The ninja's self defense method is characterized by having more options than the opponent. This article focuses on the Ninja's use the "water-element" as a strategy. The "water" mode is a part of a system of "elements" called the Godai, or "5 elements" from the Ninja's ninpo-mikkyo, esoteric mind-science. Not the "official" way to teach Ninjutsu, and often disputed by those who do not understand it's origins or usefulness, understanding this coded way of looking at the Ninja's self defense system is an excellent means for helping the serious student to master the techniques, strategies, and tactics of the art in the shortest time possible.
One useful approach to training students in Ninjutsu is to look at the lessons from a strategic viewpoint - rather than trying to simply teach a boat-load of techniques, complete with kata names, etc. This method approaches the training from a scientific, results-oriented, problem-solving perspective - which, ironically, fits in perfectly with the subject, direction, and theme of this article!
In this lesson, I'm going to explore what is called the "water-mode" of response. This elemental "mode" is one of the five strategic, self defense approaches which reflect the Godai (pronounced "GO-Die"), 5 elemental classification system described above.
As a model of how energy manifests in the world, the "Water" element symbolically represents things in a flexible, adaptive, or fluid state, or having the qualities of "flowing," "timing," and "rhythm."
Just as with the other elements, things are "water-like" due to their nature - not because a philosopher or other "guru" said so.
The best example of the "water-element" in nature is the ocean. Vast, open, and rhythmic, the ocean has a quiet sense of power - as-well-as the ability to change in response to the weather or anything else that touches it. The power of the ocean can be seen in the wave, as it pulls back away from the shore line, rolls over itself as it gathers more water, before crashing back with an unstoppable force that moves or pounds anything in it's path!
Within our bodies, the water element is represented by our blood and other body fluids. Mentally, it is reflected in the flow of our moment-to-moment thoughts. And, emotionally and spiritually, our "water-like nature" shows up as our ability to adapt and "go with the flow" of things.
One example of this elemental strategy in a self defense situation against an attacker who is bigger, stronger, or more skilled - one who we cannot simply beat using strength, we can use, what we call a "water-mode" to respond with proper timing to his advances. We can also mimic the ocean wave by using long-distance, defensive angling to pull away from him and expose his weak points. Then, continuing the power of the wave, we can crash back in with full-body power to knock him back or down.
This movement and "wind-up" strategy can also be seen in the way a baseball pitcher uses his whole body to fire off a 95 mile an hour fast ball. Something that could never be done by simply standing there and swinging the arm alone.
However, you must remember that we're not 'choosing" to defend ourselves from the water-mode. What's happening is that, through our self-awareness training, we recognize that we are emotionally defensive and our body is already pulling away and covering itself against the presence and intentions of the attacker. So, when the attack comes, we naturally fall away and ride the force of his attacks until we see an opening and can flow back in with a counter-attack of our own!
Again, this is one of the things that sets Ninjutsu apart from other conventional martial arts styles. The Ninja Night Warrior's ability to be completely natural and acting in tune with the "natural scheme of totality" is what differentiates this self defense system from just about every other martial art or method of combat out there.
And...
While there is no such thing as a "Water technique," there are, however, techniques, strategies, and tactics which have a "water-like" quality about them. And, as such, they make "natural" examples for teaching this important principle of self-defense.
Here is a list of a few of the skills and tactics that could be listed under the "water" classification:
1) Receiving counter strikes
2) Kick-parries and counter kicks
3) Wrist-reversals
4) Flowing strikes
5) etc.
Remember, these techniques fit this category because of their common qualities of coordinated movement, flow, or "power-generation" - not for the sake of making a list.
Other defensive strategies which fall under this element include things like:
1) the use of water, spit, or other fluid and liguids as tools for distraction
2) Fighting in or the use of bodies of water to hide from danger, and...
3) the use of counters, reversals, and escapes in response to an opponent's attacks
Again, employing the 5-elements from the Ninja's Godai system, is an expedient - an aid which can be used to help the student new to the art of Ninjutsu to learn the plethora of strategies, tactics, and techniques this art contains, and in the most efficient, quickest, and easiest way possible.
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