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 providing authentic Koga Ryu Ninjutsu and thereby setting the standard for ranking students and instructors.
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. By uniting these individuals, the KRNS has established a network of practitioners which allows more recognition and validation to the rank issued. This allows members to not only be part of a world wide group, but also receive legitimate recognized rank. 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 anything other than Koga Ryu Ninjutsu, similarly with Iga based systems not issuing rank in Koga based Ninjutsu.
What is the ranking system of the KRNS?
The colored belt system is a relatively new innovation pioneered by Jigaro Kano, the founder of Judo. It is important to understand that such a ranking system did not exist in the martial arts of pre-Tokugawa Japan. Rather, among the Ko-ryu (“ancient styles”) of martial arts the Menkyo system of rank was used, whereby a practitioner would receive licenses during their training in the art. Less and less arts today use the Menkyo system of ranking, it is for that reason that the KRNS uses both systems. Practitioners are ranked from 10th Kyu (Jukyu) to 10th Dan (Judan). All Dan ranking practitioners shall wear a black belt. The Menkyo ranking shall consist of 4 ranks. 10th Kyu-1st Kyu belt colors are at the discretion of the respective instructor. At 1st Dan-3rd Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Shoden. At 5th Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Chuden. At 8th Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Okuden. At 10th Dan the practitioner is eligible for Menkyo Kaiden. *****Please note the 5th Dan test is a very unique test and must be done by an appointed member of the KRNS, no advancement beyond 5th Dan or Menkyo Chuden will be awaded without the passing of such a test.
What does the 5th Dan test entail?
The 5th Dan test requires the practitioner to feel the “killing intent” of a sword brandishing opponent and evade a blow from the rear without the assistance of the five senses.
