Kata
Kata, pronounced gata, is a Japanese word meaning dance. In Ninjitsu this term is applied to a formal set of exercises, performed in proper sequence, demonstrating a specific series of techniques in logical combination. Some kata are historical in nature. That is, they tell a story of some past adventure or some legendary hero. An example of this might be the Hawaiian fire and sword dancers. Some kata are purely for health and self-defense. Still others are technical, and illustrate a specific...
The Nine Levels
In Chinese medicine, the body is divided into three regions the upper, middle, and lower. The upper refers to the region above the diaphragm the middle refers to the area between the upper and the navel and the lower refers to everything below the navel, including the legs. This trio is traditionally used to designate the internal organs of the body. The topmost section includes the heart and lungs the middle includes the liver, spleen, and stomach while the lower includes the bladder, kidneys,...
Ix Enlightenment
The Hidden-Hand gesture Figure 9 indicates that the initiate has attained Satori, nirvana, or ultimate bliss. Whichever name is used, the meaning is clear final understanding of oneself and others. Having passed through the pillars of self-doubt, and looked long and deeply into the mirror of self-knowledge, one comes to know oneself. One ceases regretting and blaming the past for current misfortunes one stops awaiting the coming of a better tomorrow one is able to be here now, to enjoy each...
HIDDEN MASTERS Spirit Helpers
The way is known to all, but not all know it. When you obtained this book, it was because you were in search of occult power. It has been said, however, that no one may find such power without personal instruction from one skilled in the dark arts, and that is so. So how may we contact these secret teachers-if, indeed, we wish to pursue this quest The answer is simple we must follow their example. True knowledge endures without regard for the sands of time, and the immutable laws of the...
The Principles Of Magic
Magic-sleight of hand, prestidigitation, and all manner of conjuring-is based on five basic principles that are encompassed and historically taught as the Lost Track form, or Mi Lu Kata of Ninjitsu. In Japanese, mi is hidden, secret, unfathomable lu is track, path, guidance. This kata is divided into elemental sections relating to the cosmology of the ancients, each of which is further broken down into subdivisions. 1. Angle Method. If one regards invisibility as maintaining a lack of presence...
Dragon Claw
The Dragon Claw technique is a powerful gripping attack that requires great finger strength. This strength is only acquired after ten years of carrying heavy jars by the mouths in each hand. It is characteristic of the Black Dragon ryu. Ripping a telephone book in half is a demonstration of this skill. Using the wrists, twist and snap the spine of the text, breaking it in two Figures 21 and 22 . Gripping the pieces, rip the pages apart in a single shredding tear Figure 23 . One with this...
Tamieshiwara
Tamieshiwara, or the art of breaking, requires the channeling of chi from the organ of generation and storage, along the meridians and pathways of the body, to the part of the fist making impact. In this case, chi is channeled to the edge of the hand. This strike simulates a death-blow to the back of the neck of an enemy who has been thrown facedown. Only sixteen pounds of pressure are required to break the neck brick in this manner but the stone is harder than the bones of the hand. Therefore,...
Dragontail Kick
The spinning-back leg sweep is one of the simplest and most effective of any in the martial arts. it illustrates the angle method, since the Ninja drops out of sight before taking down the enemy. From the double-palm push, drop to all fours and extend the left leg. Pivot on the right knee, using the hands for balance, and swing the left leg 180 degrees to the rear. Used properly, this leg sweep knocks the enemy's legs out from under him. Following the Dragon-Tail kick, you are now facing in the...
KUJIKIRI The Nine Levels of Power
The Japanese have a name for the finger-knitting exercise of the Ninja. It is called Kuji-Kiri, or literally, the nine cuts. In the Hindu and Tibetan traditions, they are called mudras. It is believed that when one reaches a certain level of training, the hands automatically form the finger-locks in times of contemplation or stress. Some schools add chants or mantras others vigorously rub beads between their hands. Regardless, the hands are regarded as a microcosm of the body, so to stimulate...
Vii Mastery Of Time And Space
This finger-knitting mudra is formed by curling the fingers of the right hand around the extended index finger of the clenched left hand, and pressing against the outside edge of the fingernail with the right thumb Figure 7 . In acupuncture, this point is known as Sho Yo, the Young Merchant point. Used in the treatment of fever and diarrhea, the method is to press inward strongly with a sharp object, while inhaling for nine heartbeats seven to ten seconds , and to do this three times. In...
Viii Control Of The Elements Of Nature
This kanji represents control of the elements of Nature. In this case, it would be more accurate to say that it is a state in which one perceives the way of Nature and elects to act in harmony with it, rather than to imply that one bends the elements to one's will, which, of course, is quite impossible. The gesture itself Figure 8 is symbolic of the Thousand Petaled Lotus, the actual cortical surface of the brain. It symbolizes the physiological aspects that arise when hormone-enriched blood,...
Collecting The Chi
Having achieved the first level of skill in the development of psychic abilities, i.e., the cultivation of and recognition of the energy source we refer to as chi, it next becomes necessary to practice the collection and transmission of this force. Filling the Hara with chi is the first step. The Chinese classics refer to inhaling, drawing the air deep into the Hara, then holding the breath for extended periods while imagining the circulation of energy within the body. Take care in practicing...
I Strength
The first finger-knitting position of the mystic Kuji-Kiri salute has the fingers interlocked outside, with the middle fingers, representing the fire element, extended with their tips touching Figure 1 . While exhaling, concentrate the gaze on the point where you feel a pulse. This kanji, or mudra, is the symbol for strength of mind and body. It is said that to be a Ninja, one must first be strong, then know, then dare, then be silent. The Tao Te Ching says, Work is done, then forgotten thus,...