How to Strike and Kick Using Ninjutsu Techniques

Ninjutsu, the ancient Japanese martial art practiced by the Shinobi ninjas and assassins, is a devastating multi-disciplinary art. Mastering it will give you a hugely diverse spectrum of attacks and defenses.

Instructions

1. Evade your opponent. Ninjutsu is a "soft" martial art: it focuses on using the opponent's movements against him. Most ninjutsu strikes are actually counterstrikes that target an open weak point or catch the opponent off-balance.

2. Strike at your opponent's weak points with your closed fist, fingers or stiffened palm. These are known as atemi strikes in ninjutsu. After blocking or evading an opponent's attack, you can then strike at his exposed neck, solar plexus or groin with a snap punch or back fist. Alternatively, if you're in close, you can drive an elbow into the solar plexus or smash in the bridge of the nose with a palm heel strike.

3. Use joint locking to control and incapacitate an opponent. Joint locking is where you trap and control an opponent's limb so that you can lock its joint to its furthest point of extension. Once you reach that point, applying pressure on the joint will cause excruciating pain, and a hard strike against the joint can break it.

4. Grapple with your opponent if he is not much larger than you. Ninjutsu uses a variety of grappling attacks to control an opponent, usually with the aim of putting the opponent in a joint-lock or choke hold. You may want to soften him up first with a strike or sweep him off-balance; however, sometimes grappling is your only option when an opponent grabs you from close range. Grappling should be avoided if your opponent is much larger or stronger than you. Use strikes to keep your distance.

5. Throw your opponent to the ground. Hip throws and leg sweeps are a big part of close-range ninjutsu fighting. These can be very useful against taller or larger opponents. The goal is to catch your opponent off-balance, generally by allowing them to lunge into a strike. Evade it, and either sweep their legs out from under them or bend into them and throw them over your hip. Remain on your feet, and once he is on the ground you will be able to strike at will.

6. Kick at your opponent. Your kicks are the most powerful strike in your arsenal, and they are also a great way of putting and keeping distance between you and your opponent. A roundhouse kick to the head or straight kick to the groin can be devastating; however, don't underestimate using a snap or side kick to the kneecap. These are often less easy to block and, if executed with enough force, can break legs. A swift back kick to the shin or ankle is also a great defense if you're attacked from behind.

7. Attack with weaponry. The ninjutsu have always been adept with a variety of weapons, including swords, bow staffs, nunchuks and shuriken. By learning to both attack and defend with these weapons, you will add another potent tool to your technique.

8. Practice the art of spiritual refinement, known as seishin-teki kyoyo. Mental and emotional discipline is central to oriental martial arts. In ninjutsu, a multi-disciplinary art that involves many skills, it's particularly important to achieve self control. Ninjutsu practitioners achieve this through meditation and mantras. While fighting, your mind should be clear of anger or fear.