Ninjutsu:النينجوتسو

 A look at ninjutsu   

                   
The martial art known as ninjutsu is highly secretive, and has a very murky history. The history is not well documented, as most of what is known about the martial art is what has been passed down from generation to generation. There are many historical records that indicate that families from the Koga region were the creators of this highly secretive style. Over 70 ninjutsu-ryū have been identified and discovered over the years, but most of them have died out. Most were built around a set of specific techniques and skills, although when the skills of a particular ryū were no longer needed or desired, the ryū would seemingly die out and fade away. Ninjutsu is best associated with the art of the ninja of ancient Japan. Ninjas are well known throughout the world, due to their hidden and highly secretive lives. Ninjas are known to have undergone extremely difficult and arduous training, which hardly anyone truly knows about. Those who were true ninjas either died out, or are not allowed to know their true identities. During the 1980s, when the ninja trend really hit the United States, ninjutsu instructors were popping up everywhere, making black a very popular color. Years later, the trend seemed to have died down, and not many people were even trying to learn the art. Regarding the art, the term ninjutsu doesn't actually refer to any particular style, but rather to a group of martial arts, each with its own perspective expressed through each of the different Ryu. Ryu vary, meaning one might focus on a particular physical dynamic, while another might focus on redirection. What many people don't realize is the fact that ninjutsu incorporates both unarmed and armed combat skills, along with philosophy, strategy, and history. There are a few dojos that teach the art, and many are quite comprehensive in the way they teach it. During combat, ninjutsu emphasizes distance, posture, and flow. Skilled practitioners are taught how to react to each movement, responding in ways that put them in an advantageous position. From being in an advantageous position, a skilled practitioner can effectively change the outcome of an encounter—quickly moving from negative to positive. Those who practice the martial art of ninjutsu are instructed and trained to use their entire bodies in everything they do, delivering maximum impact and power. Ninjutsu is well known in Japan, and for good reason. It's a highly secretive, yet extremely powerful, martial art. Techniques can be used for self-defense along with stealth. Learning a martial art can be a fascinating endeavor—if you can find a dojo that teaches it.