How To Learn Ninja Techniques: Ninjutsu At Home - WikiHow

Home » How To Become A Ninja » How To Learn Ninja Techniques: Ninjutsu At Home - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Learn Ninja Techniques PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Dany Zelig

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Dressing the Part
    • |
  • Understanding Stealth Techniques
    • |
  • Learning to Fight
    • |
  • Using Ninja Accessories
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Dany Zelig. Dany Zelig is the Founder and Owner of Tactica and the Tactica Krav Maga Institute headquartered in San Francisco, California. He is a 2nd generation Israeli Krav Maga instructor of Imi Lichtenfeld, certified directly by Imi’s most senior disciple and Head of the Rank Committee. He received his Military Krav Maga Instructor certification from the Wingate Institute in Israel in 1987. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 533,484 times.

The true techniques of the ninja are taught in secrecy. Whenever a ninja thought of new techniques, they would write it down into makimono or scrolls for the next generation's ninja. There are some ways of the ninja that are better known to the western world.

This article is partially based on an interview with Danny Zelig, Self Defense Trainer.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 4:

Dressing the Part

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Understand the style. 1 Understand the style. The contemporary ninja varies from the classic perception portrayed by movies. The formal gown worn by the ninja is a navy blue gown with a covered face. In action, a ninja acts more like a chameleon than a warrior.
    • There are many articles that tell you ninja clothes (shinobi shozoku) should be tight-fitting to avoid making noise. The clothes should instead fit your body in a loose style.
  2. Step 2 Dress for stealth. 2 Dress for stealth. You will need clothes that fit the environment around you. The idea of camouflage is to distort your shape so you won’t be easily identified. Matching the people around you has become important for the modern ninja. This sometimes means studying the people around you and being able to easily adapt.
    • Being unnoticed is important for a ninja.
    • Your nightclothes should be dark blue and comfortable. Consider wearing a keikogi, a martial arts training top, and a hakama, or loose fitting formal pants. The bottom parts of your hakama should be tucked into your tabi (ninja boots) and tied with a string for each foot.[1]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Use everyday clothes. 3 Use everyday clothes. You don't need to spend a lot of money at a specialty store for the authentic look. A traditional wardrobe doesn't create a ninja. Soccer sweat pants can be a great substitute for pants. Pair that with a dark blue t-shirt or turtleneck, a dark ski mask and you’re a modern ninja.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 4:

Understanding Stealth Techniques

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Practice Nuki Ashi. 1 Practice Nuki Ashi. This is one of the techniques of Shinobi Aruki. It is very useful for moving across creaky floor boards and the like. Start in a low crouching position with your arms extended for balance. Put most of your weight on the front leg. Move the back leg from the rear and swing it close to your other leg so it barely touches at the ankles.
    • Extend the moving leg forward and use it to feel for any creaky floor boards. Then starting from the outer edge of your foot, ease your weight onto that leg.
  2. Step 2 Use Yoko Aruki or sidewalk. 2 Use Yoko Aruki or sidewalk. This is a walking technique used to travel along walls and through tight spaces. Yoko aruki starts with one's back against the wall. Move the rear leg in the direction of travel. Bend the knees deeply when doing this. Once in this position, move the other leg sideways in front of the other leg and in the direction of travel. This movement should be smooth.[2]
  3. Step 3 Practice Ko Ashi or tiger feet. 3 Practice Ko Ashi or tiger feet. This is a good technique for walking through high brush or water. First, lift your front leg straight out of the brush. Slide your foot over the spot in which you intend to step. Point your foot straight down and step into the brush. After the foot has reached the ground return it to a normal position.[3]
  4. Step 4 Try crouching. 4 Try crouching. Perhaps the best way to move about, crouching allows less of you to be seen while moving.
  5. Step 5 Practice crawling. 5 Practice crawling. Excellent for visual concealment, the crawl is good for crossing soft grass and clean surfaces. The crawl is not good for crossing anything noisy such as hard grass, leaves, and rocky terrain.
  6. Step 6 Use other stealth tips. 6 Use other stealth tips. When you're about to turn around a corner, listen for footsteps or talking around or behind a wall. If you're skilled enough, you can tell which direction they are facing by listening to them. Be sure to press your weight against the wall, and crouch as low as you can to peer around the corner.
    • The lower you are, the less chance they'll see you.
    • When ascending stairs, if they are creaky, walk on the side of them, closest to the wall.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 4:

Learning to Fight

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Learn Jiu jitsu. 1 Learn Jiu jitsu. Jiu jitsu is a great foundation to martial arts practice because the fighting style relies on balance. Much of the jiu jitsu takes your opponent's strength and uses it against them.[4] If you belong to a Jujutsu school, you'll begin with the elementary throws and grapples. One of the first skills you learn is to relax during training. This enables you to train longer without becoming exhausted and also is good preparation to becoming a ninja.
    • The core of Jujutsu is fighting without weapons.
  2. Step 2 Discover ninjutsu organizations. 2 Discover ninjutsu organizations. Some larger cities have ninjutsu schools that are open for willing patrons. This is the best way to learn the true techniques a of ninja’s fighting style. The core idea of ninjutsu is stealth.
    • A modern fictitious ninja who incorporates this fighting style is Batman.
  3. Step 3 Learn from a trainer. 3 Learn from a trainer. Although knowing a traditional Japanese style of fighting is preferred, receiving any type of martial art training will help. You can always adapt the ways of your martial arts style into a stealth based style.
    • You can also seek out further training after receiving a basic martial arts training.
    4. Advertisement
Part 4 Part 4 of 4:

Using Ninja Accessories

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use throwing spears. 1 Use throwing spears. Hold the Bo-Shuriken in your hand with the point facing the same direction as your fingers. Hold it in place by your middle and index finger. Tuck your thumb over it to keep the bottom half secure. Point your arm that is not holding it towards the target. Then position your foot on the side of that hand in front of the target. Raise the hand that's holding the bo-shuriken next to your head.
    • Bring the BS holding hand straight down, accelerating as you bring it down. Make sure it's powerful enough so that it slips out of your hand.
    • Try not to be too powerful or you won't have much accuracy.[5]
  2. Step 2 Throw ninja stars. 2 Throw ninja stars. Hold the shuriken in your hand by gripping the outside of a point. Reach around your body to where you back pocket would be, and then pull your arm around and let your wrist snap forward. This will take practice at first. Only worry about the accuracy and not the power, distance, or looking cool.
  3. Step 3 Wield a sword. 3 Wield a sword. There are five basic postures of wielding a sword in a ninja style.
    • Jodan no Kamae. This entails holding the sword overhead at a 45 degree angle.
    • Seigan no Kamae. This technique places the sword handle at hip level with the tip aiming at your adversary's eyes.
    • Chudan no Kamae. For this, the sword is held at your center, above waist level with the tip pointing to your adversary's stomach.
    • Hasso no kamae. Have the sword at your side in a manner similar to a baseball bat.
    • Gedan no kamae. The sword handle will be at your hip’s height so the tip aims towards the opponent's feet.
  4. Step 4 Use Smoke Bombs. 4 Use Smoke Bombs. Smoke bombs are a classic get away technique. You can either make your own smoke bombs or buy them at a store. Ask a local marital artist if they could help you find this type of smoke bomb.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I build up my stamina? Community Answer Community Answer Do cardio exercises, like bike riding, running or walking. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 45 Helpful 288
  • Question Where can I get a ninja mask? Community Answer Community Answer A ninja mask was usually a long three foot scarf or fabric that would wrap around the head twice. You can buy this at a fabric store and make it yourself or see if you can order one online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 46 Helpful 263
  • Question Can I wear an outfit on which there is a cobra to scare off people? Community Answer Community Answer The objective is to camouflage yourself. Don't aim for looks, aim for stealth. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 40 Helpful 260
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • To learn Taijutsu, join a Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu dojo; however a Genbukan, Jinenkan, or Toshin-do dojo is probably fine as well, as they are also based on Takamatsu-den Ryu-ha. If none are available, look for any dojo that teaches Koryu Bujutsu (While these styles may not teach Taijutsu, it's probably the closest you'll be able to get excluding those listed above). Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3
  • Don't hold your breath while sneaking around, because when you finally breathe, it will be louder. Breathe slowly and calmly through your nose. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 4
  • Many practitioners of Taijutsu have black belts in other arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Wushu, Jiujitsu, etc. Having previous martial arts experience can be useful, but it is certainly not necessary. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 4

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Practice stealth techniques regularly. Work on walking silently, crouching, crawling, etc. Stay alert and focused when sneaking. Don't hold your breath — breathe slowly and calmly.
  • Choose your ninja attire wisely. Avoid anything illegal like ski masks. Go for dark, loose clothing that blends into the environment. Adapt your look to match those around you.
  • Learn a martial art for combat skills. Try jujitsu for throwing and grappling or ninjutsu for a stealth focus. Supplement with other arts like karate or archery.
  • Stay fit with cardio, strength training and sports. Good overall fitness will aid stealth and combat. Run, swim, play sports — improve agility and endurance.
  • Study your environment and opponents. Climb to higher vantage points when possible. Watch enemy movements and patterns from cover. Use calm focus.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Don't go in public places wearing a Ninja outfit. You'll be classified as a major dork, and you may have to go to a police station to be interrogated. Thanks Helpful 45 Not Helpful 7
  • The things shown here are only 10% of real ninjutsu. The rest is hidden. Thanks Helpful 32 Not Helpful 32
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Train to Be a Ninja EasilyHow toTrain to Be a Ninja Easily Make a Ninja CostumeHow toMake a Ninja Costume Master the Japanese Art of the SwordHow toMaster the Japanese Art of the Sword Be StealthyHow toBe Stealthy Be a Good FighterHow toBe a Good Fighter Make a Ninja Mask out of a T ShirtHow toMake a Ninja Mask out of a T Shirt Sneak AroundHow toSneak Around Teach Yourself the Basics of KarateHow toTeach Yourself the Basics of Karate Ninja WeaponsEverything You Need to Know About Ninja Weapons Sneak Around at NightHow toSneak Around at Night Go Into a Jeet Kune Do StanceHow toGo Into a Jeet Kune Do Stance Do JudoHow to Learn Judo (For Beginners) Discover Your Fighting StyleWhat Fighting Style Should You Learn? Be SneakyHow toBe Sneaky Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://world.time.com/2013/02/05/you-dont-know-ninjas-8-new-revelations-about-the-shadow-warrior/slide/the-smartest-ninjas-didnt-wear-black/
  2. ↑ http://www.akban.org/wiki/Yoko_aruki
  3. ↑ http://www.akban.org/wiki/Yoko_aruki
  4. ↑ https://www.jitsufoundation.org/about/japanese-martial-arts/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MW6_aoEof4

About This Article

Dany Zelig Co-authored by: Dany Zelig Self Defense Trainer This article was co-authored by Dany Zelig. Dany Zelig is the Founder and Owner of Tactica and the Tactica Krav Maga Institute headquartered in San Francisco, California. He is a 2nd generation Israeli Krav Maga instructor of Imi Lichtenfeld, certified directly by Imi’s most senior disciple and Head of the Rank Committee. He received his Military Krav Maga Instructor certification from the Wingate Institute in Israel in 1987. This article has been viewed 533,484 times. 481 votes - 87% Co-authors: 47 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 533,484 Categories: Martial Arts Article SummaryX

To learn ninja techniques, practice stealth techniques like sticking close to a wall and listening when you approach a corner to hear footsteps or talking. You'll also want to dress so you blend into the environment, such as by wearing dark clothes at night. Additionally, practice crawling or crouching, which makes it harder for you to be seen while you move. To develop fighting skills, join a local jujitsu club. Alternatively, try to find a ninjutsu club, where you can learn how to fight using a wider variety of ninja techniques. For tips on how to wield a sword and how to do Nuki Ashi, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese Russian German French Dutch Indonesian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 533,484 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Jun 10, 2018

    "I've been very interested in ninjas for awhile now, and have been reading about them just recently. I really..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Dany Zelig Co-authored by: Dany Zelig Self Defense Trainer Co-authors: 47 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 533,484 87% of readers found this article helpful. 481 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 10, 2018

"I've been very interested in ninjas for awhile now, and have been reading about them just recently. I really..." more Xavyer Sheridan

Xavyer Sheridan

Jul 16, 2020

"This really helps a lot with my training, I was 9 when my brother taught me to use a ninja star, I was 7 when he..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 3, 2016

"This article was the best thing that ever happened to me. I identify as a proud weeaboo, and reading this article..." more Yusuf Ashrafi

Yusuf Ashrafi

Jan 4, 2021

"This article really helped me build my knowledge and skill for being a ninja. I give a huge thanks to the author..." more Josh M.

Josh M.

Nov 16, 2024

"It really helped me with walking and sneaking through the alleyways the other day. My friends never found me in..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Would I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizWhich Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Technique Would I Have?Which Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Technique Would I Have?Take QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizTake QuizWhich Demon Slayer Hashira Am I QuizWhich Demon Slayer Hashira Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Train to Be a Ninja EasilyHow toTrain to Be a Ninja EasilyMake a Ninja CostumeHow toMake a Ninja CostumeMaster the Japanese Art of the SwordHow toMaster the Japanese Art of the SwordBe StealthyHow toBe Stealthy

Trending Articles

What Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Fruit Am I QuizWhat Fruit Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Finish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Take the Quiz Everyone Is Talking About

160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members Play the Snaps Guessing GameHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your Play140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz Lines

You've Seen These All Over Your Feed

What Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz

Featured Videos

Play Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)Persuade a Girl over TextHow toPersuade a Girl over TextGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentMake Hibiscus TeaHow toMake Hibiscus Tea

Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥

Do You Agree with These Food Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Food Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?

Your Daily Dose of Fun!

Am I a Bruh Girl?Am I a Bruh Girl?Which My Little Pony Am I QuizWhich My Little Pony Am I QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhat Type of Girl Am I QuizWhat Type of Girl Am I Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Individual Sports
  • Combat Sports
  • Martial Arts
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --613

Tag » How To Become A Ninja