How to be a free ninja

1-Run about a half a mile (800 meters) every day. In order to calculate how far you need to run, use a site such as Google Maps, print a map of the area around your home and use the legend to measure a trail out. You could also use Google Maps Line feature to measure the distances. When you run, time yourself. Try to reduce the time it takes you to complete the course. Avoid riding a bike. Take the time to walk or run.

2-Swim as often as possible. Get a waterproof watch and time yourself on how long it takes to swim any length. Try to reduce your time. Also try to swim underwater and silently, as that's what ninjas did. Train yourself to hold your breath for long amounts of time. The ninjas called this practice Siu-Ren.

3-Create an obstacle course. Playgrounds are great places to do these. As always, time yourself and reduce the time it takes you. Also, you can make your own obstacle course by making something such as a zip line (tying a rope between two trees and putting a piece of PVC pipe on for a handle), a balance beam (nail together a long plank to supports), or a rope swing (tie a strong rope between two trees and put a knotted rope in the middle).

4-Do exercises such as chin-ups, push-ups and sit-ups.

5-Try climbing trees or doing gymnastics to develop your flexibility and agility.

6-Practice being quiet at night by having a friend stand on the road or sidewalk in front of your house and you creeping up behind them. Once you've mastered that, get creative. Involve a roll or try coming at an angle where they can almost see you. Staying low to the ground and breaking up the human figure can enhance one's stealthy abilities. Consider angle and perspective when moving, as well as being keenly aware of your environment (i.e.; surface being walked upon, clutter and or mess)

7-A true Ninja is a master of both mind and body. Practice mental exercises like sudoku (added benefit of being a Japanese game!) and crossword puzzles to hone your skills. Practice using your imagination visualizing how you will assassinate your next target.

8-Ninjas are noble. Practice being noble by helping out elderly folks, and sticking up for the little guy. Don't tease non-ninjas. Don't brag that you are a ninja. Training in this manner everyday will help when it is truly required.

9-Learn Parkour. It should help with most of the above. If you don't know where to start just Google the word "Parkour" or "Free running".

10-Join a martial arts school. Ninjutsu is the obvious choice, however Kung Fu involves a wider variety of weapons skills.

11-Get yourself a cool ninja outfit.

12-Start jumping off ledges and other things that are not too high, so you can get used to the strain on your legs.

13-Wear weights during your ninja training.

14-In addition to running exercises, walk instead of riding if you are not on a time limit, especially in nature-filled places, it will get you exercise, and a chance to observe nature (you may have to cross through it on a mission, and nobody likes getting lost).

15 Think like a ninja -- be as silent as possible and wear dark clothing at all times.