Ιρανοί διδάσκονται Νιντζούτζου στο υπόγειο ενός Τζαμιού στην Τεχεράνη.

Iranians learning the traditional Japanese martial art of Νinjutsu meet several times a week in the basement of a mosque!

 TEHRAN

In the corner of an alley in the wealthy northern suburbs of Tehran, Iran, a building offers a surprising sight. Between posh villas and Western-style restaurants sits the Shia Mosque Alnabi.
 Ιn the first-floor prayer hall, in a room dedicated to teaching Islamic studies, Mullah Hassan Hossein advocates a message of peace. 

Meanwhile, in the building's basement, the Ninja Club's students sound the command to begin training: "Hajime!" 

Master Faraji, the club's instructor, shares with the Iranian ninjas the benefits of mutual respect and physical activities.

"Doors separate us," says Faraji. Without any kind of discussion between them, the two different worlds nevertheless share one space and one core common value: non-violence.It is widely believed that ninjas can trace their origins as far back as the 12th century in Japan.Relentlessly trained in the art of non-conventional warfare, and shrouded in mystery, they belong to a class comparable to that of the Samurais. Initially trained to act as spies and mercenaries in feudal Japan, ninjas saw their status and skills evolve over the centuries and develop in light of societal changes.Although their particular skill set was formerly used specifically for combat, the discipline in its modern form is "not to be reproduced outside," insists Faraji.

It's a martial art that is "not a sport".

 Faraji explains that today the ninja discipline is taught all around the world under the name of "ninjutsu".The term describes a state of mind which requires a person "to make one's brain speak for them, rather than just one's physical strength".In Tehran, the weekly lessons consist mainly of gaining the knowledge needed to control one's own body as well as developing techniques for escape and self-defence.