06/14/2026
Luis Acosta Sensei – Founder of Jissen Ninjutsu
I have dedicated more than 30 years to the study of martial arts and over 25 years to teaching students of all ages. My martial arts journey began at age 12 in Brooklyn, New York, where he trained in Taekwondo under the late Grandmaster Linda Lutes, a direct student of the legendary Grandmaster Sihak Henry Cho.
After moving to South Florida, I continued my martial arts education under numerous respected instructors and masters. In 1998, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by beginning my training in authentic Ninjutsu under Shidoshi Juan Hernandez. My dedication to the art eventually led me to train in Noda, Japan, the home of the Bujinkan Honbu Dojo.
In March 2002, I earned the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu through the recommendation of Nagato Dai Shihan. I later returned to Japan in 2016, where I earned the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) and received the prestigious Shidoshi (Master Instructor) teaching license.
In addition to my extensive Ninjutsu training, I hold a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, I’m a Certified Instructor and Program Director through both Black Belt Schools International and Premier Martial Arts International, and a Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Certified Coach and Purple Belt through both Gracie Barra and the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association.
Throughout my martial arts career, I have studied and trained in numerous disciplines including Ninjutsu, Japanese Jujutsu, Taekwondo, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Shotokan Karate, American Kenpo Karate, Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Kali, Kobudo, To-Shin Do, and Kobukan Kobudo Renmei.
Why I Founded Jissen Ninjutsu
After decades of training, teaching, and studying multiple martial arts systems, I recognized that many schools focused either on sport competition, traditional forms, or self-defense, but rarely combined all three in a practical and progressive way.
I founded Jissen Ninjutsu to preserve the principles and spirit of traditional Ninjutsu while creating a modern martial arts system designed for today’s realities. The word “Jissen” means “practical” or “real-world application,” and that philosophy guides everything we teach.
Jissen Ninjutsu combines the movement, strategy, and self-protection concepts of traditional Ninjutsu with the proven effectiveness of Japanese Jujutsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, striking arts, and modern self-defense methods. The goal is to develop well-rounded martial artists who can confidently defend themselves standing, in the clinch, on the ground, and against common real-world threats.
More importantly, Jissen Ninjutsu is about personal growth. Through disciplined training, students develop confidence, resilience, respect, leadership, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. My mission is to help students become stronger not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Jissen Ninjutsu was founded to provide a complete martial arts journey—from beginner to black belt—while honoring the traditions of the past and preparing students for the challenges of the future.
