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Why does Ashida Kim spell " Ninjitsu" with an "i" instead of a "u"?
Ashida Kim replies: "Ninja and Ninjitsu are Japanese words. There is no 'Japanese alphabet,' they use 'kanji' or 'ideograms' (picture writing) to express these words. So, it is a matter of pronunciation when translated into English. Some people make a big deal out of whether to spell jitsu with an 'i' or a 'u' as in jutsu. But it really matters little. The same kanji that mean 'Silent Way' in Japan, mean 'calmness in the face of adversity' in Chinese."
Some so-called Ninja have said: "Ashida Kim will never take off his mask, because he is a fake and a coward..."
Ashida Kim replies: "I have often appeared unmasked in my books and articles about myself. But, as usual, people who already have their minds made up disregard such evidence. Any who think I am not for real are welcome to come and get a lesson in etiquette, fisticuffs included.
What does Ashida Kim think of Masaaki Hatsumi?
Ashida Kim replies: "I have never met Hatsumi-Sensei. From what I have read and had reported, he is much like myself. I would be honored to meet him, but his boys never invited me to any of the Ninja Summits they had with the other people they called pretenders. Nor do I feel the need to make a pilgrimage to introduce myself for recognition that is fleeting at best. To my knowledge, he has never spoken against me, so I will not speak against him; nor any other martial artist. The Eleventh Commandment is 'Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Black Belt.' So it is written, so let it be done."
Who was Ashida Kim's teacher?
Ashida Kim replies: "My Sensei's name, as given in Forbidden Fighting Techniques, (one of the many titles Paladin Press has stolen from me), was Shendai. Does that help? What difference does it make? My teacher will not fight for me. Nor will any certificate shield me from harm. I am who I am, a traveler on the Way. I have had many teachers and many friends, but I learned what I know through patience, practice, and perseverance. The Ninja have a saying, "Train yourself and be your own master." "
What is the difference between Ninpo and Ninjitsu?
Ashida Kim replies: "The difference is that Ninpo was a 'knock-off name' used by many Bujinkan instructors to distance themselves from their former masters when they finally caught on to the scam and broke away to form their own clubs. Nin-'po' at best would be translated as 'silent [nin] - step ["po" in Japanese, "pu" in Chinese]'. Please note that this term, 'pu', was first used by myself in 'Secrets of the Ninja'." [Likewise, there was no such term as "Ninja-To" to describe the characteristic, short, straight, sword of the Ninja until 1980 when Master Kim used it in Book of the Ninja. Although it is now commonly used by "experts!" Before that time it was known as "shinobi gatana"- Sword of Darkness.]
Isn't Ninjitsu illegal?
Ashida Kim replies: "Ninjitsu is illegal in some countries and at different periods in history. But then, every martial art has some part of its history when it was outlawed, so this is not uncommon. But, a martial artist has the power of life and death in his hands. It is a great responsibility. Sometimes those on the Warrior Quest place themselves in harm's way to defend the helpless, to test themselves, or in self defense. If they kill an attacker with their bare hands or some exotic weapon, their style or that weapon is almost certainly to be declared outlaw or prohibited because of its very effectiveness. Likewise, some styles, like Ninjitsu in the late 20th century, were so secret that the very speaking of the name could get you into trouble. Sort of a 'self-imposed' martial arts exile, dating from the time of the first Shogun, who used Ninja agents to wage and win his war, then declared them enemies of the state and tried to exterminate them and their families out of existence. Later on, he did the same thing against the Samurai, who had been his army against the Ninja. As you can see, being declared illegal is quite often a matter of politics. No genocidal war has ever completely eliminated a tribe or clan. But, once the 'ice was broken' when Black Belt magazine began publishing articles about it, a staggering number of 'forbidden and utterly secret ryu (schools)' seemed to have not only survived, but indeed flourished, because Ninja schools started popping up all over the place and everybody was a master. When I learned it, it was so I could be spy. It wasn't spoken of, EVER! I never claimed to be more than a 3rd Dan, which makes me roughly equivalent to an army Captain. Although I have often been misquoted."
Will you prescribe a workout for me?
Ashida Kim replies: "People who ask this question are generally looking for some 'standard exercise program', but I don't do that. Any exercise is good and one must tailor the workout to the mission. If I were in the Ring, for instance, I'd have to regulate my diet and do a lot of running for stamina. When I'm a bouncer, I practice drinking and smoking. The trick with such things is not to get 'locked in' and think you 'must' do thus and so all the time. Workouts grow, evolve, change with time. That is also a reflection of how you are growing, learning, etc. I am often asked 'where to begin.' I always answer the same way, 'with a single step.' Choose that which interests you, start with that. It will lead to all the rest. Eventually, you will be where you started and you can make that take as long as you want. Unlike other teachers, I will not require that you conform to some imaginary pattern that is subject to change at any moment. Do what you are doing, do what you think is right, that is the Path. As for advice on how to proceed, it is simple, Be Kind. Live in harmony with nature. As for training, practice what interests you, don't get locked into a specific workout, let yourself grow and change and become the best person you can be."
Can I come live with you and do chores, in exchange for free room, board, and training, like in the Shaolin days?
Ashida Kim replies: "At the present time we do not have an Apprenticeship Program. That sort of thing was more in vogue before there were public schools. Parents used to essentially 'sell' their children to the artisans to learn a trade and get an education. However, we are now working on the Ninja Temple in the hope of one day being able to host this sort of live-in program. Some of the instructors on our DOJO Directory offer private lessons and seminars, others have home study courses. You might try e-mailing them. Of course, there is always DOJO Press and the Academy of Martial Arts Video Testing Program that WE initiated before any other school would even permit it."
Will you send me on a mission?
Ashida Kim replies: "See the Shit List."
Why can't I find the Koga (or Iga) region on my map of Japan?
Ashida Kim replies: "Koga was the southern portion of the Omi prefecture, which is today known as Shiga. The Iga prefecture is now known as Mie. Both are in the vicinity of Kyoto, the old capitol of Japan, and Osaka, where the 'White Heron' castle is located, home to the Koga Ninja Museum."
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