Taihenjutsu is a system of movement and positioning that allows the user to adapt to his or her environment through a series of postures and skills primarily relying on dexterity, coordination, agility, and bone alignment. Taihenjutsu translates roughly to "Body changing skill," and is utilized by various Ryus and systems throughout martial arts. Taihenjutsu typically depends on skills that require the user to have a fair degree of spatial awareness as well as kinetic awareness due to the constant movement and placement via pinpointed pre-cognition based on muscle memory. Because of this, highly developed taihenjutsu specialists typically develop a high degree of awareness in their environment and bodies which allows them to escape injury from strikes, throws, pins, etc. Taihenjutsu MAY include;

* Ukemi; recover from throws, locks, strikes, etc.

*acrobatics; tumbling, body manipulation while aerial, balancing, etc.

*Evasion; Muto Dori, slipping, parkour, etc.

*Leaping

*kamae

See an example here

Shinobi Aruki (Ninja Walking or footwok) are collection of walking techniques (steps) used by the Ninja for silent and effective movement, that are classified under the Shinobi Iri Techniques (ways of concealment and espionage). Every school / tradition of Ninjutsu have its own collection of steps, some of them are still practiced well and other are forgotten.

1-Yoko Aruki (Sideways walking)
2-Nuki Ashi (Stealthy step)
3-Ko Ashi ( Little Step)
4-Shime Ashi ( Tight / Choking Step)
5-Suri Ashi ( Sweeping / Rubbing Step)
6-O Ashi (Big Step)
7-Wari Ashi (Quick Step)
8-Tobi Ashi (Flying step)
9-Kata Ashi (One step)
11-Tsuenue No Ashi (Normal Step)
12-Mawashi Ashi (Turning step)
13-Inu Bashiri (Dog Walk)
14-Kitsunue Bashiri (Fox walk)
15-Shinsou Usagi /Shinsou Toh Hou (Known as Deep Grass Rabbit Walk)
16-Shinobi Ashi (Ninja step)
17-Uke Ashi (Floationg step)
18-Ryo Hebi (Snake Crawl)
19-Karasu Aruki(Crow walk)
20-Kakareru ni Ishi ( Hidnig like a Rock)
21-Saguri Aruki (Low walk)


See an example here

and here

When thinking about kamae, most practitioners will immediately think of terms like shizen, ichimonji, hicho, or seiza no kamae. While it does represent these terms it also represents much more. In the beginning, we learn kamae as a pose that we hold before we do something else. We learn hand feet and head positioning, how to form the shape, what to feel, and we develop the stamina and flexibility to hold these positions. As we begin to grasp this, we learn to move without losing good form while in the static version of kamae. Then we learn how to bring it all together and use it against various attacks. While this is where the journey ends for most people, it’s really at the heart of Budo Taijutsu. Unlike most martial arts, Budo Taijutsu doesn’t teach defense against punches and kicks. Sounds weird I know and while most people teach it this way, it’s not at the core of Budo Taijutsu. The Bujinkan, in it’s expressions of Budo Taijutsu, doesn’t teach this method of trying to quicken response time to attacks either. Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is the study of space, distance, and shape on the physical, mental, and spiritual plane. This sounds as mysterious as the ninja themselves, but it’s so practical that most people miss it all together. The heart of these studies is kamae. Think of kamae as how you shape the space in between and all around you and your opponent by controlling the distance. One way to control and shape this space is by taking kamae, hence kamae and sabaki are one.

Controlling 3 planes

As stated earlier, rather than matching technique for technique, the Bujinkan teaches the practitioner to control the playing field or space on all three planes of the physical, mental and spiritual. The physical plane is all around you and the attacker, in front of, behind, above and below. Then there is also the relationship of the attacker with the surrounding environment whether it’s people or objects, stationary or moving. This space can be shaped using tools, other people, weapons, etc. Using this manner, the practitioner is no longer at the mercy of the game of matching speed, technique or power. The mental space can be defined as what the attacker is thinking before the encounter. What they will do before during or after the attack and why they are doing it are all thoughts that take shape as objects in this vast mental space. Since we are human with 5 senses, one could as a defense strategy, control that mental space as well, with proper understanding of human perception and human behavior. The spiritual space is one that is difficult to define or teach, but the gateway to this space is feeling. A great example of this would be former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson staring his opponent down thus totally destroying their fighting spirit causing them to lose the will to fight; another example of kamae.

Moving forward

The main takeaways from this article are that kamae such as ichimonji no kamae from the kihon happo should not be looked at like a “technique” that can be used against another technique. This could lead down a path tumbling through failure. Look at kamae, space intention, and movement as a way of controlling the kukan (space) on a three planes. The techniques of attack and counter aren’t as important as the concepts we’ve discussed and should be varied. So when you’re in kamae, physically, mentally or spiritually, understand the reason and essence of each pose.

This is Ninjutsu.



See an example here

and here

Tai sabaki (体捌き) is a term from Japanese martial arts and which relates to 'whole body movement', or repositioning. It can be translated as body-management. The following video is just a small sample of what is involved in this.

See an example here

Ukemi means the ability to receive an attack, blend with it, change with it and direct the momentum so you are not hurt.

Ukemi in a literary sense means "receiving body or self." In the simplest terms possible, the "uke" part of ukemi as in Tori and Uke means "receiving" and is a person who is on the receiving end of throw. It is always used in a passive sense. Mi means "body or self".

The concept of true ukemi is to remain balanced and aware in every moment. When taking ukemi, people believe it is because one has lost their balance. This is incorrect. If you do not lose your equilibrium, then you are still on balance. It is the physical realm that looks unbalanced. There are many aspects and levels of ukemi. It is an area of study unrestricted by time or form. Ukemi is present in all aspects of life, both physically, and spiritually. Ukemi is not just the performance of gymnastics. True ukemi is understanding the kukan.(hold & create space through confusion, pain & fear) If one performs ukemi for the sake of just flipping or looking good, then this will open suki or weakpoints. Ukemi is body changing movements ( taihenjutsu ) performed naturally for the sake of protecting life. It is important to know these distinguishing points.

See an example here

Kaiten: Kaiten are rolls. They are classified by not only the names of the direction of roll but also hands i.e Katate: one, Ryōte: two hands and Mute: no hands. Following are some of the rolls practiced in Bujinkan:

Zenpo (forward) Kaiten (roll)

Koho (backwards) Kaiten

Yoko/Sokuho (sideways) Kaiten

Yoko Nagare (Sideways flowing) Kaiten

Hicho/Tobi Kaiten (jump roll)

See an example here

Dakentaijutsu

Dakentaijutsu (Japanese: 打拳体術) refers to the striking component of several Japanese martial arts including the Shinden Fudo Ryu dakentaijutsu taught in the Bujinkan martial arts organization.
More generally, the word dakentaijutsu could be used with similar meaning as the word Karate.
In the Bujinkan dakentaijutsu relies on the techniques of the koppojutsu (bone breaking) and koshijutsu (pressure point and muscle/joint tears and dislocations) disciplines.
Bujinkan dakentaijutsu applies koppojutsu and koshijutsu techniques by means of hard strikes.This is not complete in koshijutsu you will not strike harder than necissary and the principle of koppojutsu is that you attack the bones of your enemies with your one bone so koppojutsu means more than just breaking bones. Dakentai refereers in Bujinkan to shindenfudo ryu, kukishinden ryu (witch means more yoroi kumijutsu) so in a way dakentai jutsu is a principe at its on.
Shinden Fudo Ryu dakentaijutsu is a school of the Bujinkan (and also studied by other federations)

See an example here

Koppojutsu translated as bone attack or attacks on the bones and skeleton Koppojutsu, isn’t a matter of knowing where to strike someone and at what spot and how hard, although that does matter to some extent. The real task of accomplishing Koppojutsu lies in the process that sets up the opponent to be subjected to a fracture. To a large extent Koppojutsu happens when the opponent in their technique (or lack of it) presents you with the opportunity to use it.

When Hatsumi talks of koppo, he is talking about something much deeper. It is very difficult to grasp the full meaning of what Koppo is.

Koppo has been translated as "the knack", as in the knack of fighting. This translation doesn't convey what the knack is, specifically the knack to which Hatsumi Sensei refers.

The way Sensei has been explaining it, Koppo is the dissolving away of techniques and the elimination of intention. One example that he gave involved several sword schools whose foundation was never having the intention of cutting. This was superior because by not trying to cut, there was never a weakness exposed. The swordsman would move into the weak point of the attacker, place his sword in the right spot, and due to the characteristics of the blade and the natural movement of the body, the opponent would actually cut himself.

In like fashion by dissolving away your techniques, and intention of applying them, you will eliminate your weak points. The essence is to simply move into your opponent's weak spot with the proper timing and kamae (By kamae, it is meant the complete feeling and spirit that truly is kamae, not just a static physical pose.)

See an example of bone attacks here

Koshijutsu is the skill of attacks to muscle and nerve points in Japanese martial arts. Koshijutsu is a major component of taijutsu. This art of nerve striking utilizes the knowledge of the human body's nerves and muscles. The striking of these point causes sharp pain, numbness, and through some vital points the martial artist can cause temporary paralysis and even death. One can use this knowledge to gain an advantage over a larger or maybe even more skilled opponent. For instance if the opponent is skilled in blocking strikes, one could start by striking the points on the limbs and slowing the adversary down bit by bit, working up to the more vital nerve points and incapacitating the opponent and allowing for escape. Escape in most cases should ultimately be the goal, sometimes thought as cowardly it is actually the use of common sense. There are some occasions where the martial artist must defend themselves, the well being of a weaker ally or innocent person, in which the martial artist is taught to engage and fight.

See an example here

Kyūsho, 急所, Pressure point in martial arts and Ninjutsu, is an anatomical area that is used to inflict pain, cause injury or death. Kyushu, pressure points, in Ninjutsu, is always a reference to physical vulnerable structures and not acupuncture or "energy channels".

The use of Kyusho in Martial arts and particularly in Ninjutsu techniques can give an advantage against a stronger opponent. Many Kata call for the use of Pressure points to direct the opponent's center of gravity or to neutralize him according to the Level of violence.

See an example here

and here

Uchi Tanren strike conditioning either with empty handed striking or with weapons like the bo and bokken for the purpose of conditioning the body, correcting errors in striking and improving striking techniques

Tanren helps us practice true commitment and deliberate motion in the study of cutting with a sword and extends to empty handed stikes.

See an example here

and here

Tobi or leaping and jumping skills for the purpose of avoiding attacks and creating distance. Tobi is an essential skill to aid your abilities for avoidance, climbing, advancing or retreating quickly, or even added to your ukemi skills. Leaping over logs, boulders, ditches, even small waterways and from heights can increase your skills. Tobi also includes somersaults.

1.Chu Gaeshi "Front somersault"

2.Yoko Gaeshi "Sideways somersault"

3.Tobi Gaeshi / Tobi Chigai "Leaping somersault"

4.Kiri Gaeshi "Cut reversal"



See an example here

Suwari waza originated in the martial culture of the samurai who were expected to respond to various attackers from the seated position, with the implication that these codified techniques helped in the improvement of body stability, the maintenance of the Ki (the Japanese equivalent of the Chinese Qi), balance, and strengthening kokyu-ho (breathing power). The practice of techniques in suwari waza deprives the practitioners of the use of their legs while performing the same basic techniques they use while standing. It forces them to learn how to throw and take down an attacker using leverage, proper breathing, and hip action leading to sliding movements that compensate for the lack of leg support and strength. As the practitioner executing the move has to stay upright, suwari waza techniques differ from grappling moves in judo and forms of wrestling.

Suwari Gata – 坐り型 Kneeling forms seven methods. Basics of ground-fighting

Taijutsu does contain ground grappling and ground fighting. Many of the techniques are extracted from standing techniques and general combative principles

Suwari Gata– 坐り型 Seated forms

See an example here

Newaza demostrated by Hatsumi. It is important to practice these skills as most fights end up on the ground.

Taijutsu does contain ground grappling and ground fighting. Many of the techniques are extracted from standing techniques and general combative principles

See an example here

and here

JUNAN TAISO is not only a simple warm-up. Through insistence repetition (not only at the duration of training) it strengthens the body and makes it bendable - flexible.

In NINJUTSU the force is being produced through flexibility. The muscles and the tendons are being trained in a way that they develop their natural flexible quality.

JUNAN TAISO creates force, flexibility and health, even in high age. During the exercises one should observe, if and how they are interacting, the movement of body, the breathing and the circulation of the blood. All the exercises are executed with calm and without any hastiness. Through the process of learning from the results and effects, on the entire body, the student is able to develop conscience of his force and the faculty of controlling his health and his natural situation.

The total duration of warm-up is roughly 20 min per day, followed by respiratory exercises that aim to internal warm-up.


See an example here

Jutaijutsu are throws, locks, and take-downs. I don’t want to get into the various different schools in this section but it needs to be said that Jutaijutsu is a sub section of the Shindenfudo Ryu style. The training levels in Jutaujutsu are

Kamae (5 Kamae)

Shoden no kata (16 Kata)

Chuden no kata (11 Kata)

Okuden no kata (8 kata)

Fudo Ryu Jūtaijutsu, is an advanced system that together with Shinden Fudō Ryū Dakentaijutsu is learned in the Takamatsu den and has been integrated into the Takamatsu den's Ninjutsu syllabus.

See an example here

and here

The basic various Gyaku Waza’s are

Muso Dori

Musha Dori

O gyaku

Ura Gyaku

Omote Gyaku

Omote Gyaku Ori

Omote Oni Kudaki

Hon Gyaku

Gyaku Nage

Ura Take Ori

Ura Oni Kudaki



See an example here

and here

The objective of shime-waza is to render the opponent unconscious or helpless. Pressure is applied to the neck to reduce circulation to the brain and also to cut off normal breathing. Interfering with brain circulation brings effects within a few seconds and is painless. Interfering with respiration is painful and brings effects in several minutes.

In the neck below the angle of the jaw, the common carotid artery splits into two branches. At this point lies the carotid sinus. This is a pressure receptor which takes part in the control of blood pressure and pulse rate. When blood pressure rises in the carotid sinus, reflexes lower both systemic blood pressure and pulse rate. When blood pressure falls in the carotid sinus systemic blood pressure and pulse rate rise.

Some Shime Waza are:.

Hon Jime

Do Jime

Hon Jime

Sankaku Jime

Gyaku Jime

Itami Jime



Blows to the side of the neck and shime-waza can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, precautionary measures should be taken to insure proper care in application and supervision in teaching.



See an example here

and here

Hajutsu are techniques of releasing one's self from various locks from single and multiple opponents, with weapons and without weapons.....

From Shinden Fudo Ryu

See an example here

and here

These are the different types of throws used in ninjutsu. There are too many to show them all in a one video.

Ganseki nage (rock throw)

Ganseki-otoshi (rock drop)

Ganseki-oshi (rock press)

Ganseki-ori (rock break)

Hari goshi (sweeping hip throw)

Gyaku Nage (reversal throw)

Taki-Otoshi (cataract drop) waterfall straight down

Seoi-nage (back throw)

Koshi-nage (hip throw)

Osoto nage (great outside hook throw)

Uchi-Mata Uchi-Gake (inner thigh inside hook throw)

Hane-Koshi Nage (snapping hips throw)

Itami-Nage (pain throw)

Ryusui-Nage (flowing water movement)

Tomoe-nage (whirl throw)

Tachi-nagare (standing flow)

Yoko-nagare (sideways flowing)

Temakura (hand pillow)

Kuruma-nage (wheel throw)

See an example here