Get trained to become a ninja.

Uma Thurman did it in a yellow jumpsuit. Halle Berry did it in a black catsuit. Do you have what it takes to be a woman ninja?

You just might--and trainer Janou Lightning wants to help you find out. You'll be joining an elite group of sword- and six-foot staff-wielding women in black who learn to gain power, flexibility, and the famous ninja mind control (Lightning is also a hypnotist). Plus, you'll sweat. Our stealthy experience:

Pole position. We learned "kamae" (pictured), traditional poses that confuse the enemy and prepare for defense. We practiced keeping our faces neutral (the enemy should never know what's coming).

Come out swinging. Imagining we were protecting someone, we leapt and swung the staff, and were surprised by how hard and fast we could do it (empowering!).

Be defensive. Lightning showed us how to escape an attacker without any weapons, strength or sudden moves. We slipped out of the enemy's grasp by twisting, dropping and turning.

After the staff, we were handed the wooden sword, which we sliced through imaginary bad guys.

Brings new meaning to "a woman's touch."

Ninja conditioning with Janou Lightning at Jinenkan Martial Arts, West Los Angeles Dojo, 2130 Sawtelle Blvd. #302, Los Angeles, (310) 477-8425, MAP