# A few misconceptions about real-life Ninjas, cleared up

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [March 20, 2004, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467 "2004-03-20T22:43:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 3

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/41 "2004-03-21T12:04:18Z")

</div>

> [@Snooooopy](#):
>
> Anyone else wonder how _deep sea fishermen_ wandered into this list? I mean, your point is taken, but do they really have to deal with a lot of dumb questions like people in the other professions do?

It was included in the list to avoid any appearence of preference for so called white collar jobs. Also being a novice sailor, yet to experience the “Deep Blue” on my own, I admit a certain interest in people who spend their time on the sea. Sorry that of all the things I tried to say, this trivial bit was the only thing you felt compelled to comment on. :rolleyes:

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/42 "2004-03-21T12:35:44Z")

</div>

Is it really that much fun being the poor misunderstood martial artist? Grow up.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/43 "2004-03-21T12:41:47Z")

</div>

> [@askeptic](#):
>
> It was included in the list to avoid any appearence of preference for so called white collar jobs. Also being a novice sailor, yet to experience the “Deep Blue” on my own, I admit a certain interest in people who spend their time on the sea. Sorry that of all the things I tried to say, this trivial bit was the only thing you felt compelled to comment on. :rolleyes:

Oh, lighten up. I already said that you made a good point.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Innanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ecd19e/32.png) [@Innanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Innanna)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/44 "2004-03-21T14:00:55Z")

</div>

Count me among the ones who don’t think the OP was being bitchy. She was just expressing frustration at being asked the same questions over and over by people who probably didn’t really want to listen to the answers. What is so bitchy about that? And why is everyone picking on her age? Just because someone is young, does not mean that she is automatically lacking in wisdom. It simply means that she is young.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/45 "2004-03-21T14:04:33Z")

</div>

> [@lucwarm](#):
>
> Grow up.

Well, she IS 17, and still in high school, when do YOU plan to grow up?

Chick has to deal with her dimwitted high school classmates bombarding her with idiotic questions about her martial arts training, and decides to vent some of her frustration here, what’s wrong with that? I’m totally not getting the justification of any of these attacking replies.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/46 "2004-03-21T14:31:28Z")

</div>

> [@Cheesesteak](#):
>
> Well, she IS 17, and still in high school,

I gathered that – so now’s a pretty good time.

> [@](#):
>
> Chick has to deal with her dimwitted high school classmates bombarding her with idiotic questions about her martial arts training, and decides to vent some of her frustration here, what’s wrong with that?

Because I get the sense that she WANTS her classmates to know that she does martial arts; that she ENJOYS the feeling that they are being idiotic by asking cliched questions; and that the OP was basically a boast presented as a rant.

Just MHO of course.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![netscape\_6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@netscape\_6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/netscape_6)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/47 "2004-03-21T15:01:13Z")

</div>

> [@Snooooopy](#):
>
> Anyone else wonder how _deep sea fishermen_ wandered into this list? I mean, your point is taken, but do they really have to deal with a lot of dumb questions like people in the other professions do?

You ever catch a kracken? Is it really one of the most dangerous jobs? Is it because of the kracken? (well maybe people are a little smarter then that one) What do mean I’m confusing deep sea fishing and Alaskan crab fishing? You ever pull up something weird? How deep is the deep sea? How come you don’t have beard? Hey you don’t cuss. Is it true what they say about all male crews and long voyages?,

I could go on.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/48 "2004-03-21T15:10:45Z")

</div>

> [@NinjaChick](#):
>
> 1. I do martial arts. Specifically, tae kwon do and hapkido. I am allowed to casually refer to it as karate, as in, “Crap crap crap I’m gonna be mad late for karate!”. This is because I am aware of the differences between karate and the dozens of other MAs out there.

I can feel your grief. When people were asking me what I study at the university, I would answer “Electronic Engineering” or simply “Electronics”. Their reply to that would always be along the line “Computers! Cool!”. I didn’t want to go on and explain to them the difference between Electronic engineering and Computer science, so I simply nodded and continued with my life. I decided that if asked again, I would say “Computers” right away and skip the electronics thing. So far it has worked perfectly.

But lately I decided to go offensive. I got my Electronic engineering degree last year and now I am doing an MSc on Computer Science. I tell everyone that my degree is on Electronics and masters on Computers. I really like the stupid face they make when they hear this!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Balduran](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cc9497/32.png) [@Balduran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balduran)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/49 "2004-03-21T15:20:27Z")

</div>

> [@Dog80](#):
>
> I really like the stupid face they make when they hear this!

Why? Does it make you feel smart?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Epimetheus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c4cdca/32.png) [@Epimetheus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Epimetheus)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/50 "2004-03-21T15:23:54Z")

</div>

Ninjas suck, mere shadows of the great light that is Sinanju. Certainly TKD and Hapikido are better than inferior arts like those the sneaky Japaneese created, but they too are pale imitations of the true Korean heritage.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/51 "2004-03-21T15:42:43Z")

</div>

> [@Balduran](#):
>
> Why? Does it make you feel smart?

Those people are usually of the obese, middle-aged, stupid jokes, cheeck pinching kind. In two words: Extremely Annoying.

So, after having to listen to their babbling, I throw the Electronics/Computer line. It is my way of getting revenge for having my cheek pinched.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Doomtrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/52 "2004-03-21T16:21:46Z")

</div>

> [@askeptic](#):
>
> Could this be called a “Drive By Post”? I mean where is Ninjachick? She pops in, pops off then pops out.

She moves like the wind, man. One minute, you’re set to make a joke about her karate, the next, she jumps out and hits you with a throwing star.

What’s that shiny th…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ENugent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/53 "2004-03-21T18:04:00Z")

</div>

I don’t see what’s so obnoxious about the OP. I could make a similar list of annoying comments about my own hobby (competitive ballroom dance).

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/54 "2004-03-21T18:12:28Z")

</div>

> [@ENugent](#):
>
> I don’t see what’s so obnoxious about the OP. I could make a similar list of annoying comments about my own hobby (competitive ballroom dance).

1. How often to partners have sex with eachother?

2. Is it true that you can’t do “new steps” like in _Strictly Ballroom_?

3. Do female dancers wear an extra pair of panties for modesty? Do they ever go “commando”?

4. What percentage of male dancers are gay?

Just wondering 😃

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/55 "2004-03-21T18:13:47Z")

</div>

What are y’all talking about exactly?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Earl\_of\_the\_CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/58956e/32.png) [@Earl\_of\_the\_CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_of_the_CC)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/56 "2004-03-21T19:16:26Z")

</div>

> [@Libertarian](#):
>
> What are y’all talking about exactly?

Close to 15,000 posts for Lib. This must be one of the best.

I think we’re having some difficulties communicating here.

I’m seeing a lot of people making judgements without enough info.

NinjaChick may or may not be arrogant about her TKD. The OP could be the result of years of having to deal with people who, due to mental stereotypes are frustratingly difficult to educate. Or it could be a looky-at-me post. I’ve noticed over my stay here that NinjaChick is pretty cool, so I’m leaning toward the former, but, know what? It could be that I’m wrong.

Either way, insults are being traded over uncertainties.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/57 "2004-03-21T20:38:01Z")

</div>

I’ll take a [#2](http://www.ninjaburger.com/) please.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/58 "2004-03-21T20:40:02Z")

</div>

Well while we’re bitching about people asking silly questions about hobbies, a big up yours to those of you who ask silly questions about fencing.

-Yes, I use a sword, dipshit. Fence posts just don’t cut it these days.  
-Yes, that stupid metal vest is called a lame. No, it isn’t the same stuff as the fabric.  
-Yes, it hurts when you get poked in the balls  
-No, I’ve never killed anyone. I have, however, been meaning to start. Hold still.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/59 "2004-03-21T20:45:31Z")

</div>

> [@Eternal](#):
>
> Dear **NinjaChick** , you’re a stupid little bitch. But that’s most teenagers, you can still grow out of it. Although I’d suggest that, if you want to think you’re powerful and better than other people, maybe you could try by being one of those shy Wiccan weenie types? Or at least shut up about the whole “martial arts” thing.
> 
> PS I don’t respect TKD

Thank you. I take it you know ‘most teenagers’, therefore have irrefutable proof that we all are ‘stupid little bitches’? Also, when did I say I think I’m powerful and better than others? Also, where the hell did Wiccan Weenies come from? Also, I generally don’t bring up TKD, especially not in real life. Also, really, I bet most people don’t care what you think of TKD, but may I ask why you don’t respect it?

> [@Eternal](#):
>
> Hey, now! I don’t believe in “misplaced” anger. I think my anger deserves a place, and one place is as good as another. This OP just got me angry, because this poster claims to represent ninjas, and all the ninjas I know aren’t bitches, and that pisses off the ninja in me. And then the Ninja Strikes.

Okay. Is this a joke or are you serious? I can’t tell.

> [@Eternal](#):
>
> 1. You suck.
> 2. I reserve the right to directly respond to indirect insults.
> 3. Pee-pee
> 4. You’re the jerk all the time. I’m awesome.
> 5. Pee-pee

I am _very_ impressed.

> [@askeptic](#):
>
> I mean where is Ninjachick?

Doing the whole family-bonding thing, against my will, sleeping, eating, and going for a long run.

> [@lucwarm](#):
>
> Is it really that much fun being the poor misunderstood martial artist? Grow up.

Yes.

> [@innanna](#):
>
> Count me among the ones who don’t think the OP was being bitchy. She was just expressing frustration at being asked the same questions over and over by people who probably didn’t really want to listen to the answers. What is so bitchy about that? And why is everyone picking on her age? Just because someone is young, does not mean that she is automatically lacking in wisdom. It simply means that she is young.

Thank you.

> [@lucwarm](#):
>
> Because I get the sense that she WANTS her classmates to know that she does martial arts; that she ENJOYS the feeling that they are being idiotic by asking cliched questions; and that the OP was basically a boast presented as a rant.

I don’t want everyone to know. I don’t enjoy being asked idiotic questions, at least not after the first thousand or so times. But if, say, someone asks me “hey, are you going to whoever’s party tonight? No? Why not?” I’m not going to lie or make excuses; I’ll tell them I have a martial arts class. Discussion ensues, as it tends to between humans.

> [@Epimetheus](#):
>
> Ninjas suck, mere shadows of the great light that is Sinanju. Certainly TKD and Hapikido are better than inferior arts like those the sneaky Japaneese created, but they too are pale imitations of the true Korean heritage.

. Okay. I don’t particularly want a debate of Japanese v. Chinese v. Korean etc martial arts. Nor do I want to get into the ‘TKD has been bastardized, etc’ debate.

> [@GMRyujin](#):
>
> She moves like the wind, man. One minute, you’re set to make a joke about her karate, the next, she jumps out and hits you with a throwing star.
> 
> What’s that shiny th…

Hee!

> [@Earl of the CC](#):
>
> NinjaChick may or may not be arrogant about her TKD. The OP could be the result of years of having to deal with people who, due to mental stereotypes are frustratingly difficult to educate. Or it could be a looky-at-me post. I’ve noticed over my stay here that NinjaChick is pretty cool, so I’m leaning toward the former, but, know what? It could be that I’m wrong.

Thank you. Also, I truly am an enigma wrapped in a mystery, swaddled in a conundrum.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467/60 "2004-03-21T20:47:18Z")

</div>

…and smothered in Secret Sauce.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467.md?page=2)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467.md?page=4)
