Discover Togakure Ryū Ninpō

Kyoto offers a variety of tourist-oriented Ninja experiences, including Ninja costumes, introductory shuriken activities, demonstrations inspired by kuji-kiri, staged performances, and souvenir photography. These activities can provide an enjoyable introduction to Ninja culture. However, experiencing the appearance of a Ninja is fundamentally different from studying Ninpō as a traditional martial art.

Similarly, using historical names such as “Iga Ryū” or “Kōga Ryū” does not, by itself, establish an unbroken martial transmission. The Bugei Ryūha Daijiten, a historical reference work on Japanese martial traditions, documents lineages associated with Iga, Kōga, and Togakure Ryū, while also identifying historical uncertainties concerning certain transmissions. Understanding a martial tradition requires examining its historical sources, lineage, teacher-to-student transmission, and the techniques actually taught.

At Ninjutsu Kyoto, instructor Jérôme Pailliette teaches Ninpō Taijutsu and traditional weapons training based on the martial teachings he studied under Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, traditionally regarded as the 34th Sōke of Togakure Ryū Ninpō. Hatsumi Sensei transmitted teachings attributed to his master, Toshitsugu Takamatsu Sensei, and documented aspects of these martial methods in his published works.

Training progresses from the fundamentals of the Ten Chi Jin Ryaku no Maki—body mechanics, kamae, tai sabaki, ukemi, and traditional movement methods—to partner techniques and weapons training associated with Togakure Ryū Ninpō Happō Bikenjutsu. In Kyoto’s natural surroundings at Takaragaike, students also learn to adapt their movement, awareness, and physical abilities to changing terrain and seasonal conditions.

Traditional Shinobi clothing may sometimes be worn during practice. Nevertheless, what matters is not appearance, but what is learned, how techniques are understood, and how knowledge develops through consistent training. Studying Ninpō requires time, patience, and dedicated practice.

Discovering what a Ninja looks like and pursuing the lifelong study of Ninpō are two different experiences. The difference lies in transmission, martial skills, and continuous practice.