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.

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.

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.

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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.

Want to discover and experience the truth about the ninja, backed by actual academic research and science?

Head down to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo, Japan for the special exhibition: “The NINJA – who were they?”.

What can you expect from Miraikan’s Ninja Exhibit?

For a limited time, between 2 July to 10 October this year, explore all things ninja at this exhibition – everything from the shinobi’s skills to their diverse knowledge. This exhibition seeks to demonstrate the ninja’s abilities and also shows the latest ninja research from Mie University. Exhibits are offered in both Japanese and English.

Typical of special exhibitions (e.g. Pokémon Lab: You do it! You discover!) at the Miraikan, expect display and exhibits that involve immersive technologies and interactive activities that help you experience how it was like to be a ninja.

How is this different from other ninja experiences in Japan?

What makes The NINJA – who were they? different from other Japanese ninja experiences, is its emphasis on rigorous academic research. After all, this is a cooperative effort that includes Mie University, the only university heavily involved in academic research about ninja and ninjutsu.

Information about the ninja is often tainted by pre-modern Japanese pop culture literature. Having Mie University’s research, gives greater assurance that the ninja facts you learn have passed academic scrutiny.

Access Permanent Exhibits

You are free to spend the rest of your day viewing the permanent exhibits at the museum; your admission ticket gives you access to the entire National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).

The below photos are from the Miraikan’s website and gives you an idea of what their permanent exhibit features.

Here are the details for the ninja special exhibition…

“The NINJA – who were they?” Details

Tickets can be bought at the Miraikan, over the counter at 7-Eleven and Family Mart (in Japan) or in advance through Fuji TV Direct and PIA Corporation.

Sources: Official exhibition website, Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)

The post Ninja Exhibition backed by University Research and Science – Tokyo appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Antony Cummins is a historical ninjutsu researcher whose team has analysed existing sources about the shinobi and samurai. He has kindly answered my questions on ninja martial arts as a unique combat system, different from the samurai’s.

This is what he has to say.

Antony Cummins’s Views on a Unique Ninja Martial Art

What do historical sources say about martial arts used by ninja?

What can historical records tell us about the martial arts shinobi trained in? Were there specific arts?

How did ninja gain an advantage against their adversaries?

Based on the Bansenshukai, shinobi also served as criminal hunters. For that specialization, it appears that the shinobi’s martial ability had to be better than their opponents.

Do historical records suggest how they would have gained an upper hand? For example, did they psychologically manipulate their opponents?

Could tactics in the Bansenshukai have influenced a ninja family’s martial art and make it unique?

From what I understand, shinobi being from the samurai-class would have generally been trained in their clan’s martial arts. Is it therefore plausible that specific-scenario tactics (within the Bansenshukai for instance) have influenced individual clan martial arts? Is there evidence to substantiate that?

And could these tactics as specified in the Bansenshukai, for example, evolved a particular clan’s martial art into a unique system?

My Commentary on Antony Cummins’s Response

Antony Cummins made it clear that there was no unique system of ninja fighting techniques present in historical sources. Logical deduction concludes that martial arts used by shinobi were regular samurai bujutsu.

However, why isn’t it plausible that a unique shinobi martial art was developed? Isn’t that just as valid a deduction as the one made earlier that ninja used samurai bujutsu?

This depends on the body of evidence you rely on.

Using Only Validated Sources

If we rely only on validated historical sources (Shoninki, Bansenshukai, Shinobi Hiden and Gunpo Jiyoshu) and assume everything else doesn’t exist, the most compelling conclusion would be that ninja used the same martial arts as samurai. They were, after all, mostly from the bushi-class.

Any other deduction would be pure speculation that requires a higher threshold of proof (i.e. if the ninja did not use samurai martial arts that existed back then – despite being mainly from the bushi-class – then what?).

Of course, refinement, adaptation and evolution of the arts is a logical byproduct of time. The problem is that no validated sources confirms this happened. And thus, it remains a theory – a possibility.

No Compelling Reason That Combat Advantage Was Needed

Also, Antony posed a good point. The ninja did not necessarily need a combat advantage. There were non-combat tactics in place to ensure the shinobi completed his job, and reduced the chance of failure.

Since necessity is the mother of invention – or in this case development – would a superior martial art have evolved if there was no need for it?

It doesn’t seem probable.

How about mindset? Wouldn’t that influence shinobi’s martial arts?

But, even if an advantageous combat system was not needed, isn’t it still possible for some form of shinobi philosophy or mindset to seep into their martial arts practice? After all, bushido came about and became intertwined with samurai martial arts. Couldn’t there have been a similar philosophy for bushi who engaged in espionage and subterfuge?

Possible. Would that alone create a unique ninja fighting style though?

Alas’, you can’t know for sure. Until more primary sources are uncovered and/or validated, it remains a theory yet to be substantiated.

To put it plainly – no one knows. What do you think?

You can read all articles in the ninja martial arts series below.

Related Articles: Ninja Martial Arts

• Historical Perspective on Ninja Martial Arts
• Modern Ninjutsu Perspective on Ninja Martial Arts (features Eric Shahan, Jinenkan)
• Upcoming: Martial Arts for the Modern Ninja

The post The Truth About Ninja Martial Arts – Antony Cummins appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Could a unique ninja martial art have evolved from regular samurai combat techniques, to make the shinobi more effective at their jobs? Is this what modern ninjutsu is?

This is a speculative exploration on how regular samurai bujutsu may have evolved into a unique shinobi marital art. It features the perspectives of Eric Shahan (a dojo-cho in Jinenkan) and observations on Banke Shininobinoden’s fighting techniques.

Now, a brief refresher…

The previous article on ninja martial arts established that fighting instructions were absent within the three historical ninja texts. Also, a unique ninja fighting style has yet to be proven to exist. It was therefore deduced that ninja martial arts were regular hand-to-hand and weapon techniques used by the samurai.

Yet, the shinobi’s job was different from regular samurai.

Espionage missions prioritised safe escape over fighting, unless when absolutely unavoidable or hunting criminals. These exceptions came with some tactics specified in the Bansenshukai to help ninja gain the upper hand. So, could these tactics have been refined over the years to become a unique combat system passed down by shinobi families?

While present historical records cannot prove this, what do modern practitioners think?

Modern Ninjutsu Perspective: Ninja martial arts evolved?

When it comes to modern ninjutsu schools, there are four reputable organisations that can be traced to Japan: Organisations that teach martial arts and ninjutsu transmitted by Toshitsugu Takamatsu (i.e. Bujinkan, Jinenkan and Genbukan) and Banke Shinobinoden. While none can prove their lineages back to the Sengoku or Edo period, their founders are deeply involved in ninjutsu research.

For this exploration, I emailed Eric Shahan from Jinenkan and a representative at Banke Shinobinoden Spain. Keep in mind that this is purely speculative and digs into the experiences of people within their respective arts.

Ninja Combat – Eric Shahan (Jinenkan) Perspective

Eric Shahan is a respected translator of many historical Japanese martial arts and warrior books, such as the Ninjutsu No Gokui and The Complete Martial Arts of Japan (several volumes). He is also the present head representative (dojo-cho) of the Jinenkan dojo located in Matsuodo, Chiba (Japan).

His responses are in quotation boxes.

Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu and Martial Arts

Togakure-ryu is a ninjutsu ryuha that exist within the Bujinkan, Jinenkan and Genbukan. Eric talks about the curriculum when asked about its focus on martial arts over shinobi-no-jutsu (i.e. ninjutsu).

Many techniques mentioned are done with an underlying shinobi espionage-oriented mindset. Suiton and Doton also appear to be enhancements to the regular martial arts of the ninja; these skills would certainly have helped the ninja gain an edge over their enemies.

This Togakure-ryu Biken video shows how altered weapons and techniques may have given ninja an advantage over their adversaries.

Since Biken intrigued me, I pressed Eric for details on how secret sword techniques differed from typical sword techniques.

What Martial Arts Did Ninja Train In?

Eric emphasised that espionage played a huge role in Iga and Koga defense strategy.

But how so? I prodded him further on how espionage and terrain might have influenced martial arts in the region.

Difference between Ninja & Regular Martial Arts?

As pointed out by Eric Shahan, some weapons thought to be exclusive to the ninja appear in other martial arts.

And since differences in ninja combat techniques and weapons were hard to identify, I followed up with a question on the fundamental differences that made shinobi martial arts, shinobi martial arts.

Each martial art clearly has a fundamental principle behind its combat techniques – whether it is Aikido, Karate or Budo Taijutsu. And what Eric Shahan has identified about Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu martial arts is consistent with the needs of the shinobi profession.

Note: Tokugawa Ieyasu was the shogun who ultimately united Japan and brought an end to the Sengoku period, a turbulent period of constant wars. He was said to have employed the shinobi from the said regions into the ranks within his government.

Eric Shahan’s Translated Works

Please support Eric Shahan’s efforts in translating old Japanese books for the English-speaking world. These are some of his translated works of pre-modern Japanese manuals about ninjutsu and martial arts.

View Eric Shahan’s Full List of Translated Works

Ninja Combat – Banke Shinobinoden Perspective

José Defez of Banke Shinobinoden Spain responded to my email. However, he might have misunderstood that my questions were asked as a curious potential student. His kind response was appended with a list of links about Banke Shinobinoden’s bujutsu. Thus, the exploration will include those resources as a basis.

Banke Shinobinoden Martial Arts

Unlike Takamatsu Ninjutsu organisations, Banke Shinobinoden separates shinobi-no-jutsu (ninjutsu) and bujutsu (martial art) as distinct ninja training disciplines. We will only focus on its bujutsu syllabus and determine if there are alterations that make ninja combat techniques superior to regular martial arts.

Banke Shinobinoden’s bujutsu includes empty-hand and weapons fighting techniques from several Koga ryuha that were passed down to the Ban family. Intrigingly, their weapons-based syllabus include archery on horseback  and blowguns, other than the large number of regular Japanese weapons. This seems to be consistent with the deduction that ninja martial arts are regular samurai martial arts.

However, based on observations, there seem to be alterations that made their bujutsu advantageous against regular samurai combat.

Altered Ninja Fighting Techniques (Banke Shinobinoden)

According to Jinichi Kawakami, ninja techniques are not for fighting. If it was ever necessary, the cost had to be kept minimal so as to not draw significant attention. As such, ninja fighting techniques were purposed to avoid danger (i.e. avoid attacks) and avoid being knocked down.

Implicit in the demonstration during Cool Japan’s visit to Banke Shinobinoden Japan were four observations:

What Modern Ninjutsu Schools offers in ninja combat?

The shinobi’s espionage-oriented mindset clearly influenced the martial arts of the four modern ninjutsu organisations. This is evident from the use unconventional tactics to gain an edge against adversaries. These tactics include adjustments to weapons (i.e. katana length), distracting the opponent, using unusual sword forms (that deviates from what the enemy expects) and more.

Moreover, Eric Shahan believes that the terrain within Iga and Koga, combined with reliance on espionage, might have influenced ninja fighting techniques.

Assuming that the shinobi had a unique martial art, it would have started out as regular samurai bujutsu and then evolved.

While this cannot be validated by the three historical manuals and is a speculative exploration, modern ninjutsu martial arts have certainly incorporated the ninja mindset to make their fighting techniques more effective. Therein lies your advantage if you choose to train in modern ninjutsu martial arts.

Read the historical perspective and other articles on ninja martial arts below.

Related Articles: Ninja Martial Arts & Modern Ninjutsu Schools

• Historical Perspective on Ninja Martial Arts
• Antony Cummins on Ninja Martial Arts (Historical Ninjutsu Researcher)
• Upcoming: Martial Arts for the Modern Ninja

The post How did Modern Ninjutsu and Ninja Martial Art Schools Evolve? – Interview appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

What the difference? – Ninja Martial Arts vs. Ninjutsu Training

Ninjutsu and martial arts are two distinct disciplines for historical ninja. They are not the same thing; ninjutsu is not a martial art. This is backed not only by historical sources but also modern practitioners (of ninpo and Banke Shinobinoden ryuha).

What modern ninjutsu acknowledges

The Shinobijutsu, also known as Ninjutsu, includes military tactics, techniques, infiltration, sabotage, intelligence, information … etc.. The Shinobijutsu therefore it is not a martial art […]

Banke Shinobi Spain – Introduction

There are three important original texts existing today–Bansenshukai, Ninpiden and Shoninki. […] However, these texts do not include any description of unarmed fighting techniques or even a curriculum of techniques. In other words, the texts can not date or authenticate most of what is today taught as ninjutsu fighting skills.

Genbukan Tokyo Shibu – Ninpo/Ninjutsu History

In its historical definition, Ninjutsu (more accurately – shinobi-no-jutsu) is a system of espionage, subterfuge and sabotage specific to the feudal Japan. It involves infiltration, disguise, manipulation of psychology and physical conditioning for extraordinary circumstances.

This definition clearly excludes martial arts, which includes both armed and unarmed fighting techniques and strategies.

Where does the idea that historical ninjutsu was a martial art come from?

The idea the ninjutsu is a martial art comes from Takamatsu organisations’ (Bujinkan, Genbukan and Jinenkan) definition of the term.

Kacem Zoughari (Bujinkan Instructor and Researcher of Japanese history) explains in the video below. While ninjutsu was historically indeed a system of espionage, the term can be used as an umbrella term for all ninja training disciplines. In other words, martial arts can be considered a subset of ninjutsu.

His explanation is valid. Definitions evolve over time. And for convenience, it’s easier to group all disciplines – including fighting techniques – of the ninja into one common term: ninjutsu.

Nonetheless, for historical accuracy, this article will distinguish ninjutsu and the possible martial arts of the ninja.

What Martial Arts did Shinobi Train In?

Is there anything different or special about the martial arts used by the shinobi? What do records like the Shoninki, Bansenshukai and Shinobi Hiden say?

None of the historical records has instructions on fighting techniques. No universal or specific ninja martial arts system have been specified.

For instance, the Bansenshukai mentions that ninja should train in swordsmanship, but provide no specific instructions or school where this would be taught.

This makes sense since many ninja were from the bushi class (samurai, ashigaru and jizamurai). They would already have some form of martial arts training in both unarmed and weapon combat.

Unarmed and weaponized ninja martial arts

Of course, jujutsu would be the generic hand-to-hand combat system in Sengoku and Edo period.

But what about weapons?

Samurai (in speaking about them as a group) were trained in archery, spear fighting, Naginatajutsu and even matchlock rifles, to name some weapons. Depending on their clan, job specification, politics, region and other complex factors, they might be trained in any of the mentioned weapons.

Even then, sword encounters were more common and the Bansenshukai’s advice would indicate that swordsmanship was a staple.

The typical shinobi’s martial arts training

Therefore, the typical shinobi would have trained in some variant of jujutsu, kenjutsu (swordsmanship) and iai (sword-drawing strikes).

This is, of course, a generalisation. Complex factors in clan, politics, geographic region and more, would determine what martial arts a shinobi/bushi would train in.

For example, if they were involved in capturing criminals, they would have knowledge of quick rope-binding (a subset of hojojutsu – hayanawa).

Since ninja martial arts might just be regular samurai martial arts, the many koryu bujutsu (Japanese classical martial arts traceable to Edo era and before) would be what you are looking for. Additional details will be included in the next article.

Note: Modern traditional Jujutsu might be known as one generic martial art. But in Sengoku and Edo era, each clan might have their own version of jujutsu. The same can be said of any Japanese martial art that survives till today.

Ninjutsu Mindset: How to fight like a ninja?

Since the ninja’s job predominantly involved espionage, shinobi prioritised escape over fighting. Historical records confirms this and further emphasizes that information gathered by ninja had far greater value and impact, than them joining a physical battle.

However, there are specific shinobi jobs that makes fighting unavoidable – when the shinobi were tasked to capture criminals and wanted samurai. Whether intentional or unavoidable, historical texts are clear about one thing when facing combat: the ninja had to deal with the enemy swiftly.

Now, if the shinobi were tasked to hunt criminals and end fights swiftly, does that mean their fighting ability were superior to regular samurai? Were their martial arts enhanced with secret techniques to give them an edge over their adversaries?

Is there anything in reliable historical texts that enhances a ninja’s existing martial art foundation?

What to do in specific combat situations

While there is no reliable evidence that there was a unique system of ninja martial arts, some ninja manuals do explain what to do for specific combat situations.

These are tactics that seem to give shinobi an advantage by exploiting enemy’s psychology, terrain, visibility and other factors; instructions that made shinobi more effective and efficient in combat situations that arise in either function of espionage or criminal-catcher.

Use of appropriate weapons in night attacks

For example, long-ranged weapons such as the arrow and bow, and tachi were to be used for night attacks. The enemy would be hard to see at night. Long-range weapons allowed the shinobi to maintain a safe distance during attack.

Use of ordinary objects in unexpected ways

Also, unconventional fighting methods that regular samurai would not expect (and train against) were also prescribed. For instance, a sageo cord (and even obi) could be used to disarm sword and spears.

Manipulating the adversary’s mind

When it comes to capturing people, the Bansenshukai injects some ninjutsu-like tactics – to turn a group of people against each other. There are vague suggestions on how to do this, depending on the relationship among the people to be captured.

But let’s look at the perspective of In Search of the Ninja…

What ‘In Search of the Ninja’ Says

In Search of the Ninja has a section devoted to martial arts. It asserts that a unique system of ninja martial arts is improbable. For that to happen, ninja throughout Japan had to be a unified force training in the same system.

Moreover, the predominant job scope of the shinobi, espionage, discouraged ninja to fight.

Thus, making the author question if a dedicated martial arts system would even arise.

For the analysis in its entirety and other facts about the ninja, derived from the three historical texts, read the book.

Still — even if not as a united force — could the best practices of the shinobi when facing an unavoidable fight during espionage or capturing been compiled and incorporated in a martial art of a particular clan?

Note: Antony Cummins has responded to my questions regarding this theory here.

Were martial arts that the ninja used enhanced?

There are specific tactics that may have altered a ninja’s martial art to make it more effective for their job requirement; be it to prioritise escape when being confronted or to quickly capture when hunting criminals. But there is little evidence from historical sources that these tactics would make a shinobi’s martial art a system that is unique from the samurai’s.

Modern ninjutsu, unfortunately, cannot be regarded as reliable evidence because its history and transmission of knowledge cannot be traced satisfactorily to either Edo or Sengoku period.

Of course, there may be more techniques passed down by oral tradition (kuden) that we do not know about. And just because reliable records cannot confirm it, doesn’t make the theory untrue. It just means that until new independent evidence can be found, ninja martial arts as a unique system cannot be proven beyond doubt.

Read the next parts of the series below, where we explore the theory of ninja martial arts as an evolved system from the perspective of modern ninjutsu.

Related Articles: Ninja Martial Arts

• Modern ninjutsu perspective on martial arts of the ninja (features Eric Shahan, Jinenkan)
• Antony Cummins on ninja martial arts (Historical Ninjutsu Researcher)
• Upcoming: Martial arts for the modern ninja

The post The Shocking Truth About Ninja Martial Arts (from historical documents) appeared first on Way Of Ninja.