What is a Ninja?

Iga City

The Root of NINJA

"NINJA" and "NINJUTSU"

are internationally-known words that convey an image of Japan all over the world.

You see them all the time in the movies, on TV, and even in cartoons.

They seem to cut through the air, attack, and then disappear without a trace… but do you know the reality behind these mysterious warriors who display such prowess in the martial arts? Do you know the facts behind it all?

Who are the Ninjas? What is Ninjutsu?

During the feudal period of Japan’s history, civil war was rife. In this time, the Ninja were principally agents of espionage and stealth hired by warring factions to gain intelligence about the activities of their enemies.

However, the Ninja were also called upon to disrupt and even assassinate enemies from time to time. A "Ninja" was the name applied to those who used the martial arts of Ninjutsu to achieve these aims.

The art of Ninjutsu places its emphasis not upon the force of arms, but upon stealth and using intellectual solutions to combat. One area of Ninjutsu called upon divination, psychology and parapsychology to manipulate the enemy’s perception, while others called upon disciplines such as astrology and medical horticulture to advance their standards of living.

The art of Ninjutsu was far from limited to combat. Among the various schools of Ninjutsu that were developed throughout history, only two were ever considered to be leading in their field: Iga-ryu and Koga-ryu. The Koga-ryu, or Koga style of Ninjutsu was developed in the Koga region of the Shiga prefecture, while the Iga-ryu or Iga style was developed right here in Iga city, Mie prefecture.

Does the Origin of Ninjutsu date back to the Feudal period of Japanese history?

Actually, no it doesn’t. The history of Ninjutsu can be traced back up to many years before 500AD, to the ancient times of the Indian sub-continent. The culture of Ninjutsu was said to have existed as far back as 4000 BC, where ancient Indian culture exported its brand of spirituality into continental China. From here it was introduced into Japan through the Korean peninsula around the time of the 6th Century, where it was refined and developed into the military discipline that is known today.