Shinobifuku- The Ninja Outfit

Standard Ninja Outfit

As I'm sure everyone is aware the outfit shown to the right is a classic example of traditional ninja attire. But these clothes held more purpose than simply concealing a ninja from attackers. The toe shoes or Tabi for example served the purpose of either throwing of trackers with an unusual foot print or gaining a better grip while climbing. The main outfit of course was made so that the ninja would have unimpeded movement but it also could carry special tools or supplies that could one day save a ninja's life.

Ninja Food

Typical sake bottles

A pile of sesame seeds

My pupils I want you to learn about the ninjas food supplies. Besides herbs and some rice a ninja also kept a supply of special tablets. These tablets were used to keep energy up while on a long stakeout or mission. One recipe for such a tablet to stave off hunger is honey, grains (such as wheat), carrots, rice, and sake. For those of you who don't know sake is a Japanese rice based alcohol. Another recipe for these "hunger pills"includes ginseng, rice, flour, and potato, soaked in sake for three years and then formed into little balls. There is even a recipe for "thirst pills" (consisting of pickled plums), intended to help a ninja stave off dehydration. Sesame seeds and leeks were chewed or sucked on to stimulate saliva production to help stave off thirst. I have asked a nutrition expert and she said that these tablets were indeed effective. You now know one of the ninjas secrets to surviving. Until we meet again.

Shuriken

It is about time i taught you about the shuriken. Commonly people think of the shuriken as a throwing star, and most people believe that the shuriken is a star shaped projectile that is thrown at the target. While in fact contrary to popular belief shuriken actually means "hand-hidden blade" or "behind-hand knife." Originally the shuriken was a simple and small blade that could be hidden behind the hand and thrown or rather flicked, with a quick motion to distract, delay, blind, kill, or poison (if the blade was poisoned-tipped of course). According to one source there were over 350 different kinds of shuriken, impressive I know. until we meet again. One is able to acquire a shurkien a budk.com there link is in my side bar.

The stances of the Ninja

It is about time for another lesson about the ninja ways.While ninja are masters of armed combat they were gods when came to unarmed fighting. The ninja knew that the key to victory is in their kamae or stance. The ninja used 4 kinds of stances each being associated to an element.

Shinzen no kamae (natural posture) This stance is associated with the element of earth. To an untrained eye this looks nothing like a fighting posture the ninja basically stands upright facing his opponent, feet slightly apart, and arms at his side. This is the ninjas default position allowing the ninja to quickly whip out an attack.

Ichimomji no kamae (defensive posture)

This stance is accosiated with the element water, and is used when on the defensive. The ninja turn sideways to his opponent and squats slightly, with his knees bent and his feet spread wide. His front foot points forward, while his back one is at right angles to it. His right arm is bent so that his elbow guards the ribs, while his left arm is extended in front. This position keeps his center of gravity low, and by leading with his hips he can swivel quickly to block the opponent while still generating extreme force.

Jumonji no kamae (offensive posture) This posture is associated with the element fire, and is used to launch attacking moves. But he just stands up mostly straight, with slightly flexed knees and the feet planted slightly further apart than his hips. He has 1 foot leading a bit

but with the toes slightly pointing in to that the body is turned at a very slight angle to the opponent. He holds his fists just in front of his chin, crossed at the wrist, with his elbows covering his ribs.

Hira no kamae (receiving posture) This posture is associated with the element air or wind. Despite its corporate parent, is partly a defensive posture, good for blocking kicks and punches and then segueing into attack.

The ninja stands facing his opponent with his feet spread slightly and his knees flexed a bit. His arms are spread wide and raised above the shoulders, with the palms facing forward. He can swivel quickly at the waist and allows them to block punches or kicks before they can land.

To make these positions work the ninja needs lighting fast reflexes and a well-coordinated body, but the majority of the force he can apply comes from good technique. By moving the correct manner and shifting his center of gravity properly, the ninja can channel all his kinetic energy into each move, or cancel out an opponent's energy. Use this information to your advantage. Until we meet again.

My Returning

I have finally returned from my secret meditation with the other masters of ninja training. I'm sorry I could not contact you while I was away but you, my valued readers, can expect many more teachings. Until our paths cross again, I hope it will be soon.

Hand Claws

I recently purchased these hand claws from the fine retailers of Budk.com. An add for their website is usually in my side bar. I found these hand claws to be made of a durable metal and to be study. All weapons, of the ninja kind or any kind from Budk.com are good, the prices are low and the weapons are quality. Until we meet again but I will be wary for you may have a weapon in which to defend your self with.

The Journey Heading out

Ninja one of the most feared fighters in ancient japan. But what does ninja actually mean? If translated ninja means one who is good at silent action. It can also mean one who endures. Another translation of ninja is shinobi no mono. Shinobi and nin both mean silent action or to endure. Mono and sha both mean person. Combined the make shinobi no mono or ninja. You the knowledge seeker have now taken the first step to becoming a knowledgeable person on the subject of ninjas. Until our paths cross next dear reader.