I practiced this a lot. I would like to add that this type of running does not use the heels, only the front of the foot, sso you do not loose energy on each step just from landing your whole weight, instead all the energy is spent pushing you forward. Tip: if you get the impression you ''float'' because your head is always almost at the same level, you are probably doing it right.
@@rock_ok you still waste energy when pulling the leg, you use hipnflexors. And hip flexors arent durable too explosive muscles. The normal way of running ia also a pull of the leg, but using more glutes and hamstring coordination, and those ARE made for explosiveness and durability. Walking gait SHOULD be with forefoot landing, be it ninja walk or normal walk. The only viable use of this running form is if you need to haave your arms free and not interrupt your gait. Normal wait requires hamstring and glutes, and those require lat coordination. Lat attach to arms so if the arms need to hold something like when about to strike, the gait will interrupt you heavily. And such cooordination is key for exertion of force, good samurais have splendid footwork. If you practice Kendo you will notice it when doing suburi and how your feet are placed.
@@rock_ok your are supposedly letting yourself fall forward, which puts more strain on the anterior chain. The lean may come from a small hinge but you arent using your glute explosively to lift the leg which is ny point, if at all ypu use the glute for leaning, and quads and flexors for pulling the leg, which isnt suitable for long distances.
@@thehumanpractice2985 your using glutes, all butt muscles to push forward. after leaning forward your hip flexes and your butt muscles are extending to pushing. during a run. that is why, in this video is said he is constantly falling. it's more of a burst of energy. this is why this is very interesting for a study.
When I tried to explain to people that I ran like that because it felt as if I was wasting less energy, they couldn't understand. I even tried to explain it as if "it's like I'm constantly falling forward", but no one believed me. This helps a lot.
@@turiflames4990 yes, cringe, but you are missing the point, and the end of the video. 4:33, the the ending note says that this Meath is isn’t faster, but more energy efficient.
Hey I modified it for football in high school I was all state low center of gravity on defensive line makes you a beast in that situation so I'll buy that
In Shorin style I was taught that you keep your feet in touch with the ground as much as possible, because that's the only way you can change direction or modify your movement. When you are off the ground, whether running or jumping, you are vulnerable for an instant. A sliding walk or run maintains control and the ability to react quickly.
especially the classic style fantasy ninja run that he showed earlier..Rikimaru from the Tenchu series does that run in one of the intros for the Playstaion games back in the day and he carries his sword behind his hip on the right instead of on his back for an over the shoulder draw..just like Hiryu does in Strider.
Yep. Makes sense. The coolest form of this movement I've ever seen is that by Satoh Takeru as Rurouni Kenshin Himura Battosai in the live action movies. Like, man, that guy made it so deliciously cool. Saw it in the movies Warrior's Way and Ninja Assassin too. Thanks for this video Ace.
I was in the Army for 16 years and always wondered why the common phrase was "lean into the hill and make it do the work for you!" Until this moment I have never understand the logic behind it, and I thought it was a laughable statement. Now I know!
Not only the Japanese knew of this. Most people of the Andes know of this way of using gravity to help you climb mountains. In Spanish they call it "paso cabal" ("just right steps"), small little steps leaning into the hill. And the saying goes that with it you can go anywhere (as in,you won't ever run out of strength before reaching your destination).
You actually also explained why it was common for samurai to keep their blade pointed behind them while running and only held smaller knifes in front of their bodys. They could lean further forward when they kept their swordarm behind the center of gravity
Actually... it is for safety reasons. The same reasons why we were told as children to not run wiht scissors. If you hold the blade behind, you, you won't fall on it, if you trip. And they did hold short blades behind them, but they were samurai... they most frequently used their swords.
@@gatocles99 actually samurai rarely using their katana, mostly only for display of status or secondary weapon. Their main weapon are guns, bows, spear etc ua-cam.com/video/lvJXh2-Gi_g/v-deo.html
This principle is in fact used by all the top runners and is the basics of proper running form - the major difference being pushing off the ground. A good runner is always falling forward to conserve energy, as well as tucking the back leg after the kick to minimise energy needed to move it to the front. Have a look at how much sprinters lean forward compared to marathoners - the faster the pace, the more forward lean they have. In truth, this method was not forgotten, but enhanced and perfected over the years as the sport developed 😉
😂 You're not even close!! It's so interesting to me when white people claim to have "perfected" everything even when the methods are completely different. Sprinters don't run like this at all. They kick off the ground and after a few seconds they are upright continuously kicking and twisting which is not the same as this video. You think just because sprinters start off leaning forward that means they do the same and have just "perfected" the ninja run. 😂😂😂 show me a sprinter who stays leaning forward and who doesnt kick off the ground. You wont be able to because the techniques are not the same.
You should watch a few top runners - you clearly have no idea what you are talking about - the Chi Running fad died over a decade ago, it was complete rubbish.
An elite runner kicks the ground with about 5 times the force his body weight exerts to the ground. So they definitly exert force to bring their center of mass up and forward. They are noy just falling. How would that even be possible. And have you ever seen Usain Bolt run. That is about as upright as you can get. Any many other elite sprinters for that matter.
Another reason it is practical, is people back then were running with equipement on, swords on the side, travel bag, etc. This method makes you kinda ''float'' on the same level instead of going up and down, which makes it easier to run with stuff on you. Just compare both while having a backpack!
That is a very interesting thing to consider, maybe that's also related in a way to the amount of inertia based cuts in japanese sword fighting (sliding steps after running, bodyweight cuts and so on)
@@faucillonmost often they were. What you think of when you think of a ninja is typically an iga ninja which were nearly all jizamurai, a type of samurai similar to a landed knight in Europe
it would be interesting to compare the speed and efficiacy of moving a classical Japanese army 200 miles in full battle dress vs. a classic Imperial Roman legion. Or, vs. a Spartan or Athenian army. My money is on the western armies over the Japanese. There are reasons why ALL training and sport use the classic Greek posture and method. No ninja or samurai methods are in evidence today in such sectors. Modern sports medicine and training methods are very advanced, and would have recognized any superior advantages in the classic Japanese walk or run.
I've been doing this for years while jogging to save energy, be it less canted. One day it came naturally when I was exhausted at the end of a long run. Seemed logical and proved effective for longer distances or when burdened with a backpack. Amazing to see this is some ancient technique. I use a similar philosophy when quickly walking up stairs. You see people bobbing up and down as they push their center of gravity away from the steps, tilt their hip and move their leg up. The hip comes down to settle the foot that moved forward, stretches out the forward leg and lifts the entire rear leg plus body up before going forward for the next step and it all repeats. The hip doesn't need to move all this way up though. If you think about it: this bobbing up and down of your body only lengthens the journey (similar to zig-zagging) and, since you're going up against gravity, is exhausting. As long as you're agile, the thigh has enough range to make it 2 steps up while keeping the pelvis relatively straight. In other words: I climb stairs in a constantly lunged position keeping my hip and center of gravity at the same distance from the stairs at all times. It is surprisingly easy to hold this lunged position. The lack of hip movement makes it incredibly easy and fast, even for a full flight. The hammies do get tired but no more (often even less) than when using the normal push-drop of the pelvis. It is so effective that I even beat people who are walking up an actual escator beside me, and that's when I do it at a quick but still normal pace.
Interesting video. I sort of came into this method while going downhill on the Inca Trail. I was so tired from tiptoeing forward, leaning back as an instinct to save myself from tumbling down, way down. Then I got tired, really tired with still a long way to go. So I thought to myself, why not letting gravity help. I started to tip forward just a bit, and my hind leg automatically catched up, so did my poled arms. And that continued along rest of the Inca Trail much more leisurely. Now this reaffirms what I tried. Thanks!
I have no idea why UA-cam suggested me your video since I'm not in ninja, samurai or even anime stuff... But that is very interesting. What is still more interesting is that I run for years and I use this leaning forward technic for long run. Just use the gravity to push me while bending forward. It helps depending on the terrain too. I alternate with normal run too because not the same muscles are used. I tend to use more the front of my foot when running like this. When using he normal running technic I step my heel first. When I use the front of my foot it's more tiring for my calf and Achille tendon , when I use the heel it's more the tibialis anterior that I use and it's more traumatisating for my knees and spine. By alternating these two types of run I can give my muscles and joints a rest. Well I don't bend so much like you can do but I'm in permanent forward imbalance. I'm far less noisy too and can run like this with nearly any shoes. But when using the heel first I need thicker shoes to absorb the shocks.
Yes, running with a forefoot strike is the way humans are meant to run without shoes. As you said, it works the calf extremely hard but saves your knees and spine. I would recommend that even when you run in the "normal" style (arm swinging opposite of leg), that you run in minimalist flat shoes with a forefoot strike. There's really no benefit to landing on your heels. If you want to work your tibialis anterior, there are better and safer ways to do it.
Thank you. This channel is so underrated and is really helpful. Even if I cant use everything in a real life situation, that makes it no less badass. Thank you.
another thing at play, i think is that the arms when they are behind ur back act as a counterbalance to make sharp turns easier. coz in basic running u are like a standing stick that is moving fast and when u make a sharp turn u have to lean and contort ur body a lot so that u don't get carried away by the momentum. and so with ur hands behind ur back u can move them accordingly like cats and big cats do with their tails, using them as counterbalance to make the desired sharp turn.
The first "ninja run" I ever saw was in the intro for one of the Tenchu games on the Playstation, Rikimaru , the main male ninja of the game, held one hand in front while leaning forward and held his other hand behind him at the hip to hold onto his sword to keep it from falling or making a rattling sound as unlike a lot of ninja media of the time, and even today, Rikimaru has his sword lengthwise behind his hip instead of across his back so he can do a quick draw from the hip and it's out of the way. Then came the Naruto Run which is so popular now..and in Batman Ninja the Bat Family does ALL the various running styles..regular running, Naruto running, old school one arm in front ninja run..all the different members of the Bat Family do a different style of run. I've done a behind the back draw with a full katan..with an extra long handle at that, and with a square tsuba 'ninjato' that has become the defacto standard to see. Of the two, while a behind the back CAN be done with either full sized sword, it's a lot harder to do depending on your arm length, while the behind the waist draw like Rikimaru has..much easier and quicker. Also of course length of the weapon is gonna be part of the equation to a quick draw..short Kodachi blade? Super fast draw if you know what you're doing even from over the shoulder. Always been a bit of a 'ninja nut' as the family has said..been fascinated with them both in fiction and reality for years.
Tenchu is the more realistic ninja I’ve ever seen in any media. I just don't understand how Rikimaru had to have his sword at his back because it can hinder him when crawling on the ground. But I learned a lot of ninjutsu from Tenchu, including their movements, arms, tools, and philosophy. That game is good. Idk why it stopped.
@@rvermillion8188 Some games just die out a bit...Sekiro is done by From Soft which has the rights to create Tenchu, in fact Sekiro WAS going to be the next Tenchu game...but then they changed so many mechanics and things they just made it a whole different game. Tenchu ended on a cliffhanger too which is really upsetting since the Wii game was the last canonical game in the series and there was an after credits stinger that left things on a cliffhanger and I doubt we'll see it resolved anytime soon since the SoulsBorne style gameplay seems to be what From Soft is all about these days.
Is this taught as a method of maintaining center of gravity while in motion ? Interesting. I can see it could have many advantages and would require some practise. Contrary to other comments, the purpose wouldn t be speed but centering can be very advantageous, such as while carrying a load. In fact, that would be the best way to practise it. Also notice from your demonstration that there is no bouncing up and down as well as no twist or use of arms. This means it could be belpful for one recovering from injury who could not otherwise run. Many implications. How did you learn this ? Is it taught in any dojo ? What other goodies do you have related to this ? Count me as a subscriber and thumbs up.
@@superbarnie there are different running technique that has much better stealth application. I think it's called Fox Step? Fairly quick, light-footed and silent, but very stamina consuming in long run.
I did the run on my first try and I swear I almost ran into a wall 😂 took 10 steps just to slow down never ran so effortless or fast in my life and I ran cross country no 🧢 I’m really 🤯
I've actually done something like this to begin jogging because the forward momentum gives me a boost to start off with. The problem I have with the "leaning run" is that it would be limited by the speed of gravity pulling the body forward.
Skydivers are also limited by the rate gravity pulls them forward, and the resistance of the air they are pushing through.... for most people, that should get you to about 120MPH...
It's not just energy efficient. For you samurai you are holding your sword, keeping it from moving too much. Ninja carry an arsenal that is concealed and this kind of running helps reduce the sound of the weapons.
No wonder why in some anime, just before fast characters run, there's always that small split "slow-mo" "falling" moment when their body leans forward and then they run super fast... Like they have the fast, stop, fast stop method or something... Like there's some sort of rhythm to their run. Definitely interesting way to run and I wonder if it's ever been implemented in a marathon or or sprint race or whatever...
So this reminds me of something my track coach taught us. We don't push w/ our legs more than we try to not fall. But of course we twisted. The anime run is something I've tried and it has uses. The issue is its over exaggerated which usually leads to bad form. I use it for coordination and blade play. If you slack you arms, fall, then only to catch yourself the movements are "flashy". So its doable but I doubt very ninja, considering stealth and all that
i'm not japanese but i am pretty sure they ran like that because they were running extremely long distances to go on missions and they didnt have horses before isolation was ended. this was how soldiers in armor ran across the country without getting tired
similar to a non compliant gait where your knee doesnt lock and you lean forward. its a lot more efficient over uneven ground. try it next time youre at the beach. you walk much faster and efficiently over sand. you do need strong legs though to maintain a constantly bent knee.
All running and walking are based on the principle of falling forward. All running and walking styles also need legs to push forward. The difference is, that with Olympic style sprint or marathon, all body is used to generate the push to keep balance. This way is more efficient in producing speed and in using energy. In "ninja style", the center of gravity is lower and stays on same height, and body posture keeps forward angle without so much twisting and bouncing. This can be useful in reducing noise by not stomping the ground, can be done with sandals and allows sword drawing while running etc., but is a bit slower and more energy consuming.
Also modern running is based on modern shoes with cushioned heels, that allow foot to impact the ground heel first. A natural running would land on whole foot or with ball of the foot first.
I can only comment that as much as I see world class sprinters, they always lean backwards a lot, but world class marathon runners don't lean, or lean slightly forward.
Dear Mr. Aoshima Please continue making good content of this sort. It pains me to find no new uploads for months now when your videos where a primo tool on the way to Samurai self-actualisation Thank you
If you are a sprinter or play football we are taught this. It’s called forward lean. It’s arrow dynamic and increases your speed however you do use your arms to drive through. 👍🏾
Good info here! The less arm and twisting motions makes for more accurate strikes with or without weapons not to mention the momentum for more powerful strikes.. also the smoother motion will make it a more silent way to move quickly without your feet slapping the ground.. knee walking is also an interesting technique.. we used to have races at my old dojo to improve the fluidity of the technique 👊🏻
Thank you.. You just taught me how to operate a segway // I'll try not to fall flat on my face ... like on a segway lol . This is a technique NOT involving a sword, that I can imagine myself practicing.. like, TODAY . Great content thanks
I knew about how keeping the center of gravity on the same level (instead of going up and down all the time while walking/running), and this absolutely random gem of an YT video adds another meaning on top of that. Thank you Ace, thank you YT :)
It’s no energy efficient by any means. You’ll have to stride faster and generate more force in order to not fall with this technique and it isn’t even faster than normal running
That’s because you haven’t honed the running form itself, so any wrong and unnecessary movements will obviously drain your energy. Traditional running is pushing more of your weight to the ground, forcing you to then use your arm movements to balance out your forward-moving weight. But leaning slightly forward with a long, controlled stride and hip mobility eliminates all unnecessary movement (especially arms) and pushes your body weight forward instead of the ground. Therefore, you don’t have to use your arms and the force from the balls of your feet (like the traditional run) to propel you forward. The strides are obviously longer because if not, you’ll fall on your face. It’s because ninjas and samurai were way more agile than the typical athlete, martial artist, or soldier. Focus on bring your back leg forward as fast as possible than actually pushing off of it. With practice and correct form you’ll use less energy and run longer distances faster, and can even carry weaponry to slice down enemies and debris in your way.
@@진홍-l6s where in the world did you source that from? I shall check that out myself. But to logically debunk that statement, a technique wouldn’t be created if it’s humanly impossible to perform. For that, the ninja run wouldn’t even be used. But obviously, there are ninjas that are literally on the internet that use that run efficiently. Moreover, why would you want to travel such at a fast speed and jump that far of a distance if your enemies will more than likely be a few meters away from you? It just sounds like your making the run seem as though it needs to be extremely faster and almost inhumane than the traditional run? But it’s mainly for agility, tactical mobility, and silently reaching point a to b, with minimal energy used.
I swear i used to try doing something like this when I was younger, I did eventually stop cause I kept falling face first into the floor whenever one of my feet lost traction with the floor
I do like this style of running. How it focuses on longevity rather than speed. Would it be practical to use this method of running rather than our traditional way? Also, can this be an effective exercise?
i subconsciously understood this, but you laying it out (very simply, i might add) lke this makes it super easy to understand!! thanks!! this also probably contributes to the quietness afoot that ninjas were famous for, and likely removes heel-strike almost completely.
Makes sense. I've spent quite some time in mountains and it's pretty intuitive to lean forward and make a big step. At times, you can't make small steps anyway due to the terrain.
Another thing to keep in mind, is swords. If you run like we do today, the sword would fall out of the scabbard, or out of the belt. Running so that the hips don't turn, keeps the sword in place, and it's easier to draw the sword if the arms don't swing.
800m is not a long run, but try it. Or watch the Olympics. You will see precisely no one using this technique. It doesn't use less energy either. Just try walking this way. It doesn't work well. Having a swing to your arms with your stride is the way our bodies are built to move. Forcing your body to stop that takes energy. It also interferes with your ability to breathe. If it worked you'd see modern athletes and militaries doing it this way.
@@joejoelesh1197 cross country runners also don't worry about being seen. I hike myself - I do find keeping a straight back is better for posture and generating push at certain inclines. Though if I'm tired enough or the incline great enough, I'll go between that and leaning forward to keep my weight forward. Guess we can't know until we try ninja-ing ourselves. However, I could definitely see a sleeker silhouette being more discreet than being completely upright. Again, context... but I appreciate the thought experiment brotha
When I was in early middle school I ran similar to this because i would get a lot less winded when i did now I know why lol! Thanks for the very practical explanation!
It´s interesting and sure it could have an application when sword fighting/carrying... but... I don´t think it´s more efficient, since the only way to compensate what gravity is doing would be with pure legs power, our legs would have to catch our weight to prevent us from falling and take us ahead. I guess it would require very big and strong legs, which is not bad, but they would have to be out of balance with our upper body... Mass wise speaking. Anyway, fun and interesting video... perhaps running with my sword while I hold it back so it won´t get stuck on anything... this would be the best way. Thanks!!
I have been applying forward-lean running whenever I sprint since forever and have found a barrier. It is very difficult to have my feet catch up. I'm still the fastest in my school.
Someone I know's karate teacher told them it was also to keep the arms free to react or use without having to time the arms movements to the rhythm of your steps. I always did it running up stairs before I saw it on tv when young because you can swing your arms forward to pull back and jump the last steps faster! takes a lot of energy but lot of fun :)
Not to mention that with your hands out of the way, you can hold your weapon of choice. And be running in for a kill. Or ready to run and defend yourself simultaneously. And the weapon in your hand would be more stable without the twisting.
Thanks for the video! I actually never thought to understand those mechanics on purpose, but now it's quite interesting to me. But first, would love see someone's doing this run in reality. And perhaps, try it myself. Also, there seems to be another advantage of your hands being free in this run: they are always ready to take out a weapon. As much as I remember different ninja-related episodes in films, ninjas were not really covering their head as you showed, but instead, holding one of their arms on the sword.
You forgot that the Ninja use the "run" so that the body can when the knee is loosened the Ninja has the ability to roll or cartwheel or flip to a 45 ° angle when charging or moving to their opponent . Also easier to dodge a blade with the movement
This is a method of running taught to longer distance runners. Leaning forward gives you momentum and lets you use less force into the ground, making your running more efficient. Sprinters only do this at the beginning of their races, as it lets them get up to speed as quickly as possible, then they are upright when they finish.
The most amazing thing to me is: the japanese found the simplest things in life like a sheet of paper or even just walking and explored it to find it's fullest potential, when no other civilization has done so. Any technology is basically adding stuff to evolve stuff into something else to make it 'better'. Japanese took what is and without adding anything, turned it into something unrecognizable. Great explanation and video
There is a comparison made by a professional runner in a channel called Because Science. Although it will be better if someone with real training demonstrated this. I was hopping this video will show more than a few steps.
I practiced this a lot. I would like to add that this type of running does not use the heels, only the front of the foot, sso you do not loose energy on each step just from landing your whole weight, instead all the energy is spent pushing you forward. Tip: if you get the impression you ''float'' because your head is always almost at the same level, you are probably doing it right.
so in theory. you don't waste energy. can it be done on a 1km run
@@rock_ok you still waste energy when pulling the leg, you use hipnflexors. And hip flexors arent durable too explosive muscles.
The normal way of running ia also a pull of the leg, but using more glutes and hamstring coordination, and those ARE made for explosiveness and durability.
Walking gait SHOULD be with forefoot landing, be it ninja walk or normal walk.
The only viable use of this running form is if you need to haave your arms free and not interrupt your gait.
Normal wait requires hamstring and glutes, and those require lat coordination. Lat attach to arms so if the arms need to hold something like when about to strike, the gait will interrupt you heavily. And such cooordination is key for exertion of force, good samurais have splendid footwork.
If you practice Kendo you will notice it when doing suburi and how your feet are placed.
@@thehumanpractice2985 it uses glutes though. since your leaning forward. anyway, this need a study
@@rock_ok your are supposedly letting yourself fall forward, which puts more strain on the anterior chain. The lean may come from a small hinge but you arent using your glute explosively to lift the leg which is ny point, if at all ypu use the glute for leaning, and quads and flexors for pulling the leg, which isnt suitable for long distances.
@@thehumanpractice2985 your using glutes, all butt muscles to push forward. after leaning forward your hip flexes and your butt muscles are extending to pushing. during a run. that is why, in this video is said he is constantly falling. it's more of a burst of energy. this is why this is very interesting for a study.
When I tried to explain to people that I ran like that because it felt as if I was wasting less energy, they couldn't understand. I even tried to explain it as if "it's like I'm constantly falling forward", but no one believed me. This helps a lot.
Yeesh
When have you heard anyone who ran that way won a race🤷♂️
@@turiflames4990 yes, cringe, but you are missing the point, and the end of the video. 4:33, the the ending note says that this Meath is isn’t faster, but more energy efficient.
Hey I modified it for football in high school I was all state low center of gravity on defensive line makes you a beast in that situation so I'll buy that
@@vanilla_lice what's the point of running if you aren't fast. Like, might as well speedwalk.
In Shorin style I was taught that you keep your feet in touch with the ground as much as possible, because that's the only way you can change direction or modify your movement. When you are off the ground, whether running or jumping, you are vulnerable for an instant. A sliding walk or run maintains control and the ability to react quickly.
Also its more silent (just wanted to add)
I’ve been watching Shogun on Hulu. I noticed that everyone walked like this, thanks for answering why.
This is why they can run and slice with their sword at the same time.
Exactly. I think this was the exact practical reason for running this particular way.
à la Strider Hiryu with his lightning fast slashes.
especially the classic style fantasy ninja run that he showed earlier..Rikimaru from the Tenchu series does that run in one of the intros for the Playstaion games back in the day and he carries his sword behind his hip on the right instead of on his back for an over the shoulder draw..just like Hiryu does in Strider.
That is something all who use weapons understand.
Yep. Makes sense. The coolest form of this movement I've ever seen is that by Satoh Takeru as Rurouni Kenshin Himura Battosai in the live action movies. Like, man, that guy made it so deliciously cool. Saw it in the movies Warrior's Way and Ninja Assassin too. Thanks for this video Ace.
I was in the Army for 16 years and always wondered why the common phrase was "lean into the hill and make it do the work for you!" Until this moment I have never understand the logic behind it, and I thought it was a laughable statement. Now I know!
Samurai walking/running is also great when rucking. It's also how they fought. Effectively this method turns your body into a bow.
Not only the Japanese knew of this. Most people of the Andes know of this way of using gravity to help you climb mountains. In Spanish they call it "paso cabal" ("just right steps"), small little steps leaning into the hill. And the saying goes that with it you can go anywhere (as in,you won't ever run out of strength before reaching your destination).
@@notfeedynotlazySame here, I learned that when I was a scout back in Chile
You actually also explained why it was common for samurai to keep their blade pointed behind them while running and only held smaller knifes in front of their bodys.
They could lean further forward when they kept their swordarm behind the center of gravity
Actually... it is for safety reasons. The same reasons why we were told as children to not run wiht scissors.
If you hold the blade behind, you, you won't fall on it, if you trip. And they did hold short blades behind them, but they were samurai... they most frequently used their swords.
@@gatocles99 actually samurai rarely using their katana, mostly only for display of status or secondary weapon. Their main weapon are guns, bows, spear etc
ua-cam.com/video/lvJXh2-Gi_g/v-deo.html
This principle is in fact used by all the top runners and is the basics of proper running form - the major difference being pushing off the ground. A good runner is always falling forward to conserve energy, as well as tucking the back leg after the kick to minimise energy needed to move it to the front. Have a look at how much sprinters lean forward compared to marathoners - the faster the pace, the more forward lean they have.
In truth, this method was not forgotten, but enhanced and perfected over the years as the sport developed 😉
uhm, no!!!
😂 You're not even close!! It's so interesting to me when white people claim to have "perfected" everything even when the methods are completely different. Sprinters don't run like this at all. They kick off the ground and after a few seconds they are upright continuously kicking and twisting which is not the same as this video. You think just because sprinters start off leaning forward that means they do the same and have just "perfected" the ninja run. 😂😂😂 show me a sprinter who stays leaning forward and who doesnt kick off the ground. You wont be able to because the techniques are not the same.
@@Flum666
Shhh no words needed. It's okay to have feelings. 🦶
You should watch a few top runners - you clearly have no idea what you are talking about - the Chi Running fad died over a decade ago, it was complete rubbish.
An elite runner kicks the ground with about 5 times the force his body weight exerts to the ground. So they definitly exert force to bring their center of mass up and forward. They are noy just falling. How would that even be possible. And have you ever seen Usain Bolt run. That is about as upright as you can get. Any many other elite sprinters for that matter.
Another reason it is practical, is people back then were running with equipement on, swords on the side, travel bag, etc. This method makes you kinda ''float'' on the same level instead of going up and down, which makes it easier to run with stuff on you. Just compare both while having a backpack!
The armor of samurai is really heavy, now i understand they run like that leaning forward so they can move faster with their equipment.
That is a very interesting thing to consider, maybe that's also related in a way to the amount of inertia based cuts in japanese sword fighting (sliding steps after running, bodyweight cuts and so on)
Samurai and Ninja are not the same though.
@@faucillon true, but they were sometimes, ine us a social class and another is a profession
@@faucillonmost often they were. What you think of when you think of a ninja is typically an iga ninja which were nearly all jizamurai, a type of samurai similar to a landed knight in Europe
it would be interesting to compare the speed and efficiacy of moving a classical Japanese army 200 miles in full battle dress vs. a classic Imperial Roman legion.
Or, vs. a Spartan or Athenian army.
My money is on the western armies over the Japanese. There are reasons why ALL training and sport use the classic Greek posture and method. No ninja or samurai methods are in evidence today in such sectors. Modern sports medicine and training methods are very advanced, and would have recognized any superior advantages in the classic Japanese walk or run.
I've been doing this for years while jogging to save energy, be it less canted. One day it came naturally when I was exhausted at the end of a long run. Seemed logical and proved effective for longer distances or when burdened with a backpack. Amazing to see this is some ancient technique.
I use a similar philosophy when quickly walking up stairs. You see people bobbing up and down as they push their center of gravity away from the steps, tilt their hip and move their leg up. The hip comes down to settle the foot that moved forward, stretches out the forward leg and lifts the entire rear leg plus body up before going forward for the next step and it all repeats. The hip doesn't need to move all this way up though. If you think about it: this bobbing up and down of your body only lengthens the journey (similar to zig-zagging) and, since you're going up against gravity, is exhausting.
As long as you're agile, the thigh has enough range to make it 2 steps up while keeping the pelvis relatively straight. In other words: I climb stairs in a constantly lunged position keeping my hip and center of gravity at the same distance from the stairs at all times. It is surprisingly easy to hold this lunged position. The lack of hip movement makes it incredibly easy and fast, even for a full flight. The hammies do get tired but no more (often even less) than when using the normal push-drop of the pelvis. It is so effective that I even beat people who are walking up an actual escator beside me, and that's when I do it at a quick but still normal pace.
Make a video
you think you're smarter than a ninja?
Please make a UA-cam short on this. Will easily go viral. Probably 1 billion views in a week
Wow!
Video demonstration please
Interesting video. I sort of came into this method while going downhill on the Inca Trail. I was so tired from tiptoeing forward, leaning back as an instinct to save myself from tumbling down, way down. Then I got tired, really tired with still a long way to go. So I thought to myself, why not letting gravity help. I started to tip forward just a bit, and my hind leg automatically catched up, so did my poled arms. And that continued along rest of the Inca Trail much more leisurely. Now this reaffirms what I tried. Thanks!
I have no idea why UA-cam suggested me your video since I'm not in ninja, samurai or even anime stuff... But that is very interesting. What is still more interesting is that I run for years and I use this leaning forward technic for long run. Just use the gravity to push me while bending forward. It helps depending on the terrain too. I alternate with normal run too because not the same muscles are used. I tend to use more the front of my foot when running like this. When using he normal running technic I step my heel first. When I use the front of my foot it's more tiring for my calf and Achille tendon , when I use the heel it's more the tibialis anterior that I use and it's more traumatisating for my knees and spine. By alternating these two types of run I can give my muscles and joints a rest. Well I don't bend so much like you can do but I'm in permanent forward imbalance. I'm far less noisy too and can run like this with nearly any shoes. But when using the heel first I need thicker shoes to absorb the shocks.
Yes, running with a forefoot strike is the way humans are meant to run without shoes. As you said, it works the calf extremely hard but saves your knees and spine. I would recommend that even when you run in the "normal" style (arm swinging opposite of leg), that you run in minimalist flat shoes with a forefoot strike. There's really no benefit to landing on your heels. If you want to work your tibialis anterior, there are better and safer ways to do it.
there should be olympics competitions just for this modality
Since Walking is or used to be an Olympic discipline, why not the samurai run? Just gotta petition to the Olympic committee for it.
Start from the Asian Games first tho, that way the Olympic Committee will notice
Thank you. This channel is so underrated and is really helpful. Even if I cant use everything in a real life situation, that makes it no less badass. Thank you.
another thing at play, i think is that the arms when they are behind ur back act as a counterbalance to make sharp turns easier. coz in basic running u are like a standing stick that is moving fast and when u make a sharp turn u have to lean and contort ur body a lot so that u don't get carried away by the momentum. and so with ur hands behind ur back u can move them accordingly like cats and big cats do with their tails, using them as counterbalance to make the desired sharp turn.
You’ve basically described the Naruto-run….
@@NorseGraphic haven't watched naruto :p only seen the ''thing''
The first "ninja run" I ever saw was in the intro for one of the Tenchu games on the Playstation, Rikimaru , the main male ninja of the game, held one hand in front while leaning forward and held his other hand behind him at the hip to hold onto his sword to keep it from falling or making a rattling sound as unlike a lot of ninja media of the time, and even today, Rikimaru has his sword lengthwise behind his hip instead of across his back so he can do a quick draw from the hip and it's out of the way. Then came the Naruto Run which is so popular now..and in Batman Ninja the Bat Family does ALL the various running styles..regular running, Naruto running, old school one arm in front ninja run..all the different members of the Bat Family do a different style of run. I've done a behind the back draw with a full katan..with an extra long handle at that, and with a square tsuba 'ninjato' that has become the defacto standard to see. Of the two, while a behind the back CAN be done with either full sized sword, it's a lot harder to do depending on your arm length, while the behind the waist draw like Rikimaru has..much easier and quicker. Also of course length of the weapon is gonna be part of the equation to a quick draw..short Kodachi blade? Super fast draw if you know what you're doing even from over the shoulder. Always been a bit of a 'ninja nut' as the family has said..been fascinated with them both in fiction and reality for years.
Tenchu is the more realistic ninja I’ve ever seen in any media. I just don't understand how Rikimaru had to have his sword at his back because it can hinder him when crawling on the ground. But I learned a lot of ninjutsu from Tenchu, including their movements, arms, tools, and philosophy. That game is good. Idk why it stopped.
@@rvermillion8188 Some games just die out a bit...Sekiro is done by From Soft which has the rights to create Tenchu, in fact Sekiro WAS going to be the next Tenchu game...but then they changed so many mechanics and things they just made it a whole different game. Tenchu ended on a cliffhanger too which is really upsetting since the Wii game was the last canonical game in the series and there was an after credits stinger that left things on a cliffhanger and I doubt we'll see it resolved anytime soon since the SoulsBorne style gameplay seems to be what From Soft is all about these days.
Where are you? I will find you!
When I was a kid in primary school we always run like this and that's why so many kids fall face down running. LoL!
In the Alpes they also have an energy efficient uphill walk.
That technic is easy, just using very small steps and you wont be exhausted as fast.
In the Alps, they dig the mountain to find GOD parcticles. I dont trust them. They are not smart.,
@@goshu7009?
This is where the inspiration for the naruto run derives from
That's a fairly obvious statement
Having not studied this I would assume that this was not an everyday style of walking but more of a combat or strategic style of walking / running
probably. i'm sure it also helped to run like this if they have swords sheathed/carrying a backpack/ or need to use their arms to combat
I am ready to become an anime character. Thanks to this
Plot twist: you're actually the antagonist
I hope I'm just a comedic relief
😂😂😂
Is this taught as a method of maintaining center of gravity while in motion ? Interesting. I can see it could have many advantages and would require some practise. Contrary to other comments, the purpose wouldn t be speed but centering can be very advantageous, such as while carrying a load. In fact, that would be the best way to practise it. Also notice from your demonstration that there is no bouncing up and down as well as no twist or use of arms. This means it could be belpful for one recovering from injury who could not otherwise run.
Many implications. How did you learn this ? Is it taught in any dojo ? What other goodies do you have related to this ? Count me as a subscriber and thumbs up.
Yes I also think the arms not used while running could also be helpful for sword or weapon use while attacking/defending or just moving while armed
Is it quiet tho?
@@superbarnie there are different running technique that has much better stealth application. I think it's called Fox Step? Fairly quick, light-footed and silent, but very stamina consuming in long run.
Look up an old DVD called "Chi Running". Cheers.
Yes, chi running is a very good book. Also, suggested is wim hof breathing.
I did the run on my first try and I swear I almost ran into a wall 😂 took 10 steps just to slow down never ran so effortless or fast in my life and I ran cross country no 🧢 I’m really 🤯
🤣great job
Prepare to run cross continents
Now do it over water
@@ImEmpTy295 2100 ahh sports 😭🙏
I can't wait to try it on my hill, let's go !
Already back, it was amazing.
Trying this to make my walking exercises more efficient. It feels SO WEIRD at first!
I've actually done something like this to begin jogging because the forward momentum gives me a boost to start off with.
The problem I have with the "leaning run" is that it would be limited by the speed of gravity pulling the body forward.
Skydivers are also limited by the rate gravity pulls them forward, and the resistance of the air they are pushing through.... for most people, that should get you to about 120MPH...
@@root1657 skydivers don't have a ground in the way :)
It actually comes naturally if you run long distances with a backpack...especially when you run uphill. So great video :)
I just came for the naruto run secret
In Karate, we use this step for attacks, when we quickly want to move towards our opponent. Thanks for the great explanation!
isnt it smarter to produce a forward force then fall forward than to just fall forward? wud be faster
we need to create a new running competition in the Olympics, the ninja run
It's not just energy efficient.
For you samurai you are holding your sword, keeping it from moving too much.
Ninja carry an arsenal that is concealed and this kind of running helps reduce the sound of the weapons.
It's also how batman runs in the justice League cartoons.
Yeap. Batman is also a ninja.
I always said walking is just us putting ourselves in a perpetual state of falling forward.
No wonder why in some anime, just before fast characters run, there's always that small split "slow-mo" "falling" moment when their body leans forward and then they run super fast... Like they have the fast, stop, fast stop method or something... Like there's some sort of rhythm to their run.
Definitely interesting way to run and I wonder if it's ever been implemented in a marathon or or sprint race or whatever...
This has helped me in my sprinting and boxing - thanks!
whole process felt like my grandma running to washroom.
So this reminds me of something my track coach taught us. We don't push w/ our legs more than we try to not fall. But of course we twisted.
The anime run is something I've tried and it has uses. The issue is its over exaggerated which usually leads to bad form. I use it for coordination and blade play.
If you slack you arms, fall, then only to catch yourself the movements are "flashy".
So its doable but I doubt very ninja, considering stealth and all that
I've seen gunmen move like this, specifically raid teams. It makes sense if you need to be always ready to dodge or aim.
"Seek in the Past to find the Future"
That's my life motto since 2017. I've been stuck into EurAsia (plus Mediterranean Africa), though.
WE have the same problem girl
This helps when you carry swords in the battlefield.
Yup
Absolutely right
I would have liked to see this in longer distance demos.
i'm not japanese but i am pretty sure they ran like that because they were running extremely long distances to go on missions and they didnt have horses before isolation was ended. this was how soldiers in armor ran across the country without getting tired
similar to a non compliant gait where your knee doesnt lock and you lean forward. its a lot more efficient over uneven ground. try it next time youre at the beach. you walk much faster and efficiently over sand. you do need strong legs though to maintain a constantly bent knee.
All running and walking are based on the principle of falling forward. All running and walking styles also need legs to push forward. The difference is, that with Olympic style sprint or marathon, all body is used to generate the push to keep balance. This way is more efficient in producing speed and in using energy. In "ninja style", the center of gravity is lower and stays on same height, and body posture keeps forward angle without so much twisting and bouncing. This can be useful in reducing noise by not stomping the ground, can be done with sandals and allows sword drawing while running etc., but is a bit slower and more energy consuming.
Also modern running is based on modern shoes with cushioned heels, that allow foot to impact the ground heel first. A natural running would land on whole foot or with ball of the foot first.
Finally, someone that makes sense. 👍
@@OsRaunio I assume you’re talking about long distance runners. Sprinters’ spikes don’t even hav e hills anymore.
I can only comment that as much as I see world class sprinters, they always lean backwards a lot, but world class marathon runners don't lean, or lean slightly forward.
I knew a cross country runner in high school who ran leaning back and won a lot of 1st place finishes. His name was Dirk Skinner.
This is also how soldiers move on longer treks to save energy.
We tilt forward but don’t ninja run bro lmao
it's samurai's technique to "run" while fully equiped as they cant run in a normal way.
I was in the US Army, and we never moved like this, liar😆
@@shinbakihanma2749 ahahahha
@@shinbakihanma2749 maybe he's in a different army? Lol.
Dear Mr. Aoshima
Please continue making good content of this sort. It pains me to find no new uploads for months now when your videos where a primo tool on the way to Samurai self-actualisation
Thank you
I love me how you segwayed in to that Segway bit.
Thanks! I always wondered about that. A few of the kids in my dojo run like that just for fun!
If you are a sprinter or play football we are taught this. It’s called forward lean. It’s arrow dynamic and increases your speed however you do use your arms to drive through. 👍🏾
Good info here! The less arm and twisting motions makes for more accurate strikes with or without weapons not to mention the momentum for more powerful strikes.. also the smoother motion will make it a more silent way to move quickly without your feet slapping the ground.. knee walking is also an interesting technique.. we used to have races at my old dojo to improve the fluidity of the technique 👊🏻
Thank you.. You just taught me how to operate a segway // I'll try not to fall flat on my face ...
like on a segway lol . This is a technique NOT involving a sword, that I can imagine myself practicing.. like, TODAY . Great content thanks
This is how drunk people stumble around without falling over lol
Damn I’m a ninja master
So you have the understanding of the ultimate kung fu master technic the drunken master ..good for you
similar to classic northic skiing's diagonal step which also starts leaning forward
This reminds me of Kiyoshi Arakaki’s mention of both the “shrink-ground method” and how the COG moves in Naihanchi kata….
I knew about how keeping the center of gravity on the same level (instead of going up and down all the time while walking/running), and this absolutely random gem of an YT video adds another meaning on top of that. Thank you Ace, thank you YT :)
It’s no energy efficient by any means. You’ll have to stride faster and generate more force in order to not fall with this technique and it isn’t even faster than normal running
I heard it's because if you've got a swarm beside you it makes me want to know more than that actually end up coming out if you don't run this Way.
@@taylorbee4010 u failed English?
That’s because you haven’t honed the running form itself, so any wrong and unnecessary movements will obviously drain your energy. Traditional running is pushing more of your weight to the ground, forcing you to then use your arm movements to balance out your forward-moving weight. But leaning slightly forward with a long, controlled stride and hip mobility eliminates all unnecessary movement (especially arms) and pushes your body weight forward instead of the ground. Therefore, you don’t have to use your arms and the force from the balls of your feet (like the traditional run) to propel you forward. The strides are obviously longer because if not, you’ll fall on your face. It’s because ninjas and samurai were way more agile than the typical athlete, martial artist, or soldier. Focus on bring your back leg forward as fast as possible than actually pushing off of it. With practice and correct form you’ll use less energy and run longer distances faster, and can even carry weaponry to slice down enemies and debris in your way.
@@4REEDOM555 The technique only works for someone who is able to move at over 200 MPH and jump 50 feet with every step.
@@진홍-l6s where in the world did you source that from? I shall check that out myself. But to logically debunk that statement, a technique wouldn’t be created if it’s humanly impossible to perform. For that, the ninja run wouldn’t even be used. But obviously, there are ninjas that are literally on the internet that use that run efficiently. Moreover, why would you want to travel such at a fast speed and jump that far of a distance if your enemies will more than likely be a few meters away from you? It just sounds like your making the run seem as though it needs to be extremely faster and almost inhumane than the traditional run? But it’s mainly for agility, tactical mobility, and silently reaching point a to b, with minimal energy used.
I love doing this run up stairs , seems effortless and i explain it as rolling into the lean and next steps with my feet to avoid face planting .
Great breakdown. This is a solid channel.
I swear i used to try doing something like this when I was younger, I did eventually stop cause I kept falling face first into the floor whenever one of my feet lost traction with the floor
Another similar trivia: Helicopters need to be tilted nose down, tail up in order to fly forward
but a chopper uses tangent reaction force from the blades instead of shifting the fulcrum though
@@CheekiScrubb Thanks for the info
@@smoothcriminal7232 glad to help
I don't run... my enemies have that role.
I do like this style of running. How it focuses on longevity rather than speed. Would it be practical to use this method of running rather than our traditional way? Also, can this be an effective exercise?
I think normal running would be more effective as it involves more muscles
i subconsciously understood this, but you laying it out (very simply, i might add) lke this makes it super easy to understand!! thanks!! this also probably contributes to the quietness afoot that ninjas were famous for, and likely removes heel-strike almost completely.
Very interesting! We do this type of run in the style of kenjutsu that I train in but it has never been explained to me why we do it that way
Makes sense. I've spent quite some time in mountains and it's pretty intuitive to lean forward and make a big step. At times, you can't make small steps anyway due to the terrain.
love it! glad i stumble upon this video and this channel no less! love your explanations and graphics! Subbed!
Another thing to keep in mind, is swords.
If you run like we do today, the sword would fall out of the scabbard, or out of the belt.
Running so that the hips don't turn, keeps the sword in place, and it's easier to draw the sword if the arms don't swing.
If this takes less energy, can we use this method as a good way to do long runs like 800m run😐
800m is not a long run, but try it. Or watch the Olympics. You will see precisely no one using this technique.
It doesn't use less energy either. Just try walking this way. It doesn't work well. Having a swing to your arms with your stride is the way our bodies are built to move. Forcing your body to stop that takes energy. It also interferes with your ability to breathe. If it worked you'd see modern athletes and militaries doing it this way.
I think context is key here - probably helped more going up hills/inclines/mountains/rooftops(..?)
It’s make believe.
@@hyesoteric yeah that's why hikers and cross country runners today do it. Oh wait.... No they don't.
@@joejoelesh1197 cross country runners also don't worry about being seen. I hike myself - I do find keeping a straight back is better for posture and generating push at certain inclines. Though if I'm tired enough or the incline great enough, I'll go between that and leaning forward to keep my weight forward. Guess we can't know until we try ninja-ing ourselves. However, I could definitely see a sleeker silhouette being more discreet than being completely upright. Again, context... but I appreciate the thought experiment brotha
When I was in early middle school I ran similar to this because i would get a lot less winded when i did now I know why lol! Thanks for the very practical explanation!
It´s interesting and sure it could have an application when sword fighting/carrying... but... I don´t think it´s more efficient, since the only way to compensate what gravity is doing would be with pure legs power, our legs would have to catch our weight to prevent us from falling and take us ahead. I guess it would require very big and strong legs, which is not bad, but they would have to be out of balance with our upper body... Mass wise speaking.
Anyway, fun and interesting video... perhaps running with my sword while I hold it back so it won´t get stuck on anything... this would be the best way. Thanks!!
Merci pour vos vidéos très instructives...ces connaissances ne doivent pas se perdre !
I think firefighters should do that too! You can (almost) run with heavy loads like that
(Of course, if it's too heavy you gonna hurt your knees)
Thank you for the very nice walk through demonstration of how to apply the physics that makes it work 🤩
I have been applying forward-lean running whenever I sprint since forever and have found a barrier. It is very difficult to have my feet catch up. I'm still the fastest in my school.
Someone I know's karate teacher told them it was also to keep the arms free to react or use without having to time the arms movements to the rhythm of your steps. I always did it running up stairs before I saw it on tv when young because you can swing your arms forward to pull back and jump the last steps faster! takes a lot of energy but lot of fun :)
So could you use this in a marathon
Good idea...
"Sick in the past to find the future"... BEAUTIFUL!!!! 😍😍😍
From now on I'll be running like a ninja everywhere!
So gorgeous!! Thank you for your video Man!! I now have my eyes full of brilliant lights!!
Not to mention that with your hands out of the way, you can hold your weapon of choice. And be running in for a kill. Or ready to run and defend yourself simultaneously. And the weapon in your hand would be more stable without the twisting.
Awesome video. New to your channel, but I started taking Katana lessons this year so I’ll be watching your videos intently from now on. 👍
This guy is an expert samurai.
Bullshit. I study Ninjutsu and Samurai arts. This dude is showing anime shit
Interesting. There's an Indian martial art that teaches a very similar method of movement though more refined imo.
You deserves a lot more appreciation bro.. Good stuff.. ❤️❤️
Thanks for the video! I actually never thought to understand those mechanics on purpose, but now it's quite interesting to me. But first, would love see someone's doing this run in reality. And perhaps, try it myself. Also, there seems to be another advantage of your hands being free in this run: they are always ready to take out a weapon. As much as I remember different ninja-related episodes in films, ninjas were not really covering their head as you showed, but instead, holding one of their arms on the sword.
You forgot that the Ninja use the "run" so that the body can when the knee is loosened the Ninja has the ability to roll or cartwheel or flip to a 45 ° angle when charging or moving to their opponent . Also easier to dodge a blade with the movement
I don't think shinobi did flips
Also decoupling the arms from running frees them up for things like using weapons while on the move.
Also I really think this technique would be terrible for flips because you probably can't block as easily and transfer all of your momentum upwards
@@ollelikesmusic6038 I don't know if they did flips, but they did have an abbreviated system of gymnastics (to my knowledge).
@@Jaybird196 oh I didn't know very interesting
This is a method of running taught to longer distance runners. Leaning forward gives you momentum and lets you use less force into the ground, making your running more efficient. Sprinters only do this at the beginning of their races, as it lets them get up to speed as quickly as possible, then they are upright when they finish.
I can see this channel blowing up soon.
I love the inclusion of Ogata Korin's work in the background at the beginning!
Finally, I can be a demon slayer
The most amazing thing to me is: the japanese found the simplest things in life like a sheet of paper or even just walking and explored it to find it's fullest potential, when no other civilization has done so. Any technology is basically adding stuff to evolve stuff into something else to make it 'better'. Japanese took what is and without adding anything, turned it into something unrecognizable. Great explanation and video
It’s how Groucho Marx used to move keeping his cigar on a level path 🤪
😂😂😂😂
Thanks for this piece of knowledge actually useful
Please keep it up
Need a challenge. Ninja vs Runner
There is a comparison made by a professional runner in a channel called Because Science. Although it will be better if someone with real training demonstrated this. I was hopping this video will show more than a few steps.
Adrian Araujo
Ah thanks!❤️
I'll check it out!👍
Really good English and vocabulary! 👏 Thanks for explaining it to us
When walking purposefully I tend to lean forward slightly…
A series of coordinated tumbling. Thank you
I better see you do a full ninja run by the end of this video
Great teachings of this young master👍🏼