AboutJoe Maurantonio Expertise I can answer questions about ninja and samurai history, tradition, philosophy and training. This includes queries about ninjutsu skills, taijutsu (unarmed lessons), budogu (weapons lessons), warriorship, and my personal experiences with the martial arts. [Please, No Private Questions.]
Organizations
Bujinkan Dojo Shidoshi Kai Instructors Association (1991 - present)
American Shidoshi Kai (see www.shidoshikai.com ) (1997 - present)
Publications
Ninja Magazine [Writer] (1986)
Sanmyaku USA [Associate Editor] (1992-1997)
Ninpo: Wisdom for Life [Book Publisher, available Amazon.com] (1998)
Kihon Newsletter (1999-2003) [Writer, available kihon.com/newsletter]
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Master of Arts Degree
Awards and Honors
Shidoshi Instructors license (1991)
Shihan title (2003)
Expert: Joe Maurantonio Date: 7/10/2008 Subject: Which is effective?
Question I was wondering how much more effective Ninjutsu is from other martial arts...and I've also heard it has a very tough training course. Is that true?
Answer Thank you for your questions.
Ninjutsu is a very effective method of self protection. But where some arts stress grappling, speed, kicking, weaponry, etc... in Bujinkan ninjutsu emphasis is placed on developing as a person moving in a natural way. Awareness of environment, spacial relationship to others and unbalancing (in body and mind) of an adversary are more significant than the number of techniques learned. But ninjutsu training isn't for everyone. Some people prefer to focus on grappling or striking (or whatever) in the martial arts.
So, if you are interested in this kind of training, then I would say that it's the most effective art out there for you. Yet, if it isn't, I suggest that you find an art that is to your liking and follow your inner warrior down that path.
The most difficult lessons in ninjutsu are those of perspective. I have shared training lessons with children as young as 8 years old and to adults as old as 74. You just have to want the training and commit to it.
Train hard, live well!
Joe Maurantonio, shidoshi
www.NinjaLessons.com
www.bnyd.com
