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Learn Ninjutsu - The 2 Realms of Training in the Ninja's Arts
by Jeffrey Miller
When you think of a Ninja, what comes to mind? Where does the Ninja's expertise lie?
When most people think of the Ninja, they tend to limit their focus on the armed and unarmed martial skills. But, in reality, there are two, complimenting, realms of training that makes the Ninja what he or she is.
This article shows you how to view these realms so that you can insure that your training is correct and helping you to develop the power, skills, and ability that will allow you to be ultimately successful in everything that you do!
And that really is what the art of Ninjutsu is all about - success.
Regardless of what the Ninja is facing, or what results he or she is trying to produce, the same principles and concepts apply. But, the way these scientifically proven things are applied, could be very different.
You see, the Ninja is not limited, as most people here in the West believe - to the mere realm of self defense and martial combat.
It's ironic really, how, in the West, the Ninja is seen as some kind of super-commando who takes on whole armies of "bad-guys," and defending the weak and oppressed. While in the East - in the land of the art's origin, the focus is on the spiritual and mystical abilities of the Ninja to work his will without apparent action - that is the focus.
Very strange, wouldn't you say?
In the West, the focus is on the physical self defense methods - on purely martial skills and fighting.
In the East, the exact opposite. There, the Ninja is seen as someone who can see the grand scheme of things, and acts invisibly to direct the workings of the everyday world - to influence the outcome of things without ever being noticed.
So, which is true?
Is it the martial combatives, or the mystical, spiritual, and strategically applied psychology which gives the Ninja his power and made these people the most feared of all citizens within ancient Japanese society?
The answer is... "Yes." Both.
Within the realm of Ninjutsu, there are two realms of training.
They are called the "Tiger realm,' and the "Dragon realm."
These two realms are complimenting opposites, but both serve to create the same results in their respective "realm" or "environment."
Just what are these two realms and what do they represent?
The names of the realms reflect the "nature" of the heart that must deal with, operate within, and solve the problems inherent to two very different types of experiences.
The Tiger Realm is the realm of "combat" - it is the realm of warfare.
So, training in the tiger realm represents training in the skills of winning and surviving in warfare.
The Dragon Realm is the realm of "society" - it is the realm of day-to-day, peaceful living.
Therefor, training within the dragon realm is training that allows us to have the tools, traits, qualities, and ability to be successful in society.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with many martial artists. Often, people who are naturally "tigers" gravitate towards the martial arts as an outlet for their aggressive tendencies. They like hitting and hurting people, so MMA and other sport martial arts venues give them a legal, acceptable way to do that.
Either way, when people think of the Ninja, they usually think of this type of martial arts - only more effective, with lots of weapons, and having a fear-inspiring, mystical quality thrown in for good measure.
But, can you imagine what happens if you were to try to solve your day to day problems with conventional martial arts techniques and weapons? Right.
You face the wrath of society and end up in jail, a mental institution, or just generally limited to people just like you. So, life becomes a series of bar fights, competitions, and harsh living.
So, the Ninja has the skills of the dragon realm - respect, discipline, compassion, etc., to produce results in society. The shadow warrior's psychological skills allow him or her to negotiate, influence, and guide the thinking of others to produce positive outcomes in alignment with the natural scheme of things.
But, conversely, can you imagine what would happen if we took the dragon's skills onto the battlefield - the traits of fairplay, rules, kindness, and nonaggression, to name a few?
Exactly. We'd get killed!
So, contrary to popular thought or politics - it is not an "either - or" decision. The true Ninja knows that in life there is the existence of both realms. And while the Ninja chooses peace over warfare, and would prefer to work his will without action to influence things for the common good...
...he knows that there are those people, events, and situations which require the wisdom, techniques and qualities of the "tiger" - the skills of the warrior-combatant - to regain stability, peace and harmony, so that we can once again return to the realm of the dragon.
Are you serious about mastering the art of ninjutsu? Do you want to know what it takes to progress through the levels of mastery in this powerful martial art?
About the Author
Read my newest warrior-concepts-online.com/becoming-the-master-subsc.html, "Becoming The Master." Get your free copy at: warrior-concepts-online.com/becoming-the-master-subsc.htmlJeffrey Miller is a master-teacher in the centuries-old art of Japan's ancient shadow warrior. Each month he shares his 30+ years of training, research, and knowledge - combined with his years of real-world experience using these teachings on the dangerous streets of our modern world - with literally thousands of students from all over the world. Shidoshi Miller says, "If you really want to learn ninjutsu, and become a master of the Ninja's arts, then I can show you the secrets for developing the power, confidence, and control of a true Ninja warrior!"
GRZ - Ed Greenwood on Living Forgotten Realms
Sara Girard chats with author Ed Greenwood about D&D Living Forgotten Realms at Gen Con 2008.
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