Ninjutsu techniques

Ninjutsu Techniques Portal

The AKBAN Ninjutsu Techniques Portal (ポータル忍術) stands as the world's most comprehensive digital archive of authentic Ninjutsu methodologies, and Emotional regulation techniques. Representing decades of meticulous documentation and practice. With over 11,000 techniques systematically organized, this resource preserves the full spectrum of Takamatsu-den (Bujinkan) Ninjutsu, from fundamental movements to advanced combat applications.
What distinguishes this collection is not merely its size, but its commitment to authenticity and practical application. Each technique is documented with attention to both historical accuracy and modern relevance, creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary practice. The techniques are arranged according to multiple classification systems: by traditional school (Ryuha), by technical category (joint locks, throws, strikes), and by practical application (level of violence)—allowing practitioners at all levels to navigate this vast body of knowledge according to their specific needs and interests.
This portal represents a living tradition, constantly evolving through ongoing research and documentation in AKBAN dojos worldwide. As both a historical archive and a practical training resource, it offers unprecedented access to a martial tradition that was once in a risk of being forgotten being closely guarded and transmitted only through direct teacher-to-student relationships.

More than 11000 Ninjutsu techniques are arranged according to Ryuha, type (Joint locks, throws etc.) or level of violence.

How you can use the AKBAN wiki?

The top of the page are Ninjutsu techniques dissected by type: For example, Joint locks, throws, movement, kicks, etc. Two videos and then a list of links. This is done so that you can glimpse into the category without making this page load hundreds of video thumbnails. Because that's what you have here - more than an eleven thousand, Ninjutsu techniques. You can also find this in Hebrew - (פורטל נינג'יטסו).

Scroll below, and you can watch Ninjutsu Kata of every documented Ryu (e.g. Kukishin ryu techniques) that we have documented so far. Again, you can dig deeper using the list of the Ninjutsu techniques in the category. At the very bottom you can watch some current combat research from the AKBAN dojos.

A personal note from Yossi sheriff

The AKBAN Wiki emerged from my commitment to preserving and sharing the depth of knowledge within the Ninjutsu tradition. As the founder of the AKBAN Academy, a student of Doron Navon Shihan, and a Bujinkan shidoshi since earning my Godan in 1991, I've dedicated my practice to understanding and transmitting these arts with integrity.
This documentation project represents a labor of love spanning decades. Beginning with basic equipment and limited resources, we've gradually improved our documentation methods while maintaining an unwavering commitment to accuracy and completeness. The quality of our materials continues to improve, but even our earliest recordings preserve valuable information for practitioners at all levels.
This collection embodies my "slow web" philosophy—a patient, comprehensive approach that prioritizes depth and accuracy over commercial considerations. As a grassroots initiative without a business model to finance it, this work depends on the passion and dedication of the AKBAN community. I welcome additions, corrections, and perspectives from fellow practitioners who share our commitment to preserving and advancing these traditional arts.

Belt and grade syllabus, from Gokyu to Shodan

The AKBAN ranking system preserves the traditional Japanese approach to martial progression while adapting it to contemporary training contexts. Unlike many modern martial arts schools that emphasize rapid advancement, our syllabus emphasizes thorough mastery of fundamental principles before proceeding to more advanced techniques.
The progression from Gokyu (5th level) to Shodan (1st degree black belt) typically represents years of consistent training and encompasses hundreds of techniques across multiple domains of combat. Each rank examination evaluates not only technical execution but also strategic understanding, adaptability, and the integration of philosophical principles into practical application.
This systematic approach ensures that practitioners develop a comprehensive foundation rather than isolated techniques, creating well-rounded martial artists capable of adapting to diverse combat scenarios. The requirements become increasingly demanding with each advancement, requiring students to demonstrate ever more refined understanding of distance, 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

The documented training sessions represent snapshots of AKBAN's practical application of traditional principles in contemporary contexts. One complete training year has been methodically documented week by week, providing a unique window into the systematic development of skills throughout a training cycle.
These archived lessons demonstrate how traditional techniques are adapted to modern training contexts—addressing contemporary self-defense scenarios, exploring applications against modern attack methods, and incorporating current understanding of biomechanics and learning methodologies. While our documentation continues today on a more selective basis, this complete yearly cycle offers valuable insights into the progressive nature of traditional martial arts education.
By preserving these sessions, we offer both students and instructors the opportunity to observe how techniques are introduced, refined, and combined throughout a structured curriculum. This chronological documentation captures not only the techniques themselves but also their pedagogical context—the methodology behind their transmission. This provides a valuable resource for practitioners reviewing material and instructors developing their own teaching approaches, offering a model for how traditional arts can be taught with both historical accuracy and modern relevance.

Stances, Kamae, 構え

Kamae (構え) form the essential foundation of all technical expression 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

The joint manipulation techniques (関節技, Kansetsu-waza) within Ninjutsu represent sophisticated control methodologies refined through centuries of practical application by Japanese warrior classes. These techniques exploit the mechanical vulnerabilities of human anatomy to create pain compliance, immobilization, or structural damage with remarkable efficiency.
What distinguishes traditional Ninjutsu joint locks from similar techniques in other arts is their tactical integration—they are rarely applied in isolation but rather used in combination with strikes, throws, and positional control. This approach reflects their development for battlefield and civilian peacekeeping contexts where reliable control of resistant opponents was essential.
The collection includes locks targeting every major joint system in the body, with variations appropriate for different tactical situations and levels of resistance. From subtle pain-compliance techniques to combat-effective joint destruction methods, these applications represent a comprehensive approach to controlling opponents through structural manipulation.

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.