Adult Class: 15 years old and above. This is the Ninjitsu course and includes the following:
Ground work: (Ukemi) Brake falls, rolling, flipping, ground techniques, suwari waza.
Empty hand arts: (Tai Jutsu / Atemi): punching, kicking, takedowns, locks, immobilization and includes Jujutsu and Aikijutsu principles (as a beginning foundation), and the specialized arts of Shinkeido and Fushido, Koppo and others.
Traditional Dances: There are several Traditional Dances which are exclusive to Saito Ninjitsu. These rare and totally functional dances have many levels which begin as physical practice forms and at advanced levels become the keys to the psychic level of the true warrior spirit.
Weapons Training: Our school teaches several classical weapons from both the Samurai and Ninja traditions, such as:
Nunchaku (Rice Flail)
Sai (Trudgen)
Kama (Scyth)
Kusarigama (Scyth and Chain)
Manrikigusari (Weighted Chain)
Bo (Staff)
Yari (Spear)
Eda Yawara
Hanbo (Half-staff)
Jo (40+ inch staff)
Hojo (fighting cord)
Shuriken/Shaken (Throwing Blades)
Tonfa (Mill Handle)
Kenjutsu (Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship)
Also taught are many improvised weapons. We teach the rare Saito art of Tengu Kenjutsu (double spinning swordsmanship) a trademark particular to the Saito Clan and found nowhere else in the world and can only be properly learned in an authorized Saito cchool. These arts are offered only to those who have demonstrated the physical and emotional maturity to respond to the discipline of training. The decision to teach weapons to children under 18 years of age will be a joint one among teacher, parents and student. Additionally we do not "Spar" nor do we include Tournament Fighting as part of our curriculum and grading process.
Obstacle Course Training: We are currently developing and building a specialized obstacle course to augment in-class training and develop each student's physical stamina, agility, balance, confidence and trust.
Belt Ranking follows the Five Element Philosophy that is deeply rooted within Ninjutsu. Each major belt represent an element. Students progress from:
White Belt (Chi-Earth): Introduction Phase=Students learn to center themselves through proper breathing and root themselves physically, mentally and emotionally while building a strong physical foundation utilizing Aikijujutsu principles and techniques.
Green (Sui-Water): Ninjutsu Phase Begins=Students develop relaxed, natural and flowing movement through taijutsu or Body Art, (kata=forms, waza=techniques).
Senior Green (Bo-Wood a sub-element): Introduction to wooden weapons
Blue (Fu-Wind): Intermediate Level Training. Introduction of flexible weapons and Samurai Kenjutsu
Senior Blue (Jin-Metal a sub-element): Introduction to metal weapons
Brown (Ka-Fire): Students learn to develop their fighting spirit. Throwing and other weapons introduced.
Black Belts (Mu-Void): Advanced Training Begins
At advanced levels students are introduced to the Dim Mak (poison hand or death touch as it is sometimes called) applications within all waza (techniques) and dances (kata) as well as the associated recovery methods. At this level the Black Belt Student may be invited to learn a much older art that directly influenced the Saito Ancestors which they development of their style of ninjutsu. The art of Won Hop Loong Chuan (the current name of this art).
There are no fees for testing, belt rankings or certificates.
ADULT NINPO PROGRAM
Adult Class: 15 years old and above. This is the Ninjitsu course and includes the following:
