The Kage Dojo 

The Kage Dojo features Ninjutsu,

 a martial art for those looking for realistic self

 defense, weapons training and self

development.

A martial art with an ultimate goal, that all people live in harmony with nature and the people, plants and animals that live in it. The methods of this martial way, or “Budo,” are not only designed for self-perfection, but they are also a practical system for self-protection.

The warrior's techniques and strategies directly translate from the classical Japanese Samurai Sword arts. These sword principles harmoniously mirror the unarmed principles of “Jujutsu” and “Jutaijutsu.” The character “Ju” translates to gentle, subtle or flexible. True power lies in flexibility because it is ultimately a more harmonious response to an aggressor’s attack. Guiding principles in this action of nonresistance would be: “when pushed - pull and turn; when pulled - push and turn.” The Ninja method truly uses the momentum and force of the opponent’s attack to create opportunity for the warrior to gain a tactical advantage and eventual victory.

Victory is desirable, yet the ultimate goal of Ninjutsu is the improvement of the quality of peoples’ lives. This is studied through the pursuit of personal perfection through form. Every activity in the dojo is a practice in mindfulness. This type of mindfulness or “awareness of self” cultivates and refines the human spirit. In our martial art this introspection is intended to refine the warrior within each of us.

An important part of study is “Musubi,” or connection and harmonious interaction. To study Ninjutsu is to explore this harmony. We must establish a connection mentally and physically without conflict. To connect with our training partner in practice is an illustration of the bonds we create with the people and world we live in. The warrior seeks to accept or receive this connection with reverence and harmony without attempting to negate the natural flow of movement. This is not just a philosophical principle, but a physical one as well. The practitioners must apply this to all the techniques of Ninjutsu.

Training methods

Like the hammer of the sword smith crashing down repeatedly on the hot steal of a forged blade, training methods should encourage the warrior to refine and discover his or her limits.  “Shugyō,” or repetitive austere training is designed to push the warrior’s body and mind in 12-hour training sessions.  This “Gyō,” or repetition, is not intended to defeat the warrior.  It is designed to strengthen the spirit, cultivating the courageous fortitude to continue on in times of adversity. 

This training philosophy integrates the principle of “Nin” from “Ninjutsu,” which is the Japanese character for perseverance.    A wise man once said “modern man can drift through life never knowing if he is a coward or not.”  Modern life is comfortable, causing a weakening of spirit.  Shugyō gives the warrior a glimpse at his or her potential.  It is one philosophy of the Kage Dojo that Shugyō training will help unleash the potential that lays dormant in the deepest recesses of our being.

In addition to regular Shugyō training, practitioners are expected to consistently study methods of striking, throwing, joints locking, and mastery of several weapons, including:

• Sword
• Knife
• Kusari Fundo (chain and flexible objects)
• Bo staff
• Hanbo
• Etc.