martial arts - ninja

 

Home

Comic Strips

Color Comic Strips

Archives

Graphic Novel

Ninja Billy Characters

The History of Ninja, Aikido, and Ninjutsu Martial Arts

 
 History of the Ninja and Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu is known by many as the art of stealth or the art of the shadow. Much of the training in the ninjutsu school centers around close range combat and the art of invisibility and espionage. Some of the special skills learned by ninjutsu practitioners  have historically given the ninja a reputation of possessing magical powers. Climbing walls and swimming while clad in armor are two skills that have earned this reputation.  Other skills taught to the ninja included map making, disguise, silent entry and escape, leaping, high endurance, sabotage, and the use of available surroundings as weapons.

The history of the ninja is shrouded in secrecy. Ninja often hold the incorrect reputation of having all been assassins. This was not the case. Though no single origin can be proven, most common beliefs surrounding the origins of ninjutsu attribute it as a fighting method taught within mountain families as a means for self defense during feudal Japan against territory claimants.  In order to defend themselves against powerful foes such as the samurai class of warriors who had strength in numbers, the ninja developed stealth capabilities and unorthodox combat techniques.  The fighting tactics employed by the ninja were often seen as cowardly by the samurai.  However, they were often very effective.   

In many ways, the tactics employed by the ninja were very similar to techniques adopted by the early American colonists during the war for independence from England.  Traditional British battle strategy was to line up in open fields and fire weapons in a sequential pattern.  After many brutal defeats, the heavily under-manned colonists learned to compensate for numbers and power by using ambush and disguise tactics.  This strategy was considered to be cowardly by the British armies but, like the similar strategies employed by the ninja, it also proved to be very effective.

Ninjutsu was banned in the 17th century but continued to be passed down in underground circles.  The art is still practiced today though not at widely as in the days of feudal Japan. 

Like the farmers of the past who fought to defend their lands, Ninja Billy and his friends use their skills to protect others and stand for what is right in the world.  
 

Click HERE for Billy's personal suggested reading on Ninjutsu & other martial arts.


Here is the latest list of top selling Ninja books! You can buy them at Amazon by clicking on the links below!

 

History of Ninja, Aikido, and Ninjutsu, martial arts

 

History of Aikido

Aikido, a Japanese martial art founded in 1942 by Morihei Ueshiba (ooh-way-she-ba), has often been deemed "the art of peace" because it emphasizes resolving conflict through peaceful means. Most techniques used in aikido are designed to use an opponent's energy against him or her in the application of throws or joint immobilization. In direct contrast to punching and kicking techniques which are designed to damage a target, joint locks can, if applied correctly, cause great levels of "discomfort" without causing physical injury.

As a practitioner of aikido, if you find yourself involved in a violent encounter and are able to successfully defend yourself without harming your assailant, you have used the techniques of the art correctly.  If instead you manage to deflate the situation without having to use any aikido techniques at all, then you have achieved the highest goal of the art. 

Aikido is a "do" or "way".  Martial arts styles having names that end with "do" seek to serve a purpose other than simply providing a method of combat training. Generally, "do" martial arts emphasize a complete way of living.  Aikido is intended to be a tool for maintaining harmony in life.  Avoiding conflict is only one of the applications of this martial art.  Other “do’ martial arts include kendo, tae kwon do, judo, choi kwang do, hapkido, tang soo do, bando, kum do, chung do, shim shin-do, han mu do and more. 

Click HERE for more online info about Aikido.


Here is the latest list of top selling Aikido books! You can buy them at Amazon by clicking on the links below!

The histories of other martial arts such as hapkido, karate, and judo will be periodically added to this page.

History of Ninja and Ninjutsu

Click HERE to visit Ninja Billy's Dojo and see various
Ninjutsu and Aikido martial arts techniques in action!

History of Aikido

Ninja Billy is a comic strip dedicated to helping people
live by faith and act with courage through humor.

Have a comment or question about Ninja Billy?  Send Billy a line at ninja_billy@yahoo.com!

Ninja Billy comics were created by and are the property of Robin Eugene Redick.
Rob can be contacted regarding Ninja Billy at ninja_billy@yahoo.com

Home | Comic Strips | Color Comics | Archive | Graphic Novel | Billy's Friends | Billy's Dojo
 Live the Good Life | Fun Page | Online shop! | Links | Martial Arts History | Martial Arts Secrets | Keep Billy Alive

Ninja Billy is ® © 2005-06 Robin Eugene Redick/Encouraging Creations, LLC All Rights Reserved. You must obtain prior written permission from Robin Eugene Redick before using, in any form or by any means, any of the images, likenesses, names or content contained within the Ninja Billy comic strip web site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sitemap

History of Ninja, Aikido, and Ninjutsu Martial Arts