How long does it take to get your black belt?

It depends on how often you train and what your your goals are, but you should know up-front that getting your blackbelt doesn't mean that your training is over. On the contrary, your training has just begun once you "belt out" so to speak. Obtaining a blackbelt in any art doesn't make you a "master", nor does it mean that you're the "baddest" person walking the streets - obtaining your blackbelt in the art of Ninpo means that you are now ready to begin your formal and deeper training. In general, it takes around 5 to 6 years of classes at least twice per week to get to this level.

What kind of "katas" do you learn?

There are no "katas" in Ninpo. We work with a partner to acquire basic movement skills. There are movement exercises ( Ki-Hon ) that one can practice to become proficient with various techniques, but these exercises are limited to that basic movement technique.

How many times a week do you train?

On the average, most students train between 3 and 5 times per week. Your training schedule will depend upon your everyday schedule, your commitment to your training, and your desire to learn the art of Ninpo.

What about tournaments?

There are no tournaments in Ninpo because this is not a "sport" martial art. Competition is discouraged for many reasons but mainly because of the dangers to our opponents - there are no rules in Ninpo nor are there "sparring" techniques.

When do we learn to use all those neat weapons?

While this is the focus of the "Americanized" Ninja, the focus of Ninpo is not on weapons training.  The preferred perspective is instead that any particular weapon is an extension of the body, and so weapons training comes only after the basic body motions have been learned.   The body is the one weapon that (generally speaking) is not illegal, can never be taken away, confiscated or misplaced, and therefore is our primary weapon.