Thank you for inquiring about the Arts of Ninjitsu (Ninjutsu). Truly these arts are wonderful - but only when a proper guide is available to teach authentic arts. If you are not close to the Temple of the Full Autumn Moon in the San Diego area, I would like to address the issue of where you may find the Arts of Ninjitsu in other parts of the country or the world.

     I am sorry to say that the Saito family of the Shorinjin Ryu Saito Ninjitsu is no longer teaching - Mr. Saito and his two sons, Mark, Jr. and Hans have no formal school and are involved in other enterprises. There are only a few other authentic Saito Ninjitsu schools. They include one in Hilo, Hawaii (Sam Ishigo), and Sam also has a student teaching in Honolulu. Ron Johnson (an old colleague at the early school) has recently called me and mentioned that he is teaching a few students in the San Jose, California area. My school, the Temple of the Full Autumn Moon, in San Diego, is the only full time Saito Ninjitsu school anywhere and the only one taught by a Saito Ninjitsu master. I have gotten wind of a few former students who have "overstepped"; themselves and are teaching some of Saito's techniques. These are, unfortunately, embellishing their credentials and their experience - Beware!

     The only other Ninjitsu schools I would even recommend are those who can prove that they are in good standing with either the Bujinkan of Masaaki Hatsumi of Nodashi (Atago) Japan, or the Genbukan of Shoto Tanamura. Again, several people have taken "a little" and have tried to stretch it a long way in claiming their credentials to teach these arts. Ronald Holt, who is affiliated with Tanamura, or Regina Brice, who I know personally to be a favorite of Hatsumi Sensei, are better voices on behalf of those traditions. They may both be reached through the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Michael de Marco, Editor; that is, of course, if they wish to be reached.

     Over the years, many of my students have had to move away and have asked my advice on how best to continue their training. For those who are serious about Ninjitsu over, say, the studio arts of Tae Kwon Do, Karate or "Gong Fu," I usually recommend Aikido or Kodakan or Kodenkan Judo. These arts are certainly not Ninjitsu, but the principles of Aiki and Judo are important elements of Ninjitsu, far more so than Karate or kickboxing. These arts still best represent Bugei over the "Americanized Market Arts." Even so, the right teacher is often more important than the right art. If you find the one who exemplifies your standards, and inspires you, then don't hesitate - the True Art is not found in the techniques but in the teaching.

Best wishes in your journey. . .

With Aloha,
Kawika