Ninjitsu is an ancient body of spiritual and martial arts teachings designed for feudal Japanese spies and assassins. Practitioners, famously called Ninjas, developed the art in remote and mountainous areas of Japan to combat the Samurai landlords that rose to power about a millennia ago.

Although Ninjas closely guarded their training techniques and philosophies, the Ninjitsu style is said to be a rejection of the way of the Samurai, which involved adherence to a strict code of honor. Ninjas were rumored to be ruthless, cunning and stealthy killers who would stop at nothing to defeat their opponents. As the reputation of Ninjas grew in the countryside, the peasantry escalated the notoriety of the Ninja's prowess, attributing them with supernatural powers.

The name Ninjitsu can be translated to art of stealth. Ninjas typically limited their attire to dark blue or black clothing and usually conducted their missions during the night. Although many Ninjas were skilled warriors, their abilities were often exaggerated to include flying and the ability to predict future events.

Ninjitsu was banned in Japan from the 17th century; however, in the modern day, nine fighting systems, eight of which stem from Ninjitsu, have been incorporated into a single school called Bujinkan. Modern day Bujinkan seekers study Ninpo, or the "silent step," techniques which include survival strategies, improvisation and unarmed, close contact fighting.