Do Ninjas still exist?
The answer is both yes and no. While Ninjas, in the historical sense, do not exist today, their legacy and spirit live on through the practice of Ninjutsu and in the ethos of modern covert operators and special forces units worldwide.
Historically, Ninjas were covert agents or mercenaries in feudal Japan, specializing in unconventional warfare, espionage, and assassination. As Japan modernized and the need for their services diminished, the Ninja clans gradually faded into obscurity. However, the core principles and ideologies that guided the Ninja, such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and the prioritization of mission success over personal glory, have endured.,
In the modern world, covert operators and special forces units, such as the U.S. Army's Green Berets, Navy SEALs, or the British SAS, or the L.R.D.G, embody many of the same principles that defined the historical Ninja. These elite units are trained in unconventional warfare, intelligence gathering, and specialized combat techniques, much like their Ninja predecessors. They operate in secret, often behind enemy lines, and prioritize the successful completion of their mission above personal recognition or glory, adhering to the principle of "gains, not glory."
Furthermore, the legacy of the Ninja lives on through the practice of Ninjutsu, the martial art associated with the Ninja. Many martial arts schools and organizations worldwide, such as the Bujinkan, Genbukan, Jinenkan and AKBAN, teach Ninjutsu techniques and philosophies to modern practitioners. These schools aim to preserve the martial arts, strategies, and spiritual teachings of the historical Ninja clans, adapting them to the context of the modern world.
It is essential to understand that modern Ninjutsu practitioners and covert operators are not Ninjas in the historical sense. They do not engage in the same types of missions or lead the secretive lifestyle associated with the Ninjas of the past. Instead, they embrace the Ninja's philosophy of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the prioritization of mission success, applying these principles to their respective roles and responsibilities.
The image of the Ninja has been greatly popularized and romanticized in modern media, contributing to the enduring mystery and allure surrounding the Ninja. While these depictions often exaggerate or distort the historical reality, they have helped to keep the spirit of the Ninja alive in the public consciousness.
In conclusion, while historical Ninjas no longer exist, their legacy and spirit endure through the practice of Ninjutsu, the ethos of modern covert operators and special forces units, and the continued fascination with Ninja culture in popular media. The principles that guided the Ninja, such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and the prioritization of mission success over personal glory, remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
Kuji-in, Kuji Kiri for stress - Emotion regulation with Stance and hand position | AKBAN Detant from AKBAN on Vimeo.