History of ninjutsu pdf

The encryption modules for Xpdf can be found here and the modules for ghostscript can be found here. Most people have seen them in movies and fictional books.

Will my movie downloads work on. Ninjutsu was developed as a collection of fundamental survivalist techniques in the warring state of feudal Japan. The ninja used their art to ensure their survival in a time of violent political turmoil. Ninja Lessons is all about the martial art of ninjutsu also, called budo.

We are the One Stop Shop for Authentic Ninjutsu Information, no one offers more information to the general public than we do. Earn Web Sales Commissions. The ninja were a military order in Japan.

Stephen K. These razor-sharp, boomerang style discs were made in both steel and brass versions. The smaller steel version typically 15cm across could be thrown to around 50 meters away. The brass Chakrams however, thanks to their more efficient design could reach ranges in excess of meters. The longest range weapon the Ninja had was the Yumi and Ya the bow and arrow. First seen in prehistoric times the bow and arrow was developed consistently by the Japanese military for over years.

Using natural materials, pieces of bamboo were added on to the wooden frame of the Yumi, giving it greater speed, accuracy and range. The Ninja is most well-known for the Shinobi Shozoku , the black Ninja suit they are most often depicted in. The Ninja suit comprises of a hood to cover the face, a jacket, trousers and leggings. On the feet the Ninja wore black Tabi, similar to sandals.

Wearing the Shozoku during normal training though is rare, and most Ninjutsu practitioners train in either regular shorts and T-shirt, or mixed martial arts style rash guard and shorts. Anything can be worn though as the Ninja or Shinobi would most often work undercover, wearing regular civilization attire.

The large number of weapons with which the Ninja was trained means you to have a wide range of weapons to train with. Concerning the vicissitudes of life, it has been said that a practitioner of ninjutsu must never become surprised by what life brings — harkening to the cultivation of an ever clear and calm mind.

Do not lie 2. Do not steal for self-interest 3. Do not cheat 4. Do not fear disgrace or shame 5. Do not be greedy 6. Do not act impetuously 7. Do not joke 8. Do not drink 9. Avoid the allure of lust Do not ally yourself with unprincipled people Cherish truth Respect your parents One must identify the problem and then use the ever potent salience of human cognition to create a solution rather than beat it to a pulp with aggressive implements.

The maturity of ninjutsu as a self-protection method can teach us to think outside the metaphorical box of our weaponized hands and feet in creating a solution to our problems of self-defense. It can teach us to respond to our problems with tact and intelligence, and this is why the study of ninjutsu still matters.

Fujibayashi states that while the specific methods or techniques of the old shinobi can be effective and are to be regarded with high-esteem, it is more important to understand that there are principles which underlie these methods that may be adapted to any circumstance. But if one peers deeper in between the lines, it becomes clear that what the art is predicated on is a principle - in this instance, the principle of situational awareness.

The hasty flight of birds from a wooded area is no longer perceived as an insignificant event but is recognized as a signal that a potential predator is among the trees. Now, it would be wrong to assume that one could still practice true ninjutsu this day for, as established in previous chapters, true ninjutsu was originated for warfare purposes of the previous centuries.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and the spy-game has changed dramatically in terms of techniques, tools, and weaponry.

Where the mud-encrusted scout once provided tactical intelligence on enemy troops by silently enduring through the vicissitudes of the elements, the camera, satellite, and drone have now become the finest apparatuses for the acquisition of battlefield information. Today, the warfare functions of the ninja have been replaced with the rise of electronic surveillance technologies, information dragnets, special-forces, and the variety of personnel and services of three-letter agencies CIA, FBI, NSA, etc.

It would be wrong for one to attach the term ninjutsu to any of these examples for it would imply that true practitioners of ninjutsu have always been active, even from the time of 17th century Japan when the skills were reportedly dying out. No, true ninjutsu is no longer practiced, but its principles and techniques still live on within the manuals of Natori Masazumi, Fujibayashi Yasutake, Chikamatsu Shigenori, the Hattori family and many more.

What follows below are a few examples of how ninjutsu principles are timeless, and are therefore still applicable to modern conflict and the mundane. These articles are listed within the Bansenshukai with roman numerals applied by the translator. The shinobi should be deployed to the geographic region of interest prior to the inception of battle. The shinobi can map the gathered information or memorize it depending on the circumstances. For example, a modern rendition of this principle would include visiting the area in advance and scoping it out with a video camera taking note of indicators of potential predators, water sources, the type and extent of vegetation, and locations of various other useful facilities or resources.

The more information gathered, the better. This information can then be integrated into the plan for the trip. Agreed this is a mundane example, but remember that the potential applications are innumerable.

The article differs from the first though in delineating what type of information could be gathered. Admittedly though, this compactness can be deceptive, allowing for its inner secrets to be ever elusive to the one who does not read between the lines and recognize the potential applications of principles rather than specific techniques.

For example, Fujibayashi discloses in the Bansenshukai the importance of learning, for intelligence purposes, the ways of the people of a given region including their habits of language and dress. Mendez discloses how one particular propaganda campaign he was engaged in was tailored to take advantage of the Buddhist belief system of the people targeted. Guerilla Warfare and Incendiary Devices Modern texts on guerilla warfare have parallels to the guerilla tactics of shinobi, particularly in the use of incendiary devices.

For example, it is well-known that shinobi were used to infiltrate enemy fortifications to set them ablaze. This tactic facilitated the division of enemy forces, as many men would have to be dispatched to put out the fires. While confusion ensued, the other enemy troops would find themselves engaged by a shinobi-allied strike team. The U. Army Special Forces Guide to Unconventional Warfare contains techniques and recipes for incendiary devices to be used in sabotage of wooden structures as well as other combustible targets.

Cameras and Counter-Surveillance In modern society, technology has given criminals new options of approach in targeting a victim for violent, extortive, or other types of crime. For instance, surveillance technologies take many unexpected forms which can afford the user significant advantages over the selected target. These technologies are likely to be simple respecting their components, consisting of nothing more than a microphone with some sort of camera.

But what is important to remember about surveillance systems is that they can be disguised to look like any other mundane, innocuous item. The two pictures below fig.

The contained camera is hooked up to its own battery supply and a portable recording device for digital video DVR. A system like this may be bought or made by any willing individual and then planted within the vicinity of a target to gather data without arousing suspicion. Along with this awareness, one should resolve to make feckless the very function of surveillance systems by exhibiting unpredictable behavior.

This can include breaking patterns of coming and going, leaving home at arbitrary times, and even setting up counter-surveillance deploy your own system to watch for suspicious activity. Whatever resolution one chooses, the essential point here is to know the tricks and tools of the enemy, for only by knowing what technologies exist can one construct effective counter-measures against those who would maliciously use them.

How might someone use surveillance technology for malicious ends? In general, surveillance methods are used to gather information on the intended target of interest which would inform future tactical decisions. In protecting oneself against surveillance it is important to note that adequate surveillance prior to an assault or an attack is a patient procedure that does not owe allegiance to any side of a conflict.

For example, a major topic of public debate as of late has been what to do about terrorism, as the army of ISIS has been receiving recruits from the U. Some think an attack can happen here any day now. Photography and video recording of specific places and events. Graphing a map of the area. Unfortunately, as evidenced above, terrorists employ the same sorts of warfare principles as the shinobi of history.

Therefore by studying ninjutsu, one can come to develop a counter to terrorism in that the potential victims of terroristic activities are, to a degree, educated on the tactics of terrorism know the enemy. Corrupting the Nature of Security Work as a security guard or watchman is rather simple, observe the environment and report if anything is amiss or out of place.

Skills of observation and memory are key to serving well as a security guard, for if you lack these essential skills, one might get the better of you by breaking in, stealing, or otherwise manipulating personnel to gain access to what they seek. On this note, of manipulation, it should be pointed out that the very function of a security guard or watchman, particularly that of observation, can be exploited for malicious or deviant purposes.

Tendo Chido Narai is a chapter of the Shoninki which offers insight as to how this might occur. To insure the plan to enter in such a way, the infiltrator might implement a strange display of lights say fireworks, a holographic projector, or a fleet of Chinese floating lanterns, etc.

Only the seasoned or astute sentinel would question whether such a ploy was indeed meant to distract from potential gaps in the secured perimeter. Likewise, if one desired to enter from above, say a roof, the intelligent infiltrator would employ a distraction on the ground below. There are many ruses that one can think of that might suffice a particular situation.

A partner could feign a heart attack or sudden onset of illness, perhaps even rudely argue with a doorman to make a scene, meanwhile the infiltrator would enjoy the convenience of entering the facility by a window or other roof-bound entrance while security is distracted. It is truly remarkable how the very function of security can make the defended area insecure. Understandably, if one prepares everywhere, one will be weak everywhere, or so the adage goes.

But consider this — all techniques of self-defense are predicated on easily absorbed and adaptable principles. Firstly, Yasutake unequivocally writes that shinobi are essential to mastering the art of war. To do this is the function of intelligence which was the key tradecraft of the shinobi. The shinobi would sneak behind enemy lines and surreptitiously accrue as much intel as possible before venturing back to allied territory.

It was a very dangerous process, quite different from the specific methods of modern intelligence that rely on the high technology of satellites and social media platforms. Where the ninja once used stone pencils and paper to draw up maps of enemy fortifications, modern warfare practices employ the 1.

It is the principle of intelligence that serves as the basis of new intelligence gathering techniques. From Stephen K. Upon viewing the wares of this instructor or that, it may be concluded that the quality of these supposedly authentic ninjutsu systems varies from one to the next my personal favorite being the fine work done by Yoshi Sheriff of Akban which exhibits an exceedingly precise finesse in movement and skill. But the allure of ninjutsu as a self-defense system operating in the realm of physical altercations i.

Of course they did! This is where things get dicey. We will look for answers to these questions, but first, here are some important points to bear in mind: 1. Shinobi-no-jutsu was an adjunct art of samurai who, prior to learning shinobi-no-jutsu skills and traditions, were often already highly trained in a variety of combat skills which included hand-to-hand styles.

In speaking of ninjutsu, it is impossible to establish the credibility of a particular system without historical documentation, as the ninja are warriors of a chronological period that has been buried by the sands of time. We now exist in the 21st century, not feudal Japan, so we must resource historians and archaeologists to verify the authenticity of a ninjutsu system. I am not an historian by degree or profession.

I am a commoner who has taken the time to study historical texts on ninjutsu in order to construct conclusions about this appealing but misunderstood art. This process of cultivating truth concerning matters of ninjutsu, has thus far taken me 8 years and has been, at times, difficult as I strive to move along a path towards clarity. Ninjutsu is something close to my heart, so I will not abuse it by pretending to be without an awareness of the texts that define it i.

The translated texts are quite clear, true ninja have long ago departed this realm. What we have of their traditions are vestigial remains. I know the keen of you will point out that, in my not being Japanese, or speaking the language, that I am deluded to believe I can grasp a full understanding of the art. This is a fine criticism. But I have to ask, who does have a full understanding of the art?

By understanding the principles, you will understand ninjutsu. By understanding these principles, you will know the value and extent of ninjutsu as a self-defense system. The texts tracked down by Antony Cummins and translated by Yoshie Minami are quite sufficient for the purpose of inferring or deducing these principles.

So, where does this leave us regarding our question of ninjutsu and self-defense? Recognize how information can make or break you. The shinobi of old were adept at spreading propaganda instrumented to twist the psychology of the masses.

Rudiments of logic were indispensable to a shinobi as it was often the situation that he had to cut through the misinformation and disinformation spread by enemy ninja. On another note, you should understand that everything we do evinces information of some variety. What you drive; how you dress; your internet traffic; the content you put on social media; whether you plant flags in your yard; whether you speak with confidence or prefer not to speak, all of these offer insights into your personality and inner psychology.

How do your enemies, if you have any, perceive you? Be prepared to endure through difficult times. The universe is unpredictable, so to go about your merry way without any thought towards cultivating a preparedness plan or a hardy mentality is inviting pain.

Learn to think outside the box of a pugilistic means to defense. It is easy to get dragged into the currents of self- defense sensationalism that profits peddlers of weapons, a macho mentality, or extreme strength. There is greater glory in averting danger and war than there is in prevailing through it.

Know what you are willing to live or die for. The shinobi sealed an allegiance with his lord that remained interminable unto death. Who are you answerable to? Your friends? Your family? In defending yourself or those you love, how far are you willing to go? Goshiki-Mai 5 Colored Rice : This ancient ninjutsu method entails the deposition of colored rice within an area of operations to convey information to allies.

The rice would be placed in accord with a pre- established, closely guarded crypt-key to avoid unwanted decryption of the message. Different arrangements of the colored rice conveyed distinct meanings intelligible to only those possessing the crypt-key.

Method Disadvantages: 1. Method Advantages: 1. Leave messages in inconspicuous, but readily visible places. You may inform your communications team on what specific placement method is preferred i. The total amount of colored rice to carry should not be cumbersome, and the amount dispensed for each coded message should be kept to a minimum.

Be sure to devise a crypt-key, patterns for rice placement, and instruct each communications team member on the type of information that is to be conveyed this will vary by the scenario. Do not allow for witnesses of message placement and inform team members on protocol if a coded message seems to be tampered with i. Above all, guard the crypt-key. Escape and Evasion: Lockpicking It has been well-documented by Stephen Nojiri and the works of Antony Cummins that the skillset of a shinobi included the art of lockpicking.

This art would have been used for a variety of purposes, from surreptitious entry into a restricted area, to escaping capture. In application of the principle, it is well that one routinely practice bypassing modern locks and learn of their components and security features. You may start by purchasing a lock-pick set, or smith your own tools from flexible but durable metals. You can purchase several tumbler pin locks for pragmatic practice, as these are among the most common locks encountered today.

Believe it or not, this article of fabric is brimming with utility. Note that, as with any concealment holster, this technique of drawing demands practice. The gun could snag; you may wear too thin of material that displays an obvious profile of the tool; you might even wear the hoodie too loose, thus potentiating the possibility of the firearm dropping to the ground. This article is for informational purposes only, and therefore I am not responsible for your lack of conscience in failure to train safely also, CCW permits are typically required by law to do this…check your laws.

When draw is necessary, use your thumb to guide the firearm to open display photo 2 then grip and draw. Once again, practice…practice…practice. If you found the technique worthwhile, depending on your life circumstances, extra magazine holders and a specifically designed muzzle holder could be sewn on to your hoodie. Be creative, but be realistic. Hoodies are a common article of clothing, so think of how it can be used to benefit you aside from elemental protection.

As for historically documented, academic cases of shinobi climbing trees to evade capture, I cannot cite any at this time, though it is a certainty that the shinobi were familiar with a wide variety of methods of concealing themselves among the vegetation of woodland. A shinobi is thought to have used his obi belt to climb trees. Rather than use an obi, as effective as it is, one can instead use a hoodie as a climbing implement for those stubborn trees without branches.

The technique is easy enough. You may feel like a lumber-jack. I know I did. Just be sure to wrap your hands with the loose ends of the hoodie, otherwise you may end up with a couple of scrapes on your knuckles. I mean, if we were to ask "What is ninjutsu? Insomuch that words are symbols used to describe phenomena, ninjutsu eludes our observation because its phenomena are confined to the past.

Naturally, we cannot describe, let alone define, what we cannot observe. In other words, our understanding of ninjutsu will be haunted by the possibility that "kuden" would clarify what we think we know.

The corollary here, is that the true contours and boundaries of the art will never be known to us; we have just a few drops of water from the ocean of shinobi knowledge.

But we don't fret over this, but rather enthusiastically, we begin delving into the records left behind. Then, we are faced with yet another obstacle to defining ninjutsu - language barriers. As with the English language, many modifications have been made to the Japanese language throughout the centuries. Consequently, without a modern expert in the tongue used by the authors of historical ninjutsu records, we will inevitably be found grasping in the dark for the essence of the art and even with a linguist, we will not have the whole truth.

Summarily: We have a dilute vestige of ninjutsu to hold onto. This is my justification for experimenting with the concepts of the art, and hence, creating something new from its ashes. We must apply the principles of ninjutsu to the modern world if we are to keep its touted heart alive - a heart made "to endure".

No doubt, the historical records of ninjutsu imbue the reader with the understanding that observation that capacity to perceive, apprehend, and record information , was considered of fundamental importance to the art. So, if you are not learning how to observe a target or conduct basic surveillance of a locality, let alone survey an entire territory and for what purposes , then you are missing a vital step along your path.

But before I get to this content, we must reflect on the history of ninjutsu as it was used during the feudal period so as to evoke those principles of scouting that are still applicable to the contemporary period.

It is well-known that shinobi were typically employed as spies. Scroll after scroll, one can find historical references that declare the function of a ninja was to 'know an enemy', fulfilling the opposing diametric of Sun Tzu's admonition to commander's that they know the capabilities of their own armies. According to the Art of War, by knowing yourself, and knowing your enemy, victory in conflict may be certain, and so it is no wonder that shinobi were known to provide an essential intelligence service to any army of the time.

Shinobi scouted out territories to produce intelligence that could better inform their lords should a crisis of military nature spring into existence. They assessed infrastructure, roads, ports, and watercourses as well as the behavioral dispositions and appearances of the people in the region of interest.

The categories of regional detail that these agents found relevant to their occupation were numerous, and comprehensive enough to allow for successful Yo-nin infiltration of the community at hand should a directive to do so be issued from their commander.

As alluring as it is to think of the shinobi as a lone "master" of will and force, we must understand at this point that his services were part of a well-organized feudal military machine. Contrary to the notion of shinobi autonomy, it has been established from such ninjutsu texts as the Bansenshukai that an agent's loyalty to higher authority was considered a critical determinant of a mission's success.

In sum, the 'why' of shinobi scouting revolved around military success, and thus, survival of the state or domain of his lord. But dont worry, the skills of scouting are still relevant, and were likely used by the shinobi despite the decline of their military status during the Edo period. This brings us to the next question, 'how' did shinobi scout? As you may be aware, their is a wealth of variations in methodologies a shinobi would use, depending on the situation of course. A few of these are covered in the Hoi no Maki Volume of Principles of Chikamatsu Shigenori, which advises agents to travel widely, and visit as many towns and territories as possible to gain valuable acquaintances or informants as well as knowledge of the areas customs, manners of dress, the dispositions of the military, and more.

This information came by way of the human senses and interaction with the public. Recording the information was done by relegating it to long-term memory, or by taking detailed notes through the use of a sekihetsu stone pencil.

More clever means of recording information in view of onlookers were developed as well, for instance, shinobi would count items or people of interest by dropping beans to the ground. After finishing his count, he would simply subtract the number of beans left in his pockets from the number he started with to arrive at the value of interest. He could count large numbers of troops with this method without attracting much attention at all.

Instead of gathering intelligence on enemy capabilities, we can gather intelligence on the surrounding and outlying areas to inform our emergency response plans. Pay particular attention to roads, waterways, population centers, distances between towns, the size of each town, city, and county. You can assist your surveillance efforts by purchasing an on-board camera for your vehicle to log your trips and record important details.

Visit them from time to time, and as you become familiar with these places, gradually extend your circumspection to more distant locales. I prefer recreational parks for this purpose, as caches can be readily hidden in forested or foliated terrain.

Include within these caches life sustaining equipment such as firestarters, ammunition, medical supplies, food, water, cordage, and the like.

If you have connected with a "shadow" in a distant town, arrange a dead-drop site for clandestine emergency communications with this person.

In order to understand the history of Ninjutsu or the ninja, one has to totally release these terms as they only represent how we currently see Ninjutsu. The Hojo Godai-ki uses other terms for ninja such as rappa and seppa , while the Koyo Gunkan uses kagimono-kiki. In the 6th century BC, the Sonbu no heiho contained early Japanese military strategy. According to historians, there is a chapter at the end of this book that contains the fundamentals of Ninjutsu.

Was Ninjutsu the martial art that made the teachings of Sun Zi about deception and invisibility possible? As immigrants began to arrive in Japan from China and Korea, the styles of kenpo Chinese martial art using bare hands and weapons , and genjutsu techniques of illusion and conjuring were mixed with the local techniques of Japan.

Among these immigrants were warrior monks and military personnel that settled in mountainous areas where they met the yamabushi hermits of the mountains. These mountain hermits, warrior monks, and ascetics used early forms of Ninjutsu. It was in this time that these yamabushi developed the mysterious and supernatural persona of the ninja we know today.

Even though these warriors remained separated from society, many senior government officials and warrior families maintained close relationships to these yamabushi who, at times, carried out jobs that needed to be kept secret.

To fully understand Ninjutsu as a martial art, one must first comprehend the combat culture of Japan in that era. You will see the use of Shinobi by the elite class Emperors, Princes and shoguns military leaders equivalent to generals. As you see, Japan went through an intense time of war which gave rise to bugei. The mastery over these weapons and techniques during this time began to be classified as the samurais of the Kamakura period came to power.

Keep in mind that the warrior arts up to a certain period were very inflexible and linear. Just imagine wearing the armor used in battle, it was heavy and probably limited movement, although the bujutsu at that time included techniques with and without armor.

With the introduction of the firearm by the Portugese in , and an impending Western threat, times had changed culturally and traditional Japanese knowledge and warrior tradition gave way to Western techniques in industry.

Around this period — , Kano Jigoro founded Judo the way of flexibility from a mx of ancient Japanese warrior traditions and Western thought. In the s Karate came in from neighboring Okinawan islands from Funakoshi Gishin — Ueshiba Morihei — , the founder of aikido, made great strides combining traditional bujutsu with a deep spiritual connection. Jujutsu had been around since the Sengoku period of the Muromachi period in and was founded by Takenouchi Hisamor.

Ninjutsu, on the other hand, took a totally different path. Ninjutsu is not bujutsu, nor can it be classified as a competition art. Unlike other martial arts where you directly face your opponent while performing a set of moves, the Shinobi is like a ghost to the opponent. Deception, in any martial art is a great weapon, and no other art deals with deception better than Ninjutsu. The ninja controls time and information, specializing in evasion and direct, rapid action. It is no wonder why the lords of feudal Japan kept Ninjutsu practitioners nearby.

Albeit obscure, Ninjutsu has been around a very long time and continues to survive in the present moment.