Ninja Gear

Ninjas are well known for their distinguished outfit called Shinobi shozoku.
When we think of a ninja we usually imagine a warrior silently stalking his enemy, wearing black ninja uniform, ninja boots and black mask on his face.
Such notion of ninja uniform is borrowed as a idea from the puppet handlers of bunraku theater. These puppet handler wore black outfit to simulate that puppets are moving on their own.
But in reality there is no strong evidence for such a costume. Ninjas were actually commonly dressed as civilians to infiltrate themselves more easily during the day. Ninja is a master of camouflage so, while they traveled, they changed their appearance and clothing to one that suited the situation. Ninja could be a monk, a merchant, a farmer or a medicine peddler.
During the night they would wear a mask and a uniform that would blend into the night.
Ninjas preferred dark navy blue color of their uniform because the black clothing stands out in the light of the moon. Ninja uniform also had to be light, comfortable, and suitable for stalking.

Through the few past decades ninjas were a common inspiration for a lot of martial arts, kung fu and action movies. That is especially notable for the 80s and 90s when a lot of popular ninja movies were filmed. With their popularity, demand for ninja gear and ninja uniform also surged. Today there are a lot of specialised stores and online web shops where you can purchase a ninja uniform.

Whether you need one for your training or as a costume, there are many ninja uniforms available online.
Here are a few of them that we would recommend, depending on your needs and your budget.

1) Piranha gear Ninja uniform

Piranha gear Ninja uniform

This is a high quality Ninja uniform for Ninjutsu practitioners. It is ideal for your training and not intended to be a costume. Made of 100% cotton and available in six different sizes.
The uniform “set” includes the jacket, pants, arm pieces, an inner mask, and an outer hood with a tie. The jacket sleeves have an elastic hem. The pants have a traditional drawstring waist, two sets of ties around the calf AND two sets of velcro tabs.
The jacket has the “secret” inner pocket on top of the left shoulder and a front pocket on the right (inside) waist of the jacket.

Price: $44.99 – $48.99 on Amazon.

Conclusion: If you are a serios ninjutsu practitioner this is a right choice for you. If you need a ninja costume and you can afford to pay a little higher for a quality costume you can wear over and over again then this is also the right choice for you.

Click here to find out more and read on some of the reviews!

They recommend a Ninja Utility Belt with this uniform.

2) Black Ninja Uniform – Happy ninja

Black Ninja Uniform, XLarge

This is a 7 piece set, reproduction of a traditional Ninja outfit known as a Shinobi Shozoku.
Made of heavyweight 100% cotton for comfort and stealth. It includes:
1) special trousers with double waist ties plus additional ties at the knees and ankles to prevent noise and snags when sneaking around
2) jacket that covers the upper body and features a hidden shuriken pocket inside
3 and 4) two gauntlets that go over the sleeves of the jacket
5)The stretchy mask
6) The hood that goes over the head and is secured with the traditional ties
7) the traditional black ninja belt.

Price: $36.99

Conclusion: Moderate price. Can be used for training and also as a costume. Ideal choice for lighter training or a durable costume.

Click here to order!

3) Black Ninja Uniform – Tmas

Ninja Black Uniform

Authentic looking black cotton/poly blend with hood and a face mask. Available in six different sizes. It Includes jacket, pants, hood, mask, and arm guard.

Price: $25.95 – $27.75 on Amazon
Conclusion: Cheap. Not suitable for a serious training, but good choice if looking for just a ninja costume.

Click here to order!

Technorati Tags: ninja outfit, ninja uniform, ninja uniforms, shinobi shozoku

• Ninja mind power There are two types of strength that every ninja works on: the inner and outer strength. The outer, physical strength is more obvious. It can be empowered by physical training, but with time it fades away as our body becomes older and weaker. The inner strength is subtle and cannot......
• Ninja shoes - Ninja Tabi boots Ninja Tabi boots are the usual part of a ninja outfit. These ninja shoes are famous for their split toe design. Split toes enable a better grip of the ground. They give you a better control of your movements, provide comfort and stability. This is specially important for extreme conditions,......
• Ninja Stealth Walking Guidelines For enhancement of your personal skills of silent movement for stalking, escaping or examination of the territory, the Ninja-Gear.net brings you these 9 rules of stealth walking: Breathe while you move. Unknowingly holding your breath can produce unneeded muscle tension which can result in loudly release of breath if your......
• Ninja Stealth Weapon as Nunchaku Author: Tony HackerottNinja were highly trained warriors of feudal Japan. Ninjas executed covert and dangerous missions, such as assassinations and espionage. They were well-known for their precision, skill, and use of weapons. Ninja weapons were typically weapons that would be easily carried and concealed, allowing the ninja to stealthily target......
• Ninja tabi socks If you have ninja boots you surely know that regular socks are not a good choice to go with them. What you need are the Ninja Socks with a split toe design that match the Ninja boots. Although you will probably like the feeling that free toe gives you, keep......

If you find yourself in Japan, be sure to visit the Iga Ryu Ninja Museum located in Iga, Mie Prefecture. This museum is dedicated to ninjas, their history, culture, and ninjutsu discipline.
Official website of the Museum is: http://iganinja.jp/en/museum/index.html

The musem has four main sections:

Iga-ryu Ninja House

Ninja house is full of secret rooms, hidden doors, secret passageways, hidden compartments and other surprises

“Ninjas used to hide their valuables under a strip of floorboard, adjoining a sliding door. In particular, ninjas used to hide their swords and throwing knives here. The safe, of course, could be opened in the blink of an eye by a trained ninja, by stepping on the floor board strip, thus swinging it open. To avoid the safe being opened by accident the part of the strip of floor board that was stepped on to allow access to the safe was cleverly places, found plush against the sliding door. Here the shoulders of a stranger walking in the house would touch the sliding door first, thus preventing the feet from standing on the crucial spot of floorboard below.” (taken from brochure)

Ninja Experience Hall

Here are all kind of ninja tools and weapons displayed. There are over 400 ninja items. You can see below the ninja climbing gear displayed there and the comment from the author of the picture:

“‘The ninja has no difficulty in climbing castle walls or stone walls which ordinary people could not climb. The ninja used different kinds of ladders such as those made of bamboo or rope, as well as other tools resembling a pike pole, according to the climbing circumstances farming implements to avoid suspicion, for example, they bound 4 sickles to sue as an anchor. In other cases, the ninja fixed a mital wedge or large nail, which is more portable, in the stone wall or rock to climb by hands and feet. Ninjas trained their fingers and toes every day, because although they used a variety of tools, the hands and feet were most important in climbing.’”

Ninja Tradition Hall

Here you can learn more about the philosophy behind ninjutsu, secret ninja codes and ninja tradition.

Ninja Experience Plaza Ninja Show

Live Ninja show for visitors where ninja tools are demonstrated.

Well, if your still not convinced that you should add this place to your “must see” list, look at these photos from the museum:

Life in Japan

Iga-ryu Ninja House and Museum

Technorati Tags: iga, Iga-ryu, ninja, Ninja House, ninja museum

• Ninja mind power There are two types of strength that every ninja works on: the inner and outer strength. The outer, physical strength is more obvious. It can be empowered by physical training, but with time it fades away as our body becomes older and weaker. The inner strength is subtle and cannot......
• Ninja Ashiko Foot Spikes Ashiko Ninja Foot Spikes are a nice addition to your ninja climbing gear. Together with Ninja Shuko Claws they are designed to assist you when climbing on different terrains, scaling and walking on ice or slippery land. Also, spikes on the claw can add a deadly spice to your high......
• Ninja assassin trailer! This year, on 25th November, Ninja Assassin is coming to cinemas! I really look forward to watching this movie. The trailer looks spectacular! The plot: "A young ninja turns his back on orphanage that raised him, leading to a confrontation with a fellow ninja from the clan" Check out the......
• Ninja shoes - Ninja Tabi boots Ninja Tabi boots are the usual part of a ninja outfit. These ninja shoes are famous for their split toe design. Split toes enable a better grip of the ground. They give you a better control of your movements, provide comfort and stability. This is specially important for extreme conditions,......
• Ninja Climbing Gear Used by ninjas to scale walls, climb trees, and aid in quick escapes, climbing skill is a ninja warrior necessity. Although climbing skills at low level are acquired by many people childhood, a Ninja's ability to scale any obstacle requires a great deal of practice. Climbing is not just the......

If you think to jump from tall heights like a ninja you should first learn how to roll. This takes some practice but it is important to learn it properly so you don’t get injured. Rolling transfers the momentum from jumps and minimize impact of the landing. Parkour practitioners know this and they took the technique from Martial Arts, such as Ninjutsu, Aikido, Jujutsu and Hapkido (Korean martial art).

So when you jump and roll, keep in mind the following tips to prevent a painful landing:

- try to put your body low to the ground in a horizontal position. When you land vertically gravity has the biggest impact. If you keep your body horizontal to the ground you disperse the force wider

– let your momentum takes you into a roll. Reach out for the ground with your hands and start to roll diagonally over your shoulder as tight as possible.

- avoid rolling directly over your neck because you could get injured.

Now let’s see how Choson Ninja flies over a car and rolls:

It looks so easy when he does it.

If you are jumping from a tree or some other high object and you land on your feet remember this:

- reach the ground with the balls of your feet
- bend you knees to absorb the initial impact
- rotate your body-weight forward and move into a roll as described above

Have fun with rolling and take care!

Technorati Tags: heights, jump, ninja roll, ninja training, roll, safe landing

• Ninja weapons - stick (staff) Bo is Oriental equivalent of the quarterstaff and is normally 6-7 feet long. Its hard wood makes it difficult to cut or break. Hanbo (half staff) is 2-3 foot stick used as a weapon; practitioners often carry one in each hand. Jo (stick) is a weapon about 4 feet long,......
• Ninja uniform Ninjas are well known for their distinguished outfit called Shinobi shozoku. When we think of a ninja we usually imagine a warrior silently stalking his enemy, wearing black ninja uniform, ninja boots and black mask on his face. Such notion of ninja uniform is borrowed as a idea from the......
• Ninja weapons - sword Bokken (wooden sword) This is a wooden copy of the katana, designed to simulate that sword’s weight and other characteristics. It is used to practice swordsmanship since it does not cause cutting injuries. Wielded aggressively, however, it can cause injury from the force of the blow. The bokken requires sword......
• Ninja weapons - axes Ninjas use battle and hand (throwing) axes of all kinds. The key to sticking is consistency (which is one of the most important ninja's characteristics). This is most easily attained with an axe or 'hawk with a bit of mass. It's best to throw heaviest you can without strain. Throwing......
• Ninja Stealth Walking Guidelines For enhancement of your personal skills of silent movement for stalking, escaping or examination of the territory, the Ninja-Gear.net brings you these 9 rules of stealth walking: Breathe while you move. Unknowingly holding your breath can produce unneeded muscle tension which can result in loudly release of breath if your......

Author: Tony Hackerott

Ninja were highly trained warriors of feudal Japan. Ninjas executed covert and dangerous missions, such as assassinations and espionage. They were well-known for their precision, skill, and use of weapons. Ninja weapons were typically weapons that would be easily carried and concealed, allowing the ninja to stealthily target and attack an opponent.

A popular weapon for participants of ninja training today is the nunchaku. Ninja nunchaku are two sticks connected by a rope or chain. It is possible that the first nunchaku were used in the rice and soybean fields of ancient Asia. Used as a thresher, the nunchaku could have been used to separate the grain and husk of rice and soybeans. The original nunchaku and those used in later years as weapons were made of wood, and the two sticks were connected by a horse hair rope. The wooden sticks were covered in mud for several years. This hardened the wood and prevented the wood from rotting.

Today, ninja nunchaku are made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, fiberglass and plastic. The connecting cord is can be made of nylon, rope, or a metal chain. The sticks of these ninja weapons can have a cross-section that is round or octagonal. The octagonal-shaped sticks can cause greater injury to an opponent than the round-shaped sticks. Both sticks are usually of the same length.

Ninja nunchaku need to be the proper length for the user. The nunchaku sticks should be the length of the user’s forearm. When the cord of the ninja nunchaku is laid across the palm of the user’s hand, the two sticks should hang comfortably from the hand and be in a position that is perpendicular to the floor. It is essential that these ninja weapons are balanced. The cheaper ninja nunchaku that are available today may not be properly balanced. Precise balance of the ninja nunchaku allows the user to perform more fluid moves. Advanced nunchaku movements are not possible with improperly balanced nunchaku.

Ninjas were known to employ fighting techniques that allowed them to be within a close range of the opponent. Ninja nunchaku can be concealed by the user and then quickly taken out and used for the attack. The average length of nunchaku is twelve inches. Mini nunchaku, or mini chucks, are about eight inches in length and be concealed more easily than the typical nunchaku. Both the twelve inch ninja nunchaku and the mini chucks can be used to strike an opponent from many different angles. Ninja Weapons

About the Author:

Tony is leading Entrepreneur in supplying Martial Art accessories in United States. Ninja Weapons

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ninja Stealth Weapon as Nunchaku

Technorati Tags: nunchaku, stealth

• Ninja weapons - sword Bokken (wooden sword) This is a wooden copy of the katana, designed to simulate that sword’s weight and other characteristics. It is used to practice swordsmanship since it does not cause cutting injuries. Wielded aggressively, however, it can cause injury from the force of the blow. The bokken requires sword......
• The main factors of a ninja throwing knife Most Ninja's want to own more than one type of throwing knife. Many current knives work very well, especially with practice. Some of the most crucial things about a knife are length, weight, and balance. Length is the first most important thing. A knife has to be at least nine......
• Ninja weapons - stick (staff) Bo is Oriental equivalent of the quarterstaff and is normally 6-7 feet long. Its hard wood makes it difficult to cut or break. Hanbo (half staff) is 2-3 foot stick used as a weapon; practitioners often carry one in each hand. Jo (stick) is a weapon about 4 feet long,......
• Ninja weapons - axes Ninjas use battle and hand (throwing) axes of all kinds. The key to sticking is consistency (which is one of the most important ninja's characteristics). This is most easily attained with an axe or 'hawk with a bit of mass. It's best to throw heaviest you can without strain. Throwing......
• Iga Ryu Ninja Museum If you find yourself in Japan, be sure to visit the Iga Ryu Ninja Museum located in Iga, Mie Prefecture. This museum is dedicated to ninjas, their history, culture, and ninjutsu discipline. Official website of the Museum is: http://iganinja.jp/en/museum/index.html The musem has four main sections: Iga-ryu Ninja House Ninja......

Best movies about the mysterious black-cloaked secret agents, who have become so well-known in the west as warriors of almost mystical abilities. They most often are shown using that same reverse grip sword tactics, but additionally have almost supernatural skills.

Technorati Tags: ninja movies

• Ninja assassin trailer! This year, on 25th November, Ninja Assassin is coming to cinemas! I really look forward to watching this movie. The trailer looks spectacular! The plot: "A young ninja turns his back on orphanage that raised him, leading to a confrontation with a fellow ninja from the clan" Check out the......
• Ninja shoes - Ninja Tabi boots Ninja Tabi boots are the usual part of a ninja outfit. These ninja shoes are famous for their split toe design. Split toes enable a better grip of the ground. They give you a better control of your movements, provide comfort and stability. This is specially important for extreme conditions,......
• Ninja weapons - stick (staff) Bo is Oriental equivalent of the quarterstaff and is normally 6-7 feet long. Its hard wood makes it difficult to cut or break. Hanbo (half staff) is 2-3 foot stick used as a weapon; practitioners often carry one in each hand. Jo (stick) is a weapon about 4 feet long,......
• Real Ninja - Amazing Historical Facts about Ninja We've all heard some fascinating stories about ninjas and their abilities. When reading and hearing some such stories I often wonder where is the line between reality and myth. If you asked yourself the same question, you will be pleased to know that there is a new book available which......
• Ninja weapons - axes Ninjas use battle and hand (throwing) axes of all kinds. The key to sticking is consistency (which is one of the most important ninja's characteristics). This is most easily attained with an axe or 'hawk with a bit of mass. It's best to throw heaviest you can without strain. Throwing......

Two clips from Rick Tew’s Total Warrior Ninja Camp.
They are doing some serious training over there.

Find out more about ninja camp.

Technorati Tags: ninja camp, ninja training

• Ninja mind power There are two types of strength that every ninja works on: the inner and outer strength. The outer, physical strength is more obvious. It can be empowered by physical training, but with time it fades away as our body becomes older and weaker. The inner strength is subtle and cannot......
• Ninja weapons - stick (staff) Bo is Oriental equivalent of the quarterstaff and is normally 6-7 feet long. Its hard wood makes it difficult to cut or break. Hanbo (half staff) is 2-3 foot stick used as a weapon; practitioners often carry one in each hand. Jo (stick) is a weapon about 4 feet long,......
• Ninja Climbing Gear Used by ninjas to scale walls, climb trees, and aid in quick escapes, climbing skill is a ninja warrior necessity. Although climbing skills at low level are acquired by many people childhood, a Ninja's ability to scale any obstacle requires a great deal of practice. Climbing is not just the......
• Ninja Stealth Walking Guidelines For enhancement of your personal skills of silent movement for stalking, escaping or examination of the territory, the Ninja-Gear.net brings you these 9 rules of stealth walking: Breathe while you move. Unknowingly holding your breath can produce unneeded muscle tension which can result in loudly release of breath if your......
• Ninja weapons - blowgun Many ninja use blowguns, as light weapons or as distractions. It may be used as a means to deliver poisons. A blowgun dart is larger and heavier, and does more damage than a blowgun needle but the needle is just as good at carrying poisons. Blowguns can also be used......

Ninjas were fascinating warriors, spies and deadliest enemies, yet there are so many myths about them. These mysterious warriors are known for their phenomenal abilities and combat skills, but also for their brutality and ruthlessness.

If you are a ninja enthusiast you are surely interested in finding out all ninja secrets.
And you are in luck, because you don’t have to search any more.
Ultimate book of ninja secrets answers the most intriguing questions like:

• What is the biggest secret weapon of all used by Ninja’s and how you can use it in your every day life?
• How to master the art of stealth?
• How did Ninjas use stealth and secrecy to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies – and WIN?
• Who were Ninjas actually and why they came into existence?
• What is the difference between a Ninja and a Samurai Warrior?
• What are little known ninja fighting strategies & techniques that helped them to beat their enemies
  against all odds, even when totally out-classed and out-numbered?
• What is the little known secrets of ‘Ninpo’ and why it was necessary for the survival of the Ninja against
  the Samurai?
• Why did Ninjas disappear from existence… Or did they really?
• How can a beginner learn the ways of the Ninja (that’s right, you don’t need to be Bruce Lee to become
  a “Ninja Master”)?
• Learn how Ninjas used Throwing Stars to bamboozle and distract the Samurai & even poison and kill their
  enemies while staying totally undetected
• Discover how Ninjas made their own weapons & secret chemicals to create their own smoke bombs and blinding
  powder – the Ninja version of mace
• Discover the full arsenal of weapons that were commonly used by Ninjas (ninja swords, blades, spikes,
  throwing stars, blunt weapons, distance weapons, claws, stealth weapons, etc)

Check it out now!

Technorati Tags: ninja secrets

• Ninja weapons - blowgun Many ninja use blowguns, as light weapons or as distractions. It may be used as a means to deliver poisons. A blowgun dart is larger and heavier, and does more damage than a blowgun needle but the needle is just as good at carrying poisons. Blowguns can also be used......
• The knife art called Tanto-jitsu The first weapon Ninja has to master is a knife! That's how they learn the knife art Tanto-jitsu. Ninjas also learn hand-to-hand combat and the art of throwing many objects, such as shurikens and knives. Not all knifes are made for throwing, so there are the types which are specifically......
• Ninja weapons - spear Chijiriki (chain spear) A length of weighted chain is added to the butt end of a normal spear. This weapon can be used as a normal spear, or the butt-chain can be swung out, entangling the opponent. Sang kauw (two-headed spear) This weapon comes in two forms. The basic form......
• Real Ninja - Amazing Historical Facts about Ninja We've all heard some fascinating stories about ninjas and their abilities. When reading and hearing some such stories I often wonder where is the line between reality and myth. If you asked yourself the same question, you will be pleased to know that there is a new book available which......
• Ninja shoes - Ninja Tabi boots Ninja Tabi boots are the usual part of a ninja outfit. These ninja shoes are famous for their split toe design. Split toes enable a better grip of the ground. They give you a better control of your movements, provide comfort and stability. This is specially important for extreme conditions,......

Used by ninjas to scale walls, climb trees, and aid in quick escapes, climbing skill is a ninja warrior necessity. Although climbing skills at low level are acquired by many people childhood, a Ninja’s ability to scale any obstacle requires a great deal of practice. Climbing is not just the act of ascending an object because Ninja must also feel comfortable and be able to move about naturally and easily at the elevated position. This is why balance is the most important part of a Ninja’s climbing skills.

Ninja Climbing Equipment

To improve the Ninja’s natural climbing ability, there are a variety of specialized tools that allow for more complex climbing feats to be accomplished. Strong grip, good balance and determination are required for true climbing skill. A specialized climbing tool only enhances one’s probability for success, it does not ensure it. Only long hours of hard training with each tool provide the Ninja with the necessary skill to surpass any obstacles that stand between him and his objective.

Tobi kunai (Scaling wedge)

This is a piece of thick iron shaped like a knife with a length of rope attached to its handle. The Ninja would force its pointed end into any natural cracks found along the surface of a stone wall. The Ninja would usually use two tobi kunai to ascend quicker. He would step onto the first tobi while at the same time he could attach a second tobi kunai higher on the wall. Once balanced on the second wedge, the Ninja would pull on the rope that was attached to the first tobi kunai to remove it from its position so it could serve as another step.

Shinobi kumade (Climbing pole)

This tool is quite effective in wall climbing. It is a long pole with a rake-like hook on one end. The Ninja would attach the rake to the edge of the wall and walk up the wall while at the same time ascend the pole with his hands. At the top of the wall, the Ninja would release his grip on the pole and seize the wall’s edge with his hand.

The Shuko and Ashiko (Hand and foot claws)

It provided extra grip while climbing. These were especially useful when climbing the outside structure of castles and other buildings. Castles walls were usually surrounded by a moat so the moisture of the stagnant water made it somewhat slippery to the bare hand. The claws helped ninjas in a way that they could wedge them in the gaps between the rocks of the wall. Claws with the sharp talons penetrating the wood were very useful when climbing the tree and in close combat.

The Take bashigo (Bamboo ladder)

This was usually used by a group of Ninja needed to ascend a wall quickly and quietly. The last Ninja would pull up the ladder which would be placed down the other side of the wall, for an equally quick descent. The Take bashigo would then be hidden so it could be reused during escape.

Technorati Tags: climbing gear

• The knife art called Tanto-jitsu The first weapon Ninja has to master is a knife! That's how they learn the knife art Tanto-jitsu. Ninjas also learn hand-to-hand combat and the art of throwing many objects, such as shurikens and knives. Not all knifes are made for throwing, so there are the types which are specifically......
• Ninja weapons - stick (staff) Bo is Oriental equivalent of the quarterstaff and is normally 6-7 feet long. Its hard wood makes it difficult to cut or break. Hanbo (half staff) is 2-3 foot stick used as a weapon; practitioners often carry one in each hand. Jo (stick) is a weapon about 4 feet long,......
• Ninja assassin trailer! This year, on 25th November, Ninja Assassin is coming to cinemas! I really look forward to watching this movie. The trailer looks spectacular! The plot: "A young ninja turns his back on orphanage that raised him, leading to a confrontation with a fellow ninja from the clan" Check out the......
• Ninja weapons - axes Ninjas use battle and hand (throwing) axes of all kinds. The key to sticking is consistency (which is one of the most important ninja's characteristics). This is most easily attained with an axe or 'hawk with a bit of mass. It's best to throw heaviest you can without strain. Throwing......
• Iga Ryu Ninja Museum If you find yourself in Japan, be sure to visit the Iga Ryu Ninja Museum located in Iga, Mie Prefecture. This museum is dedicated to ninjas, their history, culture, and ninjutsu discipline. Official website of the Museum is: http://iganinja.jp/en/museum/index.html The musem has four main sections: Iga-ryu Ninja House Ninja......

Author: Andrew Thomas

The warrior craft of Ninjutsu aims to resolve conflict- conflicts that a 1000 years ago would have been settled on the battle field or one on one combat.

The principles of spying and gathering information through secret means was also a key part of Ninjutsu strategy. The Ninjutsu leaders through out time have realized that fighting was rarely a matter of force on force. While the shape of the battlefield has changed over the past millennia, the core concept of dealing with the conflict contained within has not. It is true that the battlefield has changed over the past 1000 years but the key principles of resolving conflict have not.

The warrior arts of Ninjutsu aims to resolve conflict – conflicts that nine hundred years ago would of been decide on the battlefield. However, unlike other conventional forms of bujutsu of the time, the concepts of espionage (shinobi iri) and information gathering through clandestine means were also key to strategy of the ninjutsu clans. The guardians of Ninjutsu knew that combat was not just a matter of force against force. While the shape of the battlefield has changed over the past millennia, the core concept of dealing with the conflict contained within has not.

In the 21st century as in previous centuries, battlefields are not just physical or political but also emotional and sociological. While the majority of us are not serving in the military, physical battles exist in the form of our own personal security or in our personal lives or the civilian occupations we have selected. However, we are frequently exposed to conflict in many other guises such as business and financial negotiations, anti-social behaviour and personal interactions.

As is presented in the quote from Sun Tzu, understanding of one’s self is vital to the successful resolution to conflict. The practice of ninjutsu provides a suitable vehicle to meet this aim as it requires us as practitioners to be self reliant and provides an environment for honest self appraisal. When you understand your own strengths and weakness you will be able to use your own strengths and avoid showing weakness. Furthermore, utilising the principles of bo ryaku (strategy) and kyojitsu (truths and falsehoods) we are able to manipulate the opponent’s concepts of our strengths and weaknesses to our advantage. As Sun Tzu states:

“When weak, appear strong and when strong, appear weak”

Like is seen in the animal kingdom, aggressors (of whatever form) appear to be driven to attack on two main stimuli – the appearance of especially weak individuals or occasionally, the presence of especially ‘strong’ individuals. By targeting the weakest individual (or an individual that has made themselves weak by nature of their current state), an easy victory can be achieved and the object of the aggressors desire is obtained. Alternatively (and seemingly more rare) there is the occasion where the ‘strongest’ appearing member of a group or situation may be targeted, presumably for the effect a victory over such an individual will have on the aggressors status with others or their own self-worth. Using skills of observation (kyoman) and awareness that are promoted in ninjutsu and our understanding of an attacker’s motivations, we as practitioners should be able to prevent ourselves being targeted by not only preventing our exposure to such dangers but also appearing neither too weak nor too strong. These ideas are modern versions of concealment and invisibility (inton no jutsu).

Should avoidance fail, or be inappropriate, and a conflict is initiated by another, we as ninjutsu practioners then have several options: To appear meek, even insignificant (henso jutsu), control our own ego and thereby facilitate our escape; to posture, appear fearless and cause capitulation in our aggressor; or as a last resort, to engage the adversary, but on our own terms. These options of course are not mutually exclusive, and it is sometimes inevitable that one course of action must evolve into another in order to regain control over the adversary in the same way that one physical technique may flow into another (nagare). Since we can make choices for ourselves, I believe that this sets us apart from the people who have only one way to react.

Self-protection, from the perspective of the protection of our physical ‘self’ in particular, like the protection of others, truly falls under the guise of Jihan no kokoro as it reflects the ability to prevent the emotional distress in those around us that may be caused by our own distress or injury. Physical self-protection is one of the most important facets of my own ninjutsu training for it is through this, that the confidence and skills to attempt other forms of conflict resolution is gained.

Once our own strengths are truly understood and we are confident of our victory in whatever battle is presented to us, we can ask ourself, what do we gain by engaging in this conflict? Truly there are some instances where we (or those around us) are in physical danger or risk being put at some other disadvantage. In these instances, we should have the skills to act and be victorious and more importantly the will and self-belief to place ourselves in this precarious position. However we should also know where we or those around us are not in real danger (or disadvantage) and not feel the need to be pulled unnecessarily into a conflict.

The possibility is that the way we approach adverse situations that we should take on is part of the ‘nin’ kanji, which means “how able we are to persevere or endure”. This is generally translated as the ability to endure or persevere. In my opinion this is not just telling us to ‘put up with it’ rather to weather the storm, keep going and be prepared to push longer and further than the opponent is prepared to go.

Ninjutsu is a study that lets you rise up to the challenge if needed but also lets you step back and let events run there course which ever is most appropriate. This idea is the same as it was in the Japan that existed under the feudal system many years ago.

About the Author:

Discover more about Ninjutsu in today’s world

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – 21st Century Ninja

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Author: Phil Washington

By now, you’re probably already familiar with throwing stars. These are the quintessential ninja weapons apart from the katana and no ninjitsu practitioner should ever be without it. The throwing star, also known as the shuriken, can be a formidable self-defense weapon but only if you’re someone who knows how to use it. To be able to deploy shuriken efficiently and safely, learn how to use them. Here are tips on how to practice using the throwing star:

Understand the weapon
Throwing stars are not always deadly. In fact, they were generally used to temporarily disable an enemy, make it difficult for them to move or use their weapons or at least discourage them from attacking. Only if they hit the target in places such as the throat or neck can the throwing star actually become lethal.

A throwing star has 6 to 8 sharp points. When thrown properly, it can hit the target vertically, horizontally or diagonally from 10 to about 30 feet.

Holding and concealing the throwing star
To begin practicing using throwing stars, learn how to hold them properly. The first skill you need to learn is how to conceal them. Do this by keeping the shooting star in the palm of your hand. Practice holding it firmly enough so you don’t drop it and it doesn’t cut your hand. From this original position, you can begin learning how to slip the throwing star from your palm to fit between your forefinger and thumb. These two fingers are often used to hold a tip of the shuriken prior to a throw.

Throwing the shuriken
There are several ways you can actually use the throwing stars. The most common include the overhand (the same manner you’d use if you were throwing a dart), the underhand and the sidearm. The movement involved in the sidearm throw is similar to the movement you’d be using if you were throwing a frisbee — your hand comes from your chest and your arm straightens as you release the star.

The underhand throw requires a little bit of skill and strength but it can be quite effective and such, should be practiced as well. The throwing star is held between two fingers with the palm facing backward, arm straight on the side of the body. As you draw the arm out from underneath, you release the star as soon as your arm is parallel to the ground.

Learning to gauge the distance
The only way a throwing star becomes effective is if it actually hits the target. Practice using it at different distances — 5 feet, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 feet. You’ll find that the force necessary to reach a target will increase as the distance increases. Through muscle memory, you’ll be able to determine how much force or effort to put into your throw depending on the distance involved.

To practice using throwing stars efficiently, use a cardboard target, a plyboard or a piece of wood. Make sure these are propped against a concrete wall to avoid any accidents.

About the Author:

Throwing stars or Shurikens are a lot of fun to practice with. Please visit TBOTech if you want one.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Do You Want to Know How to Properly Throw Shurikens

Technorati Tags: shuriken, throw, training

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