Ninjutsu



Ninjutsu (忍術, Ninjutsu) is the martial art, strategy, and tactics of unconventional warfare and guerilla warfare practiced by the shinobi. While there are several styles of modern ninjutsu, not all can be related to the historic practice of ninjutsu in Japan, so as to be considered a koryū.

Ninjutsu is the fighting style that is used by all the shinobi of Dead or Alive.

History
Ninjutsu was developed by groups of people mainly from the Iga (present day Mie Prefecture) and Kōka Provinces (present day Shiga Prefecture) of Japan. Throughout history the shinobi have been seen as assassins, scouts and spies. They are mainly noted for their use of stealth and deception. They have been associated in the public imagination with activities that are considered criminal by modern standards. Throughout history many different schools (ryū) have taught their unique versions of ninjutsu. An example of these is the Togakure-ryū. This ryū was developed after a defeated samurai warrior called Daisuke Togakure escaped to the region of Iga. Later he came in contact with the warrior-monk Kain Doshi who taught him a new way of viewing life and the means of survival (ninjutsu).

Ninjutsu was developed as a collection of fundamental survivalist techniques in the warring state of feudal Japan. The ninja used their art to ensure their survival in a time of violent political turmoil. Ninjutsu included methods of gathering information, and techniques of non-detection, avoidance, and misdirection. Ninjutsu can also involve training in disguise, escape, concealment, archery, medicine, explosives, and poisons.

Skills relating to espionage and assassination were highly useful to warring factions in feudal Japan. Because these activities were seen as dishonorable, Japanese warriors hired people who existed below Japan's social classes to perform these tasks. These persons were literally called "non-humans" (非人, hinin). At some point the skills of espionage became known collectively as ninjutsu, and the people who specialized in these tasks were called shinobi no mono.

Ninjutsu Practitioners

 * Alpha-152
 * Ayane
 * Genra
 * Hayate
 * Kasumi
 * Kasumi Alpha
 * Raidou
 * Ryu Hayabusa
 * Shiden

Types of Ninjutsu in Dead or Alive
These are some of the styles of ninjutsu that are used in the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series:
 * Mugen Tenshin Ninjutsu (Tenjin Mon Style) - This is a type of ninjutsu that focuses on evasion and defense. It is used by Hayate, Kasumi, Kasumi Alpha, Raidou and Shiden. Alpha-152 uses Tenjin Mon Ninjutsu, but has its own grabs and is more offensive.
 * Mugen Tenshin Ninjutsu (Hajin Mon Style) - This type of Ninjutsu is more quick and offensive. It is used by Ayane and Genra.
 * Hayabusa Ninjutsu - This ninjutsu is a "balanced" type of attack style, which is both defensive and offensive. It is used by Ryu Hayabusa, and other shinobi of the Hayabusa village. Ayane also possesses some techniques of this style.