In Iran, from 3,000 to 3,500 women train in "ninjutsu" -- a school of martial arts descended from the ancient arts of Japan's ninja assassins -- in independently run clubs working under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports' Martial Arts Federation.
Iranian Women Show Their Ninja Skills
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Ninjutsu practitioners from various schools showcase their skills to the media in a gym at Karaj, northwest of Tehran.
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Over 3,000 women in Iran train in the arts of the legendary Japanese spies and assassins.
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A young ninjutsu practitioner stands beside fellow members of various schools as they wait to showcase their skills to the media in a gym at Karaj.
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A ninjutsu practitioner jumps over a sword.
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A ninjutsu practitioner performs a split.
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A woman swings from a rope to attack.
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Ninjutsu practitioners prepare for a sword drill in a park in Karaj.
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A woman participates in a ninjutsu sword drill.
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Parents, instructors, and students watch drills performed by fellow members of various Iranian ninjutsu schools.
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Members participate in a sword drill.
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A ninjutsu practitioner runs up a wall.
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An Iranian women looks on as she waits to showcase her skills to the media in a gym at Karaj.