Being a Ninja means that you understand a mental and training approach to self-defense, no matter which schools you train under. Typically, ‘ninja martial arts’ use a broad range of tactics and tools. This includes Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu & more schools that incorporate ninja and samurai martial arts. Many martial arts incorporate some of the same core techniques as “Ninjutsu”, such as Judo, Jiu Jutsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kenpo, Llaido, Aikido, Karate, Jeet Kun Do, Tae Kwan Do and many others.
Can you be a ninja? Want to train like a real ninja? Start here with classic ‘real ninja training’. Learn and practice Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Bujinkan, Budo, Samurai, and Shinobi martial arts in dojos around the world that are listed on our dojo map. And start watching and reading global resources that can help you be the best Ninja you can be. You CAN become a modern-day ninja!…
Can You Really Be a Ninja Today?
Well, you can eventually and you can start today just by studying the pages and videos on this network. If you’ve ever watched martial arts videos on YouTube featuring ninja training, you might have wondered: Can I actually become a ninja? The answer is yes, they are real, right now! While the historical shinobi of feudal Japan no longer exist, their martial arts and philosophy are still practiced today in dojos across the world. Most importantly, in the spirit of “Nin”, all techniques are applied to modern enviroments on the fly.
Where to Begin Your Ninja Training Journey
Watch Ninja Learning Network videos on YouTube, such as this video about “Ninjutsu Defense Against Mulitple Attachers’:
Training in Real Ninjutsu and Shinobi Martial Arts
Find a dojo or sensei to learn ninjutsu training
Well-known Ninjutsu schools include
Many martial arts schools continue to teach authentic Ninjutsu, preserving traditional ninja techniques. Within every school you will find a variety of approaches and training curricula. Some of the most respected schools include:
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu – Founded by Masaaki Hatsumi, this system incorporates traditional ninja techniques, weapons training, and self-defense. (Hatsumi, 1988
Genbukan Ninpo Bugei – Established by Shoto Tanemura, this school focuses on realistic combat, stealth tactics, and traditional ninja skills. (Tanemura, 1992)
Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu – One of the oldest known ninja traditions, emphasizing survival techniques, espionage, and unconventional warfare. (Cummins, 2015)
What You’ll Learn in Ninja Training
Training in Ninjutsu goes beyond flashy moves—it is a complete martial arts system that includes:
- Striking and Grappling – Techniques involving powerful strikes, joint locks, and throws.
- Weapons Training – Mastery of traditional ninja tools like the katana, shuriken, and kunai.
- Stealth & Evasion – Developing agility, movement, and strategic awareness to avoid conflict.
- Mindset & Discipline – Cultivating the warrior spirit of bushido, mental resilience, and adaptability.
- Modern and traditional techniques that apply Samurai and Ninja wisdom
Learn about the history of the ninja
If you’re serious about learning Ninjutsu, the best step is to find a dojo that teaches Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu or another recognized ninja tradition. Many martial arts academies offer in-person classes, and some provide online training options for beginners. Read more:
Hatsumi, M. (1988). The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques. Kodansha International.
Hatsumi, M. (2004). Ninjutsu: History and Tradition. Unique Publications.
Hatsumi, M. (2013). The Essence of Budo: The Secret Teachings of the Grandmaster. Kodansha International.
Tanemura, S. (1992). Ninpo Secrets. Buyu Books.
Tanemura, S. (2003). Ninjutsu: The Real Art of the Ninja. Shoten Books.
Cummins, A. (2015). The Book of Ninja: The Bansenshukai – Japan’s Premier Ninja Manual. Watkins Publishing.
Cummins, A. (2016). In Search of the Ninja. The History Press.
The Ninja Path Awaits
Becoming a modern ninja isn’t about fantasy—it’s about real martial arts training, self-discipline, and continuous learning. If you’re ready to embrace the ninja way, start researching dojos near you and begin your journey!
Ninja and Samurai Reading Lists:
History and Culture:
Turnbull, S. (2012). Samurai: The world of the warrior. Osprey Publishing. This book provides a comprehensive overview of samurai history, culture, and warfare, spanning their origins to their decline. Turnbull is a well-respected authority on the subject.
Friday, K. F. (2007). Samurai, warfare and the state in early medieval Japan. Routledge. Friday’s work delves into the earlier periods of samurai development, focusing on the relationship between warfare and the formation of the samurai class within the context of the early Japanese state.
Varley, H. P. (2000). Japanese culture (4th ed.). University of Hawai’i Press. While not solely focused on samurai, Varley’s book provides essential cultural context for understanding the samurai’s role in Japanese society. It covers various aspects of Japanese history, art, and philosophy.
Fighting Techniques and Martial Arts:
Draeger, D. F. (2007). Classical bujutsu: The martial arts and ways of Japan (Vol. 1). Weatherhill. Draeger’s work offers a detailed examination of classical Japanese martial arts, including those practiced by the samurai. It covers the historical development, philosophy, and techniques of various bujutsu systems.
Skoss, M. (Ed.). (1997). Koryu bujutsu: Classical warrior traditions of Japan. Koryu Books. This edited volume explores various koryu (old-style) bujutsu traditions, providing insights into the authentic fighting techniques and philosophies of the samurai.
Westbrook, A., & Ratti, O. (2001). Secrets of the samurai: A survey of the martial arts of feudal Japan. Tuttle Publishing. This book provides a wide overview of many martial arts, including those of the Samurai. It covers many weapons and fighting styles.
Books About Specific Japanese Martial Arts Weapons and Tactics:
Turnbull, S. (2011). Japanese fortifications AD 600-1600. Osprey Publishing. This provides information regarding how samurai fought during sieges and how fortifications were built and used.
Turnbull, S. (2006). Samurai invasion: Japan’s Korean war 1592-1598. Cassell. This book gives valuable information regarding the tactics and strategies of large scale samurai warfare.
Draeger, D. F. (2007). Classical bujutsu: The martial arts and ways of Japan (Vol. 1). Weatherhill.
Friday, K. F. (2007). Samurai, warfare and the state in early medieval Japan. Routledge.
Skoss, M. (Ed.). (1997). Koryu bujutsu: Classical warrior traditions of Japan. Koryu Books.
Turnbull, S. (2006). Samurai invasion: Japan’s Korean war 1592-1598. Cassell.
Turnbull, S. (2011). Japanese fortifications AD 600-1600. Osprey Publishing.
Turnbull, S. (2012). Samurai: The world of the warrior. Osprey Publishing.
Varley, H. P. (2000). Japanese culture (4th ed.). University of Hawai’i Press.
Westbrook, A., & Ratti, O. (2001). Secrets of the samurai: A survey of the martial arts of feudal Japan. Tuttle Publishing.
Taijutsu runs through all martial arts schools, right?
It’s important to understand that “taijutsu” is a broad term, meaning “body art” or “body skill.” It encompasses various unarmed combat techniques found within many Japanese martial arts. Therefore, when looking for books, you’ll find them often connected to specific systems, particularly those associated with historical warrior traditions. Here’s a reading list focusing on taijutsu, with an emphasis on its historical contexts and practical applications:
Taijutsu Reading List:
General Taijutsu and Historical Context:
Daniel, C. (1986). Taijutsu: Ninja Art of Unarmed Combat. Action Pursuit Group. This book delves into taijutsu techniques often associated with ninjutsu, providing insights into unarmed combat methods used by historical warriors. It offers a practical approach to understanding these techniques.
Draeger, D. F. (2007). Classical bujutsu: The martial arts and ways of Japan (Vol. 1). Weatherhill. Draeger’s comprehensive work examines classical Japanese martial arts, including taijutsu as a fundamental component. It provides historical context and explores the evolution of these techniques.
Skoss, M. (Ed.). (1997). Koryu bujutsu: Classical warrior traditions of Japan. Koryu Books. This edited volume explores various “koryu” (old-style) martial arts traditions, where taijutsu plays a significant role. It offers valuable insights into the historical applications of these techniques.
Taijutsu within Specific Traditions:
Mitchell, D. Budo Taijutsu: An Illustrated Reference Guide of Bujinkan Dojo Budo Taijutsu. This book focuses on the taijutsu within the Bujinkan Dojo system. It offers an illustrated guide to the techniques practiced within this modern tradition that stems from older martial traditions.
Hayes, S. K. Works by Stephen K. Hayes often contain information regarding taijutsu as it relates to ninja traditions. It is important to understand that when researching ninjutsu, and therefore the taijutsu within it, that there are many differing opinions on what is historically accurate.
References:
Daniel, C. (1986). Taijutsu: Ninja Art of Unarmed Combat. Action Pursuit Group.
Draeger, D. F. (2007). Classical bujutsu: The martial arts and ways of Japan (Vol. 1). Weatherhill.
Mitchell, D. Budo Taijutsu: An Illustrated Reference Guide of Bujinkan Dojo Budo Taijutsu.
Skoss, M. (Ed.). (1997). Koryu bujutsu: Classical warrior traditions of Japan. Koryu Books.
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