The Way of The Sword Saint

Since ancient times the sword has been intimately associated with the warrior.  In Japan, the sword was so identified with the Samurai that it was thought to embody his soul.  It has long been regarded as a weapon of honor and holds a mystical place in the combat arts of the world. This emphasis on the sword exists in Ninjutsu as well.  In fact, Soke has stated that to properly understand budo one must master both the sword and the bo.  Historically, the sword was a development and refinement of the bo and can be seen to share many of its characteristics. In ancient times, the sword was made of wood, metallic swords only being available to the most privileged.  It is not merely a tool for cutting; it has a far more subtle character.  It has been identified with the warrior for millennia and has been imbued with the notions of warriorship.  The key to wielding the sword is to enter into combat with the feeling of Muto Dori.  As it should be, the focus is on the taijutsu.  The body and sword move as one.

Combat is always kyojutsu, truth and falsehood; therefore, the true sword is that of the mind and spirit.  Ultimately, the Word of God is the secret sword, cutting not merely bone and marrow but soul and spirit.

"Succeeding in this [muto dori], the mysteries of the secret sword (hiken) will be revealed, and no matter what weapon you hold, your heart and your taijutsu will dance skillfully in the void (koku)." Masaaki Hatsumi, Japanese Sword Fighting  

Hiding In The Mist

The ninja of legend were said to appear and disappear at will, performing supernatural acts by occult power.  The ninja were masters of kyojutsu, masters of truth and falsehood: the interplay of the apparent and the actual.  There is a fog of war, it exists on the macro battlefield as well as in the micro battlefield that exists between two combatants.  The subtlety of ninpo arises when this mist of battle is exploited, when combat is reduced to the manipulation of the gaps in the mind.  The ninja must move in the cloudy mists of the mind where illusion becomes the true sword. The genesis of intention is felt stirring in the opponent, then the focused intention of the ninja pierces through to strike the heart of the opponent.  In this mist, victory may be obtained apart from battle and here the ultimate expression of ninpo is found.  In these moments, the form of the ninja disappears within grey, cold clouds of confusion.  Perception becomes reality as the heart is led astray.   

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.