The Nine Training Halls of Ninjutsu
Traditional ninjutsu is divided into nine area of training known as "halls." Each of these
halls, while distinct in itself overlaps with and complements the other eight for a rounded course of study. Ninja trainiees
first familiarize themselves with all nine halls before specializing in a particular hall. Over the course of a lifetime,
a dedicated ninja will master several, if not all nine halls. Although each hall is seperate, each has as its basis the concept
of the shadowhand: techniques whose specific focus is to help the ninja to remain undetected until striking, strike unseen,
and then "vanish" from sight, surviving to strike another day. Each of the nine halls is described below.
Unarmed Combat
At this level, mastery of a basic course of unarmed hand-to-hand fighting is required.
Ninja students are then encouraged to study any and all other styles of martial arts available, glening from each any technique
that might be useful.
When examining other styles of fighting, ninja students are taught to be especially alert
for techniques that qualify as "shadowhand," or those aiding the ninja in striking unseen.
Combat With Wooden Weapons
Various wooden weapons (example; loo-staff, go-short sticks, nunchaku) are taught at this
level. Here, ninja learn valuable shadowhand ploys for disguising the fact that they are carrying weapons.
Combat with Blade Weapons
Here the ninja student masters the use of blade weapons such as the sword, knife, shuriken,
and kama. Again, students are taught to pay special attention to various shadowhand techniques intended to disguise the carrying
and use of blade weapons.
Combat with Flexible Weapons
Flexible weapons (ex; chains, ropes, scarves) are mastered in this hall, along with shadowhand
strategies for hiding and then employing them effectively.
Specialized Combat Training
Specialized movements (ex; rolling, rebounding, shifting, and distinguishing body movements)
are mastered at this level. Here the student learns to apply the concept of the shadowhand to all the tactics and tecniques
taught to him so far.
The Art of Desguise
At this level students learn a variety of methods for disguising themselves. Most
important, students learn shadowhand techniques for disquising and distorting their shape and silhouette to allow them to
approach a foe undetected.
The Art of Espionage
In this hall, students master specific skills designated to aid them in the twofold goal
of espionage: first, the gathering of intelligence, and then when necessary assassination.
The Art of Escape and Evasion
At this level, ninja must learn not only to escape physical restraints but also to master
the shadowhand techniques that permit them to escape from capture and elude pursuers.
The Art of Mysticism
By understanding the beleives and superstitions of foes, ninja are able to use mental
techniques to trick a foe's mind into seeing what isn't there and missing what is. The most important thing to remember
is that the principle of shadowhand applies to all nine halls. Adding shadowhand ploys and positioning to already effective
martial arts tecniques is like adding a coating of deadly poison to an already keen blade.
