NINJA WEAPONS

General Ninja Info about weapons

Shuko

Although many variations of this particular weapon existed, they typically consisted of two metal bands conjoined by a leather strip - one fitting around the palm and the other around the wrist. The upper band featured a variety of spike/claw-like protrusions that were useful for both offensive and utilitarian purposes, as well as in defensive techniques (disarming and such). The use of this weapon is still taught by the Bujinkan dojo under Masaaki Hatsumi.

Kyoketsu shoge

The Kyoketsu Shoge, which means "to run about in the fields and mountains", is a double edged blade, with another blade attached at 90 degrees to it. This is attached to 12-18 feet of rope, chain, or hair which then ends in a large metal ring. It is thought to have developed before the more widely known kusarigama (sickle and chain). Almost exclusively used by the ninja, the kyoketsu shoge had a multitude of useful applications. The blade could be used for pulling slashes as well as thrusting stabs. The chain or cord, sometimes made from human hair or horsehair for strength and resiliency, could be used for climbing, ensnaring an enemy, binding an enemy and many such other uses. The long range of the weapon combined a cutting tool with the capability to strike or entangle an enemy at what he perceived to be a 'safe' distance out of the way. When skilled with this weapon it could be used to entangle a sword and rip from the opponents hands rendering him harmless.

Swords

The ninja sword carried by the ninja was called ninjato or ninjaken and sometimes shinobi gatena. The swords came in various sizes and shapes. Very often they were shorter than the traditional Japanese samurai swords. Modern ninjato swords are straight and feature a square tsuba. The typical ninja sword carried by a ninja was similar to a regular wakizashi or short sword that was fitted inside a regular katana scabbard. This setup was used to deceive and opponent to think that the sword will take a longer time to draw the sword from the scabbard. Short swords also had an advantage in close quarter fighting and this made the sword so effective in the role of assassination or intelligence gathering

Kunai

A kunai is a Japanese tool possibly derived from the masonry trowel. In the hands of a ninja , could be used as a multi-functional weapon. The kunai was used by common folk as multi-purpose gardening tools and by workers of stone and masonry. the kunai is not a knife but something more akin to a crowbar. Many ninja developed weapons that were merely adapted farming tools.

Hanbo, Bo or Jo

Hanbojutsu, the art of wielding the hanbo (approximately 3 foot), is a focus in Kukishinden-ryu, one of the nine schools of the Bujinkan. Part of the importance in using this weapon is that is it approximately that of a walking cane. The hanbo can be used as a means of striking, restraining or even throwing someone. it is useful to know because stick are abundant and can be picked up if attacked.

Bojutsu, the art of wielding the bo (approximately 6 foot). Thrusting, swinging and striking techniques often resemble empty hand movements, following the philosophy that the bo is merely an "extension of one's limbs".

Jojutsu, the art of wielding the jo (approximately 4 foot). Techniques for the jo were reportedly invented by Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi. The uses of various stick weapons has existed in one form or another long before Muso Gonnosuke invented his techniques, but his school Shinto Muso-ryu was probably the first known professional, school that dedicated itself to the art of using a Jo against a swordsman. several traditional japanese schools used the jo like a sword. the added length of the jo was meant to give it an advantage over the sword. it's wood construction allowed a fighter to improvise a jo quickly from a tree branch or another pole.

Kusari-fundo

A kusari-fundo is a weighted short chain weapon . It's a close range weapon and is generally constructed of a steel chain or thick rope (for training purposes). This flexible weapon can be used to strike, snare or entangle an assailant or their weapon.

Naginata

A pole weapon that was traditionally used by members of the samurai class. It consists of a wooden staff with a curved blade on the end. Usually it also had a sword like guard (tsuba) between the blade and the shaft. The naginata was often used by foot soldiers to create space on the battlefield. They have several situational advantages over a sword. Their reach was longer, allowing the wielder to keep out of reach of his opponent. the long shaft offered it more leverage in comparison to the hilt of the katana, enabling the naginata to cut more efficiently. the weight of the weapon gave power to strikes and cuts, even though the weight of the weapon is usually thought of as a disadvantage.

Shuriken

("sword hidden in the hand") is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally for throwing and sometimes stabbing or slashing. They are sharpened hand held blades made from a variety of every day items such as needles, nails and knives, as well as coins, washers and other flat plates of metal. Shuriken were mainly a supplemental weapon in a ninja's arsenal. Shurikens were used to cause either nuisance or distraction.

Tachi

The tachi is a Japanses sword, often more curved and slightly longer than the katana. It is hung from the obi (belt or sash) with the edge down. It was usually worn by calvary on horseback where it was able to be drawn effeciently for cutting down footsoldiers.

Yari

The Japanese term for spear, or more specifically, the straight headed spear. The art of wielding the yari is called sojutsu. A yari can range in length from 3 to 12 feet. The longer versions were carried by foot troops while the samurai usually carried a shorter version of the yari.