About Shihan John Ang

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Shihan John Ang, a sixth Dan Black Belt, is one of three living Grandmasters in the art of Ninjukai Taijutsu. As President of the World Ninja Society and the Australian Ninjukai Association, he oversees one of the largest martial arts academies in Western Australia: it has seen more than 8000 members experience Ninjukai Taijutsu in the past 25 years of continuous operation.

John's training in martial arts began when he was eight. At 16 he obtained his Kodokan Black Belt (a rare honour in those days). He was chief instructor in Judo at the University of Singapore from 1967 to 1970. John continued to study other disciplines, gaining a wider perspective of the martial arts. He has practiced Seibukan Karate, Ju-jitsu, Taijutsu, and Kuatsu. In this same period he competed often and won numerous titles, including the Southeast Asian Ju-Jitsu Championships in 1969, the All Asia Grappling Championship of 1970, and the Asian Freestyle Battle of Champions (Light Heavy-weight) in 1971.

John's turning point came when he was 26: he discovered Ninjukai Taijutsu through Akito Yashida. Here he finally found an art that gave him the enlightenment he was looking for. Ninjukai became a vehicle for him to achieve balance and harmony in mind, body, and spirit. He realised that martial arts was not just about fighting and winning. It was more about self-realisation and self-discovery.

In his teachings, the Shihan always tries to ensure that his students understand the mental and spiritual aspects of the art. In his own words, "It is the spiritual dimension that ultimately creates the true warrior." Students are taught from the outset that techniques must be made relative to the surroundings they are practised in. The most important quality to cultivate in training is spontaneity, because only this can allow one to blend techniques with the given situation. Training of the mind and meditation therefore constitutes a major part of the syllabus.

Today John holds regular meditation classes for his students and encourages them in the art of Kuatsu: the ancient Japanese art of finger pressure and self-healing.

John maintained a high profile in WA prior to 2000, spending considerable time championing the cause of crime victims and combating racism in this state. In 1970 he completed a law degree at the National University of Singapore, graduating with Honours. He brought Ninjukai Taijutsu to Australia when he migrated here twentyfive years ago.

For more information on Shihan John Ang, including biographies and interviews, see the Articles section.

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