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(52 votes) Published: Jul 26, 2005 12:16 p.m. In 9 Favorites Lists Viewed 2440 times
Ninja Techniques :
POISON :
The ninja were very knowledgeable about poisons. Poisoning a victim was as effective as stabbing them, but with very little mess or chance of failure. Once the poison was ingested by the victim it was already to late. The poisons were mostly organic based, but some were taken from animals.
One method was to take the fungi poison out of the blowfish or puffer fish. This poison is very strong and can kill in small doses. Another animal based poison was the bufo marinus. The bufo marinus is a large toad with an extremely toxic poison behind its eyes. This poison was often used on darts, arrows and spear tips.
Spiders and scorpions were also used. Not always just the poison extracted from them, but sometimes it was just as easy to slip a couple of scorpions in the bed of the victim.
One of the organic poisons used was made from common fruit. Cyanide was extracted from a variety of sources, such as apple seeds, plum seeds, cherries seeds and many more. It was readily available to the ninja and was used often.
Tomato and rhubarb leaves also held a poison. Eating the leaves cause cardiac problems, ultimately resulting in cardiac arrest.
The amanita phalloides is a deadly mushroom. The poison in the mushroom was 10 times more powerful than that of cyanide. Eating the mushroom was certain death, and it was easy to slip a piece of the mushroom in almost any meal.
The poison could be used in various ways, depending on the situation. For example, if the ninja could slip it into the victims food while its being prepared. Without knowing what kind of danger he was in, the victim would eat the food infested with the poison. Not all the poisons used by the ninja were fatal, some of them were used to merely paralyze or cause blindness. It was not always necessary to kill.
Another thing the ninja did was dip their weapons, such as the shuriken or their sword, in the poison. This was so when it punctured the skin of their target, the fast acting poison would take its course, causing much more devastating than the blade itself.
CLOTHING :
When in full uniform, the ninja’s flesh was all hidden, all except a small slit around the eyes and his hands. The tabi boots had a slit in between the big toe and the second toes. This was to make it easier for climbing and scaling walls
The shinobi shozoko had many pockets all through it, inside and out. This was for storing all the small tools and weapons he needed, such as poison, shuriken, knives and so on. The ninja also carried a small, primitive, first aid kit, filled with potions and solutions
Not all jobs required that the ninja wear the shinobi shozoko. Sometimes the ninja dressed up as priests, peasants or even samurai, depending on the job.
Ninja Weapons :
Ninja were experts in a variety of weapons. Weapons such as small and large swords, bow and arrows, knives, bo (staff), scythe and chain, shuriken and many others. When empty handed the ninja are very dangerous, but armed, they are very deadly. Below is a list of the weapons used. If you have any information on any weapons I might have missed, please let me know.
Sword :
The ninja sword (ninja-to) was different than that of the samurai. The long sword that the samurai carried was made of high-carbon steel, and took months to have made. They were hand made specially for each samurai, taking great care to make a very high quality sword. It was so sharp that it could easily cut a man in two, even through their armor. The length of the samurai swords averaged around 26 1/2 to 37 inches.
The ninja sword was considerably shorter, only 24 inches, and the quality of the swords was much poorer. The reason for the poorer quality was the way they used the sword as opposed to the way the samurai used theirs. Samurai would swing their sword, severing limbs and slashing at the opponent. Ninja, on the other hand, used the sword more in a stabbing motion. To use the blade of the ninja sword effectively you would have to use
a sawing motion when the blade came in contact with the opponents flesh.
Another reason for the poor quality of the swors is that since ninja were mostly mountain people and outlaws, they could not afford to hire expert swordsmiths like the samurai could. Also their own swordsmiths did not have access to the right resources to be able to make curved edge swords with well constructed blades. If a Ninja could overcome a samurai he would take his swords, simply because they are better.
Although the ninja sword was smaller and poorer quality, it still had its advantages. The scabbard for instance was made longer than the sword, about 3 to 4 inches longer. At the end of the scabbard there was a hidden compartment that was used to hide small weapons such as spikes, daggers or small amounts of poisons. Another use the sword had was that it could act as a small step by jamming the blade into the ground, the ninja could use the hand-guard as a step to get that extra height needed to scale a wall. Because the blade was not very sharp, the ninja could also use it as a hammer by holding onto the blade (carefully) and hitting with the handle. Also it was common to have the tip of the scabbard come off so it could be used as a snorkel.
Bo (Staff) & Jo (Short Staff) :
The staff was one of the most important weapons in the ninja’s arsenal. It was generally around 6 feet in length, made of hard wood or bamboo and was hollow. The reason for the hollow was another trick of the ninja trade. By flicking the bow with great speed, the ninja could launch a poison tipped dart or small knife out of the open end of the staff, often catching the opponent off guard.
Another trick they had for the bo was to conceal a chain inside it. Then, when engaged in battle, it could quickly be released and used as a weapon. This was called a shinobi zue, and was easily disguised as a walking stick or staff.
Kusarigama :
The Kusarigama is a combination of a sickle (short scythe) and a long chain with a weight attached to the end of it. The sickle was used in a slashing or stabbing motion, as well as used to block and hook opponents weapons. By holding the chain portion of the weapon, the sickle could be swung around to get a greater reach with it.
The chain portion of the weapon was most often used for trapping an enemy or his weapon. Once tangled up with the chain, the ninja could finish him off with the sickle. This was a weapon the ninja invented out of farming tools they used.
Shuriken (Throwing Star) & Poison Tipped Darts :
The Shuriken is the trade mark ninja weapon made famous by the movies and stories about the ninja. The Shuriken was simply a flat piece of metal with sharpened points that were thrown at the enemy.
The Shuriken was not originally designed as a killing weapon. It was mostly used to distract or deter so the ninja could escape. While in the midst of a get-away, the Shuriken could be thrown at the samurai chasing the ninja, possibly making the samurai think twice about continuing the chase.
Although the Shuriken was not intended to kill, it was easily made lethal by dipping the edges in poison. This was effective, but sometimes it backfired when the ninja would accidentally cut himself while digging around for it, thus poisoning himself.
Shuriken were also designed to hit the opponent then bounce away out of sight. This way a ninja could fool an unsuspecting guard or sentry into believing he had been cut by an invisible swordsmen. (One of many mental tricks)
The ninja would use the poison darts different depending on the situation. It was not un-common for the ninja to carry poison darts in his mouth so they could be blown into the enemy’s face at close range. If they needed to kill someone quietly, a dart could easily enter the body and be withdrawn without leaving a mark. From a distance the dart could be shot with a blowgun.
Ninja women would hide the poisonous darts in their hair. When the victim was preoccupied with something else, the ninja would stick them with the dart.
Tetsu-bishi (Calthrops) :
Calthrops are small metal weapons shaped to that one point is always up. They, like the shuriken, were a weapon used for distraction while fleeing. The ninja would scatter the calthrops behind them and anyone unlucky enough to step on them would not likely continue with the pursuit. They could also be thrown, and dipped in poison like the shuriken.
Shuko (Tiger Claws):
Shuko were a pair of metal "claws" attached to the palm of the ninja’s hand with a strap. There were usually four sharp spikes on the bottom. These were used in close combat acting like an animals claws. When used the ninja could rip open their enemy with a couple of swipes.
The Shuko also acted as a tool that aided the ninja in climbing, much like the claws of a cat. This made scaling walls easier. Finally, the shuko could be used to block or break sword attacks. This is done by catching the sword between the claws and twisting. Probably not a good idea against a Katana or Wakizashi. But would work with weaker swords.
Another variation of the Shuko was the Nekade. The Nekade were individual claws that were tied to each finger.
Manriki Gusari (Chain) :
The Manriki Gusari was a chain usually about 3 feet long, and weighted at both ends. It was developed as a self-defence weapon but was also a wicked offensive weapon in the hands of a ninja. It was small and easily concealed in the palm of the ninja’s hand, or in a sash.
While holding one end of the chain, it could be swung around and used as a whip. The weighted end could cause a great deal of damage.
Fukiya :
The fukiya, or blowgun, was a staple in the Ninja’s arsenal since it was so versatile. The fukiya was used to shoot darts (sometimes poisoned) at an enemy from a distance and, since it made almost no noise, the Ninja’s hiding place wasn’t threatened by using this weapon. Aside from launching darts, the blowgun could be used as a snorkel while the Ninja was underwater. Since the fukiya was made of bamboo, it blended in with the reeds in the water, therefore enabling the Ninja to stay submerged for hours, if necessary. Metsubishi could also be delivered through the fukiya by shooting small paper containers filled with pepper and metal shavings at an enemy’s face.
Nunchakus :
Though not a primary weapon of the Ninja, nunchakus (nunchucks) were also used since they could be adapted for many situations. Aside from being easy to carry, the nunchakus were used to defend against most any weapon from a bo to a sword. By trapping the blade of a sword with the chain between the two sticks, a Ninja could entangle and disarm a sword-weilding attacker. The same concept applies to almost every other weapon. The nunchakus were not just used for defense, they could also be effectively employed against an enemy in an offensive way. The Ninja could strangle an opponent or even execute joint locks with the chain or cord between the two sticks
Tanto :
The tanto, or knife, was an important weapon in the Ninja’s arsenal. Like the ninja-to, the tanto was not made of the high quality steel that the Samurai’s sword was but the Ninja made up for this by using the tanto as a multi-purpose tool. The tanto was used to pry open door, dig holes or small ditches, or it could be thrown like a shuriken. Of course, the tanto was also used to cut and stab an opponent.
TOOLS :
Metsubishi : Metsubishi, or "eye closer", were used to temporarily, or sometimes permanently, blind the enemy. Hollowed out egg shells, paper bags and short bamboo tubes were filled with a combination of sand, metal filings and pepper and were used to attack the eyes of an enemy. Egg shells and paper bags were used by throwing the fragile containers at the opponent’s face, causing it to break on impact and scatter the contents across the face and into the eyes. Bamboo tubes were sealed with paper or wax and, when the seal was broken, the tube was flung in the direction of the opponent, sending the contents into the face, blinding him.
Usually, metsubisi were used to make an escape when surrounded or cornered or if the Ninja felt there were too many opponents to fight at once. For example, if a Ninja were faced with 5 or 6 opponents, he might use metsubishi to blind 2 or 3 of them while he dispensed of the others.
Kaginawa :
The The kaginawa, or grappling hook, was a climbing device consisting of a pronged hook with 12 to 15 feet of rope attached. The kaginawa was used to scale walls or to swing across large gaps, however, it could also be used as a weapon. By holding the rope and swinging the hook over the head, the Ninja could strike his opponent with the sharp prongs of the hook or the rope could be used to entangle the enemy and enable the Ninja to strike with another weapon.
Shuko and Ashiko :
These were steel or iron bands that were tied over the hands and feet and used as climbing aids. With the use of shuko and ashiko, a Ninja could scale a wall or climb a tree in a matter of seconds. In fact, many Samurai were reported as saying the Ninja could "climb like a bear."
Metal grips :
Since the Ninja had to be prepared to run over any and all terrain, they often carried metal strips with a spiked edge on one site. These strips were tied to the bottom of the Ninja’s tabi to gain a better grip over uneven or slippery terrain. These would be the equivalent of the spiked shoes that many athletes wear today.
Smoke Bomb :
This circler bomb of smoke was made famous by the ninja movies in the 80’s. For a quick get away this bomb could be filled with gun powder to make an explosion and smoke -
"Egg" :
"Eggs" are hollowed out through little holes, and then the empty containers are used to store the various ninja powders. They shatter on impact, releasing the powder in a cloud to affect the target.
Skills to develop :
Art of STEALTH WALKING :
Maintain balance control by allowing your body weight to sink and be carried by deeply flexed knees.
Remember to breathe along with your movement. Unconsciously holding your breath can unknowingly produce unneeded muscle tension, and could result in gasping release of breathe if you are startled or accidentally unbalanced.
Stay alert to the entire scene. Do not become so engrossed in watching your feet that you do not notice other people an elements entering the surroundings.
Use all joints for movement, emphasizing fluidity through the engagement of the ankles, knees, and hips for stepping. Avoid the lazy and dangerous habit of stiffening knees and swinging the entire leg from the hip.
Maintain your weight and balance on your grounded leg while you move the other leg into position to bear the weight. When absolute silence is a must, avoid distributing your weight over both legs at the same time.
If practical, allow your hands to float lightly in front of and beside your torso, one arm higher and one arm lower, to detect possible obstructions before your committed body weight encounters them.
Pause and hold your position if you feel that you have accidentally caused too much noise. Listen for signs that you were heard, such as the movement of others or the immediate silencing of background noise following your slip. Sink a little lower on your knees to physically relax that could normally jump into your body with alarm. Take a deep breathe and release it slowly to further relax. Continue your pause for as long as you feel is necessary to regain composure and allow possible listeners to decide they did not hear anything after all.
Be as patient as possible. If speed of travel is not important, take as much time as you can. Impatience and the resultant hasty movement that it encourages are the greatest dangers to the person who must move silently without detection.
Keep your movement appropriate to your surroundings. Do not go to greater lengths than necessary to conceal your movement, while at the same being aware of what others entering the area may see if they cannot hear. Total silence may not be needed when moving through wooded or densely populated areas where scattered noise is a natural part of the environment. Also be aware that low profile crawling or sliding ma be the only way to move silently without being seen in some locations.
The Knife :
"That’s not a knife... this here is a knife..."
Since the beginning of time, the knife has proven a very practical and efficient tool for survival. Familiarized most recently this century through a rage of Rambo and Crocodile Dundee type films, the knife is given its due respect. Even with advancements in todays technology, this easily concealed item will be the most confronted weapon on the street or in the work place. Knives and sharp objects can be found anywhere from the toolbox to your assailants back pocket.
Practice makes perfect, the more training you have the better. It won’t be as easy as learning a few fancy disarms. You have to perform each technique hundreds to thousands of times in order for it to be useful in combat. This could take years when incorporated with other training, that is what makes a real black belt in the warrior arts over a "wannabe" who just expends cash to buy the belt instead of earning it. We emphasize students to be prepared for a realistic situation. We are not saying a student will escape a knife attack unharmed while disarming and locking up his opponent. What we are saying, is that you must increase the odds of self protection through realistic repetition in training.
Mind Set
When defending against a blade wielding assailant or assailants, one must first accept the possibility of being cut. If one does not accept this likely chance of being wounded, it could result in unnecessary movements and incorrect timing. Fear of getting cut must be overrun with the fear of losing your life. Remember, the knife is just an object, harmless by itself, it is the attacker you are fighting not the blade. Defending against a blade attack is not easy and the focus of training should be directed towards increasing your chances of survival. Your objective is to survive, start to worry about a cut on the hand and you could be in big trouble. Sometimes it is important to sacrifice an area of the body to the blade in order to improve chances for escape or to subdue your opponent.
Never underestimate your opponent or your chances
If your attacker is unskilled, your odds of surviving are increased, but if your attacker is skilled, it is a dangerous situation giving little chance to go unharmed. There are ways of telling if the opponent is an amateur or expert. It is impossible to know exactly how much knowledge your attacker has. Each opponent should be treated with the same level of respect. The idea is to avoid all confrontations if possible. This concept is especially important when your opponent has a weapon or there are more attackers. This is where reflexive training will increase your chances of escape and survival. Observation of your environment might reveal something to give you an edge. By checking your surroundings you can improvise a weapon of your own. Below are a few you might find practical.
Jacket - This can be used to wrap around the arm for protection or used as a weapon to entrap the incoming blade. Jackets can be swung or thrown to aid in self protection. You can use the jacket to strike to the eyes or even make use of the zipper to cut across the face.
Belt - A belt or scarf can also be used to entangle the attacker for disarming purposes. A belt buckle may be used to slash at face or hands.
Purse or bag - These can be used for protection and weapons alike. They might be used as distractions to allow a quick getaway or chance to attack. Items in a purse or bag might also prove useful.
Trash cans, tables, etc. -These can be used as practical barriers between you and your opponent. A trash can lid could be used as a shield, a bottle or other items might also be found. You may even come up with a weapon more dangerous than your assailants.
Reality Check
Often you will see books, films, goof ninjas, basic karate and the self made black belt demonstrate very unrealistic knife defenses. Reacting to a blade or other weapon by actually catching the weapon with their bare hands. This type of action is complete nonsense and very UN-practical. This kind of demonstration will been seen with replica knives (rubber, wooden, etc.) and even then it is still rare.
On the Offense
When disarming a knife it is important to know your opponents vital points and primary striking areas - practical use of evasion, blocking or deflecting techniques, are important. An understanding of anatomy instructs a student on ways of striking or attacking the opponent. The following are a few primary striking areas that can be used to immobilize or distract your opponent.
Throat (in close combat, locks, strikes and chokes)
Whenever applying a strike it may be useful to kiai as well. A kiai is meant to break the concentration of your opponent, also to speed up your adrenaline flow which results in a sudden surge of power. A kiai is also good for controlling your own pain and fear. A kiai doesn’t have to be loud - it just has to be harnessed.
On the Edge
The blade itself is another area of importance which can affect how you will defend yourself in a fight. A double edge may be more difficult than a single edge. A longer blade will give your assailant a good reach, however, when in close, it will be difficult to use. A small blade will be weak at long distances, but will prove valuable in tight situations. Whether your opponents knife is long, short, wide, pointed or shiny, they must all be treated with equal respect. Whether you’re from Australia or not.
Tip of the Tips
When confronted with an assault it is imperative to remain calm and observe the situation. Quick tempers and hasty decisions can result in your own tragedy. This way you can get a clear perspective of all the available options. Often times you can work your way out of the attack using intelligent speech or psychology. However, when your opponent jumps from out of the shadows you have to rely on natural reactions (built with repetitive training) for self defense. Below are a few tips to remember that will help keep you from adding to the list of blade victims:
* Avoid dangerous situations.
Listen to your gut feelings, sometimes natural instinct is all you have between life and death. Avoid risky and hazardous surroundings where problem situations are more likely to occur. This includes people as well as places.
* Stay in control.
Never allow your friends, your ego or your emotions affect your reactions. Keep a clear head, avoid interference and make a rational decision. It is always better to respond than it is to react, whenever possible.
* Never underestimate your opponent.
Do not be trapped with a false confidence. Also, don’t rely on looks alone and remember a knife can be easily concealed. If someone is over confident they might be armed, so be aware and be nice.. Look for signs that determine whether or not your attacker is an amateur or professional, but realize you will never know how much knowledge a person has.
* Review and evaluate the situation and surroundings.
Can you avoid the situation. Is the reason for combat worth the risk of your life? Can you escape? Is someone’s life in danger? Where can you run and what can you use as an improvised weapon?
* Stay calm and accept the possibility of being cut.
Don’t get the shakes because you are trying to protect yourself from being cut. Let your confidence and skill overrule.
* Train often and realistically.
Training under the supervision of a good instructor in a realistic setting will better prepare you for victory. Experiment with different scenarios and various approaches. Discover what works and what doesn’t.
Everyone is a potential target
Whatever the cause or causes, the threat of a knife attack is real, the possibility of being mugged or physically attacked exists for everyone. It does not matter who you are, where you live or where you work. The fact is it is a possibility. In order for us to learn to defend against a weapon it is important to learn how one attacks or uses the weapon. If you wanted to learn the best ways of defending against a gun you would first have to learn how to use it. Thus giving you background in how your opponent might react or think. This concept is the same with knife training or any other weapon for that matter. The knife has many advantages.
Jul 26, 2005 9:12 pm - cool stuff, i wonder if the japanese exchange student who lives down my street can do all this stuff... What is the best street fighting group because no one joined the fight group i tried to make
Aug 17, 2005 10:27 am - Well tomato leaves themselves are not poisonious there is a chemical in them that must be removed by distillation in order for them to be poisonious.
Mar 17, 2006 9:11 pm - fool demon of the hidden mist yes naurto is entertaining but be real a true ninja does not go by what he sees{espically on TV] he goes by what he feels and learns threw training and practice.
May 11, 2006 10:33 am - Not bad info. Too bad its C/P tho. 3* anyway.
In the Metsubishi the stinging needles fron nettles were also used.
And nunchakas were first used as a farming tool for cutting crops at floor level.
I can use a fair amount of these weapons from jujitsu but what i didnt know is all good info.
Oct 28, 2006 3:16 pm - ninjas are fucking gay
naruto sucks ass
stop pretending your some gay ass ninja you wannabee hxc emo kid
go fucking cut yourself and stop copying everyone else
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