Did someone say ninja!!!!!!!
Our 4- to 6-year-old karate class is known as the ninja karate class, so in our blog this week we are having a little fun as we delve into the murky history of ninjitsu. Did you know that Ninjas are also known as shinobi? They were covert agents in feudal Japan, known for their outstanding skills in espionage, sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and assassinations. Their history is both fascinating and shrouded in mystery, they were the world’s first ‘special forces’.
Origins and Early History
The exact origins of ninjas are difficult to pin down because let’s not forget, they were secret spies and assassins. The ninja became known for possessing extreme skills in martial arts and concealment and because of this they were used as a counterforce to the samurai. Their skills really began to develop between 600 to 900 AD and became known as ninjutsu, the art of stealth.
The Sengoku Period
The Sengoku period (1467-1568) was the heyday of the ninjas, it was a time of constant civil war in Japan. In this period of Japanese history, ninjas were hired by warlords, known as daimyo, for their abilities in espionage, infiltration, and assassinations. They were often recruited from the lower classes, including farmers and villagers, who learned to fight using stealth and unconventional methods of combat.
Training and Techniques
Ninja training, like modern day special forces training, was known to be arduous and both physically and mentally demanding. It included a variety of skills such as disguise, escape, concealment, archery, medicine and martial arts. They were also trained in the use of various weapons, that we will look at next.
Ninja weapons
Ninjas used a variety of weapons, each designed for specific purposes such as stealth, combat, and distraction. Here are some of the most common ninja weapons, but there are others
Shuriken: The most iconic ninja weapon the Shuriken, also known as throwing stars, these were small, star-shaped projectiles used to distract or injure opponents from a distance.
Ninjato: This was a straight-bladed sword, shorter than the traditional katana, making it easier to draw quickly and use in confined spaces. This gave the ninja an advantage over the Samurai who were known for their swordsmanship.
Kusarigama: A combination of a sickle (Kama) and a chain, this weapon could be used to entangle an opponent’s weapon or limbs, followed by a swift strike with the sickle.
Fukiya: This is another iconic weapon of the ninja, thanks to Hollywood, this blowpipe was used for silent attacks. Firing darts at the enemy that were often dipped in poison.
Kunai: A multi-purpose tool that could be used as a dagger, throwing knife, or even a climbing aid.
Jo Staff: The Ninja were credited for the development of the jo staff; they preferred this over thee the longer Bo staff as it was more manoeuvrable in confined spaces this long wooden staff was used for striking and blocking attacks.
Smoke Bombs: Thank you, Hollywood, the original ninja never used smoke bombs but if you watch any film that has ninja in it then there is bound to be smoke bombs deployed, used to create a smokescreen, allowing ninjas to escape or confuse their enemies.
Ninjas were also known for their ability to improvise and use everyday objects as weapons. Their training emphasized adaptability and resourcefulness, making them formidable opponents in various situations.
Were there female ninja
Yes, there were female ninjas, known as kunoichi, they played significant and unique roles in the world of ninjutsu. Their contributions were crucial, and they often operated in ways that male ninjas could not. Kunoichi were adept at gathering information. They could infiltrate enemy households by posing as servants, entertainers, or even concubines, gaining access to sensitive information that would be difficult for male ninjas to obtain. Female ninjas were skilled in both martial arts and the use of weapons for carrying out assassinations. Kunoichi were masters of disguise. They could blend into various social settings, from high society to the lower classes, making them versatile operatives.
Decline and Legacy
With the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in the 17th century, Japan entered a period of relative peace, and the need for assassins like the ninjas declined. However, their legacy lived on in Japanese folklore and popular culture, where they were often depicted with supernatural abilities.
Today, the term “ninja” is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is highly skilled in a particular area. Ninjas have become iconic figures in global popular culture, often portrayed as mysterious and highly skilled warriors. You can train in the art of ninjitsu although today it focuses on the martial art and resembles a karate or jujitsu class with the arts of assassination and concealment consigned to the history books.
We hope you have enjoyed this week’s blog, tell us your ninja story, what is your favourite ninja film.
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