The movie, “Nina Assassin” brought back many fond memories and inspired me to share with the Chi Power community some of the secrets within this martial group. 

Allow me an opportunity to provide a little bit of my martial art background.  I have trained in the Bujinkan system of taijutsu, which is the true martial art of the ninja.  I am also a licensed instructor of a somewhat arcane style of Japanese kenjutsu (samurai fencing) as well as a certified instructor of Chi Power.  The movie, “Ninja Assassin” not only caused me to fondly reminisce of my days in the training hall, being attacked by multiple assailants with various weapons, but most importantly, the concept of “mikkyo“.

As with many ninja based movies, the protagonist of “Ninja Assassin” is shown performing some of the “hand signs” of his specific clan; these hand signs, or “finger knitting” exercises, often result in superhuman feats of skill, strength, endurance and, in some cases, healing abilities.  The hand-signs of the ninja emerge from within mikkyo.

“Mikkyo” is the “mind science” of the ninja.  The practice is a modification of traditional Zen meditations for the infiltration missions of Japan’s ancient guerilla warrior.  Each hand-sign corresponds to a specific technique foundation, which has an accompanying emotion as well as a correlating breathing pattern.  “Earth” based techniques are used when confidence of superior strength, skill, armament and positioning is at hand; the warrior breathes deeply and evenly, with ease.  Conversely, when enraged, “Fire” techniques draw from a boiling spring of anger and violence; this too has accompanying emotions, breathing patterns, visualizations and an accompanying hand-sign.  Even the samurai engaged in hand-sign practices.  There are nine traditional hand-signs that are associated with the understanding of a particular “koan” (a paradoxical question used to gain spiritual awakening) and accompanying technique. 

Here at SPC USA, we see these techniques for what they really are: autosuggestion/self-hypnosis.

Meditation is multifaceted.  Although the overarching goal is relaxation, there is [or at least should be] an accompanying goal that coincides with said relaxation: mental sharpness; insight into problems and there corresponding solutions; enhanced physical capabilities, including quicker reflexes and surging of physical [muscular] power.  Regardless of martial tradition, background, or lack thereof, physical cues to stimulate a state of self-hypnosis is much more common than most people realize.

Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees performs a physical cue every time he steps up to bat.  When he pulls of his already perfectly fitting gloves prior to each swing, Jeter is telling his mind, body and spirit: “I am at bat; I am going to hit the ball; I am a World Champion!”  The loosening of the tie and rolling of the sleeves in a business setting are [non verbal] cues for the individual performing them, as well as anyone witnessing said actions, that focus, intent, and effort are being brought to bear.  Similar to the bells of Palvlov’s dogs, each of us is able to create our own triggers for specific stimulation and goals.

Here at SPC USA, we not only encourage our students to keep specific goals in mind when meditating, but also remind them of the necessity thereof.  Our exercises contain physical and mental cues, as well as auditory triggers in the form of “affirmations” that we teach to our Inner Circle students.

Sadly, many people will spend their lives believing the amazing abilities portrayed by the warriors in movies such as “Ninja Assassin” completely fictitious. 

Fortunately, the Chi Power practitioner quickly learns the exact opposite: we are limited only by our own minds.