Pronunciation: [nɪnd͡ʒˈɪtsuː] (IPA) 
Ninjitsu is a martial art that originated in Japan. The spelling of this word can be a bit confusing for non-native speakers because it is often written as "ninjutsu", "ninjitsu", or "ninja-jitsu". The correct pronunciation of this word is /nɪnˈdʒɪtsu/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "j" in "ninjitsu" is pronounced like the English "j" sound, and the following "tsu" is pronounced like the "tsu" in "tsunami".
Ninjitsu, also known as ninjutsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art and skillset that emerged in feudal Japan during the tumultuous Sengoku period. It is primarily associated with the secretive and skilled warriors known as ninjas, who were highly trained spies, assassins, and guerrilla warfare specialists.
The term "ninjitsu" itself can be divided into two separate concepts. "Nin" stands for "perseverance," "endurance," or "stealth," while "jitsu" means "techniques" or "arts." Therefore, ninjitsu can be interpreted as the "art of perseverance" or the "art of stealth."
Ninjitsu encompasses a wide range of techniques and skills, including unarmed combat, disguise and infiltration, espionage, guerrilla tactics, weapons training, camouflage, and various forms of evasion. It emphasizes utilizing one's surroundings and exploiting the weaknesses of opponents to gain an advantage. The practice of ninjitsu also incorporates principles of psychology, espionage, and intelligence gathering.
Historically, the training methods and knowledge of ninjitsu were passed down orally within secretive clans, making it difficult to find written records on the subject. While there are varying schools or lineages of ninjitsu, some of the fundamental principles and techniques have become more widely known and are practiced outside of Japan today.
Ninjitsu is not only a physical art but also a mental and philosophical one, emphasizing discipline, adaptability, and the development of a heightened awareness of one's surroundings. It continues to intrigue and captivate people globally as a distinct and fascinating aspect of Japanese martial arts.
The word "ninjitsu" is derived from two Japanese words: "nin" (忍) meaning "endurance" or "patience" and "jitsu" (術) meaning "technique" or "skill". Together, they form "ninjitsu" (忍術), which can be translated as "the art of endurance" or "the skill of stealth". It refers to the traditional martial arts techniques and tactics practiced by the shinobi, commonly known as ninjas, in ancient Japan.
