Give us an idea about Ninjitsu ...
The art of Ninjitsu began approximately 800 to 900 years ago, developed by the mountain mystics of the Iga and Koga regions of Japan. The Ninja Warriors combined the mind, body and spiritual abilities to develop the art into a devastating system of unarmed combat, unique weapons and mysterious techniques of moving undetected, giving rise to several odd tales of ninja magic which are still very popular in Japan. A ninja's mind will always be calm, enlightened and freeworking, manifesting spiritual powers which we call psychic abilities in today's modern world.

Training began at an early age and the Ninja kept their training a secret, passing their knowledge on from father to son and family to family. The art worked its way down through the centuries until the 1970's, when 
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi allowed foreign students to train. It is under guidance of Dr. Hatsumi, 34th grand master of the Togakure Ryu, that the art lives today. Dr. Hatsumi is the keeper of the Densho scrolls and is the only known Ninja Grand Master with an unbroken lineage, tracing back to Feudal Japan.

Literal meaning of Ninjitsu is "Nin"- Perseverance/ Endurance and "jitsu"-Techniques. Due to the combative nature of the techniques studied, there are rarely tournaments or competitions in Ninjitsu as tournaments set rules which compel the competitor to study the techniques allowed within that framework, where as a Ninja man should be open to any situation and adapt his technique to ensure survival.

How did you develop an interest in this 'Art to Kill'?

To me all this started at a very young age, say about 14. When I started off I wanted to be big, strong and brave boy, but as I went deeper into the art I came to know that martial arts had more to do with the mind and spirit than the body. Training in martial arts and its
goal is but what is taught in Yoga, to co-ordinate the mental, spiritual, intellectual and physical facets in harmony with self and nature.

Who played a key role in inspiring you to take up Ninjitsu?
The seed of Ninjitsu was sown almost 25 years back by a teacher whom I loved and respected. He introduced me to the basics of the mental attitudes and spiritual understanding one should attain to take the path of Ninjitsu. He taught me this in secret and it took decades for it to mature into some form of understand. I have since been pursuing to understand more about this art. My knowledge today is as meager as it was when I inculcated to this training. Ninjitsu needs generations of learning.

Ninjitsu is difficult to pronounce. Is this art difficult to learn? 
Is yoga difficult to learn? Is it difficult to achieve moksha ? Does that mean that people do not practice and yoga and that they have not progressed ? To learn Ninjitsu, like in yoga, one must learn to unlearn. You need to empty yourself before training for otherwise, success will 
only be a thought. The training is very demanding and one has to exercise will, pain and endurance duringthe initial stages.

Where did you learn Ninjitsu, and for how long are you with it?
As I already mentioned, the seed was planted 25 years ago and my Sensei in Canada helped to germinate the seed to a tender plant by directing me.

Is Ninjitsu only for self-defense? How will it help a person in his/her daily life?
Ninjitsu is definitely for self-defense, but it is not a sport. It is almost like yoga, but in dynamic action, soft, rhythmic and truly explosive. Training in Ninjitsu enhances physical and mental co-ordination, balance, rhythm, grace, mental and physical flexibility, fitness, toning and strengthening of the inner self apart from developing concentration and tremendous self confidence.

Has Ninjitsu got anything to do with Spirituality and the like?
Definitely. As I already mentioned, its yoga in action for breathing is the essence in Ninjitsu training. Ninijitsu teaches you To Be Here Now. It's like a rhythm, a symphony where everything looks beautiful and seems beautiful. You begin to see everything in a different
perspective. It gives you the feeling of oneness with nature, a feeling of invisibility where you can do anything and everything. It is not just something you learn, it is something you become, something you start feeling, it's like a culture, teaching you a sense of balance, time, distance and rhythm.

Do you have plans to teach Ninjitsu to those interested?
Yes, I'm planning to start a Dojo (a school) in the foothills of Nandi in Bangalore. This is going to be a resident school where students will stay for various periods, depending on their need. It could be few months to decades. Teachers from all over the world will come and share their knowledge and exchange programs for students to train here and abroad. These plans are taking shapeand will take time to formalise. However, I plan to start a dojo in the city shortly.


What was your best Ninjitsu experience?
My best Ninjitsu experience was with my Sensei, Shihan John Wilson. He consolidated my years of martial arts training and showed me the path to follow. It was probably my most wonderful and exhilarating experience. I am grateful to my Canadian friends who made my visit a rich and unforgettable experience.

What about fighting in WWF or being a Stunt man in the movies?
(Laughs) I didn't train to be a stunt man nor to fight in tournaments. I trained all these years to find myself and I don't mind sharing what little I have found with my students.

Is there any end to mastering Ninjitsu? Moksha, when ? And how many attain it really ? How many have..... ?
It would take us probably several lives in my opinion to become like Soke Masaki Hatsumi (Grand Master) if ever.

Some Cool Ninja Lingo:
Sensay - Teacher.
Dojo - The place where you train or a school.
Katana - Sword.
Bo - A long stick, which is a very powerful weapon.
Kama - Sickle.
Kusari Fundo - A chain with a bearing, which can be rotated.
Kusari Gama - A broad hook on a metal rod.
Shu Reiken - Small stars.
Gi - A pyjama and the top.
Hakama - It is the skirt kind of a thing, which is worn over the Gi.
Tabi - Is the shoe Ninjas wear. They tuck the Gi into it so that there is no obstruction

Ninjitsu originated in the ninth century and flourished throughout the history of Japan, but especially so around the beginning of the 15th century. The style is Japanese but it was influenced by Chinese methods.

Because of their function, the ninja developed martial techniques with minimal equipment and developed a wide variety of skills.

Because of their skills, legend gives the ninja magical powers. In many ways they were the exact opposite of the samurai. Ninjas did not stop at arson, sabotage, or assassination. The practice was banned in the 17th century but in recent years, interest in ninjitsu techniques has revived.

