Ninjutsu: Warrior Art, Not Sport

Currently, UFC and MMA sport fighting represent the pinnacle of the fighting arts to popular culture. The introduction of various sport martial arts into a refereed fighting match gives the impression of actual combat.  The danger here is in the misapplication of techniques and strategies developed for a sport match.  Such misapplications can easily result in defeat or death in real world combat.  Ground fighting techniques have become extremely popular, not only among the misinformed public but also within law enforcement circles.  Ground fighting, though properly a part of a complete fighting art, is not viable as a primary mode of combat.  The modern ground fighting techniques, designed for the sterile environment of sport, do not account for real world variables such as flogging about on asphalt or on rocky surfaces.  Additionally, and most critically, ground fighting techniques completely ignore the possibility of facing more than one opponent while engaging in the techniques of man-hugging.  Also, ground fighting systems do not address situations involving weapons.  More often than not, UFC and MMA matches deteriorate rapidly into common bar room brawls in which victory is decided by "luck" or stamina.  As sport, the UFC and MMA are great entertainment but as examples of the fighting arts they have little validity.

Ninjutsu embodies  the ancient and traditional budo arts of japan.  Incorporating systems from China, Ninjutsu developed into and remains a complete martial art, utilizing every component of human combat potential.  Recently in my training, I was confronted with the question, "what is the most important aspect of Ninpo?"  During that training session, I observed what, to me, is the most important aspect of Ninpo.  I watched as two Ninjutsu students attacked a senior student.  The senior student seemed to be taking the worst of the attack, having been forced to the matt with one attacker on his back.  At this moment of seeming defeat, where the attackers relaxed in an apparent victory, the senior student manipulated the space resulting in a throw and making his escape.  Though defeat seemed assured, he persevered with the heart of the Ninja and found his victory at the very instant of seeming loss.  Here is the heart of Ninpo.  There are no limits, no rules, no carefully meted out rounds of engagement.  Ninjutsu, quite simply, is the real deal.  Would I relish the opportunity to meet a Chuck Liddell in the ring? No, at least not without a weapon.  But that is the way of the ninja, it is real combat.  Takamatsu sensei once said that if he wished to split a helmet, he'd use an ax.