Ninja Weapons

Ninja Weapons

 

AIKUCHI

The aikuchi is very similiar to the tanto except it has no hand guard.  The aikuchi could sometimes be thrown.

BLOWGUN

The blowgun was usually made from a bamboo piece usually about twenty to forty inches long.  In emergencies, a rolled up piece of paper could be used as a temporary blowgun.  The blowgun was favoured by the ninja mainly because it was silent and the ninja did not have to reveal his whereabouts´s to use it.  Blowgun darts (fukiya) were made from wires and paper.  The paper was rolled in the

shape of a cone.  The dart tips could be coated with a poison.  At times for close quarter combat, blinding powder could be substituted for fukiya.  The blowgun could be used to attack an enemy, create a small noise and distraction, or even pass secret messages to fellow clan members.   The blowgun itself could be used as a weapon in time of need.

FUKIBARIThese needles (about two inches long) were carried in the mouths of the ninja.  This dangerous needle was spit into the enemies face by curling the tongue to form a tube shape.  Other ways of spitting the needles consisted of concealing a small piece bamboo in the mouth used to shoot out as many as twelve needles at a time.  Usually used as a diversion before drawing the sword for a finish.

KAIKEN

This favourite weapon of the Kunoichi (female ninja) was a small skinny dirk.  The kaiken could easily be concealed in one's garment or sleeve.

KAKUTE

The Kakute or "horn finger" is a metal ring that has two metal spikes attached.  The kakute was worn usually on the middle finger.  This sometimes tipped with poison weapon could be worn on either the inside or the outside of the hand.  The Kakute was favoured by the kunoichi (female ninja).  Deceiving enemies with this innocent looking weapon, then attacking at the least expected moment.

KAMA

The kama or sickle was a farming tool used to cut grass helping moving and reaping a farmers crop.  It was also used for other chores such as cutting wood and digging.  The kama of old was of light construction to the farmers liking because they would spend hours farming.  Later the kama was developed into an effective martial tool, able to withstand heavy blows from enemy attacks.  Handles were often wrapped with a cord to give them extra grip.  The kama, like most weapons, is an extension of the hand and can be performed more effectively with the knowledge of basic taijutsu.

KATANA

A Samurai specialty, the katana was used by the ninja too, mainly due to the fact of its ease of retainability.  The katana was among the ninja´s worst enemy weapons to defend against.  Ninjas without a ninja-to could usually be found with a past enemies katana.  The katana was more widely used even to the ninja, beyond popular belief.  The katana was long and had a curved blade unlike the ninja-to.

KUNAI

The kunai served several purposes, primarily as a utility knife.  The kunai tip was sharp with very dull edges.  It measured from seven to sixteen inches in length.  The kunai originated during the Tensho Era (1573-1591).  The kunai was often tied to the end of a rope fo further its uses  The kunai was used to help climb trees and walls, and throw while tied to a small cord or knot.  The kunai´s main purpose was for probing, digging, and chiseling.

KUSARI-FUNDO / MANRIKIGUSARI

The ninja at times also carried a long piece of chain usually two to three feet in length, with two weights at each end.  It was concealed from sight for the first strike, it could be swung or thrown to entangle.

KUSARIGAMA

This long range blade and chain weapon is another favourite of the ninja.  The chain could be used to entangle and pull in the enemy to finish with the blade.  Some kusarigama had hand guards attached to the lower handle for finger and hand protection.  The kusarigama was a single edge blade mounted to a wooden handle, a chain of nine to twelve feet was affixed at the end.  A iron weight was attached to the end of the chain.  On some kusarigama the chain is attached to the bottom end of the handle while others it is attached to where the handle meets the blade.  The blade could be used to thrust, slash, chop, and swing.  The handle could deflect strike and block.  The chain could strangle, ensnare, whip, and aid in trap making.  The weight served as a frail or missile.

 

KYOGETSU-SHOGE

The one weapon that resembled the kusarigama yet was made and used in an earlier time than the kusarigama.  It was made up of a hook knife with a long cord approximately twelve feet that was attached to the end.  At the end of the cord was an iron ring about four inches in diameter.  The knife could be swung at or used as a finish after entangling with the cord.  The cord was used to ensnare, entangle, used like a garrote, aid in trap making, and in the use of hojo-jutsu.  The ring could be swung into trees or over roof beams to aid in climbing, it could also be used like the tekken in combat.

NAGINATA

This Japanese halberd was often used by sohei (priest soldiers).  Yet still an excellent weapon for the ninja in battle.  The naginata could produce a six inch laceration in trained hands.

NEKOTE

These small devices were worn around the ends of the fingers.  Their metal hooks could be used to slash at the enemy.  The tips were smeared with poison.

 

NINJA TO / SHINOBIGATANA

The sword carried by the ninja was the ninja-to or sometimes called the shinobigatana.  Like most ninja weapons the ninja-to had a multitude of uses.  The Ninja-To was shorter than the katana, it could be worn across the back to enable the ninja to climb without sword interference.  The cord (sageo) was attached to the scabbard (saya) about 12 feet in length.  The handguard (tsuba) unlike the katana, was square and larger.  The ninja-to could be laid against a wall to be used as a step to climb, the sword could then be pulled up by the sageo.

The ninja would carry metsubishi (blinding powder) at the bottom of his scabbard to throw into the enemies eyes while drawing his sword.  the scabbard could also be used as a blowgun or snorkel.  The scabbard often served as a secondary weapon in time of need.

METSUBISHI

This throwing weapon was actually a concoction used to blind the enemy.  The powder consisted of sand, peppers, metal shavings, certain plants, and even ground up seeds.  The ninja carried this blinding powder in egg shells, paper sacks, and other containers.  Metsubishi could be used in blowguns and at the bottom of their saya (scabbard).  The metsubishi was used to throw, mix in with torinoko explosives, placed on things the enemy would touch, and blown out of pipes.

SHINOBI-ZUE

The shinobi-zue was a staff with hidden blades or chains concealed in its shaft.  It was used when ninja´s went in disguise as a wandering monk.  The shinobi-zue was an excellent surprise weapon.  Chains could be withdrawn and used to entangle while the staff could finish.  Ninja could also surprise a victim with a sudden release of a sharp blade.

SHOBO

The Shobo "short stick" was concealed in the hand and used in close quarter combat.  The shobo could strike such areas as the bridge of the nose, groin, back of the neck, or even to slap across the enemies face.  The shobo usually had a metal or leather loop attached to slip a finger through.

SHURIKEN
Ninja shuriken or shaken were hand released blades thrown at the enemy for distraction purposes.  Sometimes the blades were poisoned to cause death.  The shuriken was used to hit the enemy then bounce away unseen.  This gave an almost magical effect for the ninja. The ninja shuriken was among the favourite tools of the ninja.  Though mostly thrown the shuriken could be used as a hand weapon for in close combat.  The shuriken would penetrate skin up to one half inch.  This behind the hand knife could easily be concealed about the person or environment.   The shuriken were carried in a variety of ways all utilizing concealment and surprise.  There are a number of different types of shuriken, among the most popular are the manji (swastika), hara (flat), sanpo (triangle), juji (cross), happo (star), tatamijuji (folding cross), and the bo (straight).  The shuriken was thrown in thre basic ways, one from the front (omote), two from the side (yoko), and the third from behind (ayaku).  These three ways did not limit the ninja´s capabilities in any way however.

TANTO

The tanto "half blade" of the ninja differed slightly ffrom the shinobi tanto.  The shinobi tanto would range in surprises, such as disguised pistols so the enemy would watch the ninja draw his tanto yet actually he would be firing a single shot.  The shinobi tanto was sometimes equipped with a metal saya (scabbard) which was used as a weapon itself.   The tanto was carried inside the ninja´s shinobi shozuko (uniform) held firmly by his obi (belt) or sash.

TEKAGI / SHUKO

This item worn on the hands was made of metal and tightened at the wrist.  One kind was worn on the palm of the hand and one on the back of the hand, four sharp spikes protruded from this metal band.  The claws could be used in close quarter combat to tear like that of a ferocious tiger or bear.  The tekagi could also be used to aid in climbing walls and trees.

TEKKEN

Similar to brass knuckles the tekken was a curved piece of metal worn around the wrist like a bracelet.  When it came time to use, the tekken was slipped into the hand to form a fist.  This gave the ninja a bone breaking ability to any strike.
 

TESSEN

The tessen or iron fan was a ninja weapon less famous than other weapons such as the shuriken.  The fan however was a very good weapon and tool.  Closed, it could make a harmful weapon as a small club, and opened it could deflect projected missiles, the iron fan often had sharpened points.  The fan was good when the ninja was in disguise and couldn´t carry a sword or staff.  The kunoichi included a fan in their arsenal but that weapon is termed sensu and was not made of iron like the tessen.

TETSUBISHI
These spiked caltrops were excellent aides when it came to evasion and escape.  These were scattered on the ground for the enemy to step on and slow or stop his pursuit.  If the ninja had jumped from a higher plane, he would sprinkle tetsubishi where he landed so that enemy would have no choice but to fall on them if he followed.  Tetsubishi could also be placed on or along parts of walls and trees.  They could be thrown in the enemy face as a distraction or tied to hidden traps.  Tetsubishi were made of metal and from certain natural resources.  Due to the construction of the tetsubishi, when thrown one point would always stick up.  The tips of the Tetsubishi were poisoned for a more serious effect.

TORINAWA

The torinawa is an arresting rope used in hojo-jutsu rope techniques.  The torinawa was used to tie up enemies and to simulate a garrote.  The torinawa could be used for a hojo-jutsu techniques that caused the enemies to die if he tried to escape from his binds by tightening a loop around his neck.  The torinawa was carried at an easy to reach place.

TSUBUTE

Tsubute were flat metal disks that were used by the ninja in a similiar fashion to the shuriken.  Thrown at an opponent these metal disks could stun or even cause serious damage when hitting specific targets.  Tsubute were worn on a breakable cord on the neck to carry multiples at a time The shaken were also sometimes carried in this manner.

WAKIZASHI

The wakizashi was the samurai´s companion sword.  Smaller than the katana and the ninja-to.  The wakizashi was a short with a quick draw and easy manoeuvrability in  small spaces such as hallways or small rooms. The ninja liked the wakizashi because of its ease of carrying on a mission, due to its size the ninja could stealth his way about without a lot of trouble from his sword.

YARI

One of the major weapons used in battle was the yari (spear).  It was mainly used for poking, thrusting and stabbing.  The yari was most utilized in the Momochi Era (1394-1595).  The yari´s main target area was the abdomen.  The ninja would practice on rice sacks and iron rings.

History of the Ninja

History of the Ninja

 
A. History 
Shinobi or Ninja (A person who moves in secret) is an assassin trained in the art of ninjutsu japan. Ninja, like samurai, comply with their own unique rules, called ninpo. According to some observers ninjutsu, the skill of a ninja is not murder but an intrusion. Ninja comes from the Japanese language, which reads Nin meaning infiltrate. Thus, the specialty is a ninja infiltrate with or without sound. Kagetora, Naruto, Ninja Rantaro, is a small example that raised ninja manga as its main theme. What is ninja? Just like the one told in many stories that the ninja was full of secrets. Ninja are usually immediately associated with the figure yng skilled martial, mysterious and all-round expert infiltrate as shown in the movie or manga. In fact, the appearance of the all-black ninja has a point, but if there is a presumption that the ninja is identical to the brutal killer, cold-blooded, trouble makers, carpenters sabotage, not so.
The word ninja is formed from two words namely sha nin and each meaning is hidden and people. So the ninja is a professional spy in the days of feudal Japan. The history of the ninja is also very difficult to trace. Info about their whereabouts meetings stored in confidential documents. Ninja can also be interpreted as the name given to a person who mastered and studied martial arts ninjutsu. Nin means of defense and jutsu is the art or way. The word is also taken from the word ninja ninpo. Po means a philosophy of life, or in other words ninpo is the highest philosophy of martial arts ninjutsu which the life of a ninja. So the ninja will always be vigilant and integrated on the principle of ninpo.
Ninja dalah profesionl spies in the days when the samurai still holds ultimate power in the Japanese government in the 12th century. In the 14th century struggle for power heats up, information about the activities and the opposing force becomes important, and the ninja are increasingly active. The ninja was called by the daimyo to gather information, damaging and destroying the armory or storehouse of food, as well as to lead the army's raid on the night hari.karena latiham obtain special ninja. Ninja remained active until the time of edo (1600-1868), where the power ultimately to be addressed by the government at the time of edo.
 
B. The origins of the Ninja 
The appearance of the ninja in 522 closely related to the entry into the Japanese art of nonuse. Nonuse of art is what paved the way for the birth of the ninja. Art nonuse or so-called art of acting secretly is a religious practice performed by the priests at the time the duty to give information to people in government. Around the year 645, the Pastors' perfect self-defense capabilities and begin to use their knowledge of nonuse to protect themselves from the central government intimidation.
In 794-1192, Japan began to develop community life and gave birth to new classes based on wealth. Are inter-class families struggle with each other in an attempt to overthrow the empire. Family needs to be murderers and spies increasing demands for power struggle. Therefore the demand will increase practitioners nonuse. This was the birth of the ninja. In the 16th century ninja already known and exist as a family or clan in the town of Iga or Koga. Ninja at the time it is a profession which is closely linked to high levels in government itelijen feudal kings in Japan. Accordingly, each clan has a tradition of teaching martial arts in secret in his family alone. Martial arts that became known as ninjutsu. Dalah knowledge inherited from their ancestors and for perfecting the art of war for tens of generations. Experts say it has lasted for over four centuries. Studies that include philosophy of bushido, espionage, war tactics of command, the power in, supernatural power, and various other types of martial arts that grow and evolve according to age.
But there is a historical record as saying that around the 9th century was an exodus from China to Japan. This happens because the tang dynasty and the collapse of political upheaval. So many refugees who sought refuge at jepang.sebagian of them are great generals, soldiers and monks. They settled in the province of Iga, in the middle of the island honsu. General, among other Gyokko Cho, Cho Busho Ikai bring their knowledge and mingle with the local culture. Military strategies, philosophical belief, the concept of culture, traditional medicine, and traditional philosophy. Everything is fused with the local customs that eventually form a science called ninjutsu.
 
C. Ninjutsu martial 
Ninjutsu martial movements only kicks, throws, breaks, and attack. Then equipped with self-defense techniques such as slamming, rolling and auxiliary techniques such as escape, settle, and other special techniques. However, in practice ninja avoid direct contact with his opponent, thus throwing a variety of tools, recoil, shoot, and the disguise is more often used. In contrast to other martial arts. Ninjutsu techniques taught espionage, sabotage, paralyzing the opponent, knocking your opponent mentally. Science is used to protect their ninja family. What did the ninja is difficult to understand. On the one hand have to fight to protect, on the other hand ninja must apply the "cruel and devious behavior" when using tactics to face the opponent. On the other hand ninpo teachings instruct that one goal is to enable ninjutsu their sixth sense. blend of intuition and physical strength on the long period of time allows the ninja to activate the sixth sense. So get to know other people well and understand the various problems in different disciplines.
In the ninpo there empty-handed martial arts techniques (taijutsu), engineering sword (kenjutsu), engineering explosives and firearms (kajutsu), hypnotic techniques (saimonjutsu), and techniques illusion (genjutsu). In the flow of energy known toga ryu called Kuji left. The principle is that a merger between the physical and mental strength. The exact energy distribution of power left Kuji can be devastating, but on the other hand, if used to think if it can be used to solve complicated problems.
Ninjutsu will be in vain if the ninja does not have a strong mental and spiritual. For that ninja must master the Kuji-in, namely the spiritual and mental strength based on the symbols contained in the palm of the hand which is believed to channel energy. Symbols on hand in the capture of the practice at the beginning of the mass deployment of Buddhist religion. Kuji-in is used to build confidence and strength of a ninja. Kuji-in can increase sensitivity to detect the presence of danger and death.
Of 81 symbols that exist, only 9 are main obstacle (to give the body strength), hey (give the power to disguise the presence of a person), Toh (balance of solid and liquid parts of the body), sha (the ability to heal), kai (giving total control of bodily functions), jinn (increase telepathic powers), retsu (gives strength telekinetik), zai (increasing harmony of nature), and zen (enlightening the mind and understanding). A ninja would become a true master by mastering these symbols.
Although there are many families ninja in Japan, just about the sixties a new family of ninja can be approached by outsiders. Since the ninja is expressly prohibited by the Tokugawa shogunate in the 17th century. in 1950 the ban was lifted by the Japanese government. In 1960 the Japanese television broadcast reports and historical documentation of the ninja. After that one stream that can open up and introduce the ninja to the outside world is a flow togakure-ryu by the heir of the 34th generation, Masaaki hatsume,. The day-to-day profession is a skilled physician and treatment of bone healing. In 1978 ninjutsu successfully published and taught to Americans by stephen k. hayes. Since that time a branch of martial ninjutsu most requested.
 
D. Ninja Equipment 
Ninja are required to survive in the midst of nature, therefore they are naturally trained to be able to distinguish edible plants, poisonous plants, and medicinal plants. They have an ingenious method to find the time and the wind. Ninja stars as a navigation tool using them when carrying out the mission at night hari.mereka also adept at setting a trap, cooking animals, building shelter, finding water and making fires.
Ninja wore clothes that cover their body except the palms and around the eyes. Ninja outfit is called shinobi shozoko. Shinobi shozoko has 3 colors. Black dress usually worn when conducting missions at night and can also be a sign of a real death for the target. The white color is used for missions in snowy days. The color green as camouflage so that they are not visible in the forest environment.
Shinobi shozoko has many pockets inside and outside. This pocket is used to store small equipment and weapons they need, such as poison, shuriken, knives, smoke bombs and others. Ninja also carry a small P3K traditional box, which is filled with liquid and drink. Ninja also uses a similar tabi boots. Gap that separates the big toe with the other fingers as easy ninja rope or wall climbing.
Ninja or female kunoichi who usually work by using their femininity when to approach the target using psychological manipulation and mind as their weapons of war. they can approach a target and kill him without a trace. Kunoichi have different missions with a male ninja. They are more often closer to the target, so they are also more likely to use melee weapons such as metsubishi, poisons, machetes, rope, and tessen. Besides these weapons are also practically carried without being seen.
Ninja have a weapon in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes. In addition to standard weapons such as swords, naginata, arrows, and knives, there is also tessen (fan which when flicked out toxins), Shobo, kyoketsu shogei, neko te, and others. Sophisticated equipment other ninja is kaginawa (anchor strap) to climb walls, ashiaro to make a fake footprints so as not to be tracked while on a mission, metsubishi (egg shells filled with sand and metal powders, usually mouse droppings) that serves to blind the opponent.
 
E. Ninja Training 
By the time children have been trained ninja to be vigilant and educated in the secrecy of their knowledge and traditions. At the age of 5-6 years they were introduced to the game of dexterity and balance the body. The children were told to walk over the bridge board is very ketch, board a steep climb, and jump over the thorny bushes. At the age of 9 years they trained for muscle spasticity. The children practice rolling and jumping. After that the children are taught techniques on punching and kicking the straw target tissue. After that training increased to a martial art without weapons and beyond the basics of using swords and sticks.
In adolescence they are taught how to use special weapons. Throwing knives, concealment of weapons, technical rope, swimming, underwater tactics, and techniques using nature to get informasai or to hide themselves. Their time is spent in a closed room or hanging in a tree to build patience, endurance, and stamina. There is also a silent motion exercises and run long distances. They are also taught techniques to jump from tree to tree or a roof to roof.
During the teenage ninja akir learn to be an actor and psychology through their own behavior and the people around him. They begin to understand how to work the human soul, using the weaknesses of others to their advantage. They also learn to make the drugs, get a secret entrance into a building, how to climb walls, through the roof, stealing under the chain, binds to the enemy, how to escape, and draw maps, routes, driving directions, and face.
There are 18 levels of science and art of ninjutsu fighting skills possessed by many ninjas that can be studied by the public at this time. The rest beyond the physical skills and mastery of the soul, the warriors must learn the inner exercises. Having mastered this level, ninja can be very skilled and even considered a wise man or shaman, because of its ability blend with the surrounding nature and the cycle.
Eighteen of expertise are: 
1. seishin puzzles kyoyo (purification of the soul)ninja tokakure flow relies heavily on the introduction of identity. A ninja must know exactly the commitment and motivation of his life. With an understanding and appreciation of the maturation process of a ninja may be a wise warrior. Involvement in the fight ninja motivated by reasons to protect. Not justified if the reason is solely because of money.
2. tai jutsu (unarmed combat)blend of science Daken taijutsu (o'clock, tendng, parry), ju taijutsu (gumul, strangle, to pass the locks), taihen jutsu (motion without sound, rolling, jumping, how to fall). These skills are in need on the situation threatened or survive
3. ninja ken (ninja sword)ninja sword is a single-edged straight sword pedek. The sword is the main weapon of the ninja. To use the sword sued two main expertise is the science of the sword draw (with speed but smooth movement) once swung to cut.
4. Bo jutsu (jutsu sticks and blades)There are 2 types of canes, cane length of about 2 meters (bo) and a short stick about one meter (hanbo). There is another weapon of bamboo which when opened in which there is a glimpse of the sword that looks like a regular stick.
5. shuriken jutsu (throwing weapon)science of throwing a steel plate with a sharp eye four-cornered like a star (shuriken senban) or throwing spikes (bo shuriken). Senban shuriken thrown with twisted way to get stuck and give effect to the saw. Bo shuriken thrown together a few pieces so it looks like the flash of a needle.
6. Yari jutsu (spear)spear used for medium-range battle to fend off and reduce opponent's attack.
7. naginata jutsu (sword cane)short sword hilt made a long-sized spears. Used to cut the opponent's ninja who is in the medium-range. Can be used to attack and knock down the samurai horsemen.
8. kusari gama (chain stance and pendulum)form long chains of 2-3 meters are given the pendulum at one end. On the other end tied to the handle of a traditional Japanese sickle. Chains are used to fend off attack weapons lawan.sedangkan sickle blades are used to finish off an opponent who was trapped. Weapon chain and pendant are favored by the ninja togakure flow is kyoketsu the curved dagger which handles fitted with a smooth rope from horsehair and rope ends another one given the large steel ring.
9. henso jutsu (disguise and mingle science)This knowledge is required at the time espionage. Ninja create a false identity and divert people's attention. Ninja also move without being able to be tracked.
10. Shinobi envy (the science lurking and infiltrate)It teaches science moving silently and hiding in shadows.
11. ba jutsua ninja should be able to fight on a horse than riding a horse very well in all terrain.
12. sui ren (the science of combat in water)techniques include stalking by swimming, moving silently in the water, how to use a special boat to float in water, and fighting techniques in the water.
13. bo ryaku (knowledge strategy)science that is not common tactics used in combat conditions persist or open. Ninja often take advantage of the surrounding conditions to carry out their duties, without expending energy.
14. cho ho (the science of espionage)science spies including recruiting and using people who are used as spies.
15. inton jutsu (techniques to escape and disappear)ninja clever escape by utilizing the existing natural conditions.
16. ten mon (meteorology)take advantage of the weather is also a major weapon ninja. Since childhood they were trained to control the weather of the signs of a minor nature.
17. chi mon (geography)land use techniques.
 
F. Philosophy Ninja 
Ninja philosophy was to achieve maximum results with minimum effort. Stratagem and tactics more often performed than direct confrontation. Ninja did not have the status of such noble samurai, ninja so free to do anything to fix the problem, without being bound by the family name and honor.
source: wikipedia.org

Vidio History of the Ninja 1


Vidio History of the Ninja 2


Vidio History of the Ninja 3