BLOW GUNSBlow Guns/Darts (the assassin's tool), are one of the ninja's silent deadly tools, used for a stealth kill (such as to kill a sentry or highly protected victim), by merely dipping the point of the dart in a poison or sleeping agent, sometimes an old rusty nail can do just as much damage if you don't get to the doctor soon.
Blow Guns are made in various lengths, since different lengths are required for different lengths of shot
CLAWS Claws were invented to enable a ninja to scale the walls of buildings, trees, poles, etc.
The claw actually originated from a wooden clog type of tool worn under the tabi (Japanese split-toed shoe), which was used to walk on or through snow or ice to get better grip. Thus the clog developed into the foot spikes we have today, called Ashuku. They are now worn tied to ones shoes with leather or string.
Claws worn on the hands are called Shuko. They were used also used in combat, to rake or scratch the opponent. Because of the broad band worn around the hand, it could also be used to block sword attacks.
Many centuries ago when ninjutsu was still in a barbaric form, and someone was attacked by a ninja wearing these Ashuku and Shuku, the victim often appeared and was considered, by those who found the body, to have been attacked and killed by a wild animal, such as a lion etc.
Grappling HookThe grappling hook is mainly used for scaling and climbing walls and trees.
Many variations of climbing tools were used, such as fold up ladders, made up of collapsable bamboo poles with hooks, or roll-up rope ladders etc.
TONFAThe Tonfa originated on a Japanese island called Okinawa.
It was actually a wooden handle from a rice grinding stone.
The weapon was actually devised for various Karate schools, but was latter taken up by the ninja for their own purposes.
The tonfa is still used today by our armed and security forces, because of its effective defensive and offensive techniques.
STARS Throwing stars are commonly known as a ninja's weapon, when in fact the samurai class and various other martial arts groups where known to use these throwing stars.
There are numerous different shapes and sizes of these throwing stars.
In centuries past, the shape of the throwing star would tell from which group or clan they come from.
The correct term for all multi-pointed throwing blades is actually Shaken and not Shuriken. Shuriken refers only to the one or two pointed throwing spikes, also called Dirks.
These shaken or shuriken are a versatile addition to the ninja's arsenal.
There is a wide misunderstanding that they are thrown to kill, when in fact they are mainly used to injure or distract the opponent.
Only a highly skilled artist could cause death, taking into account also the type of throw and point of impact on the opponents body. Though it must be said that the opponent would only die from loss of blood or lack of air intake.
The Koga style does not only involve throwing these objects, but also uses them in close combat, such as cutting, stabbing or even prying the lock of a door or window.
The two most common methods of throwing are:-
Ax Throw
Waist Throw
TANTOThis is the knife fighting part of our training.
It is usually taught after the student fully understands all the aspects of alimentation and body movement.
Traditionally the Tanto was used as a suicide weapon.
It was generally understood that if you could not complete your mission you would disgrace yourself and your school or clan, and the only way to keep from dishonoring your clan would be to commit ritual suicide using your own blade (usually this was done with the Tanto).
NUNCHAKUNunchaku are actually derived from a tool used to flail rice, so that the husks and any small sticks could be blown away by the wind.
The nunchaku is a very lethal weapon. When swung at speed, it can deliver hundreds of pounds of striking pressure. One strike to the head could kill or maim for life.
The nunchaku is a very capable tool for blocking/deflecting, ensnaring, choking and striking an opponent or would-be attacker.
SHINOBI-ZUEThe Shinobi-Zue is one of the ninja's famous hidden weapons.
It is a spear which is cleverly disguised as an ordinary stick/hanbo.
It, along with many other weapons such as blow pipes, swords or even "poison water" shooting devices, were developed so that they could be easily concealed and carried in public.
Many similar devices are still common in today's modern society.
KYO-KETSU SHOGAIThe Kyo-Ketsu Shogai is a straight and hooked bladed weapon attached to a chain and ring.
This weapon is used to ensnare the opponent and then cut or stab him. The hook can also be used as a climbing instrument, such as the grappling hook.
NINJA-TOThe Ninja-To ("Sword Of Darkness") is a sword, shorter than the Samurai's Katana (sword), has a straight blade and square hand-guard, rather than the Katana's curved blade and oval hand-guard.
The Ninja-To is also a forged blade, but it is made of a much cheaper steel than the Katana, due to the fact that the ninja regards his sword as a tool, whereas the Katana is seen as a precious soul mate to it's Samurai.
The Ninja-To also consists of a scabbard and a tsuba.
The scabbard was used both as a tool in combat and as a breathing pipe when hiding under water.
The tsuba was used as a step or hooking tool and could also be used when striking or pressing on a pressure point.
The tip of the scabbard was removable, so that poisons, potions and blinding powder, etc., could be stored in it.
Besides cutting and slicing, the shiny blade was used to reflect sunlight in order to send signals and also to blind the opponent.
KUSARI GAMAThe Kusari Gama is a further development of the Kama.
It consists of a Kama with a chain hidden inside the handle.
A quick twist of the handle would provide the ninja with a weapon similar to the Kyu-Ketsu Shogai, capable of ensnaring his opponent with the chain while he chops or hooks with the blade.
KUSARI-FUNDUThe Kusari-Fundu consists of a chain, almost an arms length, and two small weights, one on each end.
It can almost be considered an assassin's tool, due to the various multitude of choke- and strangleholds for which it can be used.
The Kusuri-Fundu is also a superb weapon for grappling and striking.
It is a diverse tool which can be used in a similar fashion to nearly any other tool.
KAMAThe Kama originated from a rice sickle.
Kama is usually used in pairs when in combat. Either one blocking/deflecting and the other cutting, hooking or chopping.
The tools vary in size depending on the user's preferences, but generally the handles are approximately 35 - 40cm in length with a curved blade affixed at 90 degrees to one end of each.
HANBOThe hanbo is 4ft staff/pole, made of either wood, strong plastic or a light metal.
Techniques are taught in striking, parrying, performing locks, holds and takedowns.
The hanbo is probably the nearest one can come to sword-fighting, without having a cutting edged weapon. The stances, footwork and body movement are the bases for sword training.
YARI-SPEARTraditionally the spear was taught to females in order for them to protect themselves while their male counterparts were elsewhere.
The spear is known as the Yari. In ninjutsu it is taught as Yarijutsu.
The Yari is seldom used as a throwing weapon (like a javelin), but rather using it as a cutting, stabbing and jabbing tool. It's use requires a greater body movement in order to obtain the higher technique compliance's.
JOThe jo is a short stick, approximately 40 - 50cm in length.
Due to the history between Japan and China, where people were not allowed to carry any weapons, the people were forced to find other methods and instruments to protect themselves with. One of the weapons they used was the jo. Since it was only a short stick, it wasn't considered to be a weapon by the authorities of that time, and could therefor be carried on one's person. It was also readily available along the roadside.
Hundreds of techniques were thus developed, ranging from strikes to locks to takedowns to strangleholds.
Using the correct methods this little stick could become quite lethal.
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