The ninja knew how to use society’s assumptions to their advantage. These assumptions greatly influenced their disguises and combat tactics.

As modern ninja, you too have to know the assumptions of modern society. And in knowing how society thinks, you will be able to use the knowledge to your benefit.

Ninja Disguises and Roles

The old ninja disguised themselves as merchants sometimes. Merchants could travel around without arousing suspicion. It was also common for merchants to be social with the locals. This gave the old ninja opporunities to gether vital information.

Modern society too have their assumptions. People are stereotyped and labeled by the way they dress, act or look. When gathering information in disguise. Choose an appropriate identity to blend into and don’t act too stereotypical. It will arouse suspicion as well.

Ninja Combat

In combat, the ninja of old Japan used the element of surprise. They did this by acting in contrast from society’s assumptions. They thought out of the box and used weapons in unexpected ways.

The shuriken (or throwing star) was expected to be a killing or cutting weapon. Instead, shuriken was used by ninja to surprise and distract the enemy. The distracted enemy would consequently leave himself open to a ninja’s followup attacks.

The ninja’s short sword was expected only to be used for stabbing and slashing. But the short sword was also used as a leverage to climb trees.

In modern day combat, using weapons is a sure way to get into trouble with the law. However, we can follow this concept of using assumptions and surprise to make inconspicuous weapons. They are everyday items that could be used in combat; either used as weapons or distraction tools. If you want self defense weapons that are effective, inconspicuous and won’t get you into trouble with the law, buy the Kubotan that can be fitted on your keys.

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While there are people who strongly believe that ninjas wore all-black costumes with masks, which revealed only the eyes, historical facts and common sense does not support this myth.

The idea that ninja wore all-black costumes came from prop-handlers of the Kabuki theatre. The black costume was meant to allow prop handlers to blend with the background and look mundane as compared to the actors.

In reality, the ninja strove to look ordinary. Their lives depended on not drawing suspicion from others. They were masters at making use of societal stereotypes to look like commoners.

But! What about night missions? Wouldn’t stereotypical commoners still stand out sneaking around in the dark? True.

What then did the ninja wear for night missions?

Not All Black Costumes!

Even during the night, black would create an unnatural moving silhouette. It is believed that red or dark blue were better choices. In the dark, red wasn’t visible and if there was sudden light from the enemy’s lamp, the red would strike fear in the enemy due to the likeness of blood.

Furthermore, no ninja is going to wear black when sneaking around a snowy terrain. It would be a sure way to be detected and killed.

The fact is, the ninja of old Japan looked ordinary, and mundane. And they dressed appropriately for each mission, so as not to arouse suspicion. Admit it… An all-black costume in the midst of commoners in traditional clothing is more than a little suspicious.

However, go ahead and use all-black for your ninjutsu training. These are specially made for training purposes, unlike the ones for costume parties.

Logen L.

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