I did, didn't I? Well ninja techniques are divided into three different types of jutsus. There is genjutsu, which is based on making illusions. And there is ninjutsu, which consists of a wide variety of specialized ninja techniques. Both of those require chakra, which is the energy within us. However, taijutsu is hand-to-hand combat, and it does not require chakras. I have never been able to sufficiently channel my chakra to perform ninjutsu or genjutsu, so I have become a ninja only by working hard through taijutsu.

And... perhaps you would be better off asking Shikamaru-kun about his way of the ninja himself. I do not wish to divulge private matters. And oh, every ninja has their own way. It is difficult to recount specific ones, since not many state them very plainly. I do know that Naruto-kun wishes to become worthy of being Hokage one day. [And do some murder-suicide with Sasuke, but... yeah, seven-year old.]