Ninja in hijabs: how iranian women learn martial arts in the desert
In these photos, women in camouflage brandish deadly weapons, do backflips and hover in the air, as if ignoring gravity. It looks like footage from the sequel to the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", but these are real photos from the Iranian desert, where 4,000 women train like skilled killing machines. They learn how to handle a sword and nunchucks, climb, jump, hide in the mountains and "slice the necks of their enemies without a sound."
(30 photos in total)
In Iran, the Japanese martial discipline of ninjutsu is popular among women, which includes actual combat techniques, the art of espionage, sabotage and survival methods.
The Ninjutsu Training Club opened in 1989, it is located in Juhin Castle, 40 kilometers from Tehran. During this time, tens of thousands of Iranian women have been trained here to become kunoichi — female ninjas.
One of the skills you need to learn is hi—kick, or kick in the head.
To get the title of kunoichi, a woman needs acrobatic dexterity and strength.
Women who have reached a high level of skill train with weapons, including chains.
Ninjutsu instructor Fatima Muamer says that women are increasingly involved in sports because it helps to maintain a balance between body and mind. According to her, the main thing that ninjutsu teaches is respect and humility: "They learn to respect themselves: first their existence, and then the art that they master. The main lesson they get is calmness."
Iran has mandatory conscription for men over the age of 18, but they spend only 18 months in the army, so kunoichi can be useful to the country.
Warriors learn to climb fences and jump on walls. All of them wear headbands with the inscription "Ninja Ranger".
Women are shown how to handle broad—bladed blades, a bow, a sword, nunchucks and a shuriken - this is the name of a small throwing weapon, the name of which translates from Japanese as "a sword hidden in the hand."
The art of ninjutsu Iran was discovered by Sensei Akbar Faraji 22 years ago. Now his club consists of 24 thousand people.
To perform more complex movements, participants need to train flexibility.
According to legend, female ninjas are so skilled that they can silently cut the enemy's neck.
Gravity doesn't seem to exist for these belligerent Iranians.
During classes, women are dressed either in camouflage or in a traditional white suit for martial arts.
On his feet — high black shoes.
They train in the scorching heat: the air temperature in Iran can reach 70 degrees.
The founder of the club, Akbar Faraji: "In ninjutsu, men are called ninjas, and women are called kunoichi. To be a ninja, you need patience, tolerance and fortitude. Literally, this is the art of being invisible. Ninjutsu and martial arts in general can be considered as medicine. They are like snake venom: on the one hand, they are very dangerous, and on the other hand, they are a good antidote."
Ninjutsu is considered one of the deadliest martial arts. From 1185 to 1868, it was practiced in Japan by secret agents and mercenaries who specialized in unconventional warfare tactics.
A woman spins a weapon over her head while sitting on a twine.
The women themselves say that martial art gives them a sense of discipline and self-respect.
An Iranian woman named Melika explained: "Here we are free. Being a ninja is a philosophy of life for us. It helps to cope with daily difficulties, to be patient, strong and disciplined. This is a spiritual activity. We are not going to fight anyone outside of training."
Teacher Faraji adds: "The deadly power of ninjutsu is undeniable. I have to be one hundred percent sure that my students will not use these techniques to hurt someone or break into someone else's house."
Keywords: Martial arts | Iran | Ninja | Desert | Japan