KURAI KOTORI NINJUTSU
Ninjutsu is used as an alternative to direct combat. The Ninja is a unique breed of soldier who applies their craft from the shadows, relying on trickery over brute strength. A Ninja receives training in many different fields so as to prepare them to face every conceivable danger during the course of their lives. In effect, the Ninja is a “Jack of all trades” when it comes to training. Being taught to rely on their ingenuity, the Ninja’s methods alter to fit each situation as it occurs. This is what makes them so effective in combat. They are completely unpredictable.
UNARMED FIGHTING SKILLS
The Ninja’s fighting skills are taught in a series of Elemental responses involving Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Celestial. Each of these elements are invaluable to the students arsenal. Each element helps to develop a certain aspect of the student’s ability to fight. From the earth the student learns to develop their might. From the water the student learns to develop their cunning. From the fire the student learns to develop their ferocity. From the wind the student learns to develop their dexterity. From Celestial the student learns to allow the four elements to unite with natural elegance. Being versatile in all five methods of fighting gives the student the ability to utilize whichever element is most appropriate to each given situation. Once the student determines the main attribute used by their opponent, they can decide which of the elements will best serve them.
ACROBATICS
The Nin-Karuwazashi (ninja-acrobat) must learn to use every bit of knowledge about the arts of gaining a more dexterous body. Only by gathering all the information possible and constantly reviewing it can the student increase their knowledge of the body and how to improve its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses.
The reason the Kurai Kotori warrior strives for the ability to maneuver their body on such an extreme level is because of their desire to attain a type of exoteric (physical) enlightenment. If the student can attain such excellence, they would have very few limitations to hinder them while traveling the path to esoteric (spiritual) enlightenment.
Acrobatic techniques give the Ninja the ability to effectively respond when knocked off balance, the ability to attack with exotic maneuvers and the ability to move more fluidly in ground fighting situations. Acrobatic techniques include; Ukemiwaza (breakfall techniques), Kaitenwaza (rolling techniques), Tobiwaza (leaping techniques), Tetobidasuwaza (handspring techniques), Kuki kaitenwaza (air roll techniques), Hakariwaza (balance techniques) and Suwariwaza (ground fighting.
WEAPONRY SKILLS
Weaponry training is of vast importance to the Ninja. This is because of the fact that a great deal of the Kurai Kotori system is devoted to researching all aspects of weapon technique and practical application. The student seeks this indepth knowledge in order to maintain the legacy left to them by their ancient forerunners. Feudal Ninja were said to be proficient in every weapon that was ever made available to them. Whether this is a fact or not is better left to historians. The Kurai Kotori warrior however, will strive to carry on this legacy with a resolute spirit, bringing honor to the ghosts of the past.
Beyond their combative applications, the practice of weaponry enhances the student on many levels. First and foremost it instills personal growth in the warrior arts. Secondly, weaponry skills endow the student with a deeper awareness of their kinetic abilities. Lastly, since weaponry skills are complex, they require a deep sense of patience and perseverance, which in turn leads to greater benevolence.
The Kurai Kotori Nin-Buki (weapon skills) are very indepth. Only by learning the art of the sword along with the nine primary weaponry systems (shurikenjutsu, bojutsu, chotojutsu, kusarijutsu, kamajutsu, sojutsu, torinawajutsu, hankyujutsu, fukidakejutsu) and the five auxiliary weaponry systems (ketsugo-buki, kakushi-buki, semmon-buki, mitsu-buki, teppo-buki) can the student be viewed as being complete. All of this knowledge, when properly deciphered, manifests within the student, giving them the ability to turn anything at hand into a lethal instrument. This is the destiny of the Kurai Kotori weapon master.
