Why does everyone like Ninjas so much?

Question

Of all the martial arts, I've noticed that Ninjitsu is one of the most frequently discussed on this board. Whether it's regarding Ninjtsu still being in existence, Ninjas doing Ultimate Fighting (MMA), Ninja clothing, or Ninjas vs. _____ (fill in the blank)...

I'm beginning to think we should petition the mods to create a category based on all things Ninja. What do you think?

Answer 1

People still study Ninjitsu, although it's not quite the same as in ancient Japan. Don't let idiots like Hood_12 fool you. Traditionally, a student of Ninjitsu would study anatomy, espionage, chemistry, toxicology, meteorology, entomology, fighting skills both armed and unarmed etc etc.

Generally, a ninja would have been hired for spying, gathering information, scouting, assassination etc. Most of the traditional teachings/methods have been outdated with modern technology.

A lot of the stories surrounding ninjas are merely folklore. The stories go back hundreds of years. People back then were far more superstitious than nowadays.

For those of you who seem to think that ninjas have something mystical or magical about them, have a look at these web pages. Read it from top to bottom, don't just look at the pictures like Hood_12.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninjutsu

Answer 2

People are 'tripping out' because they don't believe you. Your story has conflicts. You've been driving 10 years, eh? How many collisions? how many moving violations? How often have you had to use full braking force? In other words, how often have you screwed up? For what it's worth, you only "need" power to get you out of a situation you shouldn't have gotten into in the first place. A responsible driver doesn't have a need for power. If you obey the speed limit you are an irresponsible and inconsiderate driver blocking others from traveling at the normal speed of traffic. It is impossible to obey all the traffic laws. Is the bike replacing a car and becoming your sole transportation? If not, then the money you spend on the bike, maintenance, insurance and gas will far exceed any savings from riding vs. driving. You might want to examine your motives for buying a bike, and a 650 to boot rather than a 250 or a 500. Be truthful with yourself rather than offer rationalizations that anyone with any experience can see through.

Answer 3

Probably has more to do with age of the individual asking the question. Anyone involved in martial arts does respect ninjitsu as a true and practical and effective art. But young kids have always been enamored by the stealth and "magic" of the Ninja. I know I was.

Answer 4

Ninjas are cool!

There are some ninja schools today; I've seen videos. But a lot of traditional ninja practices have been lost because nobody really practices it anymore. Nowadays, when people think "ninja" they see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Inuyasha or some cartoon thing like that.
Real ninjas were much meaner and nastier; they were trained to kill people silently and quickly. They didn't waste their time twirling around nunchucks or bo sticks, which is what we see a lot in the movies.

I think both versions are cool. But I wouldn't pay too much attention to it in this category because so few people actually practice it and most of the references to ninjas are fantasy ideas of what people saw on TV or in videogames.

Answer 5

Too many people believe that what they see in movies or on TV is taken as fact, when very little of it is.

there are SOME fact based background on Ninjitsu, but what the directors or producers of these movies or shows use from it is compounded on by the need to make a great story out of the show or movie so they add the special effects or the "artistic expression" value to it and add to the action to make it look cool.

but instead of actually thinking about what really IS feasable; instead people who don't know any better see it as EVERYTHING is fact instead of actually doing some research on the subject.

the techniques in Ninjitsu have been boiled down to ONLY the weaponless defense techniques and sword techniques, the other 17 techniques that were learned hundreds of years ago aren't necessary in today's society.

Answer 6

I blame it on cheesy 80s movies, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ashida Kim, and the overall "mystique" of Ninjitsu.

I blame Naruto as well. That damn show's also helped to create an entire fanbase of skinny dorks who like to run around, thinking they're ninjas who can use chi and whatnot.

Answer 7

Ninjas have the ways of sneaking up on people. You can attempt an attack on someone and really hurt them before you realize what just hit you. Ninja is a "stealth" martial arts. If you practiced ninjitsu then you would understand how remarkable ninjas are.

Answer 8

It's based on ignorance & memory of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. There haven't been Ninjas in many generation. When there were Ninjas, they were more like Mafia hit men than warriors.

Answer 9

because of crap like naruto and inuyasha and 80's ninja craze which produced a large number of garbage action films regarding ninjas, however those movies are great to watch when you are stoned like many cheesy laugh at the cheese movie.

I would prefer it if the mods just banned anyone making questions about it.

Answer 10

Its just the mystique of ninjutsu that fascinates people . Some don't know the difference between Hollywood stuntmen and real ninpo . I like to have a laugh at some of their questions though .