Get the truth on the Ninja and their beginnings

VIDEO: Watch this incredible video on the next page showing the teachings of ninjutsu!

The ninjas were masters of stealth and disguise, some of their training and actions were comparable to that of modern day spies. It is even said in legend that the original ninjas had the ability to turn invisible. This is likely not true of course, but it speaks to the reactions of people who encounter the ninja and their stunning abilities.

Now on to the violence and weapons. Many think that the main weapon Raizo uses, the kyoketsu-shogei or (knife on chain) was not an original ninja weapon however it was! After thinking that this weapon is fake many say that the way Raizo is able to use the shogei is unnatural and would be impossible, however this is simply not true because in the movie and in real life, ninjas trained every day, almost all day, for many many years. Doing so would make anyone good at this skill or any skill for that matter, as in if all you did was play video games all day everyday for ten + years you would probably be pretty damn good, same applies to the use of ninja weaponry.

Another common ninja weapon we usually see in ninja movies is the shuko which are spiked claw that helps them climb faster. A poison dart is also used, as a ninja usually carry them in their mouths so when the situation calls for the enemy to be killed it would just be so easy to give their opponents a peaceful death. The female ninja, called kunoichi, usually carry them in their hair. Kakute is a ring dipped in poison. The poisoned ring is used to strangle an opponent to death leaving lesser evidence. The bow and arrow is used both by the ninja and samurai, they could be long or short bows dipped in poison.

Ninjutsu is a form of martial arts that can be characterized by its similarity to modern day spies. Among other things, it focused on stealth, disguise, espionage, and guerrilla warfare tactics as well as skills in a variety of different weapons. Ninjutsu has certainly changed since the time it was first employed, however it maintains its roots in history, and the culture of the ninja lives on today.

Typically, ninjas are labeled as assassins but they were in fact were honorable warriors, and experts in all forms of combat. They move as fast and as discreet as the wind, this is taught to them during their training, therefore a ninja was known to be one who can move almost being unseen. Ninja training specialized in the art of enduring and persevering through the most difficult conditions. As a matter of fact, one translation of ninja known as Shinobi literally means Heart over Blade. The concept of Shinobi is to keep going, even when the enemy has a blade over your heart, and to never give up!

Put in mind that one should not just undergo the rigid ninja training just because they find it cool, there is more to being a ninja. Remember that in history, ninjas were warriors and servants and you could still be now.