Review: 70606 Spinjitzu Training
Posted by TheBrickPal,
NINJAGO had its humble beginnings in 2011 and a key part of its early success was the existence of the unique form of martial arts known as Spinjitzu, taught by wise old master Wu.
This simple basis, besides the brilliant dragons, was what drew traditional Ninja theme fans to enjoy NINJAGO beyond the initial goofy skeleton villains and 'futuristic' vehicles. 70606 Spinjitzu Training is therefore a return to form and echoes similar designs in the debut year, such as 2504 Spinjitzu Dojo and, perhaps more closely, 2516 Ninja Training Outpost.
It is uncommon to see more than one ninja in a set of this size, and the LEGO NINJAGO Movie versions of Kai and Zane should be a huge draw to fans for the low price of £8.99 or $9.99. What could go wrong?
Minifigures
Kai was the main protagonist of NINJAGO at its launch before Lloyd Garmadon was introduced in the second year. However, he still has remained a popular character since then, with a large role to play at times - especially during the recent Hands of Time season of TV series LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu. We'll have to see what sort of role he plays amongst the ensemble cast in the film, but I'm optimistic.
Kai, like the other ninja, is given a significant change to his appearance within the LEGO Movie universe. His legs are black, which is a striking contrast compared to the torso - nonetheless, the red continues with subtle diamond printing on the legs. The torso is red and features some robe detail, recalling the ninjas' original gis which were quite simple in design. The gi is lined with Asian-inspired characters representing the word "fire". More hidden phrases like this can be found in the greater NINJAGO Movie product range, and another couple can be found within this set.
Kai is different from the rest of the ninja, due to having a mold consisting of a right-shoulder pad and sword holder. This piece originated in the Skybound line, but is new in gunmetal, or titanium metallic. The back printing of the torso is covered by said piece, but removing it reveals a gold and black symbol which recalls the symbol on the back of various Sensei Wu minifigs in years past.
Kai's head piece moves the scar to his right eye and adds a bandage to the left side of his forehead. He is complete with a grinning expression on one side, and angry face on the other. The masks in the movie line are unique for being composed of two new pieces - one for the neck 'bandana' that covers the mouth (much like the piece that came in 2014), and the other a helmet-like top with a colored headband and symbol. These pieces are slotted in between the torso and head, and on top of the head's stud, respectively.
Zane is both similar and different to his hotheaded comrade. The stoic Ninja of Ice is given an all-white coat with some black details, which looks marvelous. The torso design is rather angular in appearance, suiting the robotic nature of this Nindroid hero. Also present are silver communication devices. The leg printing is lacking compared to Kai's, but suffices. Like Kai, he has a two-piece mask with what looks to be an appropriate snowflake symbol on the forehead. Similarly, 'ice' is spelled out in the NINJAGO language down the torso.
Unlike Kai, Zane is equipped with a quiver on his back and a bow brandished in-hand. Removing the quiver reveals the ninja's back printing: a symbol not unlike Kai's.
Finally, one face print is goofy and toothy, with the flip side being almost the exact opposite extreme: anger!
The Completed Model
There are a few little bits that accompany the main model. One of these is a little sword rack. The main piece to keep the katanas, which has appeared in some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sets, is connected by pin to a tan 2x2 brick with Technic hole. It's a simple, but effective, model.
Next comes a spinning, wooden training area... which can't be spun. This is probably the worst part of the set for me as the play value is slightly weakened by something that doesn't do what it is supposed to do.
On the other hand, this pedestal, with a plain black minifig head and Helmet of Shadows on top, is brilliant. The base is constructed so that it can easily be tilted and hit around, like a Garmadon dummy. The Helmet of Shadows itself is a wonderful inclusion, as well, as it only appeared as Garmadon's means to control the Stone Army in season two of the NINJAGO TV series. Its only other appearance in sets was 2013's 70505 Temple of Light - that variant of the helmet also had a mouth guard akin to Samurai X, which this set's helmet sadly lacks. This isn't necessarily a con on my view, though, as it makes it more screen-accurate to the show.
Finally, we have the largest part of the set, which is a section of two walls that meet in the corner of some dojo room. The detail for such a small model is remarkable - and central to it all is a printed 2x3 white scroll tile which reads "DOJO WU" in the NINJAGO language - pretty self-explanatory wording! Wu's symbol, which appears on all of the ninjas' backs in some form, is on the scroll as well. I admire the combination of tan and brown dispersed on the surrounding walls and paneling, with highlights of black, including the roof.
The area is illuminated by a single translucent-red head to resemble a lantern. While the clips on either side are designed to hold fist and claw weapons, one could display other types of arms, or even expand the walls with their own dojo creations - in a similar manner to the LEGO Batman Movie Gotham Energy combination models!
Verdict
Smaller sets consistently rank amongst my favorites of any particular theme and this is no exception. I like the building techniques used, and a useful selection of pieces are provided. And indeed, the model on its own is nostalgic, detailed for its size, and practically begging for expansion.
I have no qualms with the minifigure selection, either, as Kai and Zane are both superb in their design. The only other way to get both of them together in the exact same variants would require purchasing 70615 Fire Mech, which is certainly not in a lot of general buyers' budgets.
I no-doubt recommend this set - to fans of NINJAGO apprehensive about the film, to the ones with no interest in the line typically who may want a little taste, or for hardcore fans eager for the film. It's a set for everyone. The low price-per-piece ratio should make a purchase of 70606 Spinjitzu Training particularly enticing.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
Thanks to CapnRex101 for the photos.
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29 comments on this article
I don't think the katana holder piece is new, I think it exists in Tmnt sets. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure.
What a coincidence! I was searching for that set in some local stores today!
Ninjago smallest sets, not only have nice minis and lots of equipment consistently, but interesting pieces and techniques on those smaller supplementary builds as well.
@Brick_Knight Thanks for the enlightenment! Unfortunately, the only TMNT set I own is 79100. :-)
@blackdeathgr I agree!
Excellent set to complete 70618's training room.
Are those tan window panes?? Yes please!
Thanks for the review. This certainly seems like a worthy set to pick up.
@TheBrickPal are you sure the wooden training spinner doesn't spin? Based on the parts making up the upper sections, perhaps if you loosen the main shaft a bit the two spoked parts will move more freely. I've found that with builds involving technic axles with stops it's sometimes necessary to put a little slack between moving parts, especially when parts are up against each other; e.g. gear up against technic brick, unthreaded parts like the spoke against unthreaded spacers, etc.
Looks like an obvious buy for anyone. Definitely a winner!
Definitely my favorite set in this wave! Though it is slightly disappointing that the one part doesn't actually spin.
@darkstonegrey - no it doesn't spin because the axle piece fits securely in the two circular pieces.
Great set ! I bought this last week from Argos along with a tlnm minifigure and was pleased with my purchase
TheBrickPal and Clone Commander stone are correct, the training dummy does not spin.
This seems nice to form a dojo.
@Clone Commander stone - Ah yes. Realized that could be the case so looked up the part and now see it has an axle hole and not a pin hole like I originally thought. Time for TLG to add a new part design, then.
Nice set
I like Kai's head peace!
^^ If you truly wanted to, you could pull the axle out slightly so that it's on top of the dark orange plates - above the axle hole and resting in the pin hole tile so it is loose.
It could work. Theoretically. Could easily fall out that way, or get stuck when trying to spin, so probably isn't the best idea... but it's something! I'll have to try it.
This probably could have been avoided in the first place, though, but struggling to think of the existing parts that would be involved in a such a modification. 10739 (which I'll be reviewing next) has a similar model which CAN actually spin, but this one still looks superior to me. Function vs aesthetic is a tricky subject...
Solid set. Just might get it for the pieces and to have extra of Kai and Zane.
Getting the wooden training spinner to actually spin would be an easy fix with part 74340 in between the black 4x4 round plate and the stack of bricks although it's not necessarily needed as not all training aids spin (like the mook yan jong or wooden dummy) depending on what discipline of martial arts is being taught.
Those wooden dummies aren't supposed to spin. Maybe there are ones that do spin, but typically (as far as I know) they're meant to be static. Search for "Jackie Chan Training With Wooden Dummy" on YouTube and you'll see.
I gotta be honest, though. It was mostly the brilliant dragon designs.
^ For sure!
@Brick_Knight @TheBrickPal
The katana holder first appeared in the Prince of Persia sets, on the protagonist's back.
Great review!
The wooden dummy is not supposed to spin, it's for trainning your strength and certain martial arts movements. The ones that do spin is for trainning your reflexes (to hit one arm then it spins to hit back if you are not able to quickly avoid it or block its attack).
You know, if you want the dummy to spin, You could just put a turntable at the bottom.
I'm very pleased with the Australian value of sets in this range. This is equal in price to a Microfighter locally, but is much more substantial. The feeling I get when I don't buy Lego for months at a time (while saving) is like an itch that can only be scratched by these kinds of sets.
And of course, when I first saw this set, my initial thought was of 2516. Nice to see that this is way better.
@ArtAndLegos: didn't that one connect via neck bracket though? This one has a pin.
I like that little corner build, a whole room of that would be awesome.
@jaitheartist I remember one of the original Ninjago sets was a training corner and you could put four of them together to make an archer tower. I actually ended up getting four of that set just for that.
@Teriyaki you are completely right, I misread the review, and realized it after I saw the piece by itself in a different review.
This is a nice set, and it certainly seems to be worth it. Definitely a good introduction to the line, and I wouldn't miss it if I found it.