A Street Self Defense Tactic From the Art of Ninjutsu - Learn to Fight Using the "Wind" Strategy

In the realm of Ninjutsu - the self-protection andInstead of trying to stop his attacks, use muscle
life mastery system of Japan's ancient Ninjastrength, or charge in, the wind-mode of
families - there are several options available fordefensive response uses what the military calls
controlling a street self defense encounter with a"flanking maneuvers" to avoid and trap the
violent attacker. This article explores one of theseattacker using his own techniques against him.
strategies, known simply as the "wind-mode." ThisThis is the same kind of tactic used by the
strategy involves the use of slippery, evasivebullfighter, who baits the bull, only to take away
body movement, as-well-as techniques designedthe target at the last second - leaving the animal
to trap the assailant with his own moves!open to attack from the side.
Please remember that this is only one possibleBut, unlike conventional fighters who tend to
strategy taken from a system of 5 "elemental""choose" a favorite strategy, tactic, or technique,
models. Also, please note that this same systemthe Enlightened Warrior recognizes his emotional
is not used by all Ninja schools or Ninjutsustate that is occurring naturally in response to his
instructors.assailant's advances. In this light, the wind-mode is
The reality is that the art of Ninjutsu - or Ninpo,not chosen, so much as it is allowed to be the
as it is known in its higher, philosophical anddetermining factor in the tactics and techniques
life-mastery form...chosen.
...is so deep, and has so many different lessons,This natural adaptability, and being "appropriate to
that it is possible to come at it from severalthe given situation," is one of the biggest
different perspectives - and still be right!differences between the Ninja's methods and
This elemental strategy perspective is used as aother conventional martial arts styles and self
means to help students classify and categorizedefense systems. Being "natural," and going with
"like" things for ease of learning. It also allows thethe "flow" of the "natural order of things" is what
astute student to "see beyond" the surface-level,sets the Ninja apart from just about any other
obvious, step-by-step lessons written on thefighter or combatant.
scrolls.And...
And, it is this higher-level mindset - this strategicWhile, ultimately, there is no such thing as a
vision - which separates the high-ranking studentso-called, "Wind technique," there are, however,
who knows a lot of kata, and the master whotechniques, tactics, and strategies that have a
can recreate the entire system of scrolls..."wind-like" essence or quality. And, as such,they
...with just ONE TECHNIQUE!make excellent examples for teaching this
So, for our purposes here, we're going to take avaluable strategic option to students new to the
look at what is often referred to as theart of Ninpo-taijutsu - the unarmed self defense
"wind-mode" of 'evasive' response. This "mode,"method of the Ninja.
or option, as stated previously, is just one of fiveThe following is a list of some of the skills and
strategic options taken from a system within thetactics which might be taught under the "wind"
Ninja's Ninpo-Mikkyo 'secret-knowledge teachings'classification:
which can be used to guide, control, and ultimately1) Turning, evasive, shifting footwork
win in a violent encounter against a bigger,2) Receiving and monitoring using contact with
stronger, faster, and more-skilled attacker.parts of your body against parts of the attacker's
Using this symbolic "view of the world" and it'sbody
different aspects, we can see that the "Wind"3) Swinging strikes
element represents things in a free, open,4) Hooking kicks
nebulous, or gaseous state, or having similar5) etc.
qualities. Things are "wind-like" because of theirAgain, these techniques and skills fit this category
essential nature - not because we decided to callbecause of their common characteristics of
them "wind-like.".circular or arcing movement, or "receiving" and
The best example of this "wind-element" found inadapting nature - not for random, arbitrary
nature is, of course - the wind itself. Constantlyreasons.
shifting and changing, unpredictable, and able to beOther self defense tactics that fit this elemental
as soft and gentle as a Spring breeze, or as wild"concept" include such things as:
and ferocious as a hurricane - not because the1) Breakfalls and other ukemi-jutsu ("receiving
wind "chooses to be," but because it is this way -body skills")
naturally.2) Last-second timing shifts, and "mirroring" of the
Within the human body, the wind element isassailant's movement, and...
represented by our respiration - our breath.3) the use of the assailant's energy against him
Mentally, it is our open-mindedness and intellect.Even the use of the wind itself, in the form of
And on an emotional and spiritual level, the wind isblowguns, or blowing in the assailant's ear as you
symbolic of our sense of sacrifice for others andpass by, work to tip the odds in your favor.
our "care-free" nature.Again, the use of the Godai, 5-element system, is
In a fight situation, the wind strategy appears asan expedient - a convenient system by which to
we shift and constantly change what we showaid the student of Ninjutsu in learning all of the
our assailant to keep him off-guard and unsure. Ittechniques, tactics, and strategies this art has to
is our ability to slip, evade, and avoid his attackingoffer, in the quickest, easiest, and shortest
limbs, and our ability to adapt and receive hisamount of time possible.
pushes, grabs, shoves, and attempts to throw us.So...