KUROSHINOBI RYU HTTP://NINJUTSU.YOLASITE.COM/ Issue 1 1

November 2012

"ONLY THE STRONGEST FISH DARE SWIM IN DEEP WATERS" NOVEMBER 2012 THIS ISSUE

Welcome. This is our first issue of ANM: American Ninja Magazine. America Ninja Magazine is the official magazine of American Ninjutsu: Shinobi-do and the3 KuroShinobi Ryu http://ninjutsu.yolasite.com/ . As our ryu continues to grow, so won’t the magazine- and you can help. Do you have a technical article on one of the 9 Traditions of the ryu? Please feel free to submit those articles regularly. Our goal is to provide a technical professional journal for those in ninjutsu. ANM is free so feel free to download it and share it with your friends.

Publisher: Pat Mitchell

KSRnyc@yahoo.com

The proper way to throw a punch

How to become a Ninja

Yoga Breath

The Bug-out-bag

What you can expect in this month’s issue of ANM

by [Article Author]

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 2

The legendary image of the ninja is not just one born of movies and popular culture. In Japanese history, the ninja waged a stealth war against oppression and abuses by the ruling class. Today, learning ninjitsu self-defense techniques and ninja weapons is done for health, hobby, and self-protection. Ninja training, however, is not as easy to find as other martial arts. This could be due to the specialized nature of the art. Basically, not all that many people know this legendary martial art, which means it, may seem a little tough to learn it.

But, this does not mean you will be unable to learn the art and learn it effective. Here are three options for ninja weapons and self-defense training:

Find a qualified instructor within a reasonable driving distance. The term reasonable will be up to you. If the closest instructor is a two-hour

drive away, you will need to make the commitment to travel such a distance. Even if you only train at the school one day a week, then do so! One lesson is more than enough to develop an insight into the art. Private lessons would be better but group sessions can prove highly effective as well. The key is you will need to practice what you learn during the time period in between lessons. Just be sure to be consistent with your weekly training session and practice times outside of class.

Purchase excellent books and DVDs that provide solid instruction on the subject of ninja weapons and self-defense training. Books or DVDs that offer much needed insight into how to effective train in the art can provide the perfect supplementary information needed to expand your awareness and skills in the art. Over the past two decades, some excellent material has been published and produced on the subject of ninja weapons and training.

Acquiring these excellent resource materials could prove to be the wisest move to make when seeking to learn the art outside of class times.

Start a small training group with dedicated people. You cannot always solo train. You will need to work out with others. Organizing and running such a training session could prove to be a great help in terms of expanding you awareness and skill in the art. Even if you do not have access to the aforementioned group class or formal instruction, you could employ proper practice group to expand your ability lean the art and ninja weapons. There may, in fact, be formal distance learning programs that you can enroll in which could provide the guidance for the actual training sessions. Again,

consistency is the key here are that will prove to be a must when you want to learn the basics of ninja training.

These three options for learning ninja weapons and self-defense can prove to be more than sufficient for those hoping to get the most out of the learning process. Ultimately, success with learning this art will be reliant upon your commitment and desire to follow through with your training and be consistent. Follow this advice and you will reap the great rewards!

Troy Macraft is the Chief Editor for The MMA Zone. Troy has been in the martial arts since he was 3 and now is a black belt in 6 different styles including ninjitsu and ninja weapons. If you enjoyed this article about the ninja and would like to read more about ninja shoes go to The MMA Zone.

Article Source: http://art.ezinemark.com/become-a-ninja-3-options-for-ninja-training-16de95ad5b7.html

Become A Ninja: 3 Options For Ninja Training by Troy Macraft

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 3

HOW TO USE A LENSATIC COMPASS

By Kenny Leones

A compass is an instrument used by people when they have to navigate a particular area. The mechanism of a compass is possible because of the earth's magnetic field. A common compass has a magnetized needle or pointer placed in a face that looks similar to a clock. The face has the four directions - North, South, East and West. Other compasses will include the secondary directions like northeast, southeast and so on.

A lensatic compass is a type of compass that consists of a magnetized dial and not the usual simple needle. It is the magnetized dial that indicates the directions and the compass' face contains the numbers that indicates more specific directions. A lensatic card is always joined to it. The lensatic card lets the user to view the results from the compass without looking down directly at the face of the compass. These parts of the compass are important when learning how to use a lensatic compass. A protractor is also

needed when checking with the map.

The lensatic compass has a circumference that is divided to 6,400 units and is measured as: One unit = one meter of separation at 1000 meters of distance, and, One mil = one yard at 1000 yards (military system).

Here are simple tips for beginners on how to use a lensatic compass:

In using a compass when getting a bearing, the user should unfold the upper cover so that the lensatic compass is positioned at 90 degrees angle. The lensatic lens should be raised at a 45-degree angle. Be sure that the thumb hook is pointed down.

Place the thumb in the compass hook so it would remain steady. Face the object which is the target then place in the center its sighting wire.

Read and interpret the degree indicators in the compass card while holding the compass toward the direction of the target object.

A user can do this by carefully moving the compass lens upward and downward. The bearing could be read in degrees or through military system.

In setting a bearing with the lensatic compass, make sure that the target object is faced by the person holding the compass. The moving marking should be turned and aligned with the magnetized north as seen in the compass card.

If the directions are determined via the magnetized north and the markings, the compass will provide the user familiarity to the place being navigated.

In following the bearing of a compass, the user who is already familiar with the directions must pick a marker from a distance and set it as a reference point during travel. In case the reference point becomes out of sight (possible causes could be thick clouds, trees, fog, etc.), the user should stick to the bearing given by the compass. In few occasions, it is advisable to determine the current direction and location by getting another bearing to the reference point.

As a beginner who is just studying on how to use a lensatic compass, please spend some time getting familiar with the compass and do not try out immediately in an unfamiliar territory such as forests. Once able to follow the simple tips on how to use a lensatic compass, a traveler would be more confident trekking the woods, forests and mountains

Article Source: http://compass.ezinemark.com/how-to-use-a-lensatic-compass-4f4fcd6e933.html

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 4

Implement the power of 7/10 and True Fist to improve striking. By Professor Christopher Bashaw

Kumite is often demonstrates brutal striking alongside kicks and grappling. When it comes to placing that strike what can you do to improve both technique and power? No matter how long you have studied martial arts, and no matter what your base art is, it always behooves us to return to basics and strengthen our foundation. Punching and striking is something we all get content with, and in turn sloppy with. We should periodically ask our self if our strikes are as strong as they could be, or if our form is as clean as it could be. An improperly executed strike not only can be ineffective within the executed technique, but can also cause physical damage to the one implementing it.

True Fist

By getting back to basics, let’s focus on the actual punch; a punch is blow to our opponent that is accomplished with the fist. The types of punches thrown vary from style to style within the martial arts, but the most effect and adaptable punch I have ever seen, regardless of the art or system, is the ‘True Fist’ or seiken as it is known in traditional Okinawan martial arts. The ‘True Fist’ method allows for the alignment of the first two

knuckles of the fist, with the bones in the forearm -maximizing the actual structure of the strike’s impact… minimizing the risk of personal injury. Many who throw punches do so incorrectly, cracking their ring finger and pinky knuckles, often resulting in an orthopedic fracture (known traditionally as a boxer’s break). The ‘True Fist’ minimizes that risk and should be part of every fighter’s arsenal.

To make a ‘True Fist’, begin by extending all four fingers and pressing them tightly together. Curl your fingers to that their tips now touch their base. Continue to curl the hand, as the finger tips clamp tightly into the palm. Fold your thumb down across the center of your index and middle fingers. Be sure to keep the thumb curled tightly in this position, preventing possible injury. (Figure 1)

Figure 1

It is the strong knuckles of the index and middle finger that form the actual strike region of the

punch and align the impacting knuckles with the bones of the forearm. Between strikes, feel free to slightly relax the fist, but be sure not to allow the little finger to loosen; and be sure to re-tighten the fist prior to the next strike.

Those throwing a front punch, sometimes called a front two knuckle punch, many extend the fist horizontally which is considered to be acceptable execution, but if one actually relaxes and allows for the natural extension of the hand to propel itself forward, the fist in turn will actually move to a 45 degree angle at the point of impact. (Figure 2). The latter is the preferred method, as it follows the natural law of the body’s movement.

‘True Fist’ can be applied to all closed fist strikes to include the back two knuckle punch (an upside down front punch often associated with an upper cut) (Figure 3), and the thrust punch which is a front punch turned on its side and projected forward (Figure 4). A back fist, a thrust punch moving from center to the lateral (Figure 5), and a hammer fist, (Figure 6) in essence a thrust

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 5

punch where the force is directed downward and impact is at the bottom of the clenched fist using action similar to a swinging of a hammer, should both incorporate the ‘True Fist’ as well.

When one first tries ‘True Fist’, it may feel awkward initially, but the benefits far outweigh that initial clumsiness. It simply is a matter of practice and consistency, and over the years of conditioning when not making ‘True Fist’, that is what becomes uncomfortable to the

practitioner.

Push/Pull- executing the technique of the punch

Other than the correct position of the fist associated with the desired strike, achieving the correct ‘push/pull’ is also critical. The concept of 7/10 is a critical concept in executing a proper strike, or for that matter a kick, block as well. 7/10, most simply put, can be explained as the principle and science of implementing the strike. Think of when you perform a strike; you have two arms …and one projects away from the body toward the target. That projecting arm extends away from the core at a speed of 7 and retracts back at the speed of 10. ‘Push/pull’ is pushing one arm out and pulling the other back to center; when combined it is the push hand, extending at the speed of 7, and the pull hand returning at the rate

of 10 that is 7/10.

7/10 when properly executed (Figure 7) with timing, distancing, and proper body alignment can effectively turn a fight into a quick victory. Practice 7/10 with drills, even when running forms in order to perfect understanding with the concept. Apply 7/10 to your kicks, strikes, when using weapons, and even your blocks (remember, a block is a strike and a strike is a block). Try this: perform the actual block with the force of seven… when you make contact immediately settle with the force of ten… observe your opponents reaction.

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 6

Practice should go without saying; the more one practices, the more natural and without thought the intended action will become. Your martial arts should be done without conscious thought and be second nature, and that begins with basics. But this will never happen unless we practice outside of class; so attend class and learn from your teacher, but return home to perfect those lessons.

Professor Christopher J. Bashaw is a life-long New Hampshire resident, receiving black belts in several systems, and a World Martial Arts Hall of Fam, Action Magazine Hall of Honors, and World Karate Union Hall of Fame Inductee. Professor Bashaw specializes in Esoteric Martial Arts and is a Jonin in the Kuroshinobi Ryu: he can be contacted at master_tenbu@hotmail.com .

Looking for articles on the Art of Invisibility.

See article submission

http://ninjutsu.yolasite.com/

Ninja Facts

The Ninja Uniform

As neat as the ninja uniforms in the ninja movies look, in reality ninjas didn't have a "uniform." They wore whatever clothes everyone else wore at the time. What we think of as ninja outfits were actually all-black clothes that stage hands in Kabuki Theater wore so as not to be seen during the performances. When Kabuki began to put on performances about ninjas in the 1800's they made the ninja characters wear the stage hand outfits because they looked stealthy. So when you wear a "ninja outfit" you're basically dressing like the interns to the theater of ancient Japan.

Ninja Nutrition

When they were on the move ninjas primarily dined on "katayaki", a dense, calorie-filled cookie. "

Shuriken (throwing stars) are used to kill at a distance

Shuriken primarily are used as secondary weapons - to slash or stab. When they are thrown, it is normally to cause a distraction. Shuriken come in two varieties: Hira-shuriken (infamous ninja star) which were originally household items (such as washers and coins that were used to distract : they were not usually sharp), and Bo-shuriken which are straight spikes measuring up to 21cm in length. These too were also originally household items (as were most ninja weapons) such as chopsticks or hairpins.

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 7

HTTP://NINJUTSU.YOLASITE.COM/

Looking for articles ANM is looking for articles on traps and explosives.

Healing Arts Do you have an article on a technical aspect of a healing or restorative art? Share it in American Ninja Magazine.

We want to publish your article.

Mail Articles to Pat Mitchell, Publisher ANM

KSRnyc@yahoo.com

Subject:

ANM Article Submission

Every feature submitted to ANM must be between 700 and 1000 words in length. We do take longer articles occasionally if they are so tightly argued there is no fluff and no way to make their insightful points more briefly. All submissions must be in Microsoft Word format or RTF. The system cannot handle PDFs. All articles must be in English.

Before submitting an article, ask yourself the following question: “Does the content fit American Ninjutsu”? The goal of our magazine is to create an ongoing community of discourse that grows over the years. So please do read AMN and visit our sister website at http://ninjutsu.yolasite.com/ before trying to write for us! The article must (even loosely) fit into any one of the 9 traditions of the ryu. Writers do not have to be members of the ryu, but understand members will always have priority printing.

All photos and articles must be owned by the writer and will remain the intellectual property of the writer. We are unable to compensate other than publishing the article.

KUROSHINOBI RYU HTTP://NINJUTSU.YOLASITE.COM/ Issue 1 1

KUROSHINOBI RYU HTTP://NINJUTSU.YOLASITE.COM/ Issue 1 1

Today, we are bombarded with stress inducing factors that truly takes a toll on our way of breathing. Our lack of physical activities, constant stress due to responsibilities, work, traffic and others lead to a seriously unhealthy lifestyle and shallow breathing.

Pranayama yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on proper breathing techniques and controlling breath. Breath is our body’s most vital source of energy. Without breath and air, we cease to exist. This type of yoga helps us learn how to utilize our lungs to its full capacity and drive in the much needed oxygen into our blood, body and brain.

Health Benefits of Pranayama

Pranayama yoga has grown in popularity recently due to its undeniable health benefits. Yogatic principles put high regards on to breathing and breathing control. Every form of yoga dedicates a session or two of learning proper breathing.

Breathing control begins with inhaling deeply from the lower stomach or the belly button area. Then, the breathing process goes up to the lower chest regions and then on the lower portions of the rib cage. The air should stop by the throat right below the sternum.

The key to acquire all benefits of pranayama is to perform slow undisturbed breathing. As you exhale the air, make sure that the air passes through the same route that it came in. The air should leave the lower throat, down to the chest and to the lower belly.

Deep and long breathing can certainly improve the parasympathetic nervous functions.

Actively getting involved can significantly lower the blood pressure, improve bodily functions, and other benefits of pranayama yoga. It can provide remedy serious problems and damages in bodily systems including reproductive, digestive and immune systems.

Another one of the benefits of pranayama helping individuals relieve stresses in their life. Practitioners of this yoga learn how to concentrate on the positives instead of the negatives. Slower and deeper breathing can bring total relaxation to the mind. And as the yogee let go of his thoughts slowly, pranayama yoga develops the person’s ability to totally focus. In time, the practitioner achieves calmness and peace.

Other Benefits of Pranayama

Pranayama Yoga is certainly the best exercise to lessen the depression and stress. In order to achieve the benefits of pranayama completely, make sure you practice this with other exercises. Breathing will be the prime focus and when prolonged

to extended timeframes can totally improve ones health.

If this is your first time to perform pranayama or any type of yoga, join a professionally supervised class first. Beginners should always be supervised by experts to ensure that they are doing exercises properly and without feeling any negative effects. No matter how healthy the benefits of pranayama yoga is, doing it incorrectly may cause serious negative effects. You must also be prepared as according to the instruction of your teacher. Indeed, the benefits of pranayama yoga can help you achieve inner peace and total relaxation.

Article Source: http://yoga.ezinemark.com/pranayama-yoga-7d33bc65a8c2.html

Learning Pranayama yoga enables you to feel better about yourself and life as a whole. These benefits of pranayama allows practitioners to relieve stress and anxiety as well as live a healthier lifestyle.

KUROSHINOBI RYU HTTP://NINJUTSU.YOLASITE.COM/ Issue 1 1

What is a Bug Out Bag? By Caleb Rogers

A bug out bag is an emergency gear kit you can build and keep ready to go at a moment's notice if disaster comes your way. Why do you need one? Simply put, because no one is going to come and rescue you. When disaster strikes, there will be too much going on, and too few resources for any government agency to take care of everyone. Don't depend on them. Instead, build a bug out bag and take care of yourself and your family.

A bug out bag, sometimes called a "Go Bag," is just a bag that you have packed with emergency gear. A backpack is typically used, because it's really easy to carry, but shoulder bags and duffel bags can be used too. You'll need to fill it with enough gear to get you through three days, at which time you should be in a safer location -- away from the disaster. That's really why it's called a bug out bag...because you use it to bug out of the area.

What Kinds of Things Should You Put in Your Bug Out Bag?

Think of the basic necessities first, and then go from there. You'll need items like food, water,

first aid supplies, something to keep you warm and dry, and similar items. Soap is important, and should be in your first aid supplies. Beyond the basics that everyone will need, you should pack items that you, personally, will need. I'm talking about medication, important documents, feminine hygiene products, and anything else that you will really need to have with you in a disaster situation.

Where Should You Keep a Bug Out Bag?

The best place to keep your emergency gear is to place it where you can get to it quickly.

In your home, it's best to put it somewhere both easy to get to, and out of the way. A closet or under a bed are both good places. Just take a look at your own place and figure out the best place to put it. Just make sure you can get to it if you have to. Don't put it in a closet and then pile a bunch of junk on it over the coming months. If you ever need it, your bag will be hard to get to.

Additional Considerations

How many people live in your household, and do they have any special needs? Kids, the elderly, dogs, and so on will need special considerations. You might need to pack a gear kit for them and carry it, or just make a kit for

them that they can carry. Pay attention to everyone under your care, and plan accordingly.

If you are out away from your home a lot, you should consider putting a kit in your car. Your trunk is a great place to put some more emergency supplies, and it won't weigh you down like an extra heavy backpack.

A bug out bag is a simple way to be prepared and keep some measure of comfort if disaster strikes in your area. Be prepared and build a bug out bag.

Article Source: http://bag.ezinemark.com/what-is-a-bug-out-bag-4f3c4d4b131.html

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 11

KuroShinobi Ryu- Shinobi-do Genin: Self Defense Foundations for

the Beginning Ninja

Authored by Dr Pat Mitchell PhD

The KuroShinobi Ryu- Shinobi-do is a unique neo-ninjutsu system for

the 21st century. Within these pages are the pivotal foundation for

Genin (beginners) as regards to self-defense basics of the system. A

must for any martial artist.

http://ninjutsu.yolasite.com/

Publication Date:

Oct 31 2012

ISBN/EAN13:

1480204285 / 9781480204287

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 12

AMERICAN NINJUTSU: SHINOBI-DO | Issue 1 13