Highest level: Jake Sharpstone has become one of only about 50 qualified ninjas (Picture: Solent)

A lighting technician has emerged from the shadows to become a qualified ninja.

Jake Sharpstone is one of only about 50 people worldwide to have been awarded the highest rank in ninjutsu – the ancient martial art used by the covert warriors.

And the 48-year-old celebrated by giving himself the mild-mannered ninja name of Genteel Dragon.

‘Part of ninjutsu is secrecy,’ said Mr Sharpstone, from Brighton.


‘It wouldn’t be very secret of me to walk through the streets of Brighton covered head-to-toe in black. I wouldn’t be very secretive then.’ He joked: ‘But if I had to undertake a mission at night, that’s when the suits and darkened face paints come into play.’



Mr Sharpstone, who runs an LED lighting company and the Bujinkan Brighton Dojo martial arts club, was given his 15th dan ranking in ninjutsu in Japan.

‘When we train, we’re training for real, with real weapons,’ he said.

‘It’s incredibly dangerous but the discipline teaches you to know exactly how to handle every situation, and most importantly keep safe.

‘But most important is to have a good heart that benefits mankind.’

He added: ‘Everybody else has warrior names that translate as Fierce Dragon or Blazing Dragon.

‘I guess I’m a bit too much of an Englishman because mine means Genteel Dragon.’