Togakure Ryū Ninpō Forest Training Program

Authentic Ninjutsu Amid the Blooming Cherry Trees

Amid a forest carpeted with soft cherry-blossom petals, you are invited to experience the true art of Ninjutsu.

With a lineage of over eight centuries, Togakure Ryū Ninpō is a living tradition where nature itself becomes the dojo—every tree, every stone, every breeze a silent teacher.

1. Opening and Inner Balance

• Mokuso & Fudoshin Breathing – Quiet meditation to calm the mind and merge with the forest.

• Kuji-in / Kuji-kiri – Symbolic hand seals and mantra to awaken inner strength.

2. Body Preparation and Agility

• Natural Warm-up – Mindful walking, dynamic stretching, animal-style movements.

• Taihenjutsu – The art of silent falls, rolls, and fluid, noiseless movement.

3. Fundamental Techniques

• Dakentaijutsu & Jutaijutsu – Striking, throwing, and controlling an opponent.

• Nuki-ashi & Ashidō-suri-ashi – Classic ninja stepping methods for stealth.

4. Traditional Weapons

• Hanbō & Bokken – Staff and wooden-sword practice adapted to natural terrain.

• Shuriken-jutsu – The refined art of blade throwing.

• Tantō & Kusarifundō – Close-range and flexible-weapon defense.

5. Togakure Ryū Secret Disciplines

• Shinobi-iri – Infiltration and camouflage.

• Suijutsu – Silent movement on and through water.

• Tenmon & Chimon – Reading the stars, winds, and natural signs for orientation.

• Intonjutsu – Disappearance and escape techniques.

6. Historical Training Methods

Ancient scrolls describe these rare, time-honored drills, all part of our program:

• Yokobashiri no Kunren – Sideways wall-hugging sprint.

• Takageta de Kōri no Ue o Aruku – Balancing across ice in tall wooden clogs.

• Yubi o Kitaeru – Finger-strength conditioning for grip and climbing.

• Mizuoke o Katsugu – Carrying heavy water buckets to build endurance.

• Tobikeri Jutsu – Powerful leaping kick.

7. Early Training from Childhood

Tradition holds that the ninja path begins young. Classic illustrations show formative drills that inspire our practice:

• Balance walking on logs or ropes.

• Silent jumps and controlled landings.

• Crawling through narrow spaces.

• Slingshot and small-bow target work.

• Tree climbing, carrying rice sacks or water pails.

• Disguise and blending into crowds.

  
  

(These can be adapted into family workshops or introductory sessions.)

8. Sensory and Intuitive Development

• Kankaku Keiko – Sharpen hearing, sight, and smell to detect the faintest movement.

• Night Navigation – Learning terrain recognition in darkness.

• Instinct Training – Feeling a partner’s presence and anticipating motion.

  
  

9. Closing and Gratitude

• Leave the training ground pristine—no trace remains.

• Silent Ajikan meditation beneath the cherry trees.

• Final bow of thanks to the forest and the living environment.

  
  

An Invitation to Experience

With petals drifting and the wind whispering through ancient trees, you’ll touch the essence of the ninja— a fusion of technique, silence, and harmony with nature.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, this program reveals the heart of Togakure Ryū Ninpo agility, adaptability, unity with nature, and an unshakable spirit.

Come and begin your own ninja story in the cherry-blossom forest.