Ninja Training: Learn Ninjutsu and Other Martial Arts from the Experts
Ninja: The Covert Agents of Feudal Japan
Ninja are one of the most fascinating and mysterious aspects of Japanese culture and history. They were skilled warriors, spies, and assassins who operated in the shadows of feudal Japan, using stealth, deception, and unconventional weapons to accomplish their missions. In this article, we will explore some of the facts and myths about ninja, their origins, their skills, their weapons, and their legacy in popular culture.
ninja
What is a Ninja?
A ninja (忍者) or shinobi (忍び) was a covert agent, mercenary, or guerrilla warfare expert in feudal Japan. The functions of a ninja included siege and infiltration, ambush, reconnaissance, espionage, deception, and later bodyguarding and their fighting skills in martial arts, including ninjutsu.
The word "ninja" is derived from the Chinese reading of the two kanji characters that mean "one who endures" or "one who hides". The word "shinobi" means "to steal away" or "to forbear", hence its association with stealth and invisibility.
Historically, the word ninja was not in common use, and a variety of regional terms evolved to describe what would later be dubbed ninja. Along with shinobi, these include monomi ("one who sees"), nokizaru ("macaque on the roof"), rappa ("ruffian"), kusa ("grass") and Iga-mono ("one from Iga").
Where did Ninja Come From?
It is difficult to pin down the exact origin of ninja, as they were often secretive and elusive. However, some sources suggest that the antecedents of ninja may have existed as early as the 12th century.
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The first recorded use of espionage and sabotage in Japan dates back to the 8th century, when Prince Shotoku employed a spy named Otomono Sahito to gather information on his enemies.
The first formalization of ninjutsu, the art of stealth and unconventional warfare, is attributed to Daisuke Togakure and Kain Doshi in the 12th century. Daisuke was a samurai who lost his lands and title in a battle and fled to the mountains of southwest Honshu. There he met Kain Doshi, a Chinese warrior-monk who taught him the secrets of ninjutsu. Together they founded the Togakure-ryu school of ninjutsu.
In the 15th century, during the turbulent Sengoku period (1467-1603), ninja became more prominent and organized. Two regions in central Japan, Iga and Koga, became known for producing the most professional and skilled ninja. They formed clans and schools of ninjutsu that specialized in various aspects of espionage and warfare. They also sold their services as mercenaries and spies to various warlords and factions.
What Skills did Ninja Have?
Ninja were trained in a variety of skills that enabled them to perform their missions effectively. Some of these skills include:
Taijutsu: Unarmed combat techniques that involve striking, grappling, throwing, locking, and escaping.
Kenjutsu: Sword techniques that involve drawing, cutting, parrying, and thrusting.
Bojutsu: Staff fighting techniques that involve swinging, striking, blocking, and thrusting.
Shurikenjutsu: Throwing blade techniques that involve throwing various types of blades such as stars, spikes, darts, knives, or needles.
Yarijutsu: Spear fighting techniques that involve thrusting, slashing, hooking, and throwing.
Naginatajutsu: Polearm fighting techniques that involve slashing, stabbing, sweeping, hooking, and throwing.
Kusarigamajutsu: Chain and sickle weapon techniques that involve swinging, wrapping, entangling, and choking.
Kyujutsu: Archery techniques that involve shooting, aiming, and reloading.
Kayakujutsu: Fire and explosives techniques that involve creating, using, and concealing various types of bombs, grenades, mines, rockets, and fireworks.
Hensojutsu: Disguise and impersonation techniques that involve changing one's appearance, voice, mannerisms, and identity to blend in with different environments and people.
Shinobi-iri: Stealth and infiltration techniques that involve moving silently, hiding, climbing, swimming, and bypassing traps and obstacles.
Choho: Espionage techniques that involve gathering, analyzing, and transmitting information.
Intonjutsu: Escape and concealment techniques that involve using smoke, fog, darkness, camouflage, decoys, and diversions to evade detection and pursuit.
Zanshin: Awareness and intuition techniques that involve sensing danger, reading the situation, and adapting to changes.
Seishin-teki kyoyo: Spiritual refinement techniques that involve meditation, breathing, visualization, and mental discipline.
What Weapons did Ninja Use?
Ninja were known for using a variety of weapons that were either adapted from existing tools or weapons or specially designed for their purposes. Some of the most common weapons used by ninja include:
Weapon
Description
Katana
A long curved sword with a single edge that was the main weapon of the samurai. Ninja often used shorter versions of the katana or disguised them as other objects.
Wakizashi
A short sword with a single edge that was worn as a sidearm by the samurai. Ninja often used it as a backup weapon or for close combat.
Tanto
A dagger with a single edge that was used for stabbing or slashing. Ninja often concealed it in their clothing or boots.
Shuriken
A throwing blade that came in various shapes and sizes such as stars, spikes, darts, knives, or needles. Ninja used them to distract, wound, or kill their enemies from a distance.
Kunai
A multipurpose tool that had a pointed tip and a flat blade. Ninja used it as a knife, a digging tool, a climbing hook, or a throwing weapon.
Nunchaku
A weapon consisting of two sticks connected by a chain or rope. Ninja used it to strike, block, choke, or entangle their enemies.
Kusarigama
A weapon consisting of a sickle and a chain with a weight at the end. Ninja used it to slash, hook, swing, or throw at their enemies.
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