How to Become a Ninja in 10 Easy Steps

By Ninja | March 13, 2023 | 13 minutes

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a ninja? A stealthy warrior who can perform amazing feats of agility, strength and skill? If so, you are not alone. Many people are fascinated by the mysterious and legendary ninjas of Japan, who were masters of espionage, sabotage, assassination and guerrilla warfare.

But becoming a ninja is not easy. It takes years of training, dedication and discipline to learn the art of ninjutsu (the way of the ninja). However, if you are willing to put in some effort and follow some simple steps, you can start your journey to becoming a ninja today.

Here are 10 easy steps that will help you become a ninja:

Step 1: Join a martial arts class

The first step to becoming a ninja is to learn how to fight like one. Ninjas were proficient in various forms of martial arts, such as taekwondo, judo, karate and kung fu. They also developed their own style of combat called taijutsu (body skills), which involved striking, grappling, throwing and joint locking techniques.

Joining a martial arts class will help you develop your physical fitness, flexibility, coordination and reflexes. It will also teach you how to defend yourself against different types of attacks and weapons. You can choose any martial art that suits your preference and availability, but make sure it has some elements of ninjutsu or taijutsu.

Step 2: Practice parkour

Parkour is the art of moving through any environment with speed, efficiency and grace. It involves running, jumping, climbing, rolling and vaulting over obstacles such as walls, fences, roofs and rails. Parkour is similar to what ninjas used to do when they infiltrated enemy territory or escaped from pursuers.

Practicing parkour will help you become comfortable with your surroundings and improve your balance, agility and endurance. It will also train your mental skills such as awareness, creativity and problem-solving. You can practice parkour anywhere that has some obstacles or challenges for you to overcome.

Step 3: Learn how to use ninja weapons

Ninjas were experts in using various weapons for offense and defense. Some of the most common weapons they used were:

Sword: The sword was the primary weapon of the ninja. It was used for slashing, stabbing and parrying attacks. There were five basic sword techniques: drawing (nukitsuke), cutting (kiritsuke), thrusting (tsuki), returning (chiburi) and sheathing (noto).
Shuriken: Shuriken were small metal projectiles shaped like stars or spikes that could be thrown at enemies from a distance or up close. They could cause bleeding wounds or distract opponents.
Bo-shuriken: Bo-shuriken were long metal rods that could be thrown like darts or spears at enemies. They could pierce through armor or flesh with great force.
Kunai: Kunai were dagger-like tools that could be used for stabbing or throwing at enemies. They could also be used for digging holes or cutting ropes.
Kusarigama: Kusarigama was a sickle attached to a chain with a weight at the end. It could be swung around to entangle or strike enemies from afar or close range.

Learning how to use these weapons will help you become more versatile and dangerous as a ninja. You can find replicas or substitutes for these weapons online or at martial arts stores.

Step 4: Master stealth techniques

Stealth was one of the most important skills for ninjas. They had to be able to sneak into enemy bases without being detected or escape from dangerous situations without being caught. They used various techniques such as:

Camouflage: Ninjas wore dark clothing that blended with their environment at night or during bad weather conditions. They also applied mud or ash on their skin and hair to reduce their visibility.
Distraction: Ninjas used noise-making devices such as firecrackers, bells or whistles to divert attention away from themselves or create confusion among enemies.
Deception: Ninjas used disguises such as masks, wigs or costumes to impersonate other people such as merchants, travelers or soldiers.
Silence: Ninjas used silent weapons such as shuriken, bo-shuriken or kunai to avoid making noise when attacking enemies.
Speed: Ninjas used their speed and agility to quickly move around without being detected.

Learning these stealth techniques will help you become more effective as a ninja. You can practice them in your daily life by wearing dark clothes, walking quietly, avoiding eye contact with strangers and using silent weapons.

Step 5: Improve your flexibility and agility with yoga

Yoga is a great way to stretch your muscles, improve your posture, and increase your range of motion. It can also help you relax and calm your mind. Yoga can enhance your ninja skills by making you more flexible and agile, which will help you avoid injuries, perform better in combat, and move more gracefully.

You can practice yoga at home or join a class at a gym or studio. There are many types of yoga to choose from, such as hatha, vinyasa, bikram, ashtanga, and more. Each one has its own benefits and challenges. You can find online videos or books to guide you through the poses and sequences.

Try to do yoga at least once a week for optimal results. You can also do some simple stretches every day to keep your muscles warm and loose. Some examples of stretches that are good for ninjas are:

Forward fold: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend forward from your hips. Reach for the floor with your hands or grab your ankles. Relax your head and neck and breathe deeply.
Downward dog: Start on your hands and knees with your palms flat on the floor. Lift your hips up and back until your body forms an inverted V shape. Press your heels down and straighten your legs as much as you can. Keep your back straight and look at your navel.
Cobra: Lie on your stomach with your legs together and your palms under your shoulders. Lift your chest and head off the floor and look up. Keep your elbows close to your body and your shoulders away from your ears. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax.
Child’s pose: Sit on your heels with your knees together and your big toes touching. Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the floor and breathe deeply.

Step 6: Study the history and philosophy of the ninja

The ninja were not just warriors, but also spies, assassins, and saboteurs who served various feudal lords in medieval Japan. They had a unique culture and code of ethics that influenced their actions and beliefs. Studying the history and philosophy of the ninja can help you understand their mindset and motivation, as well as learn from their wisdom and experience.

You can find many books, documentaries, podcasts, and websites that explore the history and philosophy of the ninja. Some topics that you might want to learn about are:

The origins and evolution of the ninja
The different clans and schools of ninjutsu
The political and social context of the ninja’s activities
The skills and techniques of the ninja
The weapons and tools of the ninja
The legends and myths about the ninja
The modern legacy and influence of the ninja

Studying the history and philosophy of the ninja can also inspire you to adopt some of their values and principles in your own life. Some examples are:

Loyalty: The ninja were loyal to their masters and comrades, even at the cost of their own lives. They valued trust and honor above all else.
Adaptability: The ninja were able to adapt to any situation and environment. They used whatever resources they had at hand to achieve their goals. They were flexible and creative in their approach.
Stealth: The ninja were masters of stealth. They knew how to blend in with their surroundings, avoid detection, and strike when least expected. They were discreet and secretive in their actions.

Step 7: Develop your mental resilience and focus with meditation

Meditation is not just sitting still and doing nothing. It is a practice that helps you calm your mind, control your emotions, enhance your awareness, and connect with your inner power. Meditation can also improve your health, reduce stress, boost your creativity, and increase your happiness.

There are many types of meditation, but one of the most popular among ninjas is kuji kiri, which means “the nine hand seals”. This is a technique that involves making nine specific hand gestures while reciting nine syllables that correspond to different aspects of the ninja’s spirit.

The nine hand seals are:

Rin (臨) - Strength
Pyo (兵) - Energy
To (闘) - Harmony
Sha (者) - Healing
Kai (皆) - Intuition
Jin (陣) - Awareness
Retsu (列) - Dimension
Zai (在) - Creation
Zen (前) - Enlightenment

Each hand seal has a different meaning and effect on the ninja’s mind and body. For example, Rin gives you courage and confidence, Pyo increases your vitality and stamina, To helps you balance yourself and others, Sha heals your wounds and illnesses, Kai enhances your psychic abilities and senses, Jin expands your perception and knowledge, Retsu allows you to transcend time and space, Zai empowers you to manifest your desires and goals, and Zen leads you to ultimate wisdom and peace.

Step 8: Learn how to disguise yourself and blend in with different situations

One of the most important skills of a ninja is the ability to disguise yourself and blend in with different situations. A ninja must be able to adapt to any environment and avoid detection by enemies. Disguise techniques are also useful for gathering information, infiltrating enemy bases, escaping danger, and creating confusion.

According to historical sources, such as the Shoninki, a manual written by a 17th-century ninja master named Natori Masatake, ninjas were trained to impersonate at least seven different characters:

Itinerant monks (komuso) – for wandering the countryside
Buddhist monks – for infiltrating temples, towns, and cities
Mountain ascetics (yamabushi) – for hiding in forests and mountains
Merchants – for accessing markets and trade routes
Actors – for performing on stage and mingling with crowds
Street entertainers – for attracting attention and creating diversions
“Normal Appearance” – which means taking on the persona of a typical resident of the city, village, or area the ninja wanted to infiltrate without being noticed

Ninjas were not limited to these seven roles. They could also disguise themselves as samurai, craftsmen, farmers, peasants, or any other profession that suited their mission. They used various tools and accessories to enhance their disguises, such as wigs, hats, masks, makeup, fake beards, fake scars, fake tattoos, fake teeth, fake documents, fake weapons, etc.

To master disguise techniques, a ninja had to study the customs, manners, language, clothing, and habits of different social groups and regions. They also had to practice acting skills, such as changing their voice tone, pitch, accent, and speed; changing their facial expressions; changing their body language; changing their gait; changing their posture; changing their gestures; etc.

A ninja also had to be aware of their surroundings and choose an appropriate disguise for each situation. For example:

If they wanted to spy on someone in a busy street, they could dress up as a street entertainer or a merchant.
If they wanted to sneak into a temple or a castle, they could dress up as a monk or a samurai.
If they wanted to escape from pursuers, they could change their clothes quickly or use smoke bombs or firecrackers.

A ninja’s disguise was not only meant to fool others but also themselves. By adopting a different identity, a ninja could detach themselves from their emotions, fears, and doubts; and focus on their mission with clarity, confidence, and calmness.

Here are some tips on how to learn disguise techniques:

Study different cultures and subcultures that interest you or that you may encounter in your life.
Observe how people dress, talk, behave, and interact in different settings.
Try out different costumes and accessories that suit your personality or mood.
Experiment with different makeup styles and colors that enhance your features or create contrast.
Practice changing your voice tone, pitch, accent, and speed according to different situations and emotions.
Practice changing your facial expressions according to different moods and intentions.
Practice changing your body language according to different roles and attitudes.
Practice changing your gait according to different terrains and speeds.
Practice changing your posture according to different levels of confidence and authority.
Practice changing your gestures according to different messages and meanings.

By learning how to disguise yourself effectively, you will not only become more stealthy, but also more versatile, creative, and adaptable.

You will be able to explore new worlds, meet new people, and experience new things with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. You will be one step closer to becoming a true ninja!

Step 9: Train your senses and intuition to be more aware of your surroundings

One of the most important skills of a ninja is to be aware of their surroundings and sense any potential threats or opportunities. A ninja relies on their intuition, which is a form of subconscious knowledge that goes beyond the five senses. Intuition can help you make quick decisions, avoid danger, and adapt to different situations. Here are some ways you can train your senses and intuition to be more like a ninja:

Practice being present. A ninja is always in the moment, not distracted by thoughts of the past or future. Being present helps you focus on what is happening around you and notice subtle details that others might miss. You can practice being present by meditating, doing breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your sensations.
Expand your sensory range. A ninja uses all their senses to gather information, not just their eyes and ears. They can smell, taste, touch, and feel vibrations that others might ignore. You can expand your sensory range by exposing yourself to different environments and stimuli, such as nature, music, art, or food. Try to identify different smells, sounds, textures, and flavors without relying on labels or judgments.
Develop your danger detection. A ninja can sense when something is wrong or when someone is hostile or lying. They have a gut feeling that warns them of impending danger or deception. You can develop your danger detection by trusting your instincts and paying attention to body language. Learn how to read facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, posture, tone of voice, etc., that might indicate someone’s intentions or emotions.
Cultivate your creativity. A ninja is not bound by conventional thinking or rules. They can improvise and find solutions that others might not consider. Creativity enhances your intuition by allowing you to see things from different perspectives and connect seemingly unrelated ideas. You can cultivate your creativity by doing puzzles, games, brainstorming exercises, etc., that challenge your logic and imagination.
Test your intuition. A ninja does not rely on luck or chance but on their own abilities and knowledge. They test their intuition by putting it into action and learning from the results. You can test your intuition by making predictions based on your hunches, trying new things without overthinking them, following your curiosity without fear, etc., that require you to trust yourself.

By training your senses and intuition regularly, you will become more aware of yourself and your environment like a ninja.

Step 10: Join a ninja community or create your own

One of the best ways to learn and improve your ninja skills is to join a community of like-minded people who share your passion and vision. A ninja community can provide you with support, feedback, inspiration and opportunities to practice and challenge yourself.

We hope this blog post has given you some ideas on how to become a ninja in 10 steps. Remember that being a ninja is not something that happens overnight. It takes dedication, practice and perseverance. But if you follow these steps consistently, you will be able to unleash your inner ninja power!

Do you have any questions or comments? Feel free to leave them below!