Issue 3 - Ninjas, positional hierarchy of BJJ and Lumpinee Stadium
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“The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle” Richard Marcinko
Secrets of the Ninjas
The word ninja is now fairly common place in modern culture, with a wide number of connotations in the modern world relating to athletic ability, sneakiness and fighting prowess. The word has even be adopted to market products with a TV show called Ninja Warrior, a Kawazaki motorbike and even an air fryer.
But who actually were the stealthy clandestine group of legendary black clad assassins from the Japan of old?
What did they do and how did they train? What were their specialities and do they have any relevance to the modern day combat sports we love today.
Let’s park up the Kawazaki, turn off the Ninja air fryer and take a closer look at the sneaky antiheroes and see what we can uncover.
Who were the Ninja?
Ninjas, also known as "shinobi," were legendary covert agents in ancient Japan.
They flourished during the Sengoku period from the 15th to 17th centuries, when Japan was in a state of constant conflict.
Contrary to the Hollywood image of black-clad assassins, ninjas were highly skilled spies, infiltrators, and guerrilla warriors.
Who did they work for?
Ninjas were like the secret service of feudal Japan, working for warlords, or "daimyo," and other powerful figures.
They were employed for various purposes including gathering intelligence, sabotage, espionage, and assassination.
While often banded together with the Samurai - the notorious warriors from which many of our modern martial arts descend - ninjas were distinct from them.
Samurais were the noble warriors who fought in open battles, whereas ninjas operated in the shadows.
Where did the Ninja train?
Having previously read reports of secret ninja training villages in which whole tiny populations would be trained as ninja, further research suggested that this concept of "ninja villages" as secret training grounds for ninjas is a popular but mostly fictional concept, with little supporting evidence.
While there were certainly schools and training centres where individuals could learn the skills associated with being a ninja, these were not isolated villages hidden away in the mountains as often depicted in popular culture.
Neither was ninja training limited to a single geographical location. Instead, it was a decentralized practice, with various teachers and schools scattered throughout Japan.
Ninja training could take place in rural areas, remote mountain regions, or even in bustling cities, depending on the teacher and the needs of the student.
Ninjas learned their skills through apprenticeship, passing down knowledge from master to student.
Training would encompass a wide range of skills, including martial arts, stealth, disguise, espionage, and survival techniques. The training methods were often kept secret and were customized to the individual's needs and abilities.
Ninjas were integrated into the society of their time, living among ordinary people and working in various roles while secretly serving their masters as covert agents.
What were there specialities?
One of the most fascinating aspects of ninjas was their versatility. They were masters of disguise and could blend in seamlessly with common folk, enabling them to gather information without arousing suspicion.
They excelled in the art of stealth, moving silently and invisibly through the night. Ninjas were also experts in unconventional warfare, employing tactics like guerrilla warfare, arson, and psychological warfare.
Training Like a Ninja
Ninja training was rigorous and covered a wide range of skills. They had to be physically fit, agile, and robust enough to endure harsh conditions. Their training included:
Martial arts - Ninjas were skilled in various martial arts, such as taijutsu (unarmed combat), kenjutsu (swordsmanship), and shurikenjutsu (throwing weapons). They used unique weapons like the shuriken (throwing stars) and the kunai (a multi-purpose tool).
Stealth and Infiltration - Learning to move silently and remain hidden was a fundamental part of their training. They could traverse difficult terrain, climb walls, and disappear into the shadows.
Disguise - Ninjas were experts at changing their appearance, using costumes and makeup to blend in with their surroundings.
Espionage - They were well-versed in codes, ciphers, and covert communication methods. They also had an in-depth understanding of human psychology, which aided in deception and manipulation.
Survival Skills - Ninjas could survive in the harshest conditions, from tracking animals for food to creating makeshift weapons and tools.
How do Ninjas relate to our modern martial arts?
Moving forward to the present day, many modern martial arts disciplines have incorporated elements inspired by ninja techniques. Here are some examples:
Ninjutsu - This is the traditional martial art of the ninja. It encompasses a wide range of skills, including unarmed combat, weapon use, stealth, and survival techniques. Today, you can find schools that teach Ninjutsu, preserving the legacy of the ninja.
Krav Maga - While not a direct descendant from ninja arts, you could argue that Krav Maga, the official self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces, emphasizes practical, real-world techniques for self-defense. It shares the focus on efficiency and adaptability found in ninja training.
Modern Infiltration Techniques - Special forces and intelligence agencies around the world continue to employ tactics inspired by ninja stealth and espionage. From SEAL Team Six to the CIA, lessons from the ninja playbook are still applied today.
In essence, the ninja's legacy lives on in the martial arts world. While we may not have secret agents in feudal Japan anymore, the spirit of the ninja endures in the pursuit of physical and mental excellence.
So, whether you're practicing Ninjutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or just enjoy the history of the fighting arts, the essence of the ninja continues to inspire and influence the world of martial arts with a legacy that resonates with martial arts enthusiasts of all ages.
Positional hierarchy in BJJ
When practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it quickly becomes apparent that not all positions are created equally when rolling in groundwork.
This is especially true when you’re on the wrong end of the BJJ positional hierarchy, underneath or with your back to your opponent, and also when competing and points are added to the equation. This is where the positional hierarchy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes into play
During BJJ sparring, you may find that 90% of the time on the ground will be spent in one of the following 6 key positions:
Guard*
Side mount
Knee mount
Mount
Rear mount
Turtle
(*The guard can also be broken down into three sub positions of open guard, closed guard and half guard)
Some of these positions are considered more advantageous than others, and there is general consensus that the 12 variations of the six positions mentioned above would be in a rough hierarchy as follows:
As suggested from the illustration above, its generally considered to be better on the top than the bottom (the only exception being bottom guard which is a neutral position.) The point system also reflects this hierarchy (we will explain the point system in a future issue).
Based on this, many coaches will encourage to go for 'position before submission' i.e. put yourself in a good position on the above hierarchy, before attempting to submit your opponent. The other side of the coin for this is that you shouldn't give up a good position for a poor submission attempt.
Fight Fitness
Anyone who has tried boxing or Muay Thai knows that one of the main obstacles to success is fitness. Sparring over 2 or 3 minute rounds is exhausting, and once you’re tired you’re essentially a sitting duck.
That’s why these sports place such a heavy emphasis on conditioning in training.
To supplement your training and build fight winning stamina, try this ‘interval power round’ drill on punch bags.
Before starting, have a thorough 10-15 minute warm-up, including dynamic stretches and shadowboxing to prepare your body.
Set a 3 minute timer (with 3 x 1 minute intervals):
1 minute - High-Intensity Round. During the first minute, unleash a flurry of power punches and kicks on the bag. Focus on explosiveness and precision.
1 minute - Low-Intensity Round. In the second minute, slow down the pace but maintain control and technique. Work on defensive movements and practice counters.
1 minute - Maximum Intensity Round. In the final minute, go all out with maximum power and speed. Throw combinations, incorporate knees and elbows, and maintain high energy throughout.
As you go through the intervals, remember to practice footwork by circling the bag, changing angles, and using in-and-out movement. Also incorporate defensive movements such as slips, blocks, and parries.
Take a 1 minute break after the round. Repeat 5-7 times depending on your fitness and goals.
Martial Musings
World champion judoka and ten time All Japan champion Yamashita said you should never overestimate your opponent, and should never underestimate him. These two warnings should run in tandem, but suffice to say, this is easier said than done.
Another way we might describe this is to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!
Meme of the Week
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Basically Just Judo? You decide (and don’t shoot the messenger!)
People and Places
Lumpinee Stadium - A historic icon of Muay Thai
Lumpinee Stadium, located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, is an iconic and historic venue that has played a significant role in the sport of Muay Thai.
The stadium was opened on December 8, 1956, by the Royal Thai Army and named after the Thai King Rama IX. Created as a national boxing arena for the sport of Muay Thai, the stadium's design incorporated traditional Thai architectural elements, making it a cultural and architectural landmark in the city.
In 2014, Lumpinee Stadium was relocated from its original site to a new location due to urban development in Bangkok. The new stadium was built, with a heavy focus on maintaining the traditional design, which had allowed the new venue to continue to build on the legacy of the original venue.
Often referred to as the "Mecca of Muay Thai", Lumpinee Stadium is one of the most prestigious venues for Muay Thai fights. It’s countless world-class Muay Thai bouts, attract both local and international fighters and fans.
No visit to Bangkok is complete for fans of Muay Thai without a visit to the stadium, with many international fighters and enthusiasts making pilgrimages to Lumpinee to experience the sport in its most authentic form.
Winning a Lumpinee title is a badge of honour for any Muay Thai fighter. This solidifies their status in the sport which often leads to fame and income for the fighters as a result.
The stadium preserves the rich cultural and traditional aspects of Muay Thai, including the pre-fight rituals, music, and customs that are integral and authentic aspects of the sport.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Muay Thai at Lumpinee Stadium with fights held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The 5,000 seat stadium creates an unmissable atmosphere for spectators to enjoy.
Despite a longstanding rivalry with Rajadamnern Stadium, another prominent Muay Thai venue in Bangkok. This healthy competition between the two venues has helped to create rich history of Muay Thai in the city.
Many Muay Thai legends have made their mark at Lumpinee Stadium. With fighters like Saenchai, Samart Payakaroon, and Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn providing just a few examples of athletes who have achieved greatness in this arena.
Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok stands as a symbol of Thai culture, tradition, and martial excellence. Its history, cultural significance, and impact on the sport of Muay Thai make it a revered institution in the world of combat sports. The stadium continues to be a hub for both local and international enthusiasts, ensuring that the legacy of Muay Thai remains alive and well in the 21st century.
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