Ninja Gear

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 is a double-headed spear with a loop handle in the center, from which projects a dagger or crescent. The weapon is used with one hand to parry and attack. Its other form is almost identical; a small buckler is fitted in the center with the dagger blade projecting from it.

Shakuyo yari(staff spear)
This is a spear concealed within a sheath to look like a staff. It can be used as a bo when the sheath is in place. Ninjas use this when they go on secret missions or when they want to look relatively defenseless.

Trident
This is a three-pronged spear. It was used in Ancient Rome by a retiarius in gladiatorial combats. Ninjas use oriental version of this weapon which is very similar to the western one.

Yari
This is a common spear.

• 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 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 - 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,......
• Do You Want to Know How to Properly Throw Shurikens Author: Phil WashingtonBy 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......
• Introduction to Ninjitsu Author: Andrew ThomasInterview with ninja master Brian McCarthy 8th Dan [Adrian]: This is an exclusive pod cast from the websites of the BBD. On Remembrance Sunday, the final national seminar of the BBD in 2006 took place in Edinburgh. The head of the BBD, Brian McCarthy, joined me on my......

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 proficiency, not club proficiency. It shares a weapon proficiency eith the katana.

Broad sword (darn dien)
This Chinese rapier is longer than the western short sword, but has a lighter blade.

Katana (samurai long sword)
This single edged, slightly curved sword ends in a chisel point. It is perhaps one of the finest types of sword made, noted for its superior construction and design. Great care is taken in making the katana, and the forging and construction of it is considered a rare and valuable art. The weapon smith must labor long hours to achieve the correct temper of the blade. When correctly made, the blade is light, well balanced, strong, flexible, and resilient. The quality of the metal and forging allows the blade to be ground to a razor-sharp edge. In addition, such blades are often beautifully decorated with etched designs, prayers, or family lineages. Equal attention is given to the hilt, guard, and scabbard of the weapon. Katanas may have individual names, reflecting deeds of glory in which they have been used. For the samurai character, the katana is more than just a sword. It is part of his honor and the honor of his family. It is his personal weapon, not to be used by others. To touch the scabbard of the sheathed katana is to insult the samurai. To draw the blade without permission is a graver insult. A single katana may have been in the same family for generations, becoming a treasured heirloom. To lose such a weapon is a shameful disgrace that can be swept clean only by the recovery of the weapon and the punishment of those who have taken it. Many samurai have given their lives to recover a family weapon. The value of a katana can vary greatly depending on the quality of workmanship and the history of the weapon. The price listed in Table 24 is for an average weapon. Others may be of greater or lesser value, depending on the quality.

Long sword
Several varieties of long sword are used by ninjas, chiefly the straight-bladed sword from which the katana evolved.

Ninja-to (Ninja sword)
This is the ninja’s standard sword. It is approximately the length of a short sword, making it easier to conceal on the body. The blade of the ninja-to is straight and lower quality than that of katana. However, in keeping with the ninja’s methods, the sword and scabbard have multiple uses, which vary from ninja to ninja. Some of these uses include secret compartments in the hilt of the sword or tip of the scabbard for carrying powders, poisons, or daggers.

The scabbard is normally longer than the sword and opened at both ends, allowing it to serve as a blowgun or breathing tube. The stiff, strong, scabbard can also be used as a hanbo or the rung of ladder.
Strong silk cord may be wrapped around the scabbard, to be unwound for climbing. Other devices can be attached or hidden within this weapon.

No-daichi (two-handed sword)
This is the equivalent of the western two-handed sword. It is constructed more like the katana or ancestral long sword, having a narrow, slightly curved or straight blade and a minimal circular or octagonal guard.

Parang (chopping blade)
Parang is both a tool and a weapon – a heavy-bladed machete capable of delivering chopping blows of great force. It is commonly found in the hands of primitive tribesmen, who use it for everything and are seldom found without it.

Short sword
Many varieties of short sword are used by ninjas. Some are better-made parangs, others include the darn dien.

Tetsu-to (iron sword)
This odd weapon is basically an iron bar shaped in the fashion of two-handed Oriental sword. It is a heavy weapon used for strength training, not combat, and is very slow to use.

Wakizashi (samurai short sword)
This is a short sword, similar in design and construction to the katana. Like the katana, the wakizashi may be named for some past deed or event. It holds almost as important a place in the samurai’s honor as his katana. Those rules and guidelines concerning the katana and its care also apply to the wakizashi when it is part of a matched set. The wakizashi and the katana are normally worn as a pair by samurai characters. This pair is known as daisho, or ”long and short.” In many lands, the two-weapon combination is a sign of samurai status. Anyone other than a samurai who wears the long and short swords together is subject to arrest or immediate execution.

• 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 weapons - Kau sin ke (whipping chain) This weapon consists of four to six short iron bars connected by several links of chain. Its origins can be traced to the agricultural flail. Used properly, it can be a deadly weapon; the iron bars can wrap around shields to land crushing blows. However, it is not as flexible......
• Do You Want to Know How to Properly Throw Shurikens Author: Phil WashingtonBy 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......
• 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 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......

This weapon consists of four to six short iron bars connected by several links of chain. Its origins can be traced to the agricultural flail. Used properly, it can be a deadly weapon; the iron bars can wrap around shields to land crushing blows. However, it is not as flexible as a normal chain or rope weapon.

Look at this chain masters

But don’t fool yourself! These are just dancers not NINJAS!!!

• 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......
• 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 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 - 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 weapons - Shuriken (throwing star) This small throwing weapon comes in many sizes and shapes. Three varieties are described here. All shuriken are thrown by hand and have a limited range. They are easily hidden in folds of clothing or tucked into sashes. Spike shuriken can even be worn in the hair. Spike shuriken look......

This small throwing weapon comes in many sizes and shapes. Three varieties are described here.

All shuriken are thrown by hand and have a limited range. They are easily hidden in folds of clothing or tucked into sashes. Spike shuriken can even be worn in the hair.

Spike shuriken look like large pins, tapering to a sharp point.

Large star shuriken are larger. They may also be gripped in the fist, with one sharpened point projecting between the fingers, and used as a punching weapon.

Small star shuriken have three or more razor-edged points, ensuring that at least one point will strike the opponent.

• 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......
• 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......
• 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......
• 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 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......

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, between the bo and hanbo in size. It can be used one-handed and in pairs. The jo is a favorite weapon of ninja because it is innocuous; it is also called the shinobi-zue.

Tetsu-bo (iron staff): This is a bo with at least half its length sheathed in studded iron strips. It is often used by travelers because it can also serve as a walking stick.

• Ninja weapons - arrows Arrows for use with the daikyu (great bow) or hankyu (half bow) come in a number of different shape and styles. Armor piercer arrows have a narrow spike-head and are designed to punch through different types of armor. Flight arrows are the most common sort of arrow, with a wedge-shaped......
• 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......
• 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......
• Jump and roll like a ninja 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......

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 as breathing tubes for swimming underwater. A blowgun can also be used as a jo stick or the scabbard for a sword.

Fukiya is traditional Japanese (read ninja’s) blowgun. It is 4 feet long tube blowgun, with darts around eight inches (around 20 cm). Fukiya has no mouthpiece so users wrap their lips around the pipe. The darts used in the fukiya were called fukibari. Traditionally, fukibari were two inches in length.

You can find some extra info here about blowgun here Blowgun and about fukiya here Fukiya.
Ordinary people (non ninjas) think blowgun is a sport Blowgun sport.

• Jump and roll like a ninja 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......
• Ninja weapons - Shuriken (throwing star) This small throwing weapon comes in many sizes and shapes. Three varieties are described here. All shuriken are thrown by hand and have a limited range. They are easily hidden in folds of clothing or tucked into sashes. Spike shuriken can even be worn in the hair. Spike shuriken look......
• 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......
• 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......
• 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,......

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 axes are balanced in order to give them a good center of gravity and an even rotation. Axes like that becomes a lethal weapon in ninja’s hand.

photo credit: erix!

Here’s an excellent article on axe sharpening.

• 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 - Kau sin ke (whipping chain) This weapon consists of four to six short iron bars connected by several links of chain. Its origins can be traced to the agricultural flail. Used properly, it can be a deadly weapon; the iron bars can wrap around shields to land crushing blows. However, it is not as flexible......
• 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 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......

Arrows for use with the daikyu (great bow) or hankyu (half bow) come in a number of different shape and styles.

Armor piercer arrows have a narrow spike-head and are designed to punch through different types of armor.
Flight arrows are the most common sort of arrow, with a wedge-shaped head that is useful in both combat and hunting.
Frog crotch arrows have heads that form a V, the inner edge of which is sharp. These arrows inflict terrible wounds on anything caught between the jaws.
Humming bulb arrows are fitted with carved wooden heads that whistle loudly when fired. The sound can be heard up to one mile away. This type of arrow is normally used for signaling, but the bulb can also be fitted with oil-soaked cloth or straw and used as a fire arrows.
Sheaf arrows are fitted with broad heads designed to cause great injury. These arrowheads are often carved or pierced with artistic designs, making them works of art.

• 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......
• 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 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......
• 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......
• 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,......