An ancient art of self-defense on campus
What is it?
Ninjutsu is a form of martial art that took root in rural villages during Japan’s feudal era. It began as an amalgamation of what some of the village people could do and teach to protect themselves and others from the samurai.
Your opponent’s strength and power is used against them, as opposed to employing your own force through punching and kicking, like in taekwondo or karate, which are striking martial arts. In ninjistu, first and foremost, you learn to defend yourself.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]…mental aspect alongside the physical…[/pullquote]
Ninjutsu has two fundamental factors that shaped its formation. These factors consist of a lack of resources, which resulted in a mainly a hand-to-hand combat sport, as well as a way to deal with everyday life.
How did it get here?
The teachings on campus come from Grandmaster O-Sensei. He arrived to Canada in 1982 and brought his family’s ninjutsu with him from China. It was in 1983 that he began the club at the University of Guelph, and his family’s art and the club have been here ever since, training each new generation of students.
Why should I join?
In addition to the leaping rolls, the black suits, the obstacle courses, the jumps, the weapon training, and the fact that you look like you’re barely putting any effort into throwing that person who is twice your size (not to mention the bragging rights to officially call yourself a ninja), members of the Ninjutsu club have noticed that there are more benefits to this club than looking cool, getting fit, and bragging rights.
“Your marks are low, your girlfriend has left you, and your dog is in the hospital getting knee surgery, you come to Ninjutsu and nothing else matters.
All that gets blocked out and it just relaxes and de-stresses you […] It just feels really good to go to class,” said Marko Capkun, a member of the club.
There is a mental aspect alongside the physical: you learn how to deal with stressful situations.The likelihood of a person coming over to punch you as you are walking down the streets of Guelph is not immensely likely, but the odds of experiencing stress are immensely high, whatever the situation is. The exercise that ninjitsu provides alone is a great stress reliever and clears your mind.
“You kind of get into this rhythm, this mental area where nothing else intrudes,” said Capkun.
Another fantastic aspect of the Ninjutsu club on campus is that it greatly increases confidence levels. I personally have a friend from high school who is a part of the club, and watching the changes that have taken place in her is an amazing experience. You are not only learning to defend yourself by joining this club, you are learning to trust in yourself, to deal with difficult situations, and you are joining a tight-knit group of people that you know will always have your back.
How do I join?
Classes take place in the Combatives Room of the Athletic Center on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 9 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. You can pop in anytime for a trial, or you could sign up online through Gryphons.ca. This family is always happy to welcome new members.