Ninjutsu is a utilitarian martial art based on natural movements and knowledge of the human body's weak points. As such, it does not rely on strength and stamina to protect oneself from an attacker. This makes Ninjutsu an excellent method of self defence for those who are physically weaker than their likely attackers (i.e. the young, the elderly and women). However, many of the Taijutsu body movements also employ leaping and tumbling so it is a dynamic art (rather than a soft internal system such as Tai Chi).
How we react to stressful situations differs from individual to individual. Ninjutsu encourages free expression of the martial art by its practitioners rather than following a rigid, dogmatic, format. It is the development of the individual’s natural reactions that is important rather than any particular set of techniques.
This makes Ninjutsu highly compatible for people with previous experience in other martial arts as that experience is valuable in developing an individualistic style rather than being dismissed by the “we didn’t teach you it so it can’t be right” attitude. The Bujinkan Ely dojo members are supported and encouraged to train in other martial arts, if they wish to, and we welcome all other martial artists to come and visit us and see what we do.
Above all, Ninjutsu is supposed to be fun (a direct quote from the grandmaster) and learnt in a relaxed, enjoyable and non-competitive environment.
So, if you want to learn a martial art while having fun, try Ninjutsu.
Ninjutsu, sometimes used interchangeably with the term Ninpō, is the martial art, strategy, and tactics of unconventional warfare and guerrilla warfare as well as the art of espionage purportedly practised by the Shinobi (commonly known outside of Japan as ninja).
The training is generally referred to as taijutsu (body arts), and is composed of both armed and unarmed methods of fighting. This art (jutsu) consists of locks, entanglements, strangling, striking and kicking, as well as the use of small weapons such as shuriken. Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu practice does not normally include participation in competitions or contests because of the possibility of injury or even death from the dangerous techniques. Specifically, the Bujinkan is mostly known for teaching koshijutsu (pressure point, muscle attacks/tears and joint dislocations), koppojutsu (bone breaking), jutaijutsu (throwing, grappling, ground fighting), dakentaijutsu (strikes), happo bikenjutsu (various modern and traditional weapons), and ninpo tactics and strategies (Ninjutsu).