Ninja Weapons 101: Ninja weapons explained
Weapons used by Ninja and in the Martial Art of Ninjutsu
The martial art of Ninjitsu is certainly a mysterious one and the plethora of weapons used by Ninjas are as varied as they are deadly.
Ninjitsu may not be modernised, and not as popular as martial arts such as Karate or Kung Fu but it is actually useful martial art to learn about for self-defence. While it develops speed and stealth, it also utilises many weapons.
In this article, we discuss Ninjutsu and the most common weapons used by Ninja and those that practice Ninjutsu, one of the most mysterious of all types of martial arts.
What is Ninjutsu?
Ninjutsu is the study of the practices of the ninja.
Ninjas, also known as Shinobi, were mercenaries for hire in feudal Japan. Their main characteristics are well-known and have been popularised by video games, films and general appearances in pop culture since the 1980s.
Ninjas were trained in various aspects of espionage and infiltration.
These include numerous tactics that usually involve secrecy and deception. Ninjas have and were used to carry out tasks related to spying, assassinations, and guerrilla warfare.
Today, it’s still practised but its unusual nature prevents a complete modernisation. However, it is still just as useful.
Besides being a martial art of concealment, Ninjitsu stresses self-improvement and spiritual refinement. It teaches combat, water-based fighting, and horsemanship. Ancient ninjas were well-versed in geography, meteorology and pyro techniques.
Its weapon-based techniques are in a league of their own, and anyone who has the know-how regarding ninjitsu weapons and ninja techniques can defend themselves anywhere. An experienced ninjutsu practitioner can utilise all sorts of weapons for damage, including all foreign objects.
An Overview of Ninjutsu Weapons
Ninjutsu fighting techniques are divided on the basis of weapons. Ninjitsu weapons are mainly of the following types:
Swords - Katana
Sticks and staffs
Spears
Blades
Throwing weapons
Ropes and chains
Knowing how to use these weapons prepares ninjitsu trainees how to use any alternative objects they can find on the street or in situations where improvisation is necessary.
As time progressed, pyro techniques also became part of a ninja’s arsenal. Their explosive nature was deemed effective in causing damage and necessary distractions.
The Most Common Weapons of the Ninja
Ninjitsu has incorporated countless other weapons, but many have been lost because they were never recorded. There are many that people know about even today.
Let’s look a little closer at the primary weapons used in the art of Ninjutsu:
1. Katana: The Sword
The art of sword fighting taught in Ninjutsu falls under Kenjutsu. There are several types of swords used.
The Kata is a long, curved sword with a single-bladed edge. It was used primarily for slashing and cutting, and it was a versatile weapon. Samurai also used the katana, but ninjas often carried a shorter and straighter version called a ninjato.
Wooden swords (Bokkens) or bamboo swords (Shinai) can be found among practising novices. But the most iconic ones are the Katanas. These are curved and thin metal swords for slicing up the opponent
Nodachi is a large and heavy sword that is effective against enemies on horseback. The short counterpart of the Nodachi is the Wakazashi, which is a short sword for attacking nearby enemies
A Japanese Katana on display
2. Bo and Jo Staffs: Long a short wooden staffs
The stick in general is incorporated under the Bojutsu techniques. Thicker sticks, or Staffs, are effective means of countering swords. These include the Hanbo, Jo, and Bo with lengths of 3, 4, and 6 feet respectively.
Sticks, as in Escrima, are better used as defensive weapons and are made from wood or bamboo.
3. Yari: The Spear
The spear or Yari is the ninja’s weapon of choice for attacking horsemen. It is used to attack the enemy who is beyond close range without taking in any damage.
The Naginata is a similar weapon as it is a staff with a curved blade on one of its ends.
4. Tanto: A Shorter Blade
Apart from the sword, there are many blades and knives used in ninjitsu. The dagger or the tanto gained popularity for its compact size which allowed it to be hidden.
5. The Shuriken: The Throwing Star
No weapon is as synonymous with the ninja as the shuriken. These are sharp and compact throwing weapons.
Shuriken are small, star-shaped or flat, multi-pointed throwing weapons. They were used primarily to distract or disorient opponents, but could also be used for cutting or puncturing targets. Shuriken are easy to conceal and carry, making them an ideal weapon for ninjas.
6. The Sai: The Pronged Weapon
This is where Ninjitsu gets more creative. The Sai is a traditional weapon with three prongs and the ninja can use it to block swords and trap the opponent. It is used in pairs whereas the Jutte is used as a singular weapon.
7. Kusarigama: The Chain and Sickle
Nothing’s more painful than being hit by a chain. The Kusari Fundo takes it a step further and adds weights at its ends. The Kusarigama is the variation that also combines a scythe for maximum damage.
8. The Rope
The rope is a fundamental part of ninjitsu and is covered in Hojojutsu. The rope is mainly used to trap and disarm opponents. Rope-based weapons include the Kyoketsu-Shoge, which also uses a dart.
Other than these, ninjitsu incorporates many techniques that are used to slow down opponents or blind them temporarily. Ninjas have used them to escape for centuries.
9. Tekko-Kagi: Hand Claws
Tekko-Kagi are metal bands with sharpened spikes worn on the hands. They were used primarily for climbing, but could also be employed as a weapon for slashing or grappling in close combat.
These were made famous by the epic fight scene in American Ninja between Michale Dudikoff’s heroic Ninja, and the dastardly Black Star Ninja. The scene below also has every possible type of Ninja weapon plus some dubious others like Lasers!
10. Caltrops or Tetsubishi
Caltrops are small, four-pointed spikes that were scattered on the ground to impede or injure pursuers. Ninjas would use these to slow down enemies, damage their feet, or even puncture the hooves of pursuing horses.
11. Metsubshi: Blinding Powders
Metsubushi were small containers filled with blinding powder, such as ground pepper or ashes. Ninjas would throw these at their opponents to create a smokescreen, disorient enemies, or facilitate a quick escape.
12: Fukiya: The Blow-Gun
The blowgun was a simple, lightweight, and easily concealed weapon used by ninjas for shooting poisoned darts or needles from a distance. It was an effective tool for silent assassinations and likely was used in non-combat situations.
13. Kunai: The Dagger type Tool
A kunai is a multipurpose tool resembling a wide, short-bladed dagger. It was used for digging, prying, and climbing, but could also be used as a weapon in close-quarter combat or as a makeshift throwing weapon.
Summing up Ninja Weapons
Its clear that there were lots of different types of weapons used by Ninja and these would have been adapted, expanded, shortened and changed based on requirements and the general passing of time.
One thing that remains common to Ninjutsu practitioners of today is the use of swords, staffs and throwing weapons, which will always be associated with Ninjas, no matter what century we are in!
