Ninja : BLACK/STEALTHY STEP
First among the Kuji Ashi is the Hai Pu, the Black/Stealthy Step. It is taught not only as a means of moving in total darkness, but also as a type of dynamic meditation. In its advancing and retreating action is the core of Ninjitsu. Only by this method can one develop the kines-thetic sense of the body that is required to practice Ninjitsu. Master Hai Pu first.
This technique is used in total darkness. It is designed for the protection of the body, for moving silently and slowly, and for attacking instantly.
Fig. 1-Assume the following stance: lower the hips and raise both arms; the feet should be one shoulder's width apart turn the toes inward; bend the knees and lower the hips until the knees touch. The hips are back, the shoulders shrugged, the head is lowered. Draw the elbows close to the chest, raise the hands above the head and extend the fingers. The eyes are directed without being fixed at a spot on the path about ten feet away. Martial artists will recognize this as a variation of the closed stance of Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
Fig. 2-Keeping the hips and shoulders at the same level, shift the weight onto the right leg; glide the left toes forward and out in a semicircular manner, keeping the knees together. The body does not move above the hips, but gently weaves from side to side as weight is shifted over each foot alternately.
Fig. 3-The right foot is then drawn over to the left ankle in the loose-ankle step of Tai Chi Chuan, and advanced in a similar manner. Practice in this step strengthens the hips and feet, developing balance. The most important point in practicing this step is that the hips and shoulders do not change their level. The arms act as antennae, sensing obstacles, and protecting the head. Practice in this step develops an unconscious awareness of the body as a whole.
In kabuki theater, this technique is performed so slowly that even though the Ninja remains in plain view, no movement is discernible. In ancient times, this method was used in crossing the obi, or sash-belt. If confronted by a gravel path or a nightingale floor (one designed to creak when weight is applied), the Ninja would roll his obi across the obstacle and tread its narrow width, effectively muffling any sound which might betray him.
Practice moving forward about ten feet, then back, always directing the Qi forward.
Ninja : The Cross Step
Fig. 1-The eyes scan the ground about three yards in front of' the feet. Care must be taken not to look toward the enemy when moving, as the face may reflect moonlight and the eyes will shine if struck directly by a strong light. Further, obstacles which may lie in the path (stones, trip wires, etc.) are more readily visible. Using tile eyes ill this manner takes advantage of pupil dilation. When looking ahead, the pupils contract as light enters the eye. By focusing on the path, less fight enters the eye. The pupils expand and more is seen through the rod cells, result ing in a type of off-center vision.
Fig. 2-The Heng Pu is easily mastered and enables one to move quickly over great distances, making no sound, with little fatigue. Practice by moving flat along a wall without touching it.
The step should be at least one yard per pace, at the speed of a double-quick march. Once this level has been achieved, crouch lower. This strengthens the legs and makes it possible to move quickly in low shadows and under windows.
Fig. 3-When passing a window in this manner, it is advisable to listen for sounds from inside. Should the occupants be silent or snoring, or be engaged in an activity which requires their attention, they are less likely to detect your presence. One should listen at both sides, before and after passing.
Ninja : NIGHT WALKING ABILITY
Third Steps is Pa Pu, or Night Walking Ability. This movement is developed by running on the balls of the feet. After much practice, add weight to the ankles. This strengthens the feet, making it possible to walk on tiptoe for great distances. This aids in eliminating sound.
Fig. 1 -P'a Pu is employed when it is necessary to move quietly and quickly forward. Exhale and tense the Hara. Lower the body for better balance. Extend the arms, palms down, at waist level. Step forward with the left foot first, balancing on the right leg. Place the toes lightly on the surface, and shift body weight forward.
Fig. 2 -As you move over the left foot, draw the toes back slightly, press the left heel down lightly. Glide forward, advancing the right foot in a similar manner. It will be noted that this is a variation of the hunting step, in which the toes may be used to clear leaves, twigs, and other small debris from the path before stepping on them.
Ninja : RUSHING STEP
The Kuji Ashi's four step, Tu Pu, is the fastest way to move from one point of concealment to another. Unfortunately, it also exposes one to enemy observation. The Rushing Step is employed only when sufficient background exists to prevent silhouetting or when the enemy’s attention is distracted.
Fig. 1-From the prone position, slowly raise the head and select your next point of concealment. Lower the head, draw the arms into the body, keeping the elbows in, and pull the right leg forward.
Fig. 2 -In one movement, raise the body by straightening the arms. Spring to tile feet. stepping off with the left foot first.
Fig. 3 -Run to the new position using the shortest route. Carry the body on the balls of the feet, in a crouch, with the shoulders rounded, arms hanging loosely at knee level. Press the first knuckle of each index finger with the ball of the thumb. The fingers are thus curled loosely and are carried as though the hands were sliding along a rail. This is known as Pao Nei An, or "running in darkness."
Fig. 4 -As you near the next position, plant the feet slightly apart, drop to the knees as quietly as possible, fall forward and break the impact with the heels of the hands. Shift your weight to either side and roll over into position behind cover. Lie as flat as possible. If you think your movement was observed, move to the right or left as cover permits.
First among the Kuji Ashi is the Hai Pu, the Black/Stealthy Step. It is taught not only as a means of moving in total darkness, but also as a type of dynamic meditation. In its advancing and retreating action is the core of Ninjitsu. Only by this method can one develop the kines-thetic sense of the body that is required to practice Ninjitsu. Master Hai Pu first.
This technique is used in total darkness. It is designed for the protection of the body, for moving silently and slowly, and for attacking instantly.
Fig. 1-Assume the following stance: lower the hips and raise both arms; the feet should be one shoulder's width apart turn the toes inward; bend the knees and lower the hips until the knees touch. The hips are back, the shoulders shrugged, the head is lowered. Draw the elbows close to the chest, raise the hands above the head and extend the fingers. The eyes are directed without being fixed at a spot on the path about ten feet away. Martial artists will recognize this as a variation of the closed stance of Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
Fig. 2-Keeping the hips and shoulders at the same level, shift the weight onto the right leg; glide the left toes forward and out in a semicircular manner, keeping the knees together. The body does not move above the hips, but gently weaves from side to side as weight is shifted over each foot alternately.
Fig. 3-The right foot is then drawn over to the left ankle in the loose-ankle step of Tai Chi Chuan, and advanced in a similar manner. Practice in this step strengthens the hips and feet, developing balance. The most important point in practicing this step is that the hips and shoulders do not change their level. The arms act as antennae, sensing obstacles, and protecting the head. Practice in this step develops an unconscious awareness of the body as a whole.
In kabuki theater, this technique is performed so slowly that even though the Ninja remains in plain view, no movement is discernible. In ancient times, this method was used in crossing the obi, or sash-belt. If confronted by a gravel path or a nightingale floor (one designed to creak when weight is applied), the Ninja would roll his obi across the obstacle and tread its narrow width, effectively muffling any sound which might betray him.
Practice moving forward about ten feet, then back, always directing the Qi forward.
Ninja : The Cross Step
Fig. 1-The eyes scan the ground about three yards in front of' the feet. Care must be taken not to look toward the enemy when moving, as the face may reflect moonlight and the eyes will shine if struck directly by a strong light. Further, obstacles which may lie in the path (stones, trip wires, etc.) are more readily visible. Using tile eyes ill this manner takes advantage of pupil dilation. When looking ahead, the pupils contract as light enters the eye. By focusing on the path, less fight enters the eye. The pupils expand and more is seen through the rod cells, result ing in a type of off-center vision.
Fig. 2-The Heng Pu is easily mastered and enables one to move quickly over great distances, making no sound, with little fatigue. Practice by moving flat along a wall without touching it.
The step should be at least one yard per pace, at the speed of a double-quick march. Once this level has been achieved, crouch lower. This strengthens the legs and makes it possible to move quickly in low shadows and under windows.
Fig. 3-When passing a window in this manner, it is advisable to listen for sounds from inside. Should the occupants be silent or snoring, or be engaged in an activity which requires their attention, they are less likely to detect your presence. One should listen at both sides, before and after passing.
Ninja : NIGHT WALKING ABILITY
Third Steps is Pa Pu, or Night Walking Ability. This movement is developed by running on the balls of the feet. After much practice, add weight to the ankles. This strengthens the feet, making it possible to walk on tiptoe for great distances. This aids in eliminating sound.
Fig. 1 -P'a Pu is employed when it is necessary to move quietly and quickly forward. Exhale and tense the Hara. Lower the body for better balance. Extend the arms, palms down, at waist level. Step forward with the left foot first, balancing on the right leg. Place the toes lightly on the surface, and shift body weight forward.
Fig. 2 -As you move over the left foot, draw the toes back slightly, press the left heel down lightly. Glide forward, advancing the right foot in a similar manner. It will be noted that this is a variation of the hunting step, in which the toes may be used to clear leaves, twigs, and other small debris from the path before stepping on them.
Ninja : RUSHING STEP
The Kuji Ashi's four step, Tu Pu, is the fastest way to move from one point of concealment to another. Unfortunately, it also exposes one to enemy observation. The Rushing Step is employed only when sufficient background exists to prevent silhouetting or when the enemy’s attention is distracted.
Fig. 1-From the prone position, slowly raise the head and select your next point of concealment. Lower the head, draw the arms into the body, keeping the elbows in, and pull the right leg forward.
Fig. 2 -In one movement, raise the body by straightening the arms. Spring to tile feet. stepping off with the left foot first.
Fig. 3 -Run to the new position using the shortest route. Carry the body on the balls of the feet, in a crouch, with the shoulders rounded, arms hanging loosely at knee level. Press the first knuckle of each index finger with the ball of the thumb. The fingers are thus curled loosely and are carried as though the hands were sliding along a rail. This is known as Pao Nei An, or "running in darkness."
Fig. 4 -As you near the next position, plant the feet slightly apart, drop to the knees as quietly as possible, fall forward and break the impact with the heels of the hands. Shift your weight to either side and roll over into position behind cover. Lie as flat as possible. If you think your movement was observed, move to the right or left as cover permits.
