. . . the ninja of Japan were trained in eighteen fundamental areas of knowledge covering expertise in both the physical and mental. (1 - 3 are listed below; 4 - 18 will appear in succeeding articles)

• 1. Seishin tei kyoyo (spiritual refinement)
  The Togakure ninja worked at developing a deep and accurate knowledge of himself, his personal power, his strengths and weaknesses, and his influence on the playing out of life. Exercises in mental endurance, perception, and perspective were taught to the ninja along with his physical skills. By cultivating a mystic's understanding of the universal process, the Togakure ryu ninja became a warrior philosopher. His engagements in combat were then motivated by love or reverence, and not by the mere thrill of violent danger or need for money.

• 2. Taijutsu (unarmed combat)
  Skills of dakentaijutsu (striking, kicking, blocking), jutaijutsu (grappling, choking), and taihenjutsu (silent movement, rolling, leaping, tumbling) assisted the Togakure ninja in defensive situations.

• 3. Ninja ken (ninja sword)
  The ninja's sword was considered to be his primary fighting tool. Two distinct sword skills were required of the ninja. Fast draw techniques centered around drawing the sword and cutting as a simultaneous defensive or attacking action. Fencing skills used the drawn sword in clashed with armed attackers.

. . . Shamatha meditation (focusing on one point of concentration) is one method of training in the dojo for responsive movement in stressful situations?