Ninjutsu FAQ

!!!WIP!!!

Ninjutsu Glossary

When and why did U start training?

I began my practice February 2013. Path Notes Of An American Ninja Master made me aware of ninjutsu. Since the meditation practices in that book had a huge positive influence on me, I felt curious about ninjutsu, so I sought it out after moving to NYC.

At that time, I had a story about myself that I always quit things when they got hard (a classic gifted kid syndrome) and I could see some ways that story harmed my life. Since ninjutsu means 'perseverance skills' I decided I'd use it as an arena to grow my grit. Immediately ninjutsu felt like the hardest practice I'd ever tried, so it really challenged me in the way I needed.

What does training look like, specifically?

We mostly don't breathe heavily or sweat a great deal during class. However, classes will feel physically and mentally demanding. Early in your training U will invest a large chunk of time focused on solo practice under guidance from your senpai in order to learn the basic forms that U'll apply. Paired exercises will take up a larger percentage of in class time as your training progresses.

Our training consists of both unarmed and armed techniques. Generally in paired exercises each partner will take turns initiating an attack, which the other partner will practice receiving in a certain way.

What benefits have U seen from training?

Training has dramatically improved my Ukemi, and my mettle. Quite literally it has improved my perseverance. I feel physically stronger and more mobile, although strength feels less important now that if feels like a minor input into effectiveness.

I feel safe and confident in my body most places I go. At the same time I have a well calibrated sense of danger and wisely steer far clear of getting myself into trouble. I can instinctively go towards danger when I think it will benefit others.

What motivates U to continue training?

I personally intend to continue my practice until my death. This intention itself serves as a practice of perseverance, I simply choose this. The practice serves as its own reward, I choose to practice for its own sake. I find having auto-teleological practice feels deeply spiritually nourishing.

That said, the practical benefits give me plenty of motive too. I want to protect my family and loved ones and carry a bubble of safety with me wherever I go.

What kinds of people would be well suited to training, excel at it, or be interested in it?

Why do U want to bring Ninjutsu to Mars?