Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Koga Ryu Ninjutsu Society (KRNS)?
The Koga Ryu Ninjutsu Society deals extensively with the teaching and practice of Koga Ryu Ninjutsu in its most historical and authentic form. Our goal is to keep this ancient art form from extinction by consulting related historical texts, performing ethno-archaeology, and reconstructing ancient practices through experimentation. Our aim is to establish a governing body for researching authentic Koga Ryu Ninjutsu.
Who can join the KRNS?
The Koga Ryu Ninjutsu Society is considered an “open organization” meaning that we allow anyone to join regardless of their martial arts background. Potential members must have a genuine interest in preserving authentic Koga Ryu Ninjutsu.We do require that once they join our society they must abide by our rules and procedures. It is also required that all future Koga Ryu Ninjutsu dealings go directly through the KRNS.
How do you join the KRNS?
There are three basic ways that the KRNS gains members: free will members, requested members, and vicarious members. Free will members are those who wish to join the KRNS by themselves. This requires them contacting the KRNS and submitting a 3 page essay for eligibility in the society. Requested members are those who the KRNS have sought out based on a variety of factors. Those members then united with the KRNS and agree to abide by our methodology, thereby having all future dealings done exclusively through the KRNS. Vicarious members are those who already fall under an instructor of the KRNS and wish to gain membership. It is required that the individual submit a 3 page essay and references from the head instructor (they will be contacted). ***Please note that all members have equal opportunity in the KRNS.
How much does membership cost?
Membership is free.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members join a large group of “like minded” individuals of varying martial arts backgrounds. Members of the KRNS conduct seminars and clinics internationally, thereby creating a sense of connectedness. The KRNS is also one of the leaders in research and literature analysis of the historic Koga Ninja arts. Having a foot planted firmly in history and the other in current experimentation, the member gains the best of both worlds.
Can membership be taken away/ terminated?
Yes, membership can be taken away/ terminated. In order to maintain a high level of martial arts and academic integrity, the KRNS does expect that its members represent the art in a way best befitting the values of the KRNS. Memberships in the past have been terminated due to one or more the following:
*Fake lineage claims
*Fake rank claims
*Self promotion of rank
*High ranking promotion of students without KRNS approval
*Slander of other KRNS member(s)
*Plagiarism
*Issues of honor
Does membership in the KRNS infringe on other Koga groups?
This depends largely in part on what organizations we are talking about. The KRNS is a governing body of the Koga Ryu Ninjutsu therein. It is therefore possible for another federation that claims lineage to Koga Ryu Ninjutsu, that is not recognized by or is in violation with the KRNS standards, to create a conflict and the member shall have to choose where their interest lies. Having said that, the KRNS does recognize many lines of knowledge to the historic Koga ninja, but within the scientific community this must be substantiated with evidence. One of our goals has always been to clear the air of what is and what is not Koga Ryu Ninjutsu.
Does the KRNS conflict with the Bujinkan and other Iga based systems?
No. The KRNS deals extensively with Koga Ryu Ninjutsu, not with Iga based Ninjutsu. The only time the two may come in contact with each other is during historic research or experimentation/ comparison. The KRNS does not issue rank in Iga based Ninjutsu, similarly with Iga based systems do not issue rank in Koga based Ninjutsu.
