Kurai Kotori art is one which imbues the practitioner with both the wealth of skills and the strength of character to face the challenges of modern life with an adaptive capacity reminiscent of the shinobi who served under Hattori Hanzo four centuries ago. The passions of Kurai Kotori students are exhibited in their service to various communities. Kurai Kotori genin have employed their skills in military, emergency medical and fire services, film, security, and other related fields. Each carries a personal mission of attainment which unites them in a common piety, guiding them through a gauntlet of trials. Those who endure find themselves changed, forever unwilling to accept themselves as less than masters of their own Way.
The descriptions of curriculum here are representative of training at Fortify, and are not to be considered a complete representation of the entire Kurai Kotori Ryu.
Fundamental training at the Fortify dojo includes:
Unarmed Fighting
- Striking
- Grappling
- Defense against weapons
- Falling technique and acrobatics
Armed Technique
- Swordsmanship
- Staves and other bludgeons
- Knives and other bladed weapons
- Chains and other flails
- Throwing weapons and other projectiles
- Firearms, with a focus on handguns
Cognitive Skills
- Meditation
- Strategy & Tactics
- Memorization & and Research
Skills Practice
On Monday nights we focus on isolating individual skills from each other. For instance April 2014 was about embodying the elemental fighting styles in unarmed combat. For a single class we further sub-divide that into things like using water element footwork in response to unknown strikes. This is a time to see how of the text book material has sunken in, and how much the student can improvise within parameters. Being able to choose how one moves, and not always default to the modality most comfortable makes the student more adaptive.
Technical Training
On Wednesday we work straight-up text book technique. This builds out, and polishes, the student’s set of tools.
I really enjoy learning the elements of ninjustu. Fortify has taught me new things and I have learned some new words in Japanese, I have learned techniques that youtube couldn’t have taught me in person so yea if you get the chance to come please come you will have a great time.
Kurai Kotori Ryu Ninjutsu has become my life’s passion. For 20 years it has guided my life, and yielded many great rewards. I can not express to you how rewarding training at FortifyDenver could be for you. Take up the journey and walk the path that great Bujutsu Warriors of the past paved for us. Respect their traditions while keeping one eye on the future! Challenge yourself to be more than you thought you could be.
-Norman Dehm
4th Degree Black Belt – Kurai Kotori Ryu Ninjutsu
Wandering Dragon Dojo – Durango,CO