Training for physical Balance
by John Avery

In ninjutsu, as in any other martial art, it is important to maintain a 
balanced training program, both physical- and technique-wise.

Training the body physically should consist of more than just the practicing
of technique and kata. All classes should start with a thorough warm-up and
stretching session (15 minutes minimum - although longer is recomended). The
routine should be similar each lesson, but some variety is necessary. Two 
sample routines, taken from my class, are shown below.

	    Sample 1   -   Light		  Sample 2   -   Heavy

  Jumping on the spot  -   3 minutes	Jumping on the spot  -   3 minutes
  Light jog            -   2 minutes    Light jog	     -   5 minutes
  Push-ups   	       -   20           Push-ups  	     -   50	
  Sit-ups	       -   30	        Chinese Push-ups     -   20
  REST*                                 Sit-ups              -   50
  Groin stretch        -   30 seconds   Leg-ups		     -   50
  Leg stretches	       -   2 minutes    Groin Stretch        -   30 seconds
  Back stretches       -   2 minutes	Leg Stretches        -   2 minutes
  Chinese push-ups     -   10           Squat to front kick# -   20
  Leg-ups	       -   30		Sideways leaps       -   20
  Hip stretches	       -   1 minute     REST*
  Arm rotationes       -   2 minutes    Arm rotations        -   3 minutes
  Arm stretches        -   1 minute     Squating hand stand  -   1 minute
  Neck stretches       -   2 minutes    Neck stretches 	     -   1 minute 
					Head stand	     -   1 minute
					Hand stand           -   1 minute
  * RESTS last about 30 seconds  	Arm stretches        -   1 minute
  # Deep knee squats should be		Neck stretches       -   1 minute
    used only sparringly.

Both routines warm the body-up before stretching, this leads to a more effective 
stretch. During the rests students should meditate, this quickly refreshes 
energy reserves.

The content of the class depends on the martial art, the teacher and the level
of the students. I recommend that some variety be used within the class,it keeps
interest as well is giving a more balanced training program.

In-class training should be complimented by an out-of-class training routine. A
10 minute run or obstacle course each day, as well as technique practice and a 
weekly weight training session takes little time but can make a world of 
difference to endurance and strength.

There are four main areas of combat which can be broken into four  broad 
technique areas. Striking, throwing, controlling and weaponary. Ninjutsu covers 
all these areas but very few other martial arts do. Below I have included a list
of common martial arts and an approximate guide to there effectiveness in each 
of these areas. Many sensei and students were consulted in the compiling of this
table and I believe it to be quite fair.

Martial Art	Striking	Throwing	Controlling	Weaponary
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Aikido		*		****		***		*

Freestyle-      ****		**		**/***		***
   Karate

Judo		*		****		***		*

Karate		****		**		*		***

Kung Fu		****		**		*		**/***

Ninjutsu	****		**/***		***		****

Shoot-Fighting  ***		**		****		*

Taekwondo	****		**		*		*

	*   = Little or no coverage  	**   = Some coverage  
	*** = Good coverage  		**** = In depth coverage


I recommend a combination of martial arts that give at least good coverage in each 
area. Although from these tables it seems ninjutsu is the best option, it depends
on the student and the school. A friend of mine attended a karate class, in which 
the sensei had also studied shoot-fighting and so passed knowledge of this onto his 
students as well as knowledge of karate, making my friend a great grappling partner
as well as a feirceom sparring partner.

Despite what martial art you choose the aim is balance, someone skilled in all the 
combat areas, and fit in mind and body, should be confident that they can defend 
themselves or others in any situation.