NINJUTSU 忍術
Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is the full name of the style of Ninjutsu practiced in our dojo. Currently in its 34th generation, this style of Ninjutsu is an authentic tradition that has survived more than 900 years since its beginnings in feudal Japan. Its martial roots extend through history to the cradle of modern civilization.
If you examine the term ‘Ninjutsu’, you can break it down into two words. ‘NIN’ and ‘JUTSU’, both Japanese words with their own meanings. The closest English translation for ‘NIN’ is ‘patience’ and for ‘JUTSU’ it’s “true technique”. When you combine these two together to form the term ‘Ninjutsu’, you get the “true techniques of patience”.
‘JUTSU’ is also an important designation in Japanese martial arts. As defined by the Dictionary of Martial Arts, ‘JUTSU’ arts are martial arts that were designed for real fighting or what we would now call self-defense. The other designation is ‘DO’ which refers to martial arts that are not meant for real fighting, such as sports. An example of this would be ‘Kenjutsu’ and ‘Kendo’; both are sword arts, but kenjutsu teaches how to traditionally fight with a real sword whereas kendo is a popular sport.
The mindset of a ‘JUTSU’ art is vastly different from a ‘DO’ art. There are no rules to protect you in real combat. By understanding this philosophy, it is possible to understand Ninjutsu, as well as the nature of Bujutsu (Martial Combat).
NINPO TAIJUTSU 忍法 体術
This field of study forms the core of our curriculum. ‘Taijutsu’ is translated as ‘True Techniques of the Body’ and is the foundation which all the physical techniques are applied from.
Taijutsu can be organized into three specific fields:
Dakentaijutsu - Kicking, Punching, and other Striking Skills
Jutaijutsu - Grappling, Wrestling, Throwing, Joint-locks, and other Close Contact Skills
Taihenjutsu - Rolling, Jumping, Break-falls, Stepping, Balance, and other Safety Skills
As before, the word ‘NIN’ translates to the English word ‘patience’. The Japanese word ‘PO’ translates as the English word ‘method’. Therefore, the study of Ninpo Taijutsu is “The method of the body’s true technique.”
CURRICULUM
Due to the highly dynamic nature of combat and conflict in general, no individual fixed form will be sufficient to resolve any form of conflict. Ninjutsu does not segment the art into a structured learning program. Through constant exposure to stress and variation, a student develops the ability to synthesize his or her own technique as needed. In preliminary stages, this begins with the student learning various skills to develop a set of defensive techniques that can be used in a dynamic nature. Students are also exposed to countless variations of these skills, including the integration of many different traditional and contemporary weapons.
Sensei Orlando Mancina
CLASSES
ADULTS
Adult classes are held twice per week with an additional weekend class. They run for an hour and a half and include a generous mobility warm-up before splitting the class up into pairs or groups for technique and skills training.
KIDS
Kids classes are held twice per week before the adult classes. They run for an hour and include a quick warm-up followed by some intense physical activity before splitting the class into pairs for skills and technique training. Parents are welcome to stay and watch or relax in our concession area.
JOIN US
Does Ninjutsu sound like something you would be interested in? We welcome you to contact us and arrange a visit. Come watch a class and meet us! Our class schedule is listed on the calendar below.