ABOUT NINJUTSU LESSONS - "F.A.Q.s"

"FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS"

Basics of Ninja Training Blackbelt video course

About Ninjutsu Lessons "Basics of Ninja Training" and more
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FAQs ("Frequently Asked Questions"):

Q. What is the "Basics of Ninja Training" Video Course

Q. Can I learn to be "a Ninja" from the videos?

Q. Will the downloads play in my iPod, iPad, iPhone or Droid? Can I play them on my TV or Playstation? Will they play from iTunes, Quicktime, or the Cloud? Does it matter if I have a PC or Mac? Do I have to log in to a subscription service every time I want to watch the videos?

Q. What is different between Blu-ray and DVD? Why is Blu-Ray expensive?

Q. Do you have a payment plan?

Q. Is your course like other Bujinkan Dojos and video programs? How do they vary from one dojo or program to another?

Q. Can I get just the videos without paying for training, video assessment or rank test assistance?

Q. How can I get assessment of my skills via video, either by online uploads or by mailing a DVD/CD? Can I get in-person training and rank testing?

Q. Does Shihan Mark Roemke travel to give seminars or private instruction? Will he organize group trips to Japan?

Q. Are you authorized by Hatsumi Soke (Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi -the Grandmaster of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu)

Q. How do I get a black-belt rank in your program?

Q. Do you require or offer Kyu testing? What does it cost?

Q. I would like to learn this art and become an instructor. What do I do?

Q. How do you support Bujinkan instructors, dojos, clubs and students around the world?

Q. On the internet it seems like there is a lot of emphasis on learning from videos as opposed to “in-person” training. Is this true and how does the Bujinkan community handle so much video training?

Q. What is the difference between Ninjutsu and Bujinkan? Why are there other instructors who do not use the terms Ninjutsu or Bujinkan to teach their art, but say they are teaching “Ninja” arts?

Q.What is the "Basics of Ninja Training" Video Course?
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This course is available as Instant Downloads in Hi-Def for iPad, TABLETS, PHONES OR COMPUTER/TV/Game Systems. Or get DVD or Blu-Ray discs. You can order the entire course all at once or just order one lesson (kyu) at a time. The "Basics of Ninja Training" martial arts black-belt course offers 8 hours of video lessons featuring over 16 Ninja weapons, authentic Ninja instruction and Ninja street defense tips in the tradition of Bujinkan's Grandmaster Hatsumi Soke
It is perfect learning material about how to be a Ninja and is suitable for total martial arts beginners or for experienced students from any martial art school. This is classic and complete reference material that will improve any martial arts student's quest for understanding the wisdom, techniques and weapons of the Ninja, including modern-day Ninja self-defense adaptations. It is ideal for all martial arts students studying or reviewing for the Shodan level (first degree black belt) of Bujinkan in the tradition of Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi who has officially authorized Shihan Roemke. The course is so complete that students who learn the material would be able to pass black-belt rank tests at most Bujinkan dojos around the world. The videos come with a 44 page printable course guide and students can purchase additional optional online training, in-person training and belt rank testing assistance via the "Virtual Ninja Package."
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Q. Can I really learn to be a Ninja from the videos?
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These videos are meant to be used as a life-long learning tool to assist students who are also training with real people, even if training is occassional. Any student who learns the material in our video course, along with “in-person” training, can eventually pass their first degree black-belt test at almost any Bujinkan dojo in the world. The “Basics of Ninja Training” black-belt video course was designed by Shihan Mark Roemke who is authorized by the Grandmaster of the Bujinkan, Masaaki Hatsumi. This course is the required knowledge for a first-degree black belt (also called “Shodan”) at the Bujinkan-authorized Santa Cruz Bujinkan Dojo in California USA. Find more information about Ninjutsu lessons on our FREE Youtube channel, our web page about Bujinkan and in Hatsumi’s books. Find more information about Shihan Roemke and Ninja Learning Network in our “Press About Us” section of this website.
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Q. Will the downloads play in my iPod, iPad, iPhone or Droid? Can I play them on my iPad, tablet, TV or game system? Will they play from iTunes, Quicktime, or the Cloud? Does it matter if I have a PC or Mac? Do I have to log in to a subscription service every time I want to watch the videos?
When you buy any of our downloads, the files will be downloaded to your hard drive where you can play them at any time without worrying about using streaming or access codes later on. You can move them to other remote hard drives or use them to burn your own backup discs such as DVD’s for TV play. They all play on Mac or PC using free iTunes, Quicktime and other software. We provide a choice from two versions of downloads for you. The “Device/Computer” version (.mp4, H.264, streamable ) will play on just about anything and is recommended for most uses, especially for iPad, tablets, phones and computers. These videos do not contain "Apple DRM protection" so they are easier to play on many "Android" and NON-APPLE devices such as Motorola Xoom, HTC Flyer, Amazon Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet, Samsung Galaxy S II, Droid, HTC, etc. There is also a larger, higher resolution "Large Movies" version. You can play both versions on many game systems from a USB drive. For specific information go to the download information page.
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Q. What is different between Blu-ray and DVD? Why is Blu-Ray expensive?
Blu-ray discs look just like DVD discs, but they are much higher quality and look like Hi-Def when you play them, even on very large television screens. They are perfect for large screen 52" TV’s and huge computer monitors. Blu-ray discs can only be played on devices that say they will play “Blu-ray.” Many newer DVD players also play Blu-ray disc, and many newer computers will also play Blu-ray (but they are usually PC, not Mac.) Blu-ray’s are made with different kinds of files, software and hardward than DVDs. The files are quite large, so the extra time authoring and burning time, plus the special software and hardware required to make them, contribute to the extra expense compared to DVD’s.
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Q. Do you have a payment plan?
We can set one up for you if you request it, but we also allow you to get the course one-lesson-at-a-time if you are not able to get the entire course all-at-once. When you start with 9th kyu (level one), we will also send you the 44 page guide for the entire course.
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Q. Is your course like other Dojos and video programs? How do they vary from one dojo or program to another?
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About Ninjutsu Lessons and authentic Bujinkan dojos/instructors:
Bujinkan instruction varies radically because authorized instructors are free to teach and award rank in any way they see fit. There are many great dojos, instructors and videos available across the globe. The instruction with Shihan Mark Roemke is authorized by Hatsumi Soke, Bujinkan's Grand Master in Japan. Our course is designed to be so complete that students who learn it should be able to pass black-belt rank tests at most dojos across the planet. Our authentic course offers more weapons training than is available at most dojos. The "Virtual Ninja Package" and "Basics of Ninja Training" videos are designed to be affordable and to be attainable by means of small purchases as the student progresses. Students are not required to commit to long-term, expensive programs at the beginning of their journey, they can train and pay at their own pace. Our videos are also very high quality and professionally produced by media artists. We also emphasize in-person training wherever it is available and help students find training opportunites near them (even for students who send videos to us for analysis.) Our program assists existing dojos looking for connections to more students so that the Bujinkan community can grow and become as supportive to each other as possible.
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Q. Can I get just the videos without paying for training, video assessment or rank test test assistance?
Click here to get free detailed information.
Yes. That is one reason why our video course is one of the most affordable ways to learn about black-belt training for Ninjutsu/Bujinkan. The videos (DVD, Blu-ray or downloads) don’t automatically come with any in-person training, video assessment or rank testing. If you want to upload or send videos on discs by mail for assessment by Shihan Roemke, you just need to buy the “Virtual Ninja Package.” Purchase of the “Virtual Ninja Package” may include rank testing for kyus and certain belt tests in addition to general assessment, advice about your skills and help with in-person training. You can get the Virtual Ninja Package any time you want, it's always optional, and you can purchase as much time as you need as you go along. No huge commitment to a large program is required when you start. Go to the “Virtual Ninja Package” page for details or contact us with your questions. Also see other FAQ topics on this page related to rank.
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Q. Does Shihan Mark Roemke travel to give seminars or private instruction? Will he organize group trips to Japan?
Yes. If you or your group are interested in contacting Ninja Learning Network about Ninjutsu lessons or seminars with Sensei Roemke, please inquire.
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Q. Are you authorized by Hatsumi Soke (Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi -the Grandmaster of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu)
Yes. Shihan Mark Roemke, who designed the “Basics of Ninja Training” black-belt video course for his own dojo, is authorized and has been training in Japan with Soke for over a decade. Ninja Learning Network is aligned with (and also seeks more) authorized instructors around the globe who want to receive our students on referral basis and to receive instructional support from Ninja Learing Network. See other FAQs on this page to learn more about Ninjutsu lessons that are official "Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu."
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Q. How can I get assessment/testing of my skills via video, either by online uploads or by mailing a DVD/CD? Can I get in-person training and rank testing?
Click here to get free detailed information.
About Ninjutsu lessons via online video or mail-in DVD:You can purchase the “Virtual Ninja Package” to get any kind of general video assessment you want, help finding in-person training near you, free training at Santa Cruz Bujinkan Dojo and also some rank testing. We recommend that you ask for assessment according to your mastery of the kyu lessons, one kyu at a time. There is more information on this FAQ page (see below) about belt and kyu rank testing and also you can go to the “Virtual Ninja Package” page of our web site for guidelines. But also keep in mind that we will customize your “virtual video assessment training” to suit your specific needs by discussing special requests you may have in advance. If you are looking for in-person training opportunities right now you can search for local dojos on our "Find Ninja Dojos and Training Partners" page.
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Q. How do I get a black-belt rank with your program?
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About Ninjutsu lessons toward earning a first degree black-belt ("Shodan"):
Start by getting the videos to learn about Ninjutsu lessons in general and study the "kyus" (lessons) which are the basis for our testing criteria. We recommend that you get the entire set of videos and watch through everything while reading the 44 page course guide. But you can also purchase the 9 kyus one-at-a-time. You would also need to purchase the “Virtual Ninja Package” in order to get help with in-person training, video assessment and rank testing for your first belt (green) and kyus. It is assumed that you will be training “in-person” with someone while following the video instruction in the “Basics of Ninja Training” program, even if you can only train occassionally such as at seminars or by using private instruction. You can come to the Santa Cruz Bujinkan dojo for training and testing, which is included in the “Virtual Ninja Package,” and Ninja Learning Network also tries to find in-person training opportunities near you. (However, if there are any dojos or instructors in your area and you decide to train with them, they would likely charge additional fees.) Ninja Learning Network and Shihan Roemke never award a black belt except during an in-person session with Shihan Roemke or another qualified instructor. Ninja Learning Network will make every effort to find other qualified instructors near you who can train you and award belt rank to you “in-person.” There are other ways we can help facilitate a black-belt test for you if the other options are not easy to manage. To earn the first degree black-belt ("Shodan") a student must prove proficiency in all the material outlined in the videos and curriculum guide. Sensei Roemke does not charge "Virtual Ninja Package” students for the belt testing and if you "pass" you will get a written confirmation that you "passed" for no additional charge. But there is a $100 fee if a student wants to also receive a physical black belt and official Japan certificate, which is optional. (If the student must test with another instructor, there usually is a fee due to that instructor, and there may be additional training fees.) The in-person test requirement for Black Belt level is very strictly maintained by Ninja Learning Network and Shihan Roemke, you may not "pass" your test the first time but you can re-test if you need to. Be aware that, although some online black belt courses promise to award belt rank to students who only interact via video, this practice is not respected by Ninja Learning Network, Sensei Roemke and a large portion of the Bujinkan Community. Such methods do not ensure that you are training correctly or safely. If you really want to learn this art, you must practice it with humans and you must be tested by experts who are in the room with you. Videos can help immensely but students should also train with people before expecting to pass their black belt test, of course. Also, depending on your starting skill level, you may have to purchase more than one "Virtual Ninja Package" to get the amount of assistance needed to help you get to black belt level. (Each package entitles you to one hour of video help and a few weeks of training. But this is a good system that lets you order what you need as you go without commiting to a huge program at the start.)

See more details on the “Virtual Ninja Package” page, refer to the “Basics of Ninja Training” kyu test information below and ask for your free copy of the course guide complete details about Ninjutsu lesson.
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Q. Do you require or offer Kyu testing? What does it cost?
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Most dojos require formal testing after each kyu. Some also issue stars and kyu patches to be worn on uniforms. Ninja Learning Network does not require or automatically offer a test after each kyu. Instead, video analysis sessions can be purchased by students want feedback on their individual kyu work as they go along with the videos. It is highly recommended that students test in-person for each kyu with a qualified sensei, or at least get feedback by means of submitting videos for analysis if in-person training is not available near you. Students who wish to take advantage of online training assistance, kyu testing and green belt rank testing with Ninja Learning Network should purchase the “Virtual Ninja Package” along with the videos. Students who purchase the package may “pass” a kyu test via video analysis and will receive written verification of the “pass kyu test status” with no additional charges. To pass a kyu test the student must demonstrate knowledge of all content and the ability to perform it without consulting notes. “Testing” does not guarantee “passing” and Sensei Roemke will be very strict before passing a student’s test. (Note: some of the kyus require presence of a partner in the analysis videos for proper demonstration and there are safety considerations about this if the partner is not also training in martial arts.) If students want to also receive an authentic certificate from Japan proving they have passed a kyu test, there will be an additional $40 charge to cover the costs associated with contacting Japan and paying fees for authentic certificates. Kyu patches will cost an additional $10 per patch but are optional. Ninja Learning Network does not usually issue star patches but you can inquire about it if you need them. Students may have to purchase more than one "Virtual Ninja Package" to be assessed for all 9 kyu lessons because each package purchase entitles a student to one hour of video analysis. It may take many students longer than one hour of video assessment to achieve results leading up to the black belt level. One Virtual Ninja Package entitles one student only to video assessment. Students with specific questions about any of this should inquire.
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Q. I would like to learn this art and become an instructor. What do I do?
About Ninjutsu lessons and Bujinkan instructors: There is a shortage of qualified instructors around the world because new, motivated people are discovering daily that the art of the Ninja is no longer a secret, and that it is awesome. It’s very difficult for some students to find instructors near them so there is a need for new instructors in this growing international community. Students can begin instructing others formally after they have achieved their 5th Dan level (5th degree black-belt) of training.There are various status types for 5th Dan level, each with different rights about teaching. Top instructors are 10th Dan level or above (10th degree black-belt, or "Shihan") and may lead their own dojo. If you have studied other martial arts and you have access to regular “in-person” training, you may be able to accomplish one of the instructor levels in a couple of years or so. If you are a total beginner or you don’t have easy access to training, you should expect to devote several years to this goal. Ninja Learning Network can guide you through these goals and your program will be customized for you, beginning with learning about Ninjutsu lessons in the video course "Basics of Ninja Training."
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Q. How do you support Bujinkan instructors, dojos, clubs and students around the world?
About Ninjutsu lessons around the world: We try to educate students and instructors about Ninjutsu lessons and training opportunities by providing many resources such as the free "Ninja Training Video Blog" on Youtube, a high-quality video black belt course that anyone can use, online training for students with no access to instructors, and an informative web site with ways for people to interact with each other. We rely on lots of personal correspondence to help people connect and provide a free listing tool on the new “Find a Ninjutsu Training Partner” Google map. We try to find instructors to refer our video customers and students to for training and testing. Instructors who want to use the videos as a tool to supplement their own curriculum receive special, customized support from Ninja Learning Network and can receive financial support if using our video program with their own curriculum. We invite instructors to train for free at the Santa Cruz Bujinkan Dojo and and help coordinate "Ninja Training Vacations" at the beach in central California. We welcome inquiries of any kind from any instructors or dojos. (Thanks to our partners and supporters from making this possible.)
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Q. On the internet it seems like there is a lot of emphasis on learning from videos as opposed to “in-person” training. Is this true and how does the Bujinkan community handle so much video training?
About Ninjutsu lessons online: almost every instructor and dojo in the Bujinkan will tell you that TRAINING IN PERSON WITH OTHERS is the only way to learn this art and that videos can only serve to help (just as the videos and books by Hatsumi Soke attempt to do.) We believe that, too. We agree that training with people is necessary and critical. Videos can help a student study any sport or art, but only if the student also trains with others, and only if the student also relies on real practice as their primary training method. Videos help clarify terminology, offer motive and history behind maneuvers and help a student recall and examine things that are difficult to write on paper for later reference. In the case of “Basics of Ninja Training” videos, the material is such a complete presentation of standardized basics that it could also be used by any instructor or dojo as a complete curriculum of the basics of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. (Read more about Bujinkan rank systems in other FAQs on this page) Of course, effective self defense goes beyond earning a first-degree black-belt and it is assumed that a true devotee of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu will continue their “Ninja” studies after Shodan level in order to master the essence of the art. Videos can only summarize some basics, but the opportunity to learn the art with video assistance is infinite when combined with interaction with real instructors over the course of a lifetime.
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Q. What is the difference between Ninjutsu and Bujinkan? Why are there other instructors who do not use the terms "Ninjutsu" or "Bujinkan" to teach their art, but say they are teaching “Ninja” arts?
About Ninjutsu lessons and Bujinkan: Bujinkan is Ninjutsu. There are many ancient schools of Japanese self defense originating from Ninjutsu, Samarai and other historical schools and periods. As with other arts, there are also numerous modern adapatations of those forms currently promoted by various individuals. Authentic “Bujinkan” is a collection of 9 schools (once secret) passed down in Japan to Hatsumi Soke, the Grandmaster of what is today called “Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.” Some of those 9 schools within the Bujinkan system of study are called “Ninjutsu” schools (Ninja) and some are called “Samurai” schools. Bujinkan’s 9 schools and some specific forms of “Ninjutsu” learning are often referred to as “Ninja” in the public vernacular. There are a few modern day schools based on some "Ninjutsu/Ninja" techniques that have been “re-designed” or “re-named” that say they are rooted in Ninjutsu/Ninja tradition, but if they are not authorized by Hatsumi Soke they are not considered authentic Bujinkan. Anyone can find that there is some contention between a few modern schools on the Internet, but Ninja Learning Network takes no position about any of them. Rather, we simply focus on teaching basic, genuine Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu as it is being passed down from Hatsumi Soke to his students. This teaching is, and always has been, more than a system of codified maneuvers -- it is an approach to self defense that comprises any effective concepts. In general, any instructor authorized by Hatsumi will clearly identify him/herself as being with the Bujinkan. Others who are not currently authorized by Hatsumi are not allowed to do so.
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