History

 

Ayasai

Honbu

Togakure Ryu Ninpo

Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu

Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken Taijutsu

Kukishin Ryu Taijutsu

Takagiyoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu

Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo

Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo

Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu

Founded in Japan, Ninjutsu was created in central Honshu (the largest of the Japanese islands) about eleven hundred years ago, and was started by defeated samurai and Chinese military leaders who escaped from their homelands to find sanctuary from new Chinese rulers. There are many who believe that the ninja's history goes back even further than eleven hundred years. In any case, with the knowledge of the ancient samurai combat techniques and the influence of the mountain priests, the art of stealth was formed. The ninja's beliefs were originally based on holding all life as sacred, and valuing personal freedom and family loyalty above any political policies. Ninja families felt they were one with nature and lived according to its laws. These people were also in close contact with their spiritual side and their beliefs became an essential part of Ninjutsu. Many Japanese regarded their whole world: the rivers, mountains, lakes, and trees, as having their own energy and spirit.

One of the spiritual influences was Shinto, the way of the kami, being the Japanese translation for the word god or deity. Another spiritual predominance on the ninja was Mikkyo, this being a way of enhancing personal power. These methods included the use of secret words and symbols to focus their concentration and energy toward specific goals. Shugenja were also largely responsible for the development of Ninjutsu. The Shugendo method of spiritual self-discovery consisted of subjecting oneself to the harsh weather and terrain of the area in order to draw strength from the earth itself. This included walking through fire, standing beneath freezing waterfalls, and hanging over the edges of cliffs in an effort to overcome fear and assume the powers of nature. However Ninjutsu was and is a separate philosophy.

In order to perfect their self-defense techniques they used their extensive knowledge of the workings of nature, as well as specific military techniques passed down through the years, as weapons against the several superior government armies. They used any trick, superstition or strategy to protect themselves. Without a working knowledge of their ideology, their opponents were unable to figure out the Ninjutsu strategies. The exaggerations of ninja abilities were started by the ninjas themselves as a way to outwit their enemies. It was very easy for anyone to be scared of what they do not understand. This enabled the ninjas to surround themselves with an atmosphere of mystery and supernatural happenings by being very secretive about everything they did. They used people's fear of them to their advantage. This has earned them the reputation for being the most amazing warriors the world has ever known. Hence, their art is refered to as Ninpo, the po suggesting a higher order, or encompassing philosophy.