History of the Art of Ninjutsu
The Essence of Ninpo
by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
The ninja should never initiate an aggressive action. Always wait for your adversary to make the first move... this is the first rule in the ninja code of conduct.
As you learn the way of the ninja, you will need to forget the notion tha tyou direct a combat situation yourself. Your moves will be dictated by those of your opponent. This is a fundamental concept of the ninja's method of combat.
Sabaki (footwork) is by far the most imporant part of a ninja's physical training. With the ninja's center of gravity firmly planted in the lower torso, an energy radiating from teh pit of the somach, all it takes is the slightest pressure on an attackers body to redirect the momentum of the charge to his own advantage. Therefore, all Masters and students alike go to great lengths to take care of their feet and legs.
Another vital aspect of our Ninpo Taijutsu training is developing a natural ingenuity for finding ways of defeating an opponent. Women and ultimately men alike, should strike with ferocity while feigning weakness (kyojutsu). The ninja art is anyhing but a test of strength and other disadvantages can be neutralized using correct ninja tactics. Rather than defeating an opponent, a ninja leads him into defeating himself for a ninja is in control long before the unbalanced opponent ever knows it.
The balanced life is the key for the ninja. On the path to becoming a ninja, one must strive to create a pattern of consistency in every aspect of your daily life. Ninpo taijutsu only realizes it's full meaning from acquiring this aspect. Our Ninpo entails a great deal more than the skillful performance of a group of movements.
Though quite simple and straight-forward, this once secret teaching, is extremely complicated and profound. The way of the ninja is the way of the total person. Practice, enlightenment, the art of living itself... for the ninja, they are one and the same.