The Search for Real Ninjutsu Masters in Today's World

Have you ever wondered if there are true ninjutsu masters alive today? It's a fascinating question, especially given the modern fascination with ninjutsu and the numerous "experts" who claim to possess its secrets. In this article, we'll explore the truth behind the ninjutsu world and the current status of the alleged masters.

The Ninjutsu Boom of the 70s and Beyond

Back in the 1970s, when the TV show Kung Fu featuring David Carradine became popular, the concept of martial arts experts was pervasive. This trend wasn't limited to Kung Fu; similarly, ninjutsu, Gracie Jujitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) saw a surge in popularity with many claiming to be experts. However, many of these "experts" lacked practical experience.

Are There Truly Any Real Ninjutsu Masters Today?

No, there are no true ninjutsu masters in existence today. The historical ninja were likely samurai skilled in unconventional warfare. While there are a few individuals who claim to be ninjutsu teachers, it's essential to scrutinize their claims.

The Prominent Figures in Modern Ninjutsu

Two of the most commonly cited modern ninjutsu teachers are Masaaki Hatsumi and Jinichi Kawakami:

Masaaki Hatsumi: The 34th grandmaster of Togakure-ryū ninjutsu and the founder of the Bujinkan organization. His lineages are highly suspect and cannot be authenticated without significant doubt. Jinichi Kawakami: Claims to be the only heir to authentic ninjutsu and is recognized as such by the Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum, which he serves as an honorary director. His claims have faced skepticism from numerous researchers.

Stephen K. Hayes and Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu

If you're interested in ninjutsu today, Stephen K. Hayes or his teacher, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th grandmaster of Togakure-ryū ninjutsu, are among the few you should consider. Hayes has been the subject of some suspicion due to his association with the ninjutsu craze of the late 1980s and early 1990s, where he seemed to cater to public curiosity rather than share more "interesting" teachings with a broader audience for financial gain.

Beyond these individuals, many other claims of ninjutsu masters are met with skepticism. My own experience with a Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu practice during my teenage years is the only reason I'm familiar with some of the claims surrounding ninjutsu.

The Unlikely Figures

Real ninjutsu masters, if they do exist, are unlikely to be known to the public. The very nature of the art form would discourage such figures from being public and training large numbers of students. These individuals would be people who are not easily identified, perhaps not even looking for recognition.

Conclusion

While the term "ninjutsu master" may be exaggerated, there may still be genuine practitioners hidden among us. However, their recognition and public acknowledgment would be utterly defeated the very purpose of the art form, which is both mysterious and secretive.

Whether you're interested in learning ninjutsu or simply curious about its existence, it is important to approach such claims with a critical eye and seek out established and reputable sources for training and knowledge.