You've seen them in Japanese movies and anime. But what exactly is a ninja? A true ninja (shinobi, in Japanese) is not just a person who wears black robes, he drops from the ceiling and slices everything with his sword. Ninjas have existed since the 14th century, when guerrilla tactics adopted in feudal Japan required subterfuge and assassination - activities that samurai could not do because they followed Bushido, the samurai code. Ninjas were employed as spies, assassins, and specialist warriors. Although some aspects of ninja life may be from another time, the principles and techniques remain valid for anyone interested in espionage and misdirection. To become a ninja you will have to work a lot, but the following tips will help you get started.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Learning the Way of the Ninja
Step 1. Decide on a number of ideas, morals, and philosophies that you can follow
Study the history of the ninja. For example, you might read Masaaki Hatsumi's book Secrets From The Ninja Grandmaster. Most of the ninja were independent mercenaries who used their skills to help their families. Some ninjas, however, were in the service of the government or nobles. Others worked only for their clan. The ninja lifestyle was not unique, but there were several. You too will have to choose which lifestyle to follow.
Method 2 of 5: Silence Is Golden
Step 1. Silence is a great asset
The decision to live by the discipline of ninjitsu should not be made public. Your first responsibility is to learn and practice ninjitsu in secret and privately.
Step 2. Never claim to be a ninja
A ninja must be a spy, so you cannot declare your status as an aspiring ninja, otherwise no one will trust you. Don't dress like a classic ninja. The classic black clothing that is traditionally associated with ninjas is an invention of Kabuki theater (although it has never been tried), in which the ninja characters were disguised as assistants (always dressed in black to minimize their presence on stage while transported the sets). When wearing black ninja clothes, do it so you don't get seen.
Method 3 of 5: Learn the Art of Ninja
Step 1. Learn to move silently
Tabi are great for this purpose, try to walk by moving your feet from heel to toe. Practice physical and social invisibility and silence. Walk silently. Learn to use the right clothing. Don't draw attention to yourself in any way. In some cases you will have to be sociable and friendly, because in today's world, a person who sits alone in a corner, arouses suspicion and is watched carefully.
Step 2. Ignore the fear
Don't be afraid of the pain, focus on the point to attack and do it.
Step 3. Learn to escape
Wherever you are, study the way to escape in the fastest and most anonymous way possible. It is a fundamental skill for a ninja, especially during a mission. Historically, smoke bombs and firecrackers were used to create diversions, but you'll have to adopt more subtle techniques, such as starting a fight or turning off the lights. When you enter a room, study the possible exits; prepare escape plans and diversions. When you escape, try not to leave any evidence of your presence, such as clothing, weapons, or fingerprints. The ninjas used "ashiaro", wooden panels worn under their shoes, which created animal footprints as they passed, to cover their tracks. This technique was also used during the Second World War.
Step 4. Learn to control people with nonviolent words and methods
Use people's wants, needs and wills against them. Men need security, wealth, pride, strength and they want their wishes fulfilled. Developing this skill will help you on all occasions.
Step 5. Learn self-control
A true ninja is a master of his environment, and therefore needs to always be in control of himself. To control yourself, learn to: do not consider emotions in your decision-making processes, always think rationally whatever the situation, make disgraceful strategic decisions, learn to follow the course of events and identify your role, make decisions about yourself like an outside person. Using these tips in everyday life is essential for learning to fully control yourself. If you can't control yourself, you won't be able to control others and your surroundings. Example: Physically colliding with a person after being provoked, knowing you can win the challenge may not be the best decision. Walking away while being ridiculed may hurt your ego, but it will allow you to remain in the shadows.
Method 4 of 5: Mind and Body
Step 1. Practice and maintain a ninja physique
It doesn't mean getting lean and muscular; it means improving endurance, agility, strength and flexibility. Do long runs, swim, aerobics, sit-ups, push-ups, and most of all stretches. Your body is your best weapon. Taking too much shape could be counterproductive, if you attract attention because you will always be the leanest and most muscular person in the situation.
Step 2. Feed your mind
Ninjas are highly educated. Knowledge is power and helps you have more resources and socialize better.
Step 3. Meditate
Do not practice traditional meditation, but practice a meditation based on complete awareness of your actions. Train your mind to be fully aware of your actions in times of need, for extended periods.
Method 5 of 5: Purchase the Abilities, Equipment and Weapons
Step 1. Learn what a ninja needs
A ninja is a master of sabotage, infiltration and martial arts. Here is a short list of skills, equipment, and weaponry that the ninjas could rely on:
- Seishin-teki kyōyō (spiritual refinement)
- Taijutsu (hand combat)
- Kenjutsu (sword fighting)
- Bōjutsu (stick fighting)
- Shurikenjutsu (throwing weapon combat)
- Sōjutsu (spear fighting)
- Naginatajutsu (fighting with naginata)
- Sui-ren (aquatic training)
- Bōryaku (tactic)
- Chōhō (espionage)
- Intonjutsu (escape and concealment)
- Tenmon (meteorology)
- Kusarigamajutsu (scythe and chain combat)
- Kayakujutsu (pyrotechnics and explosives)
- Hensōjutsu (disguises and imitations)
- Chi-mon (geography)
- Shinobi-iri (stealth and infiltration)
- Bajutsu (horseback riding)
Advice
- Learn to use self defense correctly, you could cause serious damage otherwise.
- Ninjitsu is an art that takes a lifetime of commitment to master. Don't take the ninja path if it's not a real passion. You won't be able to become a real ninja in a week. Shinobi begin learning as children and complete their training between the ages of 20 and 25, continuing to hone their technique throughout their lives.
- Practice parkour. Parkour is a very useful skill for a ninja, which increases the odds of escape and serves as a training for strength and agility.
- Ninjas usually start their training very young. Masaaki Hatsumi, however, a great ninja master, began his training at the age of 27. Note: he had trained in many other martial arts before focusing on ninjitsu.
- Ninjas don't always work alone. Historically, the best ninja groups came from the Iga and Koga clans, so if you have a friend who shares your passion or you know that another ninja operates in your area, consider creating an agreement to complete missions together, or starting a clan. Choose only trusted companions.
- Do not use weapons if they are not needed. Ninjas don't like violence.
Warnings
- Your body is your best weapon. If you get injured, go to the emergency room or see a doctor. Don't forget to treat wounds and injuries.
- The ninjas you see in movies and comics are very different from the real ones. Always remember that.
- Use your skills, but don't neglect your natural talents. When you can use non-violent solutions, it is always the wisest choice.
- Wearing the traditional clothing of a ninja will make you look very suspicious. Always wear clothes suitable for the occasion.
- Ninjas don't wear bright colors (ex: orange, red). Wear black or dark blue to blend into the night (or white if you're in a snowy environment).
- Never use your ninja skills to hurt people or animals, or to break into other people's homes.
- If your motivation to become a ninja stems from the desire to provoke and sustain physical fights, for fame, for revenge or sadism, you will never be a ninja, just an angry person wearing black robes to cover his face.
- During training, nothing is like testing in the field. However, do not try to escape from the police, to confront or fight with them or to carry out criminal actions, otherwise you will have to be responsible for your actions.
