Ninjutsu techniques

The AKBAN Ninjutsu Techniques Portal (ポータル忍術) is our living notebook—a decades‑long effort to film, verify, and cross‑reference every fragment of Takamatsu‑den practice. Inside you’ll find more than 11,000 techniques, from Gyokko Ryū’s subtle sabaki to Kukishin Ryū’s aggressive kata, each matched with clear video, notes, and modern pressure‑testing. Browse the archive your way: by classical school, by meta family—throws, locks, strikes—or by “level of violence” for scenario work. Updated weekly from dojos worldwide, it serves both as museum and laboratory: a place to research lineage and refine today’s training.

How you can use the AKBAN wiki?

The top section organizes Ninjutsu techniques by type: Joint locks, throws, movement, kicks, and more. Each category features two sample videos followed by a list of links. This structure prevents loading all video thumbnails simultaneously while still providing access to our complete collection of over eleven thousand Ninjutsu techniques. A Hebrew version is also available - (פורטל נינג'יטסו).

As you scroll down, you'll find Ninjutsu Kata organized by traditional schools (Ryu), such as Kukishin ryu. Each section includes techniques we've documented so far, with links to explore specific categories in greater depth. At the bottom of the page, you can view recent combat research conducted in AKBAN dojos.

A personal note from Yossi Sheriff

As founder of AKBAN Academy and a Bujinkan shidoshi since earning my Godan in 1991, I created this Wiki to preserve and share Ninjutsu knowledge. What began as a modest documentation project has evolved into an extensive archive spanning decades of practice. Our "slow web" approach prioritizes depth and accuracy, relying entirely on community dedication rather than commercial funding. Fellow fifth degree veterans are contributing to this ongoing preservation effort.

Belt and grade syllabus, from Gokyu to Shodan

The AKBAN ranking system follows strict Japanese martial progression adapted for us. Our syllabus emphasizes mastering fundamentals before advancing to complex techniques. The journey from Gokyu (1st level) to Shodan (fifth level, AKA black belt) requires years of dedicated practice covering hundreds of techniques across multiple combat domains. Each examination assesses technical execution, strategic understanding, and practical application of philosophical principles. This systematic approach develops well-rounded martial artists with comprehensive skills rather than isolated techniques. As students progress, requirements become increasingly demanding, focusing on refined distance management, timing, tactical awareness, and technical precision.

1. 1st level test syllabus
2. 2nd level test syllabus
3. 3rd level test syllabus
4. 4th level test syllabus
5. 5th level (black) test syllabus
6. 6th level requirements
7. 7th level requirements

Training lessons in video from the dojo

These videos document how AKBAN applies traditional principles in modern contexts. We've systematically recorded almost one complete training year week by week, showing the progressive development of skills throughout a full cycle. The footage demonstrates adaptations for contemporary self-defense scenarios, applications against modern attacks, and integration of current biomechanical understanding. While newer documentation follows a more selective approach, this comprehensive yearly archive provides valuable insights into traditional martial arts education. These sessions show how techniques are introduced, refined, and combined in a structured curriculum, serving as a resource for both students reviewing material and instructors developing teaching methodologies that balance historical accuracy with modern relevance.

Stances, Kamae, 構え

Kamae (構え) form the essential foundation of all technical and mental expressions in Ninjutsu. Far more than static postures, these combat stances represent integrated physical and psychological readiness—positioning the body to respond efficiently to threats while maintaining optimal balance, mobility, and defensive coverage.
Each kamae creates specific tactical advantages: optimizing defensive coverage of vulnerable areas, positioning limbs for immediate offensive or defensive action, and creating mechanical advantage for power generation. Understanding the proper application of kamae across various combat situations is essential for effective technique application.
The traditional stances documented here include variations for unarmed combat (Taijutsu), weapons applications, and specialized tactical situations. Mastery of these fundamental positions develops the practitioner's ability to maintain tactical advantage through proper structure, regardless of the specific techniques employed.

Jumonji no kamae - Ninjutsu   Hicho no kamae - Ninjutsu

Joint locks 関節技

Ninjutsu joint manipulation techniques (関節技, Kansetsu-waza) are sophisticated "Low level of violence" control methods refined through centuries by Japanese warriors. These techniques target mechanical vulnerabilities in human anatomy to achieve pain compliance, immobilization, or structural control with minimal effort. Unlike similar techniques in other martial arts, Ninjutsu joint locks are rarely applied in isolation—instead, they integrate with strikes, throws, and positional control, reflecting their development for battlefield and civilian peacekeeping scenarios. Our collection covers locks for all major joint systems, with variations suited to different tactical situations and resistance levels, from subtle compliance techniques to more aggressive combat applications.

Throws, 投げ技

The throwing techniques (投げ技, Nage-waza) preserved in the AKBAN curriculum demonstrate the sophisticated understanding of balance, momentum, and mechanical advantage developed within the Japanese martial tradition. These methods enable a skilled practitioner to overcome even significantly stronger opponents through precise disruption of structural integrity.
Categorized according to their primary mechanical principles—foot techniques (Ashi-waza), hip techniques (Koshi-waza), hand techniques (Te-waza), and sacrifice techniques (Sutemi-waza), this comprehensive collection addresses throwing applications across the full spectrum of combat distances and scenarios.
Unlike the throws in competitive judo, which evolved for sportive application, these techniques retain their combat functionality—integrating with strikes, joint manipulations, and ground control methods to create comprehensive tactical responses. Each throwing technique teaches fundamental principles of balance, timing, and biomechanics applicable across the entire martial system.

Daken, Kicks and punches, 蹴り, 打拳

The striking methods (打拳, Daken) documented in AKBAN's collection represent sophisticated impact techniques optimized for combat effectiveness rather than aesthetic form. These methods extend far beyond basic punches and kicks to include specialized striking surfaces targeting vulnerable anatomical structures.
What distinguishes these traditional striking techniques is their integration with tactical movement, creating opportunities through disruption of the opponent's structure, attention, or positioning. The methodology emphasizes economy of motion, concealment of intention, and precision targeting—principles that enable effective striking even against larger or stronger opponents.
The collection includes fundamental striking methods using hands, elbows, feet, head and knees, along with specialized techniques developed for specific tactical scenarios. Each striking method is presented not as an isolated technique but as part of an integrated tactical approach that combines percussion with other combat methodologies.

Tai Sabaki, movement, break-falls and acrobatics

The movement arts of Ninjutsu form the connective tissue between all other technical aspects of the system. Tai Sabaki (body movement) encompasses evasive movements, strategic repositioning, falling methods (Ukemi), acrobatic movements (Karuwaza), and recovery techniques that allow a practitioner to maintain tactical advantage throughout dynamic encounters.
These movement patterns were developed to address diverse combat conditions—navigating varied terrain, moving efficiently while wearing armor, transitioning between different tactical ranges, and maintaining balance during complex technique execution. Mastery of these fundamental movement principles is essential for effective application of all other techniques in the system.
The collection includes both basic movement patterns for beginning students and advanced methods that enable seamless integration of multiple technical elements. From simple evasive stepping to complex acrobatic maneuvers, these movement arts develop the practitioner's spatial awareness, balance, and tactical mobility.

Kata and Techniques by RYU, 型と技

Kukishin Ryu, 九鬼神流

Kukishin Ryu ("Nine Demons Divine School") represents one of the most comprehensive weapons systems within the Takamatsu-den martial traditions. Founded at the end of the Kamakura period (circa 1336) by Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru, this school preserves battlefield techniques developed by and for professional warriors.
The curriculum is particularly noted for its extensive weapons training, including methodologies for staff (Rokushaku-bo), spear (Yari), halberd (Naginata), sword (Ken), and numerous other traditional implements. The unarmed component (Dakentaijutsu) emphasizes powerful body movement coordinated with precise striking methods.
The kata documented here are organized according to traditional transmission levels—Shoden (beginning), Chuden (middle), and Okuden (inner transmission)—with each level introducing more complex principles and applications. The Kukishin Ryu techniques display distinctive characteristics, including dynamic footwork, powerful hip rotation, and direct tactical approaches that reflect their development for armored combat on battlefields.