it prepares you for life, not just combat.
2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ? I have much more self-confidence, better reflexes, and increased flexibility. My balance and handspeed have also improved.
3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ? It's tough to contain my enthusiasm when I say "Yes!" It's challenging, it opens my mind, helps me relax and focus, and has helped me to meet some great people. I also love (specifically) the Kenjutsu. Something about that Kenjutsu just feels completely natural for me.
4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ? I think they should be taught, albeit under controlled circumstances. I think that once people prove themselves responsible, they could be taught some of the more dangerous techniques. As Kurohana said, they will always be applicable as you learn more than just the techniques themselves. Principles are revealed that can be used across your life.

[chungmoomonkey]

im likin the results of my questionaire , the more peeps that answer the better :Angel:

um i dont

i hope that helps lol

u said the more people the better :D

[Keikai]

I didnt think there was any Bujinkan in Plymouth, only Brian McCarthy's old out of date BBD?

[ShadowHunter]

There is greg its the Ninjutsu Acadmey of Plymouth and it teachs bujikan (i think)

[mage-sama]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?
Right now, because I'm quite taken with one or more of my instructors. Apparently, they think I ought to be a kunoichi.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?
SUPA BALANCE! Does anyone else put slippery cloth or paper down on the floor while they're training? I found it really helped while learning side stomp kicks. Also, if you do junan taiso at least twice a day, amazing things will happen to you. And also, if you practice leaving your problems behind when you enter the training floor, pretty soon you'll notice that you don't have many problems to collect when you leave.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
I do~! Because sensei is a wonderful, terrifying sort of person! As long as I've been training in his dojo, I've never ceased to learn and to reevaluate myself and my surroundings.

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)
Of course, traditional things should be taught if only to preserve tradition, but also they are practical as long as application is taught. Sakki, the force of the killer, is one of the most important things a student of ninjutsu can learn to use and detect, although almost everyone in the western world will try to deny or disprove it. Sensei says this is because they haven't found a way to make money off of it yet ^^

>a note on what K Coffin said, how "once people prove themselves responsible, they could be taught some of the more dangerous techniques": ninjutsu isn't a sport, and while control over your 'opponent' is crucial, if you're not learning "dangerous" techniques from the get-go, it might only mean that your instructor isn't comfortable with them himself ^^

[Gojen-Ki]

1 Why do you study Ninjutsu?
I study the art of ninjutsu because i've always wanted to be like some of the
people that you would see on tv. but as i started i realized that not only does it feel great but it's a great feeling to do things that you know other people can't do, like flips over fences while being chased by friends, or sneaking up on one of your friends, or scaring them nearly to pissing their pants. plus I
think it's a way to free the mind and calm the soul. I usualy fight with a stick or sword that has been customised to fit my needs. plus I can't stand it when people mess with me or my friends and I love the looks in their faces when your standing there twirling a stick in their face. I mean, hell, who wouldn't

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?
ninjutsu has benefited me by teaching me that pataince is everything and no matter how hard people try, they can never get to me(with out getting their ass kicked anyway).

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
ya, I love it. it's great exersise and i like sneaking up on my brother while he's trying to train, usualy getting him to react in a kick or punch that i can counter forcing him on his ass. good times :D .

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)ya, sure. i don't have any use for ba-justu, but i find shinobi-iri and sui-ren great training methods, i also use smoke bombs so i would have to say that kayaku-jutsu can be useful at times

extra notes:
i beleave that only being 15 i still have alot to learn, and i wont stop till i've mastered all the moves my older brother has tought me, plus the new ones that i have dicovered on the way. i'm glad that my favorite thing to do has inspired so many people, so thanks for all of the support and i hope that all of you keep beleaving in what you beleave in. and when times get rough, never give up.
-thanks

[RussianNinja]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?
Well it started as an obsession. I went to websites like Real Ultimate Power, dreamed about being like the ninjas in anime. But then I found out that there is so much more. I began reading about stealth techniques, about the spirituality. I began to see flaws in myself and could see ways of fixing them.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?
I have a greater understanding of my body. It has done wonders for balance and I ski alot better now because of ninjutsu. I learned to control my temper and understand other peoples' temperaments.
3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
I love training because it makes me feel good. I feel that ninjutsu helps me learn how to use my body. I feel as if there is use for my muscles and the strength they exude.
4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?

Well they arent very practical, but mentally they could do good things. If you know how to do such obscure things as fighting ona horse or underwater you will be able to find exits out of tough situations and you will be able to see more options in how to live your everyday life.


I know Im new at ninjutsu having only studied it for 2 years. And I know that the way I came about knowing about it is laughable (disgusting even), but I feel that this is not just an obsession. I feel i will live with it and continue to study it all my life.

[Alakhaine]

What I read here about ninjutsu suprises me. I never practise that art, but as far as I am concerned, it is included in schools like Katori and Kashima, and has nothing to do with hand-to-hand fighting. As my master explained it to me ninjutsu was ment as art of moving fast and stealth in different environments (running, swimming, climbing, entering and exiting buildings), and all others parts of warriors training was same like samurai's (kenjutsu, jujutsu, shurikenjutsu et cetera). There was some special parts of trening like i.e. Kiaijutsu, but elements of it where included to all weapons arts as well. Could someone explained it to me?

[K_Coffin]

Ninjutsu is a complete battlefield art. It begins with Taijutsu (Body arts) that start with efficient movements, strikes, grapples, joint locks, feints and throws. We then apply our taijutsu to weapons and train in Kenjutsu, Bo/Jo/HanboJutsu, Shurikenjutsu, Yarijutsu, Naginatajutsu, and flexible weapons, like Manriki Gusari, Kunai, and Kyoketsu Shoge.

Ninjutsu also includes evasion, camoflauge, stealth walking, and exfiltration (running away - very important).

Others will be able to elaborate further.

[Alakhaine]

Ninjutsu is a complete battlefield art. It begins with Taijutsu (Body arts) that start with efficient movements, strikes, grapples, joint locks, feints and throws. We then apply our taijutsu to weapons and train in Kenjutsu, Bo/Jo/HanboJutsu, Shurikenjutsu, Yarijutsu, Naginatajutsu, and flexible weapons, like Manriki Gusari, Kunai, and Kyoketsu Shoge.

Ninjutsu also includes evasion, camoflauge, stealth walking, and exfiltration (running away - very important).


It's look pretty weird to me, though. So we have ninjutsu as a part of monk and samurai training in early XV century and later on it includes all other parts and became martial art on it's own. Or maybe it is older and part of it was taken by monks and included to their ryu? And as I see it it is against base koryu training order, which starts with sword and continue with pole arms and move jujutsu almost to the end for reasons I wont put here.
How it'd look if someone will take bojutsu, add horseriding and swimming as a secondary arts and made a school out of it? It'll probably need of very popular movie with someone fighting with broomstick, but I think it is possible...

[Peaceful Tiger]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

Because I have nothing better to do!!! :D Seriously though, it is fun to learn, and I enjoy it.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

Ninjutsu has benefited me more mentally than physically. I haven't found it to be very physically demanding to be honest. It has improved my awareness in social situations and also in being aware more of potential threats. My social life has increased immeasurably and I have made many new good friends from learning it.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

If I stopped enjoying it, I would give it up tomorrow.

I kind of get a buzz of accomplishment when I learn a new technique and it goes to plan, or maybe it doesn't go quite to plan but I still know a 'get-out' technique and can use that instead.

I love the fact that it is so much more than just punching and kicking and has a fantastic history behind it and some strange and gruesome weapons.

I enjoy the social aspect like the barbecues, quiz nights and bowling evenings. Having fun outside the dojo environment aswell as in it.

I love that you can attend a seminar anywhere in the World and are guaranteed to walk away having met a few more people and having made a few more friends.

I also like the fact that for the most part everyone has been really friendly thus far. We all get on and try to help each other out as best we can in class.

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

I think that since these are traditional teachings, then yes they should be taught.
These techniques could be taught just by visiting a stables for a days horse-riding, or by visiting the baths for a swimming session.

Stealth training would be simple enough with some games outdoors or in the dojo.Though I think there are certain entering methods which are stricly for the bedroom with the wife and/or girlfriend :D
Also I wouldn't recommend even touching fire and explosives unless you want burned to a cinder or to lose an eye, arm, leg or your life.....even six hours in A&E is a pain in the ass.

5.
thanks from Bujinkan Plym ( reference to the 18 levels of togakure-ryu teachings are taken from Dr. massaki hatsumi ,book Ninjutsu History And Traditon )

Eh?....oh, I thought that was a question. You're welcome!

[cj256]

1/ i study ninjutsu for a number of reasons the main one to quote shihan brin morgan is that i agree that ninjutsu is the most complete self protection system available today ,not only that but its a martial art with an amazing history shrouded in mystery, there are so many secrets hidden in the taijutsu waiting to be unearthed as i'm sure as i train in this art in years to come i cant ever see me getting bored :)


2/although i'm a newbie to ninjutsu ive been a student of martial arts for the past 18 years and have tried and tested a few ma's both in the dojo and on the streets but none have benefitted me more than ninjutsu in so many ways,it has increased my awareness to my surroundings and to monitor pottentially dangeruous situations before they get ugly, also i seem to be able to read peoples body language better through ninjutsu's element /feeling training and finally my flexibility /agillity has increased a great deal.
i could go on and on but i'll spare you :D

3/yes i do enjoy training or i wouldnt be there, simple.
i enjoy it because of the above reasons and the people with whom i train
are a great bunch great to train with and a really good laugh also i'm fortunate enough to have a really good teacher shidoshi ian wilson .plus it helps keep my mind stay healthy under serious stress fighting off hodgekins disease for the second time in two years :woo:

4/as regards to the traditional arts of stealing in /horse/ water training etc i think you should be taught them still as said in previous replies im sure there are many hidden bennefits and modern day implications to all of the said skills and techniques!plus its so interesting who wouldnt want to learn about this history!!!

5/peace and luv im off to work

[Luke_101]

Well I haven't really benn doing it long enough to answer those questions, but most ppl seem to say all good things about ninjitsu. I agree with this stuff but find it hard to believe that you can always enjoy anything all of the time.
Did no one find that they got annoyed or frustrated about not being able to do something? Cos I know I would....but thats the challenge right?

[xen]

good point luke;

i think if people are honest, we all find that we go through stages where we are disheartened by our progress (or apparent lack of it) etc in training.

when i started training, that was it, it was all i wanted to do, to improve etc. after a few years, i began to question why i had felt it necesary to spend my time practicing how to damage others (albeit under the guise of 'self-defence' or 'self-improvement')

i stuck at anyway, and now i have a renewed enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation of why i began.

if we think it will be easy, we will not stay the distance, if we accept that their will be times we want to quit, but just keep on with the training, then we begin to make real progress in our chosen paths. the difficult times are where you get to really test your understanding of all aspects of the art (IMO)

[comw]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

Me? cos it so much fun to do - and even mor efun to go into work the next day and see the horror on everyones face "the cripple beat someone up/got beaten up by someone"

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

I'm still alive- seriously thats the benefit. im a lot more flexible and im beginning to get stamina

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

YESSS YES YES YES finds out asdmin disabled the yes function. Itys social its useful and its one of the few none political activities i can do (as long as im fighting) besides the point where the technique has gone straight through to your body and you automatically move the right way feels so good! if hard to get to,

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

I've done archery (and im good at it) and belive that anything you can learn will be of advantage somehow - eg if you can ride a horse your more likely to be able to cope with your motor bike.

What do ya think???

[whiteshadow711j]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?
To me no other martial art comes close, ninjutsu has it all, also it is a battlefield tested art, no fake wannabe stuff here.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

I am in great shape and has made me a calmer and more focused person.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
I like the pain :eek: :cry: , just kidding :D , we learn about everything, from taijutsu to weapons to stealth techniques and more.

4. Do you believe that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

They are tought, but I think some of them do not need to be really anymore (when is the last time you rode a horse, I think I was 17 :D )

[VWarrior]

I am posting this as i am interested in why do you study ninjutsu? , this post is mainly aimed at Togakure-ryu Bujinkan Ninjutsu students and intsructors.

please answer these questions if you have time :

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

5.
thanks from Bujinkan Plym ( reference to the 18 levels of togakure-ryu teachings are taken from Dr. massaki hatsumi ,book Ninjutsu History And Traditon )

1. As someone said before, Ninjutsu attracted me because it feels like a true warrior's art, one that was effectively applied many years ago and still has that potential today. Also, to me it has a very rich (though enigmatic in a sense) history that intrigues me and I enjoy studying.

2. Last summer, for the few months before I began my training last fall, and up until now, I have lost a lot of weight, become much more flexible, agile, and confident. Mentally, I feel more "focused and determined, yet relaxed", and the reason I double quote that is because its a feeling that is a bit difficult to explain, but overall, like I said, I feel like a more confident person.

3. Yes, I enjoy training the Bujinkan. One of the biggest reasons is because I really feel the Bujinkan is the real deal, it is legitimate in what it stands for and I've gotten that impression from my sensei who regularly trains with Soke and Nagase-sensei. I really do enjoy my training. I'm a full-time college student who has a pretty busy schedule with college courses in themselves and still finds time to train. There are times where i'd be piled on with work or tired from the day of classes and going all over campus and I have to "drag" myself to training. But once I get there and it starts, my mind just clears, I become immersed in training, enjoy it in the process, and never regret it when i'm done.

4. I haven't done much research yet on many of the stealth/assassin/etc skills of the Ninja, but from a practical standpoint, I don't really know if many of them are neccessary anymore, or even legal (poisons,explosives,etc) for that matter. However, I don't think it would hurt to have those (safe) skills passed on to modern practicioners. I wouldn't mind learning some stealth techniques, something I do think would still be practical today.

[VWarrior]

good point luke;

if we think it will be easy, we will not stay the distance, if we accept that their will be times we want to quit, but just keep on with the training, then we begin to make real progress in our chosen paths. the difficult times are where you get to really test your understanding of all aspects of the art (IMO)

My sensei talks about that regularly.

[Scocia]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?
Self-defence, fitness, sheer interest.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental etc) ?
It's made me far more patient person. Motivated me to eat healthy, start fitness training etc and basically improve my lifestyle in general. Flexibility ! I love feeling limber.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
Indeed. Great people, great training. I love that feeling after a lesson, you know what I mean :) Watching my own progress, noticing being able to do things I couldn’t before, actually seeing myself improve on the whole. I love that feeling, and I like seeing it in other people too.

4. Do you believe that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)
Sure, there a lot of things which can translate into the modern world, or if not still contribute to the development of other attributes.

[Yama Tombo]

please answer these questions if you have time :

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

I had met someone that was in bujinkan for 5 years, I sparred him, and I was impressed by his skills. Then he showed me moves that felt natural. He explained flow of techniques, it made some sense at the time. So, I decided to check out ninjutsu for myself.


2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

I'm not that far along to tell how it has benefits me. But I have a different view on fighting hard.


3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

I enjoy it, because it seems to be a part of me.


4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

I don't know much about the traditional teachings of bujinkan. But basics are the foundation. I think tradition should be taught, questioned, understood, and questioned again. Much like the concept of "Zero."

[Nick Mandilas]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

I won't lie to you, as a teen I had been given a book about all the styles of martial arts. In it was one page on Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu with a B&W pic of a very young Hatsumi Sensei with "34 generation grandmaster" written underneath...There was another picture of Stephen K hayes...I went to the library and found a Stephen Hayes Book...there was a pic of him in the snow, in a ninja uniform with gauntlets and a fur cloak, gripping the tsuka of a katana...he looked cool....he looked powerful and in control...so I started reading it. I bought a copy of that book...I was hooked. It was a long road and longer story before I finally found the right place to train, but here I am now.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you (physical, mental ect)?
Well for one thing it gave me confidence. I remember always being lacking in confidence as a kid. It also helped me deal with aggressive behaviour, decision making and that foolish male embarrasement we sometimes have when we are ashamed to admit we don't know something. From a physical POV I am overcoming many muscle injuries I had from a car accident by making muscles stronger yet also more limber.

3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?
Of course! I've tried other martial arts but there is nothing like the openess and diversity of Taijutsu for me. Simple as that. I spend far more time in class constantly amazed how such simple effortless techniques can be so very effective.

4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
Not yet advanced enough (imho) to really comment there but I guess it couldn't hurt. Could it? :)

[Kikaku]

1. Why do you study Ninjutsu ?

I didn't choose to study Ninjutsu, I believe it chose me :)
As a kid growing up, I used follow what my older cousin used to do.
It started with Ninjutsu. I was never in a position to take classes, but I had the gi, with the hood, no doubt and watched all the movies, and thought I was the business :D I was blessed with incredible flexabilty, so I was always able to do the splits and mimic Van Damme with all his high kicks (I like to think I've always had a good foundation physically and mentally for MA) I was always into MA though, after watching the Karate kid. I flirted with Karate briefly at the age of 7, and then moved to Italy at the age of 9 where I was involved with Judo.

I recieved a yellow belt and a gold medal. Around the age of 15-16 I got back into MA when I moved to Spain. The remaining time I was there, I studied JKD and Ninjutsu (Hardly enough to concider it "real" Ninjutsu training though since I only had time for a few classes, although the initial love and passion was getting there). 6 years later, I'm living in Malaysia and I'm part of the Malaysia Hachimon Bujinkan. I've been studying since October 2005, and I'm full of passion and love for this art.Currently at 9th Kyu and progressing well, about to be bumped up to 8th Kyu.

2. How has Ninjutsu benefited you ( physical , mental ect) ?

I'm driven and excited to go to every class, which has taught me how to percivere more, and be more driven. I want to reach Shodan level badly !
So I can be prepeared for the deeper/complicated side of the art. I wouldn't say that the art has improved my physical well being, but I would say it's helped me to become more elastic so to speak, espeicially with Ukemi.


3. Do you enjoy Training in Ninjutsu and why ?

Yes, I LOVE the training. I love going to class and coming home having something new under my belt, which brings me even closer to the goal, of being a more acomplished Ninjutsu practitcioner. It's also a very proud and exciting feeling being part of something so powerfull and historical. The main factor would be that it gives me the sort of excitement, that you would experience as a child. I'm fasinated, at being shown a technique and then being shown multiple Henkas (variations) that just blows me away.


4. Do you belive that some of the more traditional teachings of Bujinkan should be taught or are they too old to be of any use in the modern world ?
( examples are shinobi-iri - stealth and entering methods , ba-jutsu - horsemanship , sui-ren - water training and kayaku-jutsu - fire and explosives)

Yes and no. Yes for the fact that it could give a practitioner a sense of complition,having mastered all aspects of the "old school" side of the art.
And no, for the simple fact that these methods are hardly going to be needed for day to day life (Depending on your profesion of course ! ;) )