Considered to be a modern day version of the “ninjutsu” is a North American martial art form known as To-Shin Do. This “traditional” martial art form is said to have originated from Dayton, Ohio located in the United States of America. This martial art form is said to have been created by an American ninja master Stephen K Hayes in the year 1997. Furthermore, this form of martial art is based on “hand-to hand” combat skills.

a. History/origin of the To-Shin Do:

It was in 1975 that the founder of “To-Shin Do” Stephen K Hayes travelled to Japan to learn “Ninja” from masters in the ninja form of martial art. Now, while in Japan he met Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34^th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryu (School of the Hidden Door) and officially became the first American to learn Ninja. Furthermore, it was in 1981 that returned to America having obtained a black belt in ninja under the guidance of his teacher Hatsumi.  It was thus using all knowledge pertaining ninja from Hatsumi that Hayes finally developed a unique form of combat in 1997 which was eventually named “To-Shin Do”.

b. Weapon used in the To-Shin Do:

“Hands and legs” of a fighter is mainly used as a weapon in this form of martial art. In addition, stick, blade, cord, and projectile may also be used as weapon in this form of combat.

c. Technique involved in the To-Shin Do and training availability:

In terms of technique, there are a number “moves” that are commonly used by a fighter in To-Shin Do, and they are as follows:

1. Grappling: Includes throwing, choking, and joint locking.
2. Striking: Includes kicking and punching.

In addition, To-Shin Do does not involve the use of “sparring” which is seen commonly in several other martial art forms. As for training centers/schools, there are a number available especially in the United States of America for those interested in learning this “traditional” martial art form.

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