Unveiling the secret of Ninja/Samurai run

Ever wonder why Naruto runs in that unique way?
This video explains its secret that you won't find anywhere else!

[ twitter ] @authenticsamrai

[CharlesLe-thephotographer]

This is why they can run and slice with their sword at the same time.

[WolfXGamerful]

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.

[dasta]

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!

[librabys]

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.

[themandolinmaniac]

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.

[rasmeta]

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 😉

[onezero]

The armor of samurai is really heavy, now i understand they run like that leaning forward so they can move faster with their equipment.

[finariumtv]

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

[veedubphan]

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!

[aetherborne]

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.

[librabys]

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!

[jeannaimarre]

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.

[ShinKyuubi]

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.

[agakath]

there should be olympics competitions just for this modality

[Ming]

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!

[navturn]

I have no idea why YouTube 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.

[bobbyhempel]

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

[jordanvale]

I don't run... my enemies have that role.

[edwardparker]

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 🤯

[namazuryusshugyo]

love it! glad i stumble upon this video and this channel no less! love your explanations and graphics! Subbed!