Ninjutsu
Over 70 different Ninjutsu Ryu have been identified and discovered over the years, however most of them have died out. A majority of them were created around a set of specific techniques and skills, although when those skills of a specific Ryu were no longer needed or wanted, the Ryu seems to die out and fade away from existence.
The art of Ninjutsu is best associated with the ninja’s from ancient Japan. The ninja’s are well known all around the world, for their stealth and very secreted life. The ninja is known to have went through very tough and demanding training, which hardly anyone really knows about. Those that were actual ninja’s are either dead, or not allowed to let anyone know their true identity.
In regards to the art, the term of Ninjutsu doesn’t actually refer to any certain style, but rather a group of the martial arts, with each one having it’s own view that’s expressed with each of the different Ryu. The Ryu vary, meaning that one may focus on one certain physical dynamic, while the next may be focused on redirection.
What many people aren’t aware of, is the fact that Ninjutsu involves both unarmed and armed fighting skills, along with philosophy, strategy, and history. There are a few dojo’s that offer the art, many of them being quite comprehensive with the way they teach.
During combat, Ninjutsu focuses on distance, posture, and flow. Stylists are taught to react to every movement, and respond in ways that will place them in the advantage position. From being in a position of advantage, the stylist can effectively change the outcome of the encounter - quickly going from negative to positive.
Those that practice the martial art of Ninjutsu are instructed and trained to use their entire body for everything they do, which provides the most leverage and power. The techniques are a form of effectve self defense. It can be a great martial art to learn - if you can find a dojo that teaches the real thing and not all ninja hype.
NINJUTSU
Effective Striking For Serious Self Defense
Effective striking with the weapons of the body to the opponent’s vital points is essential for a victorious outcome in a hand-to-hand struggle. A person must be able to employ the principles of effective striking if he is to emerge as the survivor in a serious self defense situation..
1. Attitude. Proper mental attitude is of primary importance in your ability to strike an opponent. In hand-to-hand combat, you must have the attitude that you will defeat your attacker, no matter what. In a serious self defense situation you must have the frame of mind to survive above all else; the prospect of losing cannot enter your mind. You must commit yourself to hit the opponent continuously with whatever it takes to drive him to the ground and end his resistance.
2. Thrusting Strikes. A strike should be delivered so that the target is hit and the weapon remains on the impact site for at least a tenth of a second. This imparts all of the kinetic energy of the strike into the target area, producing a fluid shock wave that travels into the affected tissue and causes maximum damage. It is mperative that all strikes to vital points and nerve motor points are delivered with this principle in mind.
3. Target Selection. Strikes should be targeted at the opponent’s vital points and nerve motor points. The results of effective strikes to vital points cause temporary mental stunning and muscle motor dysfunction to the affected areas of the body. Mental stunning results when the brain is momentarily disoriented by over stimulation from too much input—for example, a strike to a major nerve. The stunning completely disables an opponent for three to seven seconds and allows you to finish off the opponent, gain total control of the situation, or make your escape. Sometimes, such a strike causes unconsciousness. A successful strike to a nerve motor center also renders the affected body part immovable by causing muscle spasms and dysfunction due to nerve overload.
Effective striking in a self defense situations can make the difference between walking away with you and your family safe, or becoming a victim to an aggressive attacker.
The Speed Of Kempo
The Speed Of Kempo
Throughout the world of martial arts, the style known as Kempo is one of the best. Kempo uses extremely fast strikes, which is the area it is most known for. Kempo has been around for many years, originating from Japan. It was tested on the ancient battlegrounds, using punches, kicks, and very little grappling. Kempo employs weapons as well, including disarming techniques against opponents who are using weapons.
What many don’t realize, is that Kempo is actually an older form of Karate. Throughout this deadly martial art, stylists will be taught that every block is a counter, and ever counter is a block. Instead of simply blocking an attack, stylists will learn how to block in a way that executes a strike.
The most well known aspect of Kempo is speed. If you’ve ever seen it in action by someone who has been studying for many years, the hand speed of the stylist is simply amazing. Those that have been practicing for many years, including black belts, are able to execute techniques with blinding speed. Often times, a Kempo stylist can land many strikes before you can even get the chance to counter - or block.
The hand speed in Kempo comes from something known as “speed striking”. Although Kempo uses weapons and weapons training, it is more an unarmed martial art that teaches students how to defend themselves in any situation. This style isn’t about just going around and hurting people though, as stylists learn a lot in terms of self control, and only to react when they are given no other option.
The speed striking in Kempo takes many years to master. Students of the art will practice forms on a daily basis, which helps with the speed. By practicing a certain movement over and over again, students will get faster and faster. They will practice with other students, the instructors, and also with equipment such as punching bags. Over time, students will get amazingly quick and able to execute strikes with amazing speed and precision.
Shadow boxing is also essential to developing speed with Kempo. Students will spend quite a bit of time shadow boxing, learning their own movements. As a result of shadow boxing, students will learn physical resistance as well as improve their levels of fitness. This also helps with technique as well, as students will be engaging in practice with themselves.
The main exercise where speed striking will really come into play is with sparring. When sparring, students will test their knowledge and skills against other students. The instructors will pay close attention during this exercise, to see just how well the students are learning. Sparring can be very fun to watch, especially when there are two black belts squaring off. The more time a student spends sparring, the faster he will develop in the art of speed striking.
Throughout the years, Kempo has proved to be a martial art with very fast strikes. It is one of the fastest striking martial arts in existence, although it teaches students self control and how to avoid confrontations. Kempo is taught all around the world, making it an excellent martial art for children as well. From adults to children, the martial art known as Kempo can teach self defense, harmony, self control, self confidence - and how students can help others in the world live a better life.
Shorinji Kempo
