I'm specifically talking about styles like Ninpo. I know it has a few forms but i've read it has mostly techniques training (someone correct me on this). Is training in techniques as good as training in forms. It seems easier to remember that instead of hundreds of techniques. I'm sure its usable but wouldn't it take longer to gain skill. I've read abit about Ninja's being spies, assassins, thieves, all the usual lies but i've never really heard them described as accomplished fighters. They may have used trickery to escape a fight, smoke bombs, egg bombs etc. I never really recalled them holdind there own again Samurai. Probably because they wrote Japanese history but that's not the point.