MARTIAL ARTS : NINJA 2

Ninja : ENTERING PIVOT

This consists of a short retreat, heel first, without shifting the body weight. It is also the basis for the Iluo Nei Kuo (Capture by Passing) of Tonpo. Practice is most effective when turning the corner.



Fig. 1 -Approach the barrier, press against it, resting the weight forward. Place the near hand by the knee and the back hand close to the face. Slowly lean the head forward and peek around the corner. The lower this is done, the smaller the chances are of being observed.

Fig. 2-Having determined that movement can be accomplished safely, draw the head back out of sight. Step quickly around the corner with the lead foot (in this case the left), placing the heel in the final position shown. The right leg does not move at this point, thus placing one in a wide Horse Stance diagonally against the edge of the building. The back glides around the corner without touching it as the weight is shifted onto the left leg. When the hips have cleared the wall, the right leg is drawn around to close the stance. Press your back to the wall and check to see that this action was not seen before proceeding.

This step also appears in the combat applications of Ninjitsu and is used in much the same manner as the “entering pivot” of Aikido, to grab the enemy’s wrist, lift it above the head, step underneath, turn, and put the opponent in a wristlock.



Ninja : SIDE STEP

Though similar to the Heng Pu (Cross Step) in that movement is directed to the side, Pien Pu is employed to move more slowly in narrow spaces. Its best use comes when passing through a threshold, such as a door.


Fig. 1 -Press your shoulder to the wall, placing the lead hand near the hip and the rear hand near the shoulder. Crouch, and peek around the doorway, noting the position of any occupants or sentries. The lower this is done the more effectively hidden you will be, since most people tend to look and search at eye level first. Key your actions. to the movement of the enemy head by directing your attention to the base of his skull.

Fig. 2 -Withdraw the head, maintaining a slight body pressure against the wall. As quickly and silently as possible, push off with the rear leg (the right in this case), stepping clear across the door opening in one swift motion. This will look like a quick sideways hop, landing on the left leg first. As you cross by this method, glance at the enemy by turning to look over your right shoulder. This is the safest way to pass an open doorway.

Fig. 3 -Having gained a position on the opposite side of the doorway, assume the illustrated position and check around the corner to insure that your movement was not observed.

If one is confronted by an open doorway at night, with light falling across the path, it is preferable to move outside the circle of light, remaining invisible in the shadows.



Ninja : LOST TRACK PIVOT

It consists of two 90-degree side steps, turning the body to face oppositely from its original position. It is taken from the Lost Track Form, an ancient kata (practice form) of the Ninja. During Inpo, it is best employed to dart behind cover; in Tonpo, it may be used to suddenly turn and face the enemy, or to gain a position behind him.


Fig. 1 - Assume the following posture to practice this form. Stand in a basic Horse Stance, knees slightly bent with toes pointing forward, the body lowered slightly, shoulders squared, eyes looking straight ahead. The classic Two Man Exercise of this invisibility technique is to begin standing behind the training partner, completely hidden from view, and tap him on the left shoulder.

Fig, 2 - As he turns to see what touched him, shift your weight over the right foot and lean deeply toward your right forward corner.

Fig. 3 - As he looks back to his right, shift to your left. Drawing the right foot near the left ankle as you duck down to remain out of sight. Keep the shoulders square and hold the head steady. Do not try to keep looking forward, as this will upset your balance. Instead, focus your attention on the base of his skull.

Fig. 4 - As he continues to turn to his right, step forward past him with your right foot. The instant the right foot touches the ground, shift the weight to that side and execute a 90-degree pivot to your left rear corner, by drawing the right foot to the left ankle and stepping out 90 degrees to the right. You now face 180 degrees from your first position. Still behind the opponent.

Fig. 5– As he steps to his rear with his left foot, pursue the enemy and drop your left arm over his head in preparation for applying the Japanese Stranglehold.

Fig. 6 –Wrapping the left arm around his throat, apply the Sleeperhold and render him silently and painlessly unconscious. This technique has been used by soldiers and assassins for centuries to neutralize posted or patrolling sentries.

This is sometimes known as the Spinning Back Pivot, or the Box Step. When employing this technique to duck behind cover, or remain invisible behind an opponent, it is not always possible to make exact angles on these pivots. Only practice will enable you to master this.

The exercise helps develop the legs and balance. It should be practiced by turning five times to the right and five to the left. Each partner taking a turn as the attacker and defender. Mi Lu Pivot is the primary exercise of Ninja invisibility.