Did you know that Japanese martial arts are classified as modern or pre-modern? So before you train in Japan, lets explore some martial art tems that newbies are ignorant about.

In the past, many outside the martial arts circle have used “Karate” as a catch-all phrase to refer to all Japanese martial arts. That is a mistake.

Karate is a martial art on its own that didn’t even originate in mainland Japan. It came from the Ryukyu Kingdom (now Okinawa), which wasn’t part of Japan until the invasion.

Interestingly, Karate, together with Judo, Aikido, and Kendo, are considered modern martial arts. What, then, are pre-modern Japanese martial arts?

To help you understand the differences, I’ll first be explaining these umbrella terms that designate a martial art as modern or pre-modern:

• Koryu Bujutsu
• Gendai Budo

Then, I’ll go on to explain two popular Japanese martial arts practised in the west.

• Karate
• Judo

“Old Style” vs Modern Japanese Martial Arts

Koryu Bujutsu

Koryu Bujutsu (古流武術) translates as “old style martial arts”. It generally covers military arts and sciences that were practised in pre-Meiji Restoration Japan.

These are less about self-improvement and more about defeating opponents.

Under the umbrage of Koryu Bujutsu are:

• sumo wrestling
• jujutsu (unarmed combat)
• kenjutsu (swordsmanship)
• battojutsu (art of drawing the sword)
• iaijutsu (art of mental awareness)
• naginatajutsu, soujutsu (art of the spear)

These skills were often practised with other military arts like horseback riding and swimming. There are, of course, different styles of koryu bujutsu. There are even ancient schools that specialize in different forms of jujutsu and weapon combat (check the link out for an extensive list of koryu bujutsu).

For example, jujutsu styles include Kito-ryu, Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu and more. There are organizations that verify the lineage of a dojo to ensure continuity, before certifying the martial art as koryu.

Koryu martial arts use the Menkyo system to grade students. This is a contrast from gendai budo that gives out martial art belt ranks.

Gendai Budo

Gendai Budo (現代武道) means “modern martial way”. The term applies to martial arts that developed post-Meiji Restoration, around 1868.

Gendai budo focuses on self-improvement first and self-defence second. The older martial arts are the exact opposite.

Also, all gendai budo martial arts use the martial art belt system to rank practitioners. This system was first used in Judo, where Jigoro Kano used black to signify dan-grade and white for the rest.

Gendai budo covers a broad range of arts such as:

• Judo (from Kito-ryu jujutsu)
• Aikido (from Aikijujutsu)
• Iaido
• Kendo (the evolved form of kenjutsu)
• kyudo (way of the bow and arrow)
• karate
• shorinji kempo (also known as kenpo)

Logen has compiled an extensive list of modern Japanese martial arts related to the samurai and ninja.

Popular Japanese Martial Arts in the West

There are many Japanese martial arts, as mentioned before. But, I’m pointing out Judo and Karate deliberately as they are common in the west and vastly different.

Beginners who make the mistake of thinking that one is the other could be in for a rude awakening.

Karate

Karate developed on Okinawa Island during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It exists as a fusion of Chinese martial arts and the original “te,” or Okinawan martial arts.

The four original branches of practice were Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Shito-ryu. The only one that didn’t start in Shuri, Okinawa, was Goju-ryu. It began in Naha.

Then, in the 1920s, Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate into mainland Japan.

The differences amongst the styles tend to be the stances used and the number of katas practised. Some styles use weaponry, while others focus only on training the mind and body.

For example, Shotokan uses deep stances and focuses on long-range attacks. The exact opposite would be Shito-ryu, where stances are more natural and upright, and the focus is on speedy footwork. In Kyokushin, rather than evading, knockdowns are frequent. Full body contact is also encouraged.

Note: All styles of Karate are Gendai Budo (modern martial art). This is a contrast to Koryu Bujutsu (old martial art – dating before the Meiji restoration period).

Judo

Where Karate is often called a “hard” martial art, Judo is “soft.” Karate focuses on striking, while Judo focuses on grappling and throwing.

Jigoro Kano – the same man who created the martial art belt system – founded Judo. Its base art is mainly Kito-ryu jujutsu, a koryu bujutsu.

Judo uses the concept of “kuzushi no ri” (breaking of balance) to overcome the opponent.

In a stereotypical illustration, a Karateka will strike an opponent unfalteringly and aggressively. The Judoka, though, will go on the defensive then try to evade then counter with grappling and throws.

How easy is it to find either pre-Meiji or modern martial arts?

Both koryu bujutsu and gendai budo are still practised throughout the world today. However, obviously, the modern martial arts are going to be widespread.

While you might experience holding a naginata at a samurai taiken (experience) event, you’re not going to find many places that will train you to use one. Moreover, admission to a koryu martial arts dojo is difficult.

For example, the oldest koryu art – Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu – needs its students to swear secrecy with a blood oath (keppan). Risuke Otake (pictured above on the left) is the main instructor appointed by the headmaster Yasusada Iizasa.

As for gendai budo, simply do a quick Google search of your hometown, and a karate or judo dojo will pop up somewhere close.

Want to travel for Japanese martial arts?

Want to travel to train in Japanese martial arts? Logen and I will be compiling a list of recommended places in both Japan (and around the world) for you ninja adventurers!

Note: Collaborative article written by Valerie Taylor, with edits by Logen Lanka.

The post Japanese Martial Arts Before & After 1868 — “Old Style” vs Modern appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Forming symbols with his hands, the ninja mutters some strange words. In an instant, he becomes calm but eerily alert. 

This ritual of ninja hand signs is called Kuji (aka. Kuji-Kiri and Kuji-in). The historical ninja used it to invoke supernatural powers when in danger… supposedly.

These powers include:

• Predicting danger
• Hearing another person’s thoughts
• Healing of injuries
• Invisibility

Now, all that sounds like superstitious mumbo-jumbo. So, is there any science to back this up?

We’ll find out today.

Background: Ninja Hand Signs

The origins of Kuji-Kiri is hotly debated, with some experts believing it was from China or India.

Nonetheless, once imported into Japan, Tendai Buddhism, Shugendo and Shintoism influenced the practice. These Japanese practices were likely the sources of ninja hand signs.

What is Kuji-Kiri?

First, Kuji (九字) means nine symbols, and Kiri (切) refers to the cutting motion. The nine symbols are: rin, pyo, to, sha, kai, jin, retsu, zai and zen.

Each symbol has a specific meaning. So, to invoke a specific ability, you have to perform the correct symbol.

For example, if a ninja gets injured, he’d perform the Kuji symbol for healing (while in a meditative state).

In other words, Kuji-Kiri is like a meditative prayer. This combination of hand signs, breath, and visualization induces a powerful mental state.

So, does Kuji-Kiri really give supernatural powers?

No. There is no proof of people gaining extraordinary senses or healing powers.

What Kuji does is to trigger a specific mental state for a shinobi. This optimal state of mind helps him function well under stress. It may also create the ideal conditions for his body to recover a tad faster.

For example, the power to foresee danger is just the intuition of an experienced warrior. Kuji-Kiri simply triggers an alert state of awareness, to make that intuition sharper.

What does science say about Kuji-Kiri?

Thus far, there’s only one study on Kuji-Kiri (from Mie University). But, we can refer to studies on similar practices (like meditation and yoga) for a better understanding. 

So, on to the science…

Mie University’s Study on Ninja Hand Signs

The one study on Kuji-Kiri was done by Mie University (School of Medicine). It observed 15 “ninja professionals” – people experienced in the practice of Kuji-Kiri – in their experiments.

This two-part study was also featured at the Miraikan’s “The Ninja: Who Were They?” exhibition.

Kuji-Kiri Study (Part 1)

In the first experiment, the study compared changes in brainwaves and heartbeat (before and after performing Kuji-Kiri).

Here’s what they found:

• Alpha-2 brainwaves increased – indicating heightened yet relaxed awareness. The effect lasted between 3 to 30 minutes.
• Beta waves (associated with annoyance and anxiety) decreased.
• Theta waves (connected to deep relaxation or sleep) decreased. It remained that way for roughly 10 minutes.

Kuji-Kiri Study (Part 2)

The next experiment compared the fight-or-flight response of participants (before and after performing Kuji-Kiri).

Within moments of doing ninja hand signs, the participants experienced:

• Heightened levels of alpha-2 waves
• Beta waves dropped, decreasing the effect of stress immediately.

Kuji Kiri Study Conclusion

Kuji-Kiri keeps the mind calm, while still maintaining alertness. The near instantaneous effect it has makes it useful in fight-or-flight situations.

This sheds light on why the ninja used it so extensively and make Kuji-Kiri worthwhile for martial artists and self-defence instructors to study.

Interestingly, the brainwave results are similar in studies about meditation. The one advantage Kuji-Kiri has over meditation is its speed of inducing a calm state of mind.

But, of course, only someone competent in Kuji-Kiri can change their mental state quickly. Familiarity with each hand sign and loads of meditative practice makes a difference.

So, Kuji Kiri does have observable physiological effects on a person. Anything more than that, like outright invisibility or mind-reading, is bullshit.

Let’s take a look at practices that are similar to Kuji…

Ancient & Modern Practices Like Kuji Kiri

There are many ancient and modern practices that work the same way as Kuji-Kiri. All of them enable you to alter your state of mind.

Meditation

Meditation is like Kuji-Kiri, without dynamic hand gestures.

It puts you in a state of deep relaxation, while still keeping you alert. Some forms of meditations can even boost your ability to deal with stimuli.

Science has confirmed this effect with ECG (electrocardiographic) measures, GSR (galvanic skin response) and brain scans.

Unlike meditation, Kuji-Kiri produces the effect in an instant.

Yet, Kuji-Kiri is still a form of meditation. In the early stages, you meditate to associate each gesture with a powerful mental state. With enough experience, all you need is a few hand signs to trigger a specific meditative state.

That’s likely why the ninja favoured Kuji when in danger. The power to change their state of mind instantaneously would have been essential for survival.

Yoga (Mudras)

The use of hand gestures is not unique to Kuji-Kiri. 

In fact, yoga has a set of hand gestures (known as mudras). It also uses asanas (poses) and pranayama (breath control).

Doesn’t this sound just like Kuji?

When used with CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) techniques, it lowers stress significantly. And helped students feel a sense of well-being (in this study).

Qigong

Qigong is a form of movement meditation that produces a relaxed mental state.

It has parallels to Kuji-Kiri in that the repeated movements trigger an optimal state of mind.

Despite Qigong’s health benefits, it wouldn’t have been practical for ninjas to use when on the run.

Self-hypnosis

Hypnosis is often seen as a stage trick.

Yet, some doctors consider it the oldest form of psychotherapy.

After all, with hypnosis, it’s possible to treat pain and anxiety without the use of drugs. Brain imaging even reveals that hypnosis can block pain signals.

This leads me to believe that Kuji-Kiri may also have been a form of self-hypnosis.

Anchoring (NLP)

NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) is a discipline that helps you change your behaviour, by understanding the language of your mind.

In particular, the NLP anchoring technique seems like the modern version of Kuji. Anchoring works like this…

The “anchor” is a gesture, touch or sound that triggers a specific mental (or emotional) state. Through repeated hypnosis and visualization, the anchor gets associated with the mental state.

And then when a situation calls for it, the person can trigger the anchor.

In 2010, the anchoring technique helped 76% of patients overcome claustrophobia (and anxiety). This enabled them to undergo MRI scans, with usable images.

A radiographer first identified the exact trigger of the patient’s anxiety. He then dismantled the fear associated with that trigger.

Later on, he anchored the positive memories of a patient to a touch on their shoulder. This simultaneous process enabled these patients to reduce their anxiety.

That said, more studies need to be done on NLP to confirm its effectiveness.

Bottomline: Kuji-Kiri and other practices

There are parallels between Kuji and other practices. And, they all seem to rely on proven meditative principles to change a person’s mental state.

This makes meditation useful for modern-day warriors like yourself.

But, for something that’s quick-to-use (when in danger), ninja hand signs and NLP anchoring is the way to go.

You’ll, of course, need loads of practice. Good luck!

And, if this isn’t clear enough, ninja hand signs won’t give you any supernatural powers… Don’t walk around the streets naked!

The post What’s the Science Behind Kuji Kiri (aka. Ninja Hand Signs)? appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Ninja Warrior and Sarutobi Sasuke. The first one’s a popular obstacle course competition. And the latter is a famous Japanese folklore character.

What do they have in common?

Ninja Warrior is Sasuke.

What!?

Ninja Warrior, the televised obstacle course show, started out in Japan. Its original name was SASUKE. The name, Ninja Warrior, is only used outside of Japan.

Due to its popularity, many countries bought the rights to air their own versions of SASUKE. Some examples include the American Ninja Warrior and Sasuke Singapore.

So, today, you will be introduced to the legend, Sarutobi Sasuke. And learn how his story became associated with the Ninja Warrior show. Lastly, you will get to watch common obstacles in all four stages of SASUKE Ninja Warrior.

Sarutobi Sasuke – Folklore Inspired by History

Sarutobi Sasuke’s legendary exploits was no less impressive than other famous ninja.

No doubt, when you first hear “Sasuke”, you might imagine the surly kid from Naruto. Or perhaps even some other manga or video game character.

But did you know this fictional character was likely inspired by a real person?

The Real Ninja Behind Sasuke

There were multiple people whose history inspired the creation of Sarutobi Sasuke (猿飛佐助). One of them was likely Kozuki Sasuke (上月佐助).

Rumours reveal that Kozuiki Sasuke’s other name was Shimotsuge no Kizaru. This name appears in the Bansenshukai (Edo-period ninja manual) as one of 11 masters of in-nin.

Sarutobi Sasuke of Folklore

Monkey Jump – No, this is not some special karate move or jutsu. It’s the translation of “Sarutobi.”

Raised as an orphan by monkeys, Sarutobi Sasuke had monkey-like skills. This included climbing and jumping.

Thus, his name, Sarutobi, is especially fitting as it means “monkey jump” in Japanese.

His connection to monkeys is also no coincidence.

After all, he belongs to the Koga clan in Shiga prefecture. That prefecture is near several onsen (hot springs), where snow monkeys love to bathe in.

The Story of Sarutobi Sasuke

Sarutobi Sasuke’s story begins when he was ten – past the time when monkeys adopted him. 

He was seeking out a swordsmanship teacher, when he met Hakuunsai Tozawa. This was the exceptionally-skilled founder of Gyokko-ryu. Under his tutelage, Sarutobi became a master ninja.

Sarutobi Sasuke was a character in the Sanada Ten Braves (真田十勇士), a story found in the Tachikawa Bunko pocket books. These books contained fictional ninja folklores for teenagers during the Taisho period (1900s).

The story revolves around a group of ninja who aided Sanada Yukimura, with the Battle of Osaka Castle. This battle occured when the Japanese Warring States period was coming to a close.

Sarutobi Sasuke’s Annoying Best Friend

Sarutobi often appears with another prodigious ninja – Kirigakure Saizo. Kirigakure Saizo was an Iga ninja.

Long ago, the Koga and Iga were rivals, because of the Fuma-Hattori aggression. Their ninjutsu styles also greatly differed.

Thus, these two characters usually butt heads throughout the story. Nonetheless, they wind up as best friends instead of arch-rivals by the end.

The fight against Ishikawa Goeman

Sarutobi Sasuke also once encountered Ishikawa Goemon, a light-footed ninja who used illusions. The two had a match, which ended in Goemon’s defeat. And so, Goemon began humbled himself and called himself the little brother.

Other Appearances in Media

• Tachikawa Bunko, 1911-1925
• Sarutobi Sasuke by Shigeru Sugiura, 1950s
• Samurai Spy (Ibun Sarutobi Sasuke), Sarutobi no Ninjutsu, and Sarutobi Sasuke Senjogadake no Himatsuri, amongst other films throughout the early 1900s.
• Samurai Deeper Kyo anime
• Sengoku Basara, anime
• The Legend of the Mystical Ninja video game

Moving on. Here are some facts about the popular obstacle course competition – Sasuke Ninja Warrior.

Facts About Sasuke – Original Ninja Warrior Obstacle Competition

Monster 9 (production company), created the reknown SASUKE obstacle course competition in 1997. Although it went bankrupt in 2011, people loved the awesome SASUKE shows.

In 2012, TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) renamed the 28th season of the show “Sasuke Rising”. In addition, the US channel G4 shows an edited and subtitled version called Ninja Warrior.

How Ninja Warrior Works & Other Spin-Offs

The premise of the show is to have 100 competitors compete to finish four obstacle course stages. Many fail in the first and second stages, and the final showdown often results with no one winning.

One spin-off of SASUKE include Kinniku Banzuke (or “Muscle Ranking”). It soon became an independent program. There is also KUNOICHI, the all-women obstacle course competition.

The Reward

Until Season 17, Ninja Warrior awarded competitors ¥2,000,000. This is the prize money that comes with the title of Kanzenseiha (Total Victory). It means you’ve completed all four rounds.

Yet, that hardly offset the cost of travel and accommodations. As a result, the show doubled the reward in later seasons.

Even so, the increase in reward may be due to the rising difficulty in the obstacle course. After all, only 3 competitors were good enough to get the title of Kanzenseiha to date.

• Kazuhiko Akiyama (Competition 4)
• Makoto Nagano (Competition 17)
• Yuuji Urushihara (Competition 24 and 27)

Countries That Air Ninja Warrior

Although the competition continues in Japan, many countries are only showing edited variations of the previous seasons called Ninja Warrior.  A few of them have decided to air their own national versions.

Here’s a list of the countries where you can watch SASUKE Ninja Warrior (and/or their own version):

• Australia
• Bahrain
• Bulgaria (Ninja Warriors)
• China – 极限勇士 (Sasuke China: X Warrior)
• Czech Republic (Ninja Faktor)
• Denmark – Danmarks Ninja Warrior
• France – Ninja Warrior: Le Parcours des héros
• Germany
• Greece
• Indonesia – Sasuke Ninja Warrior
• Italy – Ninja Warrior Italia
• Japan – Sasuke (サスケ)
• Malaysia – Sasuke Malaysia
• Netherlands
• Saudi Arabia – Ninja Warriorبالعربي
• Serbia (Nindža Ratnici)
• Singapore – Sasuke Singapore
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vietnam – Sasuke Việt Nam: Không Giới Hạn

Sasuke Ninja Warrior Obstacles & Stages

There are four different stages in SASUKE Ninja Warrior. With each stage, the level of difficulty rises. At present, all four stages, except the third, are timed.

Due to the obstacle’s complexity, there is no clock in the third stage. Competitors can use as much time as they need.

With the competition beginning in the morning and lasting all day, inclement weather does not expedite the levels. After all, even snowstorms have not stopped the show in some seasons.

Let’s look at some of the obstacles in each stage.

1

First Stage

Bridge Jump

The competitor runs, leaping from one edge of the bridge, grabs a rope attached to a wheel, then swings to the opposite side.

Bungee Bridge

The bridge has several gaps. The ground is actually made of elastic, stretchy fabric that makes it incredibly hard to cross without falling through the gaps.

Half-Pipe Attack

Much like the Crooked Wall, the competitor runs up the vertical half-pipe then must leap about halfway into the air to grab ahold of a rope to land on a narrow landing pad.

Sextuple Step

There was also a Quintuple Step, but this obstacle has 5 platforms rather than 4, increasing the level of difficulty slightly. However, because of its slipperiness being a hazard, it was no longer used after the twenty-second SASUKE.

2

Second Stage

Chain Reaction

Competitors move from platform to platform by swinging from one chain to the next, needing to often do this switch in mid-air.

Spider Walk

One of the more common obstacles. Currently, Spider Walk has 3 variations. There are two walls with space between them. Some of the space is filled with hindrances that the competitors must scale over to get to the other side.

Unstable Bridge

Wall Lifting

3

Third Stage

This stage relies entirely on upper body strength, making it astoundingly difficult to complete.

Arm Rings

There are two rings to grab onto, with which you use to move along the overhead track—made up of horizontal pipes— by moving the rings from point to point. There are a couple of variations in height of those pipes, meaning the competitor has to pull themselves up from time-to-time.

Cliffhanger

This obstacle was seen in multiple seasons and had multitude revamps. The competitor has to move along the narrow ledges using only their fingertips to support them (as there was no floor below).

The original had three ledges at the same height, but then the leveling and length was changed for later seasons. Related obstacles are the Shin Cliffhanger and Ultimate Cliffhanger, both of which sound really painful.

Curtain Cling

Seen in seasons 13 to 17. To cross, you have to move horizontally across a hanging curtain that’s about 5.4 meters wide and 3 meters (about 9 feet) long.

Floating Boards

In this obstacle, five boards hang from scaffolding. And the competitor travels across by clinging to one then jumping to another.

Roulette Cylinder

Comparable to another obstacle called Rolling Dice, the person controlling the cylinder has bars to grab onto for more control. It kind of looks like a bicycle wheel with the spokes pointing outward. This was the predecessor to another obstacle named the Doorknob Grasper.

4

FINAL Stage

G-rope

The G-Rope replaced a similar obstacle called the Final Rope. In this version, the competitor climbs a 10 m long rope that has some bungee cord properties. The rope used to be cut if a competitor ran out of time. However, that has been removed.

Heavenly Ladder

Lastly, the final version of a spider climb. The ladder is 13 meters in length, and it ends with the G-rope.

At one time, the ladder was steel, but it was soon replaced with a rope ladder to increase difficulty.

Note: Obstacle GIFs generated and retrieved from SASUKE CENTRAL and SASUKEPEDIA

How Did Sasuke Influence Sasuke (Ninja Warrior)?

When watching the original SASUKE, you see something incredible — people doing what ninjas used to do when infiltrating castles or escaping from the enemy.

Through the obstacles, competitors have to use both mind and muscle to overcome the challenges. Many of the obstacles are both intimidating to look at and difficult to complete. Willpower is a necessity, and that’s one thing ninja took years to cultivate.

Sasuke Moniker For Ninja

Although Sasuke is a very old Japanese name, it was made popular because of Sarutobi Sasuke’s folklore. It was also because of this folklore that the name, Sasuke, became a popular moniker for the ninja. It represents excellence in physical conditioning.

As such, in Sasuke Ninja Warrior, many competitors were fishermen, firemen, elite athletes and the like. The obstacles test fitness components such as strength, endurance, balance, coordination, agility, and power.

Yet, the biggest thing, in my opinion, is the willpower. Ninja  trained their hearts and minds to overcome fear when it was snarling at them.

Sarutobi Sasuke was one of those valiant examples, though fictional.

Note: Joint article by Valerie and Logen. Featured image modified from Team Dalog & Penn Japanese Collection.

The post Sarutobi Sasuke & the Original Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

According to folklore, the ninja were the descendants of tengu – legendary beings with long noses and hawk-like heads. These beings lived in the mountains of Japan and possessed supernatural powers.

More likely than not, Shugendo yamabushi (mountain monks) – rumoured to possess extraordinary martial art skills, meditative wisdom and medicinal knowledge – inspired the Japanese version of the tengu folklore. Yet, many sources also refer to mountain monks as the disciples of the tengu.

Nonetheless, here is what William Elliot Griffis wrote about the tengu, roughly one hundred years ago, as an American who taught in Japan in 1871.

The Tengus, or the Elves with Long Noses

Curious creatures are the tengus, with the head of a hawk and the body of a man. They have very hairy hands or paws with two fingers, and feet with two toes. They are hatched out of eggs, and have wings and feathers, until full grown. Then their wings moult, and the stumps are concealed behind their dress, which is like that of a man. They walk, when grown up, on clogs a foot high, which are like stilts, as they have but one support instead of two, like the sort which men wear. The tengus strut about easily on these, without stumbling.

Dai Tengu – The Master

The Dai Tengu, or master, is a solemn-faced, scowling individual with a very proud expression, and a nose about eight finger-breadths long. When he goes abroad, his retainers march before him, for fear he might break his nose against something. He wears a long grey beard down to his girdle, and moustaches to his chin. In his left hand he carries a large fan made of seven wide feathers. This is the sign of his rank. He has a mouth, but he rarely opens it. He is very wise, and rules over all the tengus in Japan.

Karasu Tengu – The ‘Officer’

The Karasu or crow-tengu is a black fellow, with a long beak, in the place where his nose and mouth ought to be. He looks as if some one had squeezed out the lower part of his face, and pulled his nose down so as to make a beak like a crow’s. He is the Dai Tengu’s lictor. He carries the axe of authority over his left shoulder, to chop bad people’s heads off. In his right fist is his master’s book of wisdom, and roll of authority. Even these two highest in authority in Tengu-land are servants of the great lord Kampira, the long-haired patron of sailors and mountaineers.

King of the Tengus – The Dai Tangu of Kurama mountain

The greatest of the Dai Tengu lived in Kurama mountain and taught Yoshitsuné. This lad, while a pupil in the monastery, would slip out in the evening, when the priests thought him asleep, and come to the King of the Tengus, who instructed him in the military arts, in cunning, magic, and wisdom. Every night the boy would spread the roll of wisdom before him, and sit at the feet of the hoary-headed tengu, and learn the strange letters in which tengu wisdom is written, while the long-nosed servant tengus, propped up on their stilt-clogs, looked on. The boy was not afraid, but quickly learned the knowledge which birds, beasts and fishes have, how to understand their language and to fly, swim and leap like them.

Interesting Quirks & Characteristics

When a tengu stumbles and falls down on his nose, it takes a long while to heal, and if he breaks it, the doctor puts it in splints like a broken arm, until it straightens out and heals up again.

Some of the amusements in Tengu-land are very curious. A pair of young tengus will fence with their noses as if they were foils. Their faces are well protected by masks, for if one tengu should “poke his nose” into the other’s eye he might put it out, and a blind tengu could not walk about, because he would be knocking his nose against everything.

Two old tengus with noses nearly two feet long, sometimes try the strength of their face-handles. One fellow has his beak straight up in the air like a supporting post, while the other sits a yard off with his elastic nose stretched across like a tight-rope, and tied with twine at the top of the other one’s nose. On this tight nose-rope a little tengu boy, with a tiny pug only two inches long, dances a jig. He holds an umbrella in his hand, now dancing, and now standing upon one foot. The tengu-daddy, whose nose serves as a tent-pole, waves his fan and sings a song, keeping time to the dance.

There is another tengu who sometimes quarrels with his wife, and when angry boxes her ears with his nose.

Lady and Young Tengu

A lady-tengu who is inclined to be literary and sentimental, writes poetry. When the mood seizes her she ties the pen to her nose, dips it in ink and writes a poem on the wall.

A tengu-painter makes a long-handled brush to whitewash the ceiling, by strapping it to his nose.

Sometimes the little tengus get fighting, and then the feathers fly as they tear each other with their little claws which have talons on them shaped like a chicken’s, but which when fully grown look like hands.

Tengu “Muscle-man”

All the big tengus are fond of trying the strength of their noses, and how far they can bend them up and down without breaking. They have two favorite games of which they sometimes give exhibitions. The player has long strings of iron cash (that is, one hundred of the little iron coins, with a square hole in the centre). Several of these he slides on a rope like buttons on a string, or counters on a wire. Then he lifts them off with the tip of his nose. Sometimes his nose bends so much under the weight that the coins slip off. Whichever tengu can pick off the greater number of strings without letting any slip, wins the game, and is called O-hana (The King of Noses).

Another balances hoops and poles on his nose and throws balls through the hoops; or he poises a saucer of water on the tip of his nose without spilling a drop. Another fellow hangs a bell from the ceiling. Then, with a handkerchief tied loosely round his head, he pulls his nose back like a snapping-turtle’s beak, and then suddenly lets go. His nose then strikes the bell and rings it. It hurts very much, but he does not mind it.

Tengu Drunkard

The tengus have one great fault. They love liquor too much. They often get drunk. They buy great casks of rice-wine, sling them round their necks, and drink out of long cups shaped like their faces, using the nose for a handle. A drunken tengu makes a funny sight, as he staggers about with his big wings drooping and flapping around him, and the feathers trailing in the mud, and his long nose limp, pendulous and groggy.

When the master of the tengus wishes to “see the flowers,” which means to go on a picnic, he punishes his drunken servant by swinging the box of eatables over the fellow’s red nose. Putting the end over his shoulders, he compels the sot to come along. It sobers the fellow, for the weight on his nose and the pulling on it hurts dreadfully, and often makes him squeal.

Oyama, a mountain near Tokio, is said to be full of these long-nosed elves, but many other mountains are inhabited by them, for they like lonely places away from men.

Dancers often put on masks like the tengu’s face and dance a curious dance which they call the Tengu’s quadrille.

The tengus are very proud fellows, and think themselves above human beings. They are afraid of brave men, however, and never dare to hurt them. They scare children, especially bad boys. They watch a boy telling lies and catch him. Then the tengus pull out his tongue by the roots, and run away with it.

When a tengu walks, he folds his arms, throws back his head till his nose is far up in the air, and struts around as if he were a daimio. When a man becomes vain and carries his nose too high, the people say “He has become a tengu.”

Editor’s Note

This tale by William Elliot Griffis is now under public domain. I have retained his olden spelling quirks and added subheadings to make it easier to read on the web. For another tale by Griffis, take a look at what he has to say about Jiraiya. I have also included a brief history about him there.

The post Tengu Folklore Retold by an American (who visited Japan in 1870) appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

How intimately do you know Bruce Lee? Do you know what’s in his private letters?

Try this 20-question Bruce Lee quiz to find out.

Each question’s answer will be immediately revealed once you pick an option. You’ll also get an expose of some strange facts, old photos, videos, and GIFs of Bruce Lee.

Find out how you’d fare right now…

Remember to share your results!

Quiz based on Bruce Lee’s Letters

The trivia questions in this Bruce Lee Quiz is based on Letters of the Dragon, which compiles Bruce Lee’s personal letters. For my thoughts on the book, read this post.

Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon

I Want This!

The post Bruce Lee Quiz – What were the secrets in ‘Letters of the Dragon’? appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Editor’s note: This version of Jiraiya folklore was written by William Elliot Griffis. During Japan’s modernisation, he was invited to Japan to reform the education system (nearly 150 years ago). Learn more about him at the end.

Tale of The Gallant Jiraiya (by William Elliot Griffis)

Ogata was the name of a castle-lord who lived in the Island of the Nine Provinces, (Kyushu). He had but one son, an infant, whom the people in admiration nicknamed Jiraiya (Young Thunder). During one of the civil wars, this castle was taken, and Ogata was slain; but by the aid of a faithful retainer, who hid Jiraiya in his bosom, the boy escaped and fled northward to Echigo. There he lived until he grew up to manhood.

At that time Echigo was infested with robbers. One day the faithful retainer of Jiraiya being attacked, made resistance, and was slain by the robbers. Jiraiya now left alone in the world went out from Echigo and led a wandering life in several provinces.

All this time he was consumed with the desire to revive the name of his father, and restore the fortunes of his family. Being exceedingly brave, and an expert swordsman, he became chief of a band of robbers and plundered many wealthy merchants, and in a short time he was rich in men, arms and booty. He was accustomed to disguise himself, and go in person into the houses and presence of men of wealth, and thus learn all about their gates and guards, where they slept, and in what rooms their treasures were stored, so that success was easy.

Jiraiya meets his master – Toad Magic

Hearing of an old man who lived in Shinano, he started to rob him, and for this purpose put on the disguise of a pilgrim. Shinano is a very high table-land, full of mountains, and the snow lies deep in winter. A great snow storm coming on, Jiraiya took refuge in a humble house by the way. Entering, he found a very beautiful woman, who treated him with great kindness. This, however, did not change the robber’s nature. At midnight, when all was still, he unsheathed his sword, and going noiselessly to her room, he found the lady absorbed in reading.

Lifting his sword, he was about to strike at her neck, when, in a flash, her body changed into that of a very old man, who seized the heavy steel blade and broke it in pieces as though it were a stick. Then he tossed the bits of steel away, and thus spoke to Jiraiya, who stood amazed but fearless:

“I am a man named Senso Dojin, and I have lived in these mountains many hundred years, though my true body is that of a huge frog. I can easily put you to death but I have another purpose. So I shall pardon you and teach you magic instead.”

Then the youth bowed his head to the floor, poured out his thanks to the old man and begged to be received as his pupil.

Mastering Toad Magic

Remaining with the old man of the mountain for several weeks, Jiraiya learned all the arts of the mountain spirits; how to cause a storm of wind and rain, to make a deluge, and to control the elements at will.

He also learned how to govern the frogs, and at his bidding they assumed gigantic size, so that on their backs he could stand up and cross rivers and carry enormous loads.

When the old man had finished instructing him he said “Henceforth cease from robbing, or in any way injuring the poor. Take from the wicked rich, and those who acquire money dishonestly, but help the needy and the suffering.” Thus speaking, the old man turned into a huge frog and hopped away.

What this old mountain spirit bade him do, was just what Jiraiya wished to accomplish. He set out on his journey with a light heart. “I can now make the storm and the waters obey me, and all the frogs are at my command; but alas! the magic of the frog cannot control that of the serpent. I shall beware of his poison.”

Jiraiya helps the weak

From that time forth the oppressed poor people rejoiced many a time as the avaricious merchants and extortionate money lenders lost their treasures. For when a poor farmer, whose crops failed, could not pay his rent or loan on the date promised, these hard-hearted money lenders would turn him out of his house, seize his beds and mats and rice-tub, and even the shrine and images on the god-shelf, to sell them at auction for a trifle, to their minions, who resold them at a high price for the money-lender, who thus got a double benefit. Whenever a miser was robbed, the people said, “The young thunder has struck,” and then they were glad, knowing that it was Jiraiya, (Young Thunder.) In this manner his name soon grew to be the poor people’s watchword in those troublous times.

Yet Jiraiya was always ready to help the innocent and honest, even if they were rich. One day a merchant named Fukutaro was sentenced to death, though he was really not guilty. Jiraiya hearing of it, went to the magistrate and said that he himself was the very man who committed the robbery. So the man’s life was saved, and Jiraiya was hanged on a large oak tree. But during the night, his dead body changed into a bull-frog which hopped away out of sight, and off into the mountains of Shinano.

Tsunade masters snail magic

At this time, there was living in this province, a young and beautiful maiden named Tsunadé. Her character was very lovely. She was always obedient to her parents and kind to her friends. Her daily task was to go to the mountains and cut brushwood for fuel. One day while thus busy singing at the task, she met a very old man, with a long white beard sweeping his breast, who said to her:

“Do not fear me. I have lived in this mountain many hundred years, but my real body is that of a snail. I will teach you the powers of magic, so that you can walk on the sea, or cross a river however swift and deep, as though it were dry land.”

Gladly the maiden took daily lessons of the old man, and soon was able to walk on the waters as on the mountain paths. One day the old man said, “I shall now leave you and resume my former shape. Use your power to destroy wicked robbers. Help those who defend the poor. I advise you to marry the celebrated man Jiraiya, and thus you will unite your powers.”

Thus saying, the old man shrivelled up into a snail and crawled away.

Tsunade & Jiraiya meet

“I am glad,” said the maiden to herself, “for the magic of the snail can overcome that of the serpent. When Jiraiya, who has the magic of the frog, shall marry me, we can then destroy the son of the serpent, the robber named Dragon-coil (Orochimaru).”

By good fortune, Jiraiya met the maiden Tsunadé, and being charmed with her beauty, and knowing her power of magic, sent a messenger with presents to her parents, asking them to give him their daughter to wife. The parents agreed, and so the young and loving couple were married.

Hitherto when Jiraiya wished to cross a river he changed himself into a frog and swam across; or, he summoned a bull-frog before him, which increased in size until as large as an elephant. Then standing erect on his warty back, even though the wind blew his garments wildly, Jiraiya reached the opposite shore in safety. But now, with his wife’s powers, the two, without any delay, walked over as though the surface was a hard floor.

Soon after their marriage, war broke out in Japan between the two famous clans of Tsukikagé and Inukagé. To help them fight their battles, and capture the castles of their enemies, the Tsukikagé family besought the aid of Jiraiya, who agreed to serve them and carried their banner in his back. Their enemies, the Inukagé, then secured the services of Dragon-coil.

Battle with Orochimaru

This Orochimaru, or Dragon-coil, was a very wicked robber whose father was a man, and whose mother was a serpent that lived in the bottom of Lake Takura. He was perfectly skilled in the magic of the serpent, and by spurting venom on his enemies, could destroy the strongest warriors.

Collecting thousands of followers, he made great ravages in all parts of Japan, robbing and murdering good and bad, rich and poor alike. Loving war and destruction he joined his forces with the Inukagé family.

Now that the magic of the frog and snail was joined to the one army, and the magic of the serpent aided the other, the conflicts were bloody and terrible, and many men were slain on both sides.

On one occasion, after a hard fought battle, Jiraiya fled and took refuge in a monastery, with a few trusty vassals, to rest a short time. In this retreat a lovely princess named Tagoto was dwelling. She had fled from Orochimaru, who wished her for his bride. She hated to marry the offspring of a serpent, and hoped to escape him. She lived in fear of him continually.

Orochimaru hearing at one time that both Jiraiya and the princess were at this place, changed himself into a serpent, and distilling a large mouthful of poisonous venom, crawled up to the ceiling in the room where Jiraiya and his wife were sleeping, and reaching a spot directly over them, poured the poisonous venom on the heads of his rivals. The fumes of the prison so stupefied Jiraiya’s followers, and even the monks, that Orochimaru, instantly changing himself to a man, profited by the opportunity to seize the princess Tagoto, and make off with her.

Jiraiya and Tsunade close to death

Gradually the faithful retainers awoke from their stupor to find their master and his beloved wife delirious, and near the point of death, and the princess gone.

“What can we do to restore our dear master to life?” This was the question each one asked of the others, as with sorrowful faces and weeping eyes they gazed at the pallid forms of their unconscious master and his consort. They called in the venerable abbot of the monastery to see if he could suggest what could be done.

“Alas!” said the aged priest, “there is no medicine in Japan to cure your lord’s disease, but in India there is an elixir which is a sure antidote. If we could get that, the master would recover.”

“Alas! alas!” and a chorus of groans showed that all hope had fled, for the mountain in India, where the elixir was made, lay five thousand miles from Japan.

Saving Jiraiya and Tsunade

Just then a youth named Rikimatsu, one of the pages of Jiraiya, arose to speak. He was but fourteen years old, and served Jiraiya out of gratitude, for he had rescued his father from many dangers and saved his life. He begged permission to say a word to the abbot, who, seeing the lad’s eager face, motioned to him with his fan to speak.

“How long can our lord live,” asked the youth.

“He will be dead in thirty hours,” answered the abbot, with a sigh.

“I’ll go and procure the medicine, and if our master is still living when I come back, he will get well.”

Now Rikimatsu had learned magic and sorcery from the Tengus, or long-nosed elves of the mountains, and could fly high in the air with incredible swiftness. Speaking a few words of incantation, he put on the wings of a Tengu, mounted a white cloud and rode on the east wind to India, bought the elixir of the mountain spirits, and returned to Japan in one day and a night.

On the first touch of the elixir on the sick man’s face he drew a deep breath, perspiration glistened on his forehead, and in a few moments more he sat up.

Jiraiya and his wife both got well, and the war broke out again. In a great battle Dragon-coil was killed and the princess rescued. For his prowess and aid Jiraiya was made daimyo of Idzu.

Ending the life of battle

Being now weary of war and the hardships of active life, Jiraiya was glad to settle down to tranquil life in the castle and rear his family in peace. He spent the remainder of his days in reading the books of the sages, in composing verses, in admiring the flowers, the moon and the landscape, and occasionally going out hawking or fishing. There, amid his children and children’s children, he finished his days in peace.

Who was William Elliot Griffis?

William Elliot Griffis was born on 17 September 1804 in Philadelphia. He was was invited to modernise schools in Japan by Matsudaira Shungaku in 1870. A year later, he became the Echizen province’s Superintendent of Education.

Aside from his official duties, William also wrote extensively about Japanese culture. He passed away in 1928 in Florida, USA.

To learn more about the Jiraiya folklore, check out this report. It includes the kabuki summary of the folktale, profiles of the three characters and actual movies you can watch online.

The post Jiraiya Folklore retold by an American (who visited Japan in 1870) appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Most people know Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru from the Naruto series. But did you know that these characters were originally from “Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari”, a 200-year-old folklore?

Here are the origins, story, character profile and early movies of Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru.

Origins of Jiraiya, Tsunade & Orochimaru

Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari (児雷也豪傑物語; “The Heroic Tales of Jiraiya” or “Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya”) was first published in 1839. Over the next 29 years (till 1868), it became a popular series of 43 illustrated novels completed by 4 different authors.

If you thought Naruto was draggy, this story took 10 years longer to complete.

Yet, the inspiration for Jiraiya has its origins in old legends in Song-era China. This bandit, whose real name is unknown, was a heroic bandit whose deeds were similar to Robin Hood. The only reason he was called 自来也 (zi lai ye – Mandarin Chinese pronunciation), was because he’d leave those characters in graffiti at places he robbed. Those characters translate to: “I was here”.

When that bandit legend made it to the Japanese novel, elements of shape-shifting magic and ninja mysticism were added. The Japanese Jiraiya’s name in kanji later became 児雷也 (young thunder).

So, after the series was completed, part of the story was adapted for the Kabuki theatre in 1852.

Here is the Kabuki version of The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya. Enjoy this Japanese ninja folklore…

Story Time: The Tale of The Gallant Jiraiya

In this kabuki summary, the demonic giant snake spirit was the cause of misery for the Tsukikage, Ogata and Matsuura clans – in which Orochimaru (大蛇丸), Jiraiya (自来也 or 児雷也) and Tsunade (綱手) belonged to respectively.

A long time ago, there existed an evil giant snake spirit that preyed on humans. This demonic snake spirit had ambitions to gain power over all of Japan.

For that to happen, it decided to take control of the influential Tsukikage clan, whose feudal domain was Echigo province. Their leader – Tsukikage Gunryo Miyukinosuke – was also the regent of the Shogunate (feudal government of Japan) and crucial to the evil snake’s plan.

The Giant Snake Spirit takes over the Tsukikage Clan

On that fateful day, the snake spirit attacked Lord Tsukikage Miyukinosuke. Had it not been for Orochimaru who came out of nowhere to intervene, the lord of Echigo and regent would have died.

Therefore, out of indebtedness, Lord Miyukinosuke adopted Orochimaru as a son. This was a huge mistake for it sealed the fate of the Tsukikage, Ogata and Matsuura clans.

Unbeknownst to Lord Miyukinosuke, the demonic snake spirit had possessed Orochimaru and he was merely a puppet from the start. The snake spirit and Orochimaru had staged the attack and rescue. And the lord of Echigo effectively adopted the evil snake into his clan.

Over time, the snake manipulated the lord into murdering all of his offspring, leaving Orochimaru as his sole successor.

Massacre of the Ogata & Matsuura clans

The Ogata and Matsuura clans held two powerful seals (i.e. insignia stamps) in trust for the feudal government. Documents marked by these seals were proof of the Shogun’s support to raise an army and navy fleet.

The giant snake spirit wanted the power afforded by those seals and needed the two powerful clans out of the way.

As a result, Lord Miyukinosuke first led the shogunate into believing that their allies were staging a coup. He then tricked the two clans into giving up their seals before obliterating them. His forces then threw the infants Jiraiya and Tsunade down the cliff, thereby eliminating the two respective successors of the Ogata and Matsura.

Luckily, a hermit by the name of Senso Dojin saved and raised them.

Training Jiraiya & Tsunade to defeat Orochimaru

Determined to avenge their clans and restore the tarnished honour, Senso Dojin began to train Jiraiya and Tsunade respectively in the shape-shifting magic of the toad and slug.

However, the three-way deadlock was a problem. Snake magic surpassed toad magic; toad magic surpassed slug magic; slug magic could defeat snake magic. The key to defeating Orochimaru was to use the Nakirimaru sword (wave-cutting sword).

First Battle against Orochimaru

In their first battle, Orochimaru fought and severely wounded Jiraiya. Fortunately, Tsunade arrived in time and saved Jiraiya with her prodigious use of slug magic. While he escaped death, the wounds were serious enough to disable Jiraiya.

The only antidote was the blood of a maiden who was born in the year, day and hour of the snake.

A Sister’s Sacrifice to Save Her Brother

Jiraiya and Tsunade continued their search for the sword. As they entered the Echigo province, they met Ayame of all people, the adoptive daughter of the Tsukikage clan.

Jiraiya then made a surprising discovery that Ayame was his sister (spared during the clan’s massacre).

Realising that she was the maiden born in the year of the snake, she stabbed herself as a sacrifice to save her brother. Her blood was the antidote. And with her sacrifice, she ensured that Jiraiya and Tsunade could take revenge and reinstate the two clans.

Jiraiya was fully healed.

Defeating Orochimaru

Years pass when both Jiraiya and Tsunade finally found the Nakimaru (wave-cutting sword) at Hell Valley.

Together they cornered Orochimaru with the sword and exorcised the demonic spirit. The misunderstanding over the Ogata and Matsura clan was cleared. And the Shogunate reinstated their clans.

Since the demonic snake was exorcised, Orochimaru was no longer possessed. He was pardoned for his crimes at Jiraiya’s request to the Shogun.

Note: This kabuki play was written by  Kawatake Shinshichi II and summarised by Watanabe Hisao. There are other versions – closer to the original – where Orochimaru was the former disciple of Jiraiya. 

Characters in Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari

The character profiles may have discrepancies as there are different versions of the folklore. For full movies related to the Jiraiya folklore, scroll to the next section.

Main Characters

Supporting Characters

Jiraiya in Pop Culture

Besides the kabuki theatre, the original series clearly inspired numerous modern adaptations in film and anime. Here are a few.

Jiraiya the Brave (Silent Film) in 1921

Also known as Goketsu Jiraiya, this short silent film has kabuki-style action scenes. There may also have been an accompanying narration when it premiered in the past, but that can no longer be found. The battle scenes are comical.

The Magic Serpent in 1966

George Lucas’s Star Wars movies was said to have a plot similar to this film, The Magic Serpent (Kairyu Daikessen).

This video happens to be the full movie, dubbed in English. Watch it if you have the time.

Naruto – Jiraiya, Tsunade & Orochimaru

In the Naruto series, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru are extremely prodigious ninjas who have the ability to summon toads, slugs and snakes respectively. They were former teammates until Orochimaru betrayed the village. This is a battle scene, similar to what you might expect in the original folklore.

With that, the report on the original Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru has come to an end. Another version of the Jiraiya folklore will be posted next week.

The post The Tale of The Gallant Jiraiya (Original Folklore) – from Edo Period appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

When someone utters the word ‘ninja,’ what you envision might differ greatly from the person next to you. You might conjure up images of a figure in black with a wakizashi at their side, making symbols with their hands and murmuring. Someone else might think of the video game or anime renditions.

Even in Japan, the history of ninja is shrouded in misconceptions and myth.

So, when the opportunity arose to experience an event called ‘The Ninja: Who Were They?’ at Odaiba’s Miraikan Museum (日本科学未来館), this enthusiast could barely contain her excitement.

Background Information – Before Miraikan Visit

Before visiting the Miraikan — formerly known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation — in Odaiba, I wanted to rehash my own knowledge of the ninja. After all, making comparisons to the research presented by Mie University, the Japan Ninja Council, the Iga Ueno Tourist Association, and Miraikan scientists is crucial to correcting preconceived notions of the ninja.

Here’s what I knew prior to visiting the Miraikan exhibition:

The Ninja

• Predominant in Japan’s feudal war period
• Primarily agents of espionage and stealth
• Every faction seemed to have at least one ninja working for them
• Used to either disrupt or distract or assassinate enemies
• Rumored to be a mix of aristocracy and commoners
• Male and female

The Art of Ninjutsu

• Two leading styles: Iga-ryu and Koga-ryu.
• Not a focus on physical strength
• Stealth; deception
• Intellectual solutions to combat
• Utilizes divination, psychological warfare and parapsychology. Poisons and other illusionary tactics were considered a ninja’s best weapons.

History of Ninja

Japanese folklore states that shinobi are descendants of a demon that was half-man and half-crow (tengu). While awesome were it true, ninjutsu has actually been around for quite some time.

According to the Iga Ninja Association, ninjutsu was not a product of the Sengoku period but much earlier – 500 AD, in fact. It can be traced back to the Indian sub-continent, nearly to 4000 BC, when ancient Indian spirituality melded with Chinese martial arts. From there, the Japanese learned of it from communications with the Korean peninsula.

Prince Shotoku Taishi (574-622), the regent of Empress Suiko, the first female monarch of Japan, not only created the Seventeen-Article constitution, he was devoted to spreading Buddhism throughout the Japan and dispatched envoys to and from China. This places him in a time when primitive forms of ninjutsu were spreading throughout Asia.

In fact, it is rumored that he employed a man named Otomono Sahito, the “father of ninja.” A popular tale is that Shotoku Taishi could “hear the words of ten people at once.” This is in reference to the intelligence gathered by his shinobi spy.

Note: Read this for a comprehensive history of the ninja.

Tensho Iga-no-ran (Iga Rebellion of Tensho)

In the late 1500s, Iga became a warzone when Oda Nobunaga learned of his son, Nobukatsu, attacking the land. Iga was victorious then, because they knew their land and had superior firepower. Furious that his son was driven back, Oda Nobunaga launched an all-out assault in 1581. 50,000 soldiers, equal to half the population of Iga, invaded the territory. The Iga people endured the attack for about a month, yet the buildings and land were razed down, and many lost their lives.

The Tensho Iga-no-ran went down in history as a tragedy that served as a catalyst to ending the Iga ninja clan’s activities.

A lot of historical artifacts were destroyed at this time, but organizations like the Japan Ninja Association and Mie University spent years collecting old handbooks, scrolls and scientific data. Some pages of the Three Great Books of Ninjutsu — Mansen Shukai, Shoninki (detailing Kishu-ryu), and the Shinobi Hiden—were available for viewing at the Miraikan event. These texts were written during the Edo period and served to record oral traditions.

‘The Ninja: Who Were They?’ Exhibition

The event at the Miraikan was made a reality through the cooperation of several respected individuals in the field of ninjutsu and history. The two main names are Yuushi Yamada, a professor at Mie University who specialized in ninja research, and Ryuu Wada, the author of the high appraised book Shinobi’s Country.

Little was known about the exhibition before the opening day, but a diagram was shown on the main website featuring the areas you would be traveling through to learn about the ninja.

These were broken down into three “stages”:

1. Improve your body
2. Enhance your skills
3. Perfect your mind

Once you’ve completed these areas, you would be rewarded with a certificate accredited by the Japan Ninja Council.

Sounds like a rigorous event, right?

In all honesty, dodging the screaming children that were running amuck and the hordes of other visitors was probably the real test of mental and physical fortitude! I never expected the event to attract so many kids. But when I got inside, it was clear what age group the hands-on experiences were aimed at — certainly not twenty-somethings.

The Ninja Lab – Miraikan Exhibition

As soon as my time to enter the exhibition came, I was one of the first inside. A wall was set up and covered first with society’s notions of what ninja are and how they functioned. Once you pass a wall of movie posters and manga, you see a long display of the Three Great Books of Ninjutsu and other ninja “how-to” books.

Despite there being “no photography” signs in every case, I decided to use my surreptitious ninja skills and snap a few shots.

Most of the materials displayed are purely historical recounts of specific battles. The explanations of what’s described inside were brief and vague. Other articles pertained to being the best ninja you can be.

I’d been hoping for more historical insight on certain battles or some clarification on specific ninja movements, but there wasn’t much of that.

Stage 1: Improve Your Body

Rounding the corner, there was a short video clip featuring a holographic ninja master explaining how being a ninja requires great physical endurance and strength. When you pass this, you find yourself in a huge space filled with dozens of movement based games, several display cases, and hundreds upon hundreds of excited kids flinging plastic shuriken.

Principles of Ninja Movement

I found the Principles of Ninja Movement to be rather fascinating.

This wall talks about how the ninja were reliant on maintaining a crouched position for a couple of reasons.

• First, being closer to the ground allows you to move more reactively and stealthily, since your center of gravity is lower.
• By bending at the knees and maintaining a strong back, transporting heavy equipment is even simplified.
• Lastly, this position also effects the breathing.

Freer movement means you can focus purely on keeping an even breath and utilizing the diaphragm completely. When standing straight, people tend to breathe shallowly. Ninja, however, knew how to control their breaths. Considering how ninjutsu had influences from Indian culture and religion, I saw a connection to yoga pranayama, or breath work.

Shuriken Throwing and other “obstacles”

After this, you could participate in shuriken throwing, river crossing and hill climbing if desired. Sadly, the obstacles were made for toddlers, so I didn’t even attempt at wriggling through the holes or scaling the wooden “mountains”.

I headed for the middle of the first zone where cases of weapons and other ninja tools could be viewed. Again, there was that danged “no photography” sign and a security guard giving me suspicious glances. So, I couldn’t get any shots of the varieties of shuriken, blow darts, caltrops, spiked rings and knuckles, scythes and water floatation shoes.

The water floatation shoes were crafted of light wood and looked like a snowshoe. A ninja would either use them like an inner tube or stand on the floating platform as they traveled down the river.

Nutrition & herbs

Stage 1 even covered the diet and pharmaceuticals ninjas utilized to stay in shape and healthy while out in the field. Supposedly, ninjas relied on simple staples of the era: rice, miso, natto, vegetables. Some evidence even suggests that ninjas would eat locusts for protein.

[Scientific Explanation]

Each piece of Hyorogan contains 50 kcal (10-15ml). If you take four pieces, it adds up to 200kcal, which is almost equivalent to a boc of sweets of today. This might have helped the Ninja to maintain the blood glucose level in the brain.

Isn’t it kind of crazy how ninjas are thought to only have consumed about 2000 – 2500 calories daily?

One wall explains how they could stave off hunger. In a few ninjutsu manuals there are instructions for making “Hyorogan”—hunger pills containing a things like ginseng, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, seeds and grits to keep their blood glucose from dropping.

Stage 2: Enhance Your Skills

At this point in your “training”, there are signs instructing you about your first mission.

You must build a signal fire at the end of the trail to lead your samurai daimyo home safely. Other ninja have passed through before you, leaving clues to enemy movements.

I’ll confess I was a bit disappointed. A lot of the information is solely visual. Young kids could pop in and out of “face-in-the-hole” displays and hide one foot high, two-dimensional bushes. I didn’t know those were even around until accidentally tripping over one when trying to avoid a runaway infant.

Still, the information is fascinating.

Hiding methods & signal fires

Hiding methods:

• Raccoon dog hiding; climbing up trees to hide
• Foliage hiding; hiding in bushes
• Quail hiding; wrapping yourself in a ball
• Fox hiding; hiding in the water

For example, when traversing the mountains, tracks would be covered by making use of the surroundings. Scaling trees to spy, moving through water and hiding in bushes seems to be activities modern media has gotten correct.

Ninja would also leave rope markers for allies that might be following. Only a trained eye would know where to look for these knotted messages. Depending on the knot, you could discern a meaning. For example, if a knot is tied in the “ki” shape and you know you need to create a certain colored fire, you will translate that as “light a yellow (ki) smoke signal.”

Eavesdropping using a cylinder

The next exercise helps us understand how ninja were able to eavesdrop through the floor using a hollow cylinder. By placing the cylinder on the floor or wall, it would pick up the vibrations coming through the opposite side.

[Scientific explanation] Sound is transmitted by vibrations. If a cylindrical object is used, the sound waves reverberate inside it, and the sound becomes louder. Further, the sound arrives directly to the ear, and thee is no noise with it, so it is considered that the ninja used it for eavesdropping to get information.

Moving on, you could either wait in line for thirty minutes to play shadow puppets in front of an animated waterfall or skip that and move straight into practicing meditation techniques in Stage 3.

Stage 3: Perfect Your Mind

The shortest of the training levels in the exhibition, this involves making figures with both hands that have words attached to them (kuji in). This process has a calming effect on the mind when paired with rhythmic breathing. Ninja would meditate for brief periods before fulfilling their assignments.

Now, when I did another ninja experience in Asakusa’s Hanayashiki amusement park, I did not make the actual figures but instead firmly stated the meditative words while drawing perpendicular lines in the air.

At the Miraikan event, you try to follow a short video demonstration that plays on repeat. The movements are harder than they look!

Once you’ve managed to free your fingers from the pretzel knots, you are cleared to receive your certification.

Ninja Certification

There’s no grand ceremony or presentation. Anti-climatically, you approach a table with slots and a sign that says, “please only take one”. My friend who had joined me for the event gave me an incredulous look, stuck his hand in, and pulled out a paper card. He drew black. Mine came out blue.

“That’s it?” he asked.

I nodded then listened to the recorded announcement emanating from a cardboard ninja cut-out: “Once you exit into the shop, you cannot reenter the exhibition.”

Final Thoughts

First, were my expectations met?

No. When you read the mission statement behind the exhibition about clarifying the misconceptions about ninja, one would assume the presence of ninja experts, live demonstrations of how tools were used, and more in-depth historical evidence provided. ‘The Ninja: Who Were They?’ exhibition at the Miraikan does not exactly clear the smoke and mirrors surrounding ninja.

Scientific explanations – yes; Historical information – lacking

A great amount of insight was provided on the weaponry, poisons and medications ninjas utilized. Yet, there was no mention about famous ninjas like Hattori Hanzo or Goemon. I can’t even recall one instance of kunoichi (female ninja) being explained.

Another thing, I had hoped to learn what kind of people made up the ranks of ninja. There is much uncertainty about whether or not ninja could be low born men and women, but I found nothing regarding that.

Second, the games are fun for children but not at all educational for those seeking historical research material. Part of me believes some information was not included to coax the curious into purchasing the books that the exhibition was based on.

Reconciling history with modern application

Nonetheless, the Miraikan Ninja exhibition is enlightening when it comes to how the ninja lived. I never knew that these warriors and spies were so fixated on mind and body wellness.

As it says on the back of the certificate, to be a ninja in modern society you need to be active in these three things:

1. Improve your body, skill and mind and maintain a good balance.
2. Take an active role in supporting the community you belong to.
3. Find a mission for yourself and live through anything to the bitter end.

To me, that is an invaluable lesson to walk away from the event with.

Getting to the Miraikan

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

Japan, 〒135-0064 Tokyo, 江東区Aomi, ２−３−６

Note: The NINJA – who were they? is a special exhibition at the Miraikan that begins in 2 July and ends in 10 October 2016.

The post The 3 Stages of a Scientific Ninja Exhibition at the Miraikan (Tokyo) appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Most people will know this name when you ask them about real life ninja. A name immortalized by history books, video games and movies. No doubt, you have heard of Hattori Hanzo (服部半蔵), master of the Iga ninja clan, at least once.

However, much like the ninja legends, the name Hattori Hanzo is an inscrutable cloud of legend interwoven with truth. There’s even some doubt about just how many individuals carried the “Hattori Hanzo” name. The Iga Ninja Hattori Hanzo Masanari was a warrior who served 3 generations of Tokugawa samurai. He created a legacy that has echoed through the ages, still admired today.

Was Hattori Hanzo  a real person? – Samurai & Ninja History

Masanari is the first name of the Iga ninja known as Oni Hanzo (Demon Hanzo). This is a name many people are familiar with. Yet, there is some historical evidence that proves he was not the only Hattori Hanzo.

More than one Hattori Hanzo

Another, his father, Yasunaga, served during the Muromachi reign (1333-1573) and under the Ashikaga shogunate. Eventually, the Matsudaira clan, predecessors of the Tokugawa clan, took in Yasunaga and other Iga ninja. Historical documents confirms that the other Hattori ninja exists.

The fact there were reportedly up to five different men given the ultimate title “Hattori Hanzo” only furthers the confusion.

Head of Hattori family & others

According to Cummins’ research, the head of the Hattori family holds the title of Hanzo.  This accounted for at least four of the Hanzos. Changing names several times in their lifetime is a norm for Japanese samurai.

Hattori Yasunaga was the first Hanzo.  The second was. his son, Masanari. The three other Hanzo Hattori were the grandsons of the first and sons of the second (refer to the chart for details).

Of course, “Hattori” is a surname that did not just belong to Iga ninja. This also adds an element of mystery to the tales of Hattori Hanzo and everything accomplished.

Which Hattori Hanzo was a ninja? And exploits of Demon Hanzo

A ninja is a wartime covert operative, defined by their achieved level of skill. Unlike samurai, which was something one was born into, even a lower born person could train as a shinobi — an “umbrella term for all those who deal with ninjutsu.”

With that in mind, Yasunaga was indeed a ninja, because he appears in records as the leader of the Iga ninja clan. Also, he was one of the main authors of the Ninpiden (shinobi-hiden), a confidential ninjutsu manual. He later passed it to his son Masanari, also known as the Demon Hanzo.

Hattori Hanzo II (aka. Masanari the Elder / Oni Hanzo / Demon Hanzo)

When Yasunaga died, Masanari the Elder replaced him as Hanzo. Being that Masanari was something of a progeny, he quickly earned the nickname “Oni,” which means “demon.” How did he achieve such an awesome nickname?

Hanzo II reportedly trained from a very young age in swordplay, concealment and psychological warfare while traversing between Mikawa and Iga lands. Because of the legends surrounding ninjas in general, separating fact from fiction, like how Hanzo had superhuman abilities, is quite challenging. Was Hanzo the Sengoku period version of Marvel’s Deadpool? Or was he just a man doing his wartime duty?

Masanari the Elder, Yasunaga’s son with a Mikawa woman, was actually born into samurai ranking. History books often acknowledge him as a samurai, and not a shinobi. But when looking at the facts surrounding Hattori Hanzo II—his training, nickname, miraculous feats and leadership of Iga and Koka shinobi—we can assume he was indeed a ninja.

What is certain are the pivotal roles he played in several battles around ancient Japan. Such accomplishments afford him the title of “ninja.”

The deeds of Hanzo II

At only 16 years old, Hanzo successfully led a group of Iga ninjas during a dangerous mission, getting him recognition from his superiors. In 1569, he besieged Kakegawa castle, and shortly after, in 1570 at the Battle of Anegawa, Hanzo and his ninjas aided in the combined forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Oda Nobunaga. There are some myths surrounding this battle about how Hattori Hanzo consulted with superior strategists then reported to Oda to explain the tactics.

Another notable battle, where one can see evidence of ninja handy work, is the Battle of Mikatagahara in January 1573. For most of the battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu was on the verge of losing. His rival, a renowned strategist, the daimyo Takeda Shingen, demolished Tokugawa’s forces.

Forced to retreat back to Hamamatsu Fortress, Tokugawa used the “empty fort strategy” to fluster Takeda’s men. The enemy made camp for the night, because they did not know if Tokugawa was being deceptive or not. Stopping for the night was indeed a trap. During the night, a small unit of Tokugawa warriors attacked the Takeda encampment, forcing them into a ravine. Takeda withdrew his forces the next morning. The group that infiltrated the enemy camp was indeed a band of ninja.

In 1582, were it not for the intelligence gathering techniques of Hattori Hanzo II and his Iga ninja, Ieyasu would have most likely perished during his escape to Mikawa after the assassination of Oda Nobunaga at Honnoji. Forever loyal to the Tokugawa, Hanzo protected Ieyasu during the passage through the mountains. The reward was handsome. Hanzo gained land, a group 200 Iga warriors and the ultimate task of defending the gate of Edo castle, now renamed as Hanzomon (半蔵門).

The Hanzomon Gate Gifted

But history that has left yet another point unclarified.

Hattori Hanzo II (Masanari the Elder) may not have received the Hanzomon Gate post. Instead, Hanzo III may have been first gifted the post. The succession proceeded on to Hanzo II’s second son, Masashige (the fourth to receive the Hanzo title after Masanari’s death in 1596). Cummins’ book states that Hanzo III and 200 Iga ninjas were in charge of Hanzomon in 1603.

However, research done by the Genbukan Tokyo Shibu, a ninpo organization in Japan, states that it was indeed Masanari the Elder, the second Hattori, who received the role first.

Finding Hattori Hanzo in Tokyo

Hanzomon Gate at Imperial Palace & Hanzomon Station

You can visit Hanzomon at the west entrance to the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately, you cannot pass through it. Also, because the original was destroyed during WWII (along with dozens of other relics), it was rebuilt. There is also a Tokyo Metro line with the same name.

Sainenji Temple & Graveyard

One of the only remaining locations where you can see a physical connection to the past is where the Oni Hattori is buried in Wakaba, Yotsuya. It was once called “Iga-cho” or Iga Town, because many ninja lived there during Edo-period peace time. Sainenji (西念寺) is a Jodo Buddhist temple located in this district. Hattori Hanzo built it in 1590 to honor the first son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The present location of the temple is not the original site, as it moved in 1634.

Sainenji Temple (西念寺)

160-0011
Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Wakaba 2-9

Accessible from Yotsuya Station via the Tokyo Marunouchi Line or the JR Chuo Line.

Entrance Plaque of the Sainenji (西念寺)

At the gate, you’ll find a short explanation of Sainenji. There is nothing much written about Hanzo here. Simply put, it lists when he lived, died, and why the temple was built. The purpose behind the construction was not merely for the Oni to be laid to rest.

Interestingly, Cummins states that Hattori Hanzo II died in 1590, but it is even written on the placard that Masanari the Elder simply withdrew from military service at this time. He passed away six years later, in the midst of the temple’s construction.

According to the plaques at the front entrance of the temple and by Hanzo’s grave, Matsudaira Nobuyasu (松平信康) —written as 長男信康 on the inscription — was forced by Oda Nobunaga, his father in law, to commit seppuku after having gone against orders during a battle in Mikawa.

Many Japanese aren’t even clear on the exact reasoning behind the command, and there’s a lot of speculation about what truly happened, even in the history books. Hattori Hanzo Masanari, however, was ordered to finalize the act of seppuku by cutting off Nobuyasu’s head (known as kaishaku). He couldn’t do it. Not only was Oni Hanzo connected by blood to the Matsudaira clan, he was extremely loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate.

Afterward this terrible event, Hattori Hanzo II became a monk and built Sainenji Temple to respectfully bury Matsudaira Nobuyasu. When Masanari the Elder passed away at only 55 years of age, he and his beloved spear were also laid to rest at the temple bearing his Jodo Buddhist name.

At the temple and graveyard

If you’re expecting a highly trafficked temple, Sainenji isn’t it. There’s no crowds, no flair, just the temple and rows upon rows of headstones. When I arrived, the graveyard was quiet. The temple doors were tightly sealed shut. There was no sign of life other than a few black butterflies fluttering to and from the bouquets marking graves.

Like many Buddhist graveyards, there is an astounding sense of stillness despite the bustling atmosphere of Tokyo. I took a stroll through the cluster of stylized stones, appreciating both the streamlined beauty of each one, as well as the cleanliness.

Hanzo II was also a master at wielding a 槍 (やり) or spear. Not what you’d expect from a ninja, right?

Sainenji Temple received the spear as a gift after Masanari the Elder died. You can see the real spear on days when the temple is not holding services. Sadly, I arrived during one of these moments and could not enter. The spear, already battered from years of use on the battlefield, was later damaged in a WWII fire-bombing. Back when it was in one piece, the total length of the spear was around 4.4 meters (around 14 feet) in length.

Advice on finding the grave

Unless you previously looked up the whereabouts of Oni Hanzo’s grave, you could very well miss it during your stroll through the area. I found it outside of the main collection of plots, across from a gathering of Buddha. The gravestone was unassuming and decorated with some flowers and a few cans of cheap sake. Some of the engravings on the bottom stone where the bouquets stood were worn away and barely legible. But standing there, there was a strange sense of something else.

That was when a black butterfly passed in front of me. Like many cultures, a black butterfly in Japan symbolises death and the souls of the recently departed. I thought that was a pretty fitting way to conclude my trip to a graveyard. Even the historical sites of ninja like Hattori Hanzo II are veiled in mystery.

The post Finding Hattori Hanzo’s Grave in Tokyo – Iga Ninja Legend appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Do you know which martial art today is related to the historical ninja?

Find out what are the 52 martial arts in this article! We begin by explaining the conditions and deductions to qualify martial arts into this list. Then we sort martial arts into groups: martial arts with verified lineages and modern derivatives.

The Conditions: How Do We Know Which Martial Arts Were Used by Ninjas?

To come up with a list of martial arts used by the shinobi, we first need to determine the conditions and deductions based on facts. Here are three conditions, followed by the explanation.

1. Samurai martial arts are logically ninja martial arts

Contrary to popular belief, the ninja were mainly from the bushi-class and not a peasant-class counter movement. They were mostly samurai (including ashigaru and jizamurai) who specialised in espionage and covert operations. Therefore, martial arts used by the ninja were logically the same as samurai martial arts, perhaps with some modifications.

These articles explain in detail why this is the basis, talks about the differences between historical ninjutsu and bujutsu, and opens the inclusion of modern ninjutsu schools:

• The Truth About Ninja Martial Arts – Historical Sources [Part 1]
• Evolution of Ninja Martial Arts – Modern Ninjutsu Schools [Part 2]

2. Only martial arts created in Japan are included

Because ninja and ninjutsu were a specifically Japanese phenomenon, any martial art outside of Japan will not be included.

Even though there were pre-modern spies in other asian civilisations, they were not ninja. Ninjutsu as a system was unique to feudal Japan. Here’s more about ninja history based on validated ninja manuals.

3. Martial Arts outside mainland Japan are omitted

Martial arts outside of mainland Japan were not used by the samurai, and by extension, the shinobi. In particular, martial arts from the Ryukyu islands, including Okinawa, were not historically part of Japan. They had their own kingdom, history and warrior elites.

With these three conditions in mind, here’s a list of martial arts that have varying connection to the shinobi of both Sengoku and Edo period.

Classical Martial Arts in Japan Before 1868

Japanese koryu martial arts are classical battlelfield combat systems that can be traced to the feudal period, any time before the Meiji period in 1868. These martial arts have their documents scrunitised and some times carbon-dated by a panel of experts to prove a continuity in lineage and more. And many of the koryu here would have been directly used by samurai who were also involved in ninja activities.

The core systems contained in many koryu, such as hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship, have been mentioned in the Bansenshukai. However, just because a koryu martial art has these systems does not guarantee that an individual shinobi has trained in that specific brand of koryu. None of the historical manuals have specified this.

Hence, the koryu list is from deduction. If you want martial arts training that is similar to that of the feudal period in Japan and has its lineage verified, this is it.

Note: This is an incomplete list of koryu. Some are deliberately omitted due to the obscurity of living practitioners or disputes in leadership and lineage validity. I may have even missed out some unintentionally.

Koryu with comprehensive syllabus

These are classical martial arts that include:

1. unarmed combat
2. typical samurai weapons (e.g. sword, spear and glaive)
3. less-conventional weapons (e.g. spiked truncheon)
4. non-combat or warfare strategies (e.g. ressucitation, ninjutsu)

1

Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu - 天真正伝香取神道流

Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu is one of the oldest koryu martial art today. It is also the only one known to include ninjutsu in its syllabus.

Note that historical ninjutsu was never a martial art. The term was used to refer to feudal espionage and subterfuge techniques. In Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, ninjutsu is taught in the advance syllabus and is only defensive in nature.

2

Takenouchi-ryu - 竹内流

Takenouchi-ryu is among the oldest jujutsu classical martial art that still exists in Japan. And it includes a range of weapons in its syllabus.

Koryu with only weapons training and warfare strategy

The following classical martial art has no hand-to-hand combat system and instead focuses on a wide range of weaponry and warfare strategies.

3

Tatsumi-ryu - 立身流兵法

Tatsumi-ryu includes scouting and reconnaissance as part of its curriculum. This would no doubt be useful for some form of espionage activity during the feudal period.

Koryu with unarmed & multiple weaponry training

These koryu martial arts include both unarmed combat and a range of weaponry training.

4

Araki-ryu - 荒木流

5

Asayama Ichiden-ryu - 浅山一伝流

6

Kashima Shin-ryu - 鹿島神流

7

Shindo Yoshin-ryu - 新道楊心流

8

Yagyu Shingan-ryu - 柳生心眼流

Summary of Other Koryu Martial Arts

Because there are many classical martial arts in Japan, it is impossible to cover them in depth in this article. These koryu are summarised and categorised as follows:

• Presence of both unarmed and weaponry training
• Presence of only weaponry training (but in multiple weapons)
• Focus on only one system (further broken down into unarmed combat, sword combat and non-sword combat)

Koryu with both unarmed & weapon techniques

Koryu with techniques in multiple weapons

Focus on only one system

Unarmed Combat Only

Sword Only

Non-Sword Only

Evolved Modern Ninja Martial Arts

For martial arts from Japan that may have evolved from and was influenced by ninjutsu, you can train in either Banke Shinobinoden or Takamatsu-descended organisations (Bujinkan, Jinenkan and Genbukan). These organisations incorporate a ninjutsu mindset to their combat system – unconventional, unpredictable and distraction-based techniques that might make it easier to end the fight and flee.

These are legitimate organisation that have derived some of their martial arts from samurai koryu systems and ninja clans.

Read this for a detailed analysis on modern ninja martial arts. And check out this analysis on the legitimacy of modern ninjutsu schools.

43

Banke Shinobi-no-den

The below focuses only on Banke Shinobinoden’s martial art systems; it does not include information on its ninjutsu systems. As mentioned, ninjutsu is historically an espionage system and not a martial art.

44

Bujinkan - 武神館

Other organisations that may have derived their martial arts from Bujinkan and altered them for modern western application include Toshindo (by Stephen Hayes) and AKBAN.

45

Jinenkan - 自然舘

46

Genbukan - 玄武館

Regular Modern Martial Arts of the Samurai

Because it is still rare for koryu martial arts to be found outside of Japan, you can consider training in modern derivatives of samurai martial arts.

Since these are gendai budo (modern martial arts that were created after the Edo period ended), neither ninja nor samurai trained in these. However, some essence and principles of koryu martial arts used by samurai and ninja still survives in these systems.

There are certainly more classical and modern martial arts related to the ninja through the samurai. Leave a comment on what I’ve missed out!

There will also be a follow up on non-Japanese martial arts and how to regard them in your quest to be a modern-day ninja or warrior.

The post 52 Japanese Martial Arts Related to the Historical Ninja appeared first on Way Of Ninja.