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Ninjutsu (Also called Shinobi-jutsu) is a collection of techniques
originally practiced for espionage purposes. It includes methods of spying,
confusing, and gathering information. The character nin/shinobi means "steal
in" or "endurance".
Even though it was influenced by Chinese spying techniques, Ninjutsu
is most definitely of Japanese origin. It probably came into being sometime
around AD 600, while Empress Suiko was in power; Michinoue-no-Mikoto is
believed to be the pioneer.
Actual Ninjutsu is rarely taught these days. The X-kan: Bujinkan,
Genbukan, and Jinenkan each contain at least one complete Ninjutsu ryuha,
but they also contain other koryu Bujutsu that they tend to focus on. The
only ryuha that is taught at all is Togakure Ryu. Other extant kobudo, such
as the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu, contain aspects of Ninjutsu in
their curriculum; but they are not Ninjutsu ryuha per se.
Other schools, which may or may not directly relate to the genuine
japanese ninja traditions, have different paths. For example, the Temple of
the Full Autumn Moon, which teaches Saito Ninjitsu (and defines Ninjitsu as
something very similar but different from Ninjutsu), follows the Wu Shan Fa
or "Five Mountain Path of the True Warrior Spirit." It can be found here. It
should also be noted, historians do not believe any Ninjutsu ryuha outside
the X-kan to be extant, but it is up to the individual to decide.
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