It’s best known for its connection to the ninja of medieval Japan but draws equally from classical samurai martial arts as well, and emphasises not just practical combat techniques but a wider philosophy of adaptability, survival and strategy.

HISTORICAL ROOTS
This martial arts was born in the feudal era somewhere between the 12th and 16th centuries, when specialised practitioners in the Iga and Koga regions of Japan developed methods of espionage, reconnaissance and unconventional warfare.

These bushi (warriors) also needed the ability to defend themselves and so developed parallel fighting methods, that later developed into the Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, Gyokko Ryu Koshijutsu and Togakure Ryu traditions of ninpo taijutsu, amongst many others.

INTO THE 20TH CENTURY
Ninpo was largely unknown outside Japan until it was brought to wider attention by Masaaki Hatsumi, founder of the Bujinkan organisation. Hatsumi Sensei, who studied under Toshitsugu Takamatsu, began teaching internationally from the 1970s onwards, helping to preserve and systematise several traditional lineages. During the 1980s, global fascination with ninja culture—driven by films, television and popular media—led to a surge in interest, although this often emphasised myth over historical reality.

NINPO TODAY
In the 21st century, ninpo is practised worldwide as a traditional martial art that blends historical techniques with modern training methods. While no longer connected to its original military role, it continues to be valued for its emphasis on adaptability, personal development and practical self-protection.

Dojo connected to this martial art teach taijutsu/jujutsu as the foundation of their unarmed combat, as well as classical weapons arts such as kenjutsu (sword), bojutsu (6ft staff), jojutsu (4ft staff), hanbojutsu (3ft staff) and more.