My inclination is towards 1.--you can't be a ninja anymore than studying iaido would make you a samurai--but I have sympathy for 2.
Well, the problem with that comparison was that samurai (or bushi or bukke) was an actual class or caste in ancient Japanese society. 'Ninja' (or 'shinobi') was not.
Thus, when the samurai caste was 'abolished' with the Meiji Restoration, then technically all 'samurai' ceased to exist. But, since the ninja were never a specialized class or caste to begin with, such a change in the social structure had little impact on them (as apparently being a 'ninja' was 'illegal' in the first place).
I have to say that yeah, I do think we (Ninjutsu students) are ninja-like. Many, (but not all) Bujinkan schools (and I can only speak for the Bujinkan) still teach Stealth, Evasion, Survival, etc... I believe the term I see used most is "Ninja Espianage techniques" when they refer to the Ninja aspects of the training.
Well, I'm not sure about how many Bujinkan dojo still teach the stealth and espionage aspects of the ryuha (I was under the impression that sort of stuff was reserved by seminars in America or 'special classes' in Japan)......
Of course the Bujinkan also teaches 6 schools of Samurai arts, in addition to the 3 Ninja arts, so take that for what it's worth.
As others on this forum have pointed out in the past, that "3 ninja, 6 samurai" analysis is largely flawed. One of the so-called 'samurai' schools, the Gyokko-ryu, comes from Hakuun-ryu ninjutsu, contains the 'Ninja no Kissoku', and its first recognized soke was the Iga-ryu 'jonin' Hakuunsai Tozawa (also a Hakuun-ryu disciple). In the Bugei Daijiten Ryuha, the Gyokko-ryu is also regarded as a school of Ninpo (which it is). I'm not saying its not a samurai school, but its also about as 'ninja' as they come.
I have also been told the Kukishinden Happo Hikenjutsu also contains Ninpo and teaches ninjutsu methods at the higher levels (it also supposedly has some sort of historical connection to the Togakure-ryu, but I'm not too sure about this). It too comes from Hakuun-ryu ninjutsu and much of its familial lineage are associated with Iga-ryu families. Shinden Fudo-ryu dakentaijutsu has a similar 'origin' to Kukishin-ryu (if we believe the legends). Koto-ryu and Gikan-ryu can both be traced to the Gyokko-ryu.
ALL of these schools are associated with the Iga-ryu 'ninjutsu' (read "Hiden Ninja Submission" and "Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions" by Hatsumi-soke). I guess what I'm basically tryin' to say is that this hardline division between a 'ninja' school and 'samurai' school isn't all that clear when you look at it objectively. The only 'pure' (non-ninja) samurai school I can see is possibly the Takagi Yoshin-ryu.... and even its has had past 'mixings' with the Kukishin-ryu.
The fact that WHAT a ninja really was is very different than what most people THINK it is, means that to most people, No, we would not be ninja. I personaly dont run around in black PJs and a mask with 800 weapons in my pocket ready to disapear in the puff of smoke I can make, hiring myself out as a Spy, assassin or whatever. So by modern Society's twisted definition of Ninja, I am not one.
Yes, a very ignorant definition considering that historically the 'ninja' were almost exclusively advisors and counselors to the military powers in fuedal Japan and not 'superassasins'. I guess the Tokugawa and Meiji authors thought the 'superassassins' make more compelling literature......
I have heard it said that Takamatsu Sensei was the last TRUE ninja.
I believe that quote is taken out of context. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Hatsumi-soke referred to Takamatsu-soke as the last 'combat ninja', that is the last 'ninja' to use his art during war activities. If you look at my earlier quote from "Ninpo: Wisdom for Life" by Hatsumi, he clearly holds an alternate definition for 'ninja' that do not engage in war.
But ask yourself this: Is a Tae Kwon Do practitoner who trains only for tournaments and with the purpose of winning trophies a Warrior? Can that be defined by the art he studies or the way he applies it? Or is it somthing Deeper, inside? Would an Iado practitioner, who trains in Budo, and in his heart follows Bushido to the best of his ability NOT be able to consider himself Samurai???
That depends on what you mean by both 'warrior' and 'samurai'. Context is everything, my friends.
I believe Technopunk summed everything up just beautifully. Indeed, there are many twisted perceptions of what a ninja was. There are many people who would say, "Well, you don't go on missions and climb walls, and practice concealment in nature so you can't be a ninja." Those people don't realize that such things were only techniques employed by the ninja and not what made/makes them who they were/are. Again, just go back and refer to the quote by Hatsumi that is posted above. As many have already said, it is all about philosophy and lifestyle. Many people who train in ninjutsu also adapt their philosophies to it and begin living their lives a bit differently, though often the change is very much unconscious.
Ditto, I agree completely.
Laterz, y'all.
