Ninjutsu Master Yakov Schacht Finds Mental Strength in Israel's War Zone

In the heart of Israel's ongoing conflict, Yakov Schacht, a seasoned ninjutsu practitioner and leadership coach, finds that his martial arts training offers more than just physical defense; it provides a crucial mental framework for navigating the realities of war. "A front roll or side kick won’t help," he wryly observes, "You sit in the bunker and hope the missile won’t hit you." Yet, the core tenets of ninjutsu—endurance, adaptability, and mental calmness—prove indispensable. Schacht's unique perspective is forged from a life dedicated to mastering these principles, which he now imparts through his Shinobi Leadership Coaching. He recounts an instance where, during a Zoom call with a German bank executive, an air raid siren interrupted their session. Schacht's ability to remain composed, even under such extreme duress, demonstrated a powerful model of emotional regulation. "For most Europeans, the whole world collapses when they lose their car keys, so when they see that you can remain calm even under missile attack, it radiates a model they can emulate," he explains. This resilience is particularly poignant given his personal journey. Originally from a non-religious Christian family with Jewish roots in Germany, Schacht's curiosity about Judaism was ignited by his ninjutsu instructor. After converting 25 years ago, he and his wife, Shterny, eventually relocated to Israel, seeking refuge from escalating antisemitism in Hamburg, including disturbing incidents where their son was targeted with hateful rhetoric. His move to Israel, a long-held dream, is now a reality, albeit one lived under the shadow of conflict, where his ninjutsu philosophy offers not just personal solace but a profound lesson in leadership and human resilience.

“

A front roll or side kick won’t help. You sit in the bunker and hope the missile won’t hit you.