Hollywood has portrayed the ancient ninja as black clad assassins running around in the dark night wielding weapons of destruction. Once only taught in secrecy the ancient art of Ninjutsu was passed down within family from clan to clan. Since the early 80’s Ninpo has been taught openly to the world by renowned Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura of Japan. The visions of these warriors running around in black uniforms with swords and masks have changed to practitioners of Ninpo being men, women and children of all ages, colors, ethnic backgrounds and sizes adapting this magnificent martial art to 21st century.

Ninpo the higher order of Ninjutsu incorporates not only the physical applications of self-defense but the spiritual side of the martial art as well. Many modern martial arts and schools have become a compilation of many different art forms. Each teacher has adapted lessons he has learned throughout his career and combined it into a teaching method we call a style. Ninpo if taught correctly is the very essence of the systems taught today, teaching 2000 year old time tested self-defense techniques. Ninpo is one of the leading authorities on modern self-defense applications known today which also includes methods taught by leading monks and priests incorporating some of he most esoteric and advanced traditions of spirituality, meditation, healing and stress relief.

This mystical martial art lures students from the ages of 3 years and up to train in the martial arts. The methods are slightly different of course for a 3 year old, youth and adult. If done correctly it will help people increase their health and all aspects of their lives. Parents believe the martial arts to be their savior in many cases. Teaching Ninpo and its methods to children with ADD or ADHD has really made a difference in many communities. In fact, parents in some cases have taken their children off of their medication by simply monitoring the child’s diet and regular martial arts practice. Most people join, believing that they are there to learn only the physical aspects and within weeks leave with a new understanding and appreciation for the art.

What, people ask is this difference of this martial arts and others aren’t they all he same? No, In fact the very essence of Ninpo is so unique in its traditions, that it has a strong foundation and roots that go back decades. Since the art was taught secretly for many centuries it was not watered down as much as so many other martial arts. Also, since it is still taught by qualified instructors that have lineage linked to Japanese masters the art is still very pure. Most of the students of true Ninpo have licenses directly from a teacher that are linked to Japanese instructors. Also, a qualified Ninpo school teaches the students about incorporating love and compassion and a peaceful mind and heart into their daily routine. We strive every day to achieve this mindset. The martial art is not about violence but a means to end it only used in last resort. Sometimes there is no other choice but to use your physical strengths to stop acts of violence and protect others who need help. This is exact reason this art was developed. In this art there is a saying called Kajo Waraku - to have the heart of a flower. Ninpo students are taught that a flower feels no prejudices and harbors no ill will. Nothing that life does to the flower destroys its beauty. No matter what the weather brings, rain, or clouds at nights the flower folds up its beauty only to show it the following day. The philosophy taught here is to pocket all insults and throw them away, because they have no barring on what will happen tomorrow. Daily practice of this is covered in the L.I Ninijutsu Centers student creed:

One must learn patience within the time it takes to take two deep breaths.
One must learn the way of life is righteousness.
Forget desire, forget easiness, forget stubbornness.
Think of sadness and grudges as destiny, one must comprehend the immovable heart .
Do not distance ones loyalty from ones parent’s family friends and teachers, try deeply to master ones culture and the culture and philosophy of the art of Ninpo.

This student creed can be adapted as a philosophy used by any one in the real world.

The art that has stand the test of time, is on a rise. Lawyers, Doctors, housewives and everyday people are adapting this magical martial art to their everyday life. They are adapting the physical and spiritual methods and incorporating them into their everyday lives to make themselves more successful. One class can change a person’s life.

Allie Alberigo is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the art of Ninpo/Ninjutsu and Jujutsu and has been training in the martial arts for over 39 years, as well as being a martial arts school owner, self-defense expert, public speaker and business owner. Allie is the owner of the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers, which has locations in East Islip, West Islip, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, and Bermuda. In 2000 Allie his first book “The Beginners Guide to Ninpo” and has also released his first video “The Warrior Spirit” (39 minutes). If you have any questions do not hesitate to call 631-321-5432, email him at renshilininja@aol.com, or check them out online at Lininja.com. He loves to hear from you.