Is the Kobukan a ‘Ninja’ Organization?

In the 1980s, fascination with Ninjutsu reached a global audience, sparking a “ninja boom” fueled by Western films, martial arts publications, and prominent figures who promoted “Ninjutsu” internationally. While this surge popularized Ninjutsu, it also distorted the historical art, often reducing it to an image of masked warriors with hidden weapons and secret techniques. Capitalizing on this wave of popularity, certain elements began to promote Ninjutsu as a distinct form of martial art, entwining it with “old school” systems and contributing to what is commonly labeled as Ninjutsu, Ninpo, or even Budo Taijutsu today.

An earlier “ninja boom” began in the 1960s, spurred by films, television, and literature that portrayed Ninja as enigmatic warriors with near-mystical abilities. This portrayal significantly reshaped public perception, blending historical skills with fantasy elements. It laid the foundation for the global spread of Ninjutsu, further popularized by a number of organizations, including those often referred to as the “X-Kan.” While these organizations helped bring Ninjutsu into the mainstream, they often incorporate various classical Japanese martial arts under the umbrella of “Ninpo” or “Budo Taijutsu,” contributing to a broader interpretation that sometimes overshadows Ninjutsu’s historical roots.

Before diving into the content of this article, we believe it’s crucial to clarify these points. Our aim is to distinguish “Ninjutsu” as it relates to its historical, combative origins, setting it apart from modern interpretations. Adding to the complexity is the term “Ninpo,” which gained prominence within Takamatsu-den circles in the 20th century. While “Ninjutsu” typically refers to specific techniques focused on intelligence and unconventional warfare, “Ninpo” encompasses a broader philosophical framework and guiding principles that inform these techniques. Within Takamatsu-den, “Ninpo” is generally used to describe the collective systems associated with Toshitsugu Takamatsu, especially as practiced in Togakure Ryu and related martial arts, providing a holistic approach that extends beyond mere tactics and techniques.

Historical Ninjutsu

Historical Ninjutsu is best understood as a set of strategic skills essential to intelligence, reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare rather than a standalone martial art. Rooted in practicality, it evolved as an adaptive set of techniques for gathering information, misleading opponents, and ensuring survival. Practitioners of Ninjutsu, often referred to as “Shinobi no Mono” or “Ninja,” were valued not only for combat skills but also for their ability to infiltrate, gather intelligence, and operate discreetly. For instance, someone skilled at collecting information in a social setting, like a local pub, could effectively serve as a Shinobi without extensive martial arts training. Further, some traditional Ju-jutsu schools contain separate sections on Ninjutsu or counter-Shinobi techniques.

The arts of Ninjutsu flourished notably in the Iga (“Ika”) and Koga (“Koka”) regions of Japan, where practitioners developed their expertise in evasion, deception, and intelligence work.

The most reliable resources for an authentic understanding of Ninjutsu are three historical texts: the Bansenshukai, Ninpiden, and Shoninki. Authored by practitioners with direct experience to the art, these texts provide invaluable insights into its true purpose and methodology, including techniques for infiltration, disguise, psychological tactics, and survival skills. These documents reveal that the discipline of Ninjutsu functioned as a sophisticated intelligence system integral to feudal warfare, quite different from the exaggerated portrayals in popular media.

The Ninjutsu system within Kobukan training relates its lineage to the Iga Ryu, passed down through Momochi Sandayu, an iconic figure of the Iga school.

Modern Ninjutsu

Modern Ninjutsu, while influenced by and connected to its historical counterpart, has largely evolved into a martial art style that draws from various martial systems and incorporates a broader “Ninjutsu philosophy.” This transformation doesn’t imply a lack of effectiveness; rather, it reflects an adaptation aimed at making Ninjutsu more accessible to the general public. Much like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), which was influenced by Judo, and Krav Maga, which integrates techniques from multiple combat systems, modern Ninjutsu incorporates elements from other disciplines to enhance its practicality and relevance in today’s context.

Is Kobukan A ‘Ninja’ Organization?

With the information above, we hope that readers will better understand the core question: “Is Kobukan a ‘Ninja’ Organization?”

The answer — No.

The Kobukan is a Kobudo (classical martial arts) organization dedicated to presenting our martial arts heritage accurately and combatively.

Among the various martial arts systems we study is Togakure Ryu, which is considered a form of Ninjutsu with a primary focus on escape techniques. We are a broader Kobudo organization that includes Ninjutsu as one component of our training.