Martial Arts Reviews

There has been a great deal of debate in recent years about the validity of learning Ninjutsu and other martial arts disciplines online. Each side of the issues has valid concerns and opinions worth considering. At the end of the day however, there are many who would not be able to learn the basics of any martial arts discipline, much less the specific arts they wish to pursue, without the invention of online lessons and courses.

Here are a few of the pros and cons that specifically relate to your efforts to learn Ninjutsu online free or for a fee.

Pros of Online Martial Arts Education

1) The lessons are all in one place for easy access. You don’t have to drive long distances, fight through crowds, or fight in front of anyone else in order to get the step by step instructions needed for important stances and movements in modern Ninjutsu. In other words, online lessons are conveniently located for most people – especially since you can take them with you wherever you go.
2) You do not have to arrange your schedule and/or life around classes, training, and meeting. You can work these lessons on your own time and when it’s most convenient for you instead of needing to move heaven and earth to make a 7:00 class three nights a week.
3) You can move through the lessons at your own pace. This isn’t an instance where you move at the speed of the other people in a class. When you learn online or through computer courses you’re able to move forward when you master new skills quickly or spend a little more time on skills that are proving more difficult to master.
4) You don’t have to search far and wide for qualified teachers. Because it isn’t as popular to learn Ninjutsu as it is to study other martial arts forms, many communities do not offer classes that cover more than the most basic of Ninjutsu skills and/or forms. The further you study towards mastery, the further you are likely to need to travel for lessons, to further your studies, or to achieve advancement. Studying online from a qualified master is an excellent method of getting the advanced education you need and desire without needing to fly to Japan or halfway around the world to get it.

Cons of Using the Internet to Study Ninjutsu

1) Internet courses for things like Ninjutsu are often massive leaps of faith. With many of the programs out there it’s difficult to know what you’re really getting until after you’ve shelled out the money to pay for it. Take the extra time to read the reviews and see if there have been any complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your state about the training program and/or courses you’re considering.
2) No one to practice with. This is a major disadvantage of Ninjutsu training. There are many aspects to this martial arts style that is one of the few “total package” fighting styles within the martial arts. It makes use of aggressive and defensive fighting methods, the use of weaponry, and the art of stealth. It’s hard to gain valuable experience and expertise with these skills when fighting at home alone.

The benefits of home study courses to learn Ninjutsu online are many and compelling. On the other hand, the cons are difficult to ignore or dismiss. Consider your situation and your options carefully before you decide whether or not this is the right course of action for you.

When it comes to martial arts, Ninjutsu holds a particular interest for many prospective students. There are so many great things associated with being a “ninja” from the Hollywood point of view that many boys (and girls) around the world want to grow up and learn Ninjutsu so they can bring part of that glamour or mystique into their own lives.

Of course, let’s not forget that, like Batman, ninjas always had the coolest toys! Err, weapons.

While it’s true that the history of Ninjutsu was about so much more than just the weapons, modern Ninjutsu does tend to focus a considerable amount of attention on the mastery of fighting with these weapons.

The history of Ninjutsu is filled with tall tales of Ninjas that has special powers such as the ability to blind their enemies and fly in the sky. The weapons and tools they used were as legendary as the fighters themselves. These weapons were part of the reasons these rumors swirled around ancient Ninjutsu practitioners.

What are the weapons that are often used while learning Ninjutsu?

• Metsubushi – This “throwing powder” was often used to temporarily blind the enemy. It was a critical weapon that effectively neutralized enemies in order to facilitate escape.
• Tessen – This is one of the more entertaining of Ninjutsu weapons. It was an iron fan that was used in combat. The fan had many purposes in combat. Not only was this a great offensive weapon that could be used against swords and be lethal when properly applied to opponents but also as a defensive weapon that could fend off attacks by poison darts, throwing knives, and even swords by a skilled practitioner.
• Shuriken – The throwing star is the weapon most commonly associated with Ninjutsu fighting among the general population today. This is a truly versatile weapon. The name literally translates to “sword hidden in the hand”. It can be used in many different ways including thrown, for stabbing, and for slashing.
• Hanbo – This is a 3 foot stick that often resembles a walking cane because of its height. This method of fighting is used to restrain opponents, strike them, and throw them. It is widely taught because sticks are so abundant in nature. In fact, hanbo was often taught to students seeking to master the sword before moving on to the sword with its sharp edges.
• Bokken – This is a wooden sword. It is often taught as a fighting style in its own right though it is sometimes used to train students prior to moving on to swords such as the katana, wakizashi, or tanto. Some of these wooden stores are ornate and include elaborate carvings.

There are many other weapons that are associated with modern Ninjutsu as well as throwbacks to the ancient art of Ninjutsu. You’ll have to check with instructors in your community to see which, if any are taught in local Ninjutsu classes. Some students travel to Ninjutsu camp once or twice a year in order to get more extensive training with their weapons of choice.