What is your way of the ninja?

I've recently asked that if you members of W.O.N. would be interested in a training resource. This resource was to be broken down into various modules, such as, basic combat skills, basic mind training and basic parkour.

However, I'd like to hear what your way of the ninja is like. I need to know so that I can determine the type of training resources to gather.

For example, do you define your way of ninja as Bujinkan Ninjutsu. If so, it is difficult for me to put up an online module on this, especially because I'm not trained in Ninjutsu. Or do you define your way of ninja as a mixture of combat techniques, stealth techniques and parkour techniques?

In this case I can source for experts or more experienced trainers for advice.

Here's my way of ninja

Please note that as the provider of W.O.N. I'm like you, a ninja enthusiast. Many years ago, I've trained in Taekwondo halfway before quitting at the age of 8 due to personal reasons. And am currently training in Aikido. My way of ninja is to crosstrain in other martial arts (Pressure point knowledge, Taekwondo kicks, Wing Chun striking) with Aikido as a base martial art, and I'm interested in incorporating basic parkour as part of my skillset.

So, by knowing exactly what skill sets I want to gain, I can plan the exact work needed to be done to achieve my goal. This is what I ask of you to contribute here. 

1. Your way of ninja and specific goals
2. Your current level of martial arts training
3. Your current stamina and body conditioning (are you at the right fitness level)

I feel that my way of the ninja is no different than the ninja of feudal Japan. I want to use what works today, in the moment to be more specific. Taijutsu is a generic term for hand to hand or empty hand combat. Although some of the strikes of the Ninpo Taijutsu can be functionalized, I don't want to be limited by them. Truthfully I am comfortable with my proficiency in "Taijutsu" so to speak. I do want to improve my ground fighting skills though so that is a main goal of mine.

Parkour is definately a skill I would like to have and any training tutorials in this area would be cool. The ones you already have I could work on for a year and still not master them! The ability to chase and escape are invaluable tools for the contemporary warrior. Plus it just looks like so much fun.

I do want to study traditional weopens because of the artistic display of athletisicm and skill. However that traditional training would definately be applied to contemporary counterparts that can be found in the environment. For example, using an extention cord as a manriki gusari, or a crow bar as a kama; shards of glass as shuriken, etc. I am all about functionalizing.

I am an instructor in JKD, but truthfully my current level of training is irrelevent. The reason why is that the more I come to know, the more I realize I have so much more to learn! It can be frusterating but I feel that this is where a warrior learns humility and perserverance.

I am thinking of starting an online martial arts program synergystically blending JKD Concepts with Ninjutsu and parkour. I have already been working on the curriculum and training methods. One of my students said that it is "like a Hybrid Self Defense System", so I think that name will stick.

My physical conditioning is not bad, but it is far from good. I can do a hundred pullups (not all at once, that would be too cool) A couple hundred push ups. I am strong, but my stamina could be better. I am working on that though. I am no slouch when it comes to conditioning either, I worked as a personal trainer at the YWCA.

I hope this is what you are looking for in regards to your inquiry, hope this helps, and I hope you get some more responses. I am networking, and will invite some friends to join W.O.N. Lets get this forum jumpin!

Hi I'm Catnap,

I study Budo Taijutsu here in beautiful Denver Colorado and I love it! I like to engage all aspects of self at the same time. I am involved in the Mystic Knighthood of the Crowned Heart because this ideal of growing in all aspects is done really effeciently here. I remember some stories of our ancient ninja ancestors who developed the ability to heal others. Earlier this year I was invited to join the Healing Mother which has fantastic training and support for those who choose to heal. In Ninjutsu we develop our ability to sense things but in a way that calls on the consciousness to do so. This is usually called San-Mitsu. This gift can be developed by almost anyone and it can save our lives and really come in handy if we practice consistantly. I work in the ESP Precog Project to further develop this and to apply it in service to humanity. I have taken refuge in the Quantun Buddhist Association as well. This tradition has stripped away the dogma in an effort to reveal the useful tools and processes to everyone regardless of beliefes or background. The group has a very scientific approach to spirituality so it's easy for anyone to get involved and find something useful. I study Mikkyo with the Tendai syudy group as well. Tendai is a "round school" meaning it does not exclude much in the way of practice. Pure land practice is in there. Zen practice too...it'a all in there. Tendai has many historical connections to Ninjutsu, as some of you may know. I stay really active in these groups and in my Ninjutsu training and I am very happy with the results. I have to thank all the people who walked these paths befor we did; without them we might not have found these teachings.

~These are the tools but it is up to me to use them in my everyday life. I love to be creative and bring my training into my every action thought and word if possible. We can develop the ability to be mindful through meditation but eventually we should challenge ourselves to be mindful in everything we do.

The goal of all this is to awaken the enlightenment mind. I study to find the Great Light.

Catnap