| It is certainly no surprise that Ninjutsu does not have a | | | | possession of the Densho (ancient scrolls) on which |
| clear lineage or history, especially given its dealings with | | | | the original 18 Disciplines were written. Masaaki |
| extreme amounts of secrecy, stealth and escapism. | | | | Hatsumi's ancestry can be drawn back 34 generations |
| More than likely, the early founders of Ninjutsu did not | | | | which may give Ninjutsu authorities and experts some |
| necessarily want many people knowing where this art | | | | clues about who might have originally founded Ninjutsu, |
| came from, considering they were trying to remain | | | | however, it is not likely that a definitive conclusion will |
| concealed and as unobtrusive as possible. We do | | | | be reached in that respect. |
| know, however, that Ninjutsu originated in the country | | | | Ninjutsu has reached a peak in popularity with several |
| of Japan when early mountaineers needed to devise | | | | movies and television shows that are showcasing |
| complex methods of survival. | | | | ninjas and the art of Ninjutsu, such as the comedy |
| As time went on, however, Ninjutsu became more | | | | Beverly Hills Ninja and Kill Bill I and II. Unfortunately, |
| popular of an art and many schools were set up in its | | | | neither of these moves, although well known, paints |
| name in order to teach Ninjutsu and pass on this | | | | Ninjutsu in the best light. True ninjas may find the |
| extremely rare and unique knowledge. During the early | | | | entertainment industry's take on the art form |
| stages of Ninjutsu, a man by the name of Juhakkei | | | | somewhat infuriating or embarrassing, but because of |
| (who was a ninja) studied alongside a man by the | | | | the ninja's secrecy, Hollywood is left to draw its own |
| name of Juhappan (a Samurai warrior) and together, | | | | conclusions. It is quite possible that Ninjutsu's somewhat |
| they each developed two very different and yet | | | | unsavory reputation can be contributed to the |
| similar standards for their respective martial arts. In | | | | entertainment industry as well however, true followers |
| Ninjutsu, these became known as 18 Disciplines and | | | | and Ninjutsu enthusiasts understand Ninjutsu's true |
| formed a standard to which all Ninjutsu schools should | | | | meaning. |
| adhere. | | | | Ninjutsu is not necessarily as practical a martial art as it |
| Another important figurehead in the development of | | | | once was, however, many people still believe it has |
| Ninjutsu was a man by the name of Masaaki Hatsumi. | | | | applications in modern society today. Some people |
| Masaaki Hatsumi is the head of the Bujinkan Dojo and | | | | also believe that the only true way to study Ninjutsu is |
| is one of the few original Bujinkan teachers left, | | | | to study under a ninja master who was schooled by a |
| however, Masaaki Hatsumi was required to modernize | | | | ninja master and so on until an original Bujinkan teacher |
| traditional Ninjutsu to suit the changing and developing | | | | is traced. Either way, Ninjutsu has taken its place |
| needs of the Japanese people. However, Masaaki | | | | among history and society and will not soon be |
| Hatsumi is now considered to be the head figure of | | | | forgotten. |
| Ninjutsu itself, and he is said to actually have | | | | |