Robert G
18th May 2006, 21:30
Hello,
I have an English translation of a interesting Ninjutsu article that was written by Okuse Heishichiro, Koyama Ryutaro and Yumio Nawa. The article was written in a booklet form for a Ninja Exhibit held in August of 1966 entitled Ninja-Ten. This is part 1.
Translation of the booklet Ninja Ten (Ninja Exhibit) Part 1 of 2
Ninja Exhibit
History of Ninjutsu
There are many theories regarding the origin of Japanese Ninjutsu, but since it veiled in deep mystery, there exists no standard theory. However, it is believed that it came from ancient China and was developed into a unique art in Japan. In the famous ancient Chinese book on martial arts, Sonshi, Volume 13, Yohan Chapter, the method of using spies and the types of spies are described, in other books such as classic books and Bubishi, pictures are shown along with the recordings in utilizing the tools for stealing in.
It is estimated that it came to Japan around the time that Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Of course the person or persons introducing the art are not known for certain and there are many stories but it may possibly be attributed to monks or naturalized citizens.
Iga ryu and Koga ryu are so famous that they became synonymous with the word “ninjutsu” and this fact indicates that the Iga and Koga regions were the mecaa of ninjutsu. This is quite apparent according to the inherited historical documents and the traditions found in Japanese history.
Otomo-no Sainyu, body guard of Prince Shotoku: Shinobi Takoya courtier of Emperor Tenmu; Ongyoki, retainer of Fujiwara-no Chikata; cunning General Ise-no Saburo, staff member of Minamoto-no Yoshi-tsune; and 48 members of Iga Shinobi’s retainers of Kusunoki Masashige; etc., were all products of the mountainous regions mentioned above. The reason for its development as to the continental style of the surprise attacks and the steal-0in art in these mountains can be summarized as follows:
Due to the climate, local people’s temperament, the existence of many small local lords and the presence of many naturalized citizens who helped the natives absorb the progressive continental culture and frequent traffic of ascetics around the old shrines and temples which the region was infested with all of thee factors gave sufficient grounds for the birth, growth and polishing of ninjutsu, The fact is that many of the founders were originally ascetics. In fact, for the ninjutsu method of mind concentration and magic performance, the performers made a sign of kuji (lit. nine characters, a secret and sacred sign). For this reason, some believe that ninjutsu derived from the military practice if yamabushi (lit. mountain hermits) of the Shugendo sect.
Ascetic monks were the spear head of intellectuals at that time absorbing the continental culture and they were philosophers as well as scientists and medical doctors.
According to historical data, following the introduction of the gun to Tanegashima (a small island off of Kyushu), the monks from Negoro temple gave their attention to the guns and gun powder and took them for study, however there is a theory which says that gun powder was introduced to Ki Province (now Wakayama Pref), Koga and Iga Provinces prior to Tanegashima.
Iga and Koga’s art must have been a startling performance, almost supernatural, because of the mastery of techniques utilizing gun powder and fire and the superb prescription of medicines.
For two hundred years between the 15th and the beginning of the 17th century, which is called the Sengoku Period or era of civil wars, several tens of local lords divided the Iga basin and checked each other, repeating cunning wars for their self preservation.
Ninjustu was polished in such surroundings and developed into an organization of ninjutsu performers (called ninja which can also be translated as spy) within the organization, the natural formation of three classes took place, namely ue-shinobi, naka-shinobi and shita-shinobi (translated as upper, middle and lower class performers) and there was a control among them. For example momji Tanba and Fujibayashi Nagato were famous ue-shinobi who divided Iga region’s ninja organization in two.
In Tensho 9 (middle 16th century), Iga region rebelled for the second time against Lord Oda Nobunaga and the region was burned to the ground. The ninja organization was disbanded temporarily and they took refuge all over the country. Ninjutsu thus spread throughout the nation and some branches of Iga abd Koga ryu could be found in different places. The practice of hiring Iga ninja by the various feudal lords began about this time.
When the Honnoji Incident occurred in June Tensho 10 (middle 16th century) Tokugawa Ieyasu had just completed his excursion to Sakai City and was on his way to Kyoto with 30 of his retainers but his way was blocked because of the incident and he was put in a tight spot. At this time, one of its retainers, a native of Iga, named Hattori Hanzo arranged for 200 Iga people (ninjas) to help Ieyasu get back his territory safely. Since this group of 200 rendered distinguished service often under Ieyasu, he organized a group called “Igagumi” and appointed Hattori Hanzo as its head.
Ieyasu also later organized another group called “Kogagumi” consisting of 110 Koga ninjas who had distinguished themselves during the siege of Fushimi Castle in Keisho 3 (1598) and appointed Yamaoka Doami as the head of the group.
In Tensho 13 (middle 16th century) monk warriors from Negoro Temple rebelled against Toyotomi Hideyoshi , some were captured and others took refuge throughout the country. Tokugawa Ieyasu later requested pardon for these monks and took them in to organize groups called “Negorogumi”, each group consisted of 100 riflemen members. He sent 100 negoro members to each of his branch families in Kii Province and Owari Province.
As described above ninjas form Iga, Koga and Negoro became the intelligence service, body guards or modern weapon units of the Central Feudal Government. Ninjas who did not serve the central government were also assured a secure living under Todo’s (Lord of Iga Province) pacifying policy. It is well known history that the Koga ninja unit participated in the Shimabara Uprising (Christina Rebellion) in Kanei 15 (1638) but after that they served in the capacity of “Oniwaban” (lit. guards of the gardens, but the true nature was a spy) to be dispatched to different feudal states for collecting intelligence data but time passed and up to the Meiji Restoration they did not have a chance to perform spectacular services.
Techniques of Ninjutsu
1. Ninja’s Costume and Disguise
The apparel for the steal-in was lightweight with a dull color between black and grey. It consists of a coat with straight sleeves having no pockets, slacks called “Igabakama” (resembling knickers) hand covers, gaiters and socks heavily padded with cotton. The head and face are covered with a hood having an opening only for the eyes. A belt of the same color was bound around the waist and a sword called “ninjato” which was shorter than the standard sword was carried in the belt. This ninjato is sturdily made all around and is usually covered with black lacquer and has an oversized sword guard and tassel strings about 14 feet long.
The ninja carried a bag containing a shuriken, metsubushi and medicine. A bamboo container having kindling charcoal which was hung form the belt and a longs sack containing all types of tools which was carried diagonally on the back.
Depending on the surroundings, he wore an outer coat which had a dark brown lining. In case of snow, a white lining was used in the outer coat.
The hair style for ninja was called “shiho gami” with the hair of the temple shaved and the rest tied together at the tope of his head with the loose ends hanging.
“Shihode” (lit seven ways to go out) means the method of disguise which comes in seven basic forms, namely komuso (wandering flute player), yamabushi (itinerant priest) shukke (Buddhist priest), shonin (merchant) hokashi (tumbler) and sarugaki (monkey trainer) and ordinary man.
2. Walking and Running Techniques
Walking and running fast are of utmost importance to a ninja and it was normal for them to cover twenty kilometers per hour or 120 to 160 kilometers per day.
In “Shoninki” ten different foot works are described namely nukiashi (tiptoe), suriashi (sliding step), shimeashi, tobiashi (hopping), kataashi (one foot), ohashi (big step), koashi (small step), hashiriashi (running) and tsune-no ashi (normal steps). It also describes “ukiashi” (floating foot) as a step that one should perform with the feeling of a monkey walking on tree branches.
The techniques of “shinsotoko” (lit. true bush rabbit walk) is described as the step in which one places his left foot on his left hand , his right foot on his right hand and walks quietly on the edge of the walls. Also “yokoaluki” means to walk sideways to the left or right. The technique of walking on the toes or the tops of the feet to imitate a deformed person is also described.
In “Mansen-shukai” notations ion the walking method as part of the camouflage can be found.
3. Jumpimg Techniques
There are six ways to make a jump, namely maetobi (forward jump), ushirotobi (backward jump), takatobi (high jump), habatobi (broad jump) yokotobi (side jump) nanametobi (diagonal jump). It was standard for a ninja to make six meters by the broad jump, three meters by the high jump and fifteen meters by the jump down.
If it was necessary to jump down more than 15 meters, he opened his outer coat by holding the two bottom ends of his coat with his hands and the outer edge with his teeth to leap or used a parachute made of cloth.
Please enjoy the article.
Robert Gruzanski
I have an English translation of a interesting Ninjutsu article that was written by Okuse Heishichiro, Koyama Ryutaro and Yumio Nawa. The article was written in a booklet form for a Ninja Exhibit held in August of 1966 entitled Ninja-Ten. This is part 1.
Translation of the booklet Ninja Ten (Ninja Exhibit) Part 1 of 2
Ninja Exhibit
History of Ninjutsu
There are many theories regarding the origin of Japanese Ninjutsu, but since it veiled in deep mystery, there exists no standard theory. However, it is believed that it came from ancient China and was developed into a unique art in Japan. In the famous ancient Chinese book on martial arts, Sonshi, Volume 13, Yohan Chapter, the method of using spies and the types of spies are described, in other books such as classic books and Bubishi, pictures are shown along with the recordings in utilizing the tools for stealing in.
It is estimated that it came to Japan around the time that Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Of course the person or persons introducing the art are not known for certain and there are many stories but it may possibly be attributed to monks or naturalized citizens.
Iga ryu and Koga ryu are so famous that they became synonymous with the word “ninjutsu” and this fact indicates that the Iga and Koga regions were the mecaa of ninjutsu. This is quite apparent according to the inherited historical documents and the traditions found in Japanese history.
Otomo-no Sainyu, body guard of Prince Shotoku: Shinobi Takoya courtier of Emperor Tenmu; Ongyoki, retainer of Fujiwara-no Chikata; cunning General Ise-no Saburo, staff member of Minamoto-no Yoshi-tsune; and 48 members of Iga Shinobi’s retainers of Kusunoki Masashige; etc., were all products of the mountainous regions mentioned above. The reason for its development as to the continental style of the surprise attacks and the steal-0in art in these mountains can be summarized as follows:
Due to the climate, local people’s temperament, the existence of many small local lords and the presence of many naturalized citizens who helped the natives absorb the progressive continental culture and frequent traffic of ascetics around the old shrines and temples which the region was infested with all of thee factors gave sufficient grounds for the birth, growth and polishing of ninjutsu, The fact is that many of the founders were originally ascetics. In fact, for the ninjutsu method of mind concentration and magic performance, the performers made a sign of kuji (lit. nine characters, a secret and sacred sign). For this reason, some believe that ninjutsu derived from the military practice if yamabushi (lit. mountain hermits) of the Shugendo sect.
Ascetic monks were the spear head of intellectuals at that time absorbing the continental culture and they were philosophers as well as scientists and medical doctors.
According to historical data, following the introduction of the gun to Tanegashima (a small island off of Kyushu), the monks from Negoro temple gave their attention to the guns and gun powder and took them for study, however there is a theory which says that gun powder was introduced to Ki Province (now Wakayama Pref), Koga and Iga Provinces prior to Tanegashima.
Iga and Koga’s art must have been a startling performance, almost supernatural, because of the mastery of techniques utilizing gun powder and fire and the superb prescription of medicines.
For two hundred years between the 15th and the beginning of the 17th century, which is called the Sengoku Period or era of civil wars, several tens of local lords divided the Iga basin and checked each other, repeating cunning wars for their self preservation.
Ninjustu was polished in such surroundings and developed into an organization of ninjutsu performers (called ninja which can also be translated as spy) within the organization, the natural formation of three classes took place, namely ue-shinobi, naka-shinobi and shita-shinobi (translated as upper, middle and lower class performers) and there was a control among them. For example momji Tanba and Fujibayashi Nagato were famous ue-shinobi who divided Iga region’s ninja organization in two.
In Tensho 9 (middle 16th century), Iga region rebelled for the second time against Lord Oda Nobunaga and the region was burned to the ground. The ninja organization was disbanded temporarily and they took refuge all over the country. Ninjutsu thus spread throughout the nation and some branches of Iga abd Koga ryu could be found in different places. The practice of hiring Iga ninja by the various feudal lords began about this time.
When the Honnoji Incident occurred in June Tensho 10 (middle 16th century) Tokugawa Ieyasu had just completed his excursion to Sakai City and was on his way to Kyoto with 30 of his retainers but his way was blocked because of the incident and he was put in a tight spot. At this time, one of its retainers, a native of Iga, named Hattori Hanzo arranged for 200 Iga people (ninjas) to help Ieyasu get back his territory safely. Since this group of 200 rendered distinguished service often under Ieyasu, he organized a group called “Igagumi” and appointed Hattori Hanzo as its head.
Ieyasu also later organized another group called “Kogagumi” consisting of 110 Koga ninjas who had distinguished themselves during the siege of Fushimi Castle in Keisho 3 (1598) and appointed Yamaoka Doami as the head of the group.
In Tensho 13 (middle 16th century) monk warriors from Negoro Temple rebelled against Toyotomi Hideyoshi , some were captured and others took refuge throughout the country. Tokugawa Ieyasu later requested pardon for these monks and took them in to organize groups called “Negorogumi”, each group consisted of 100 riflemen members. He sent 100 negoro members to each of his branch families in Kii Province and Owari Province.
As described above ninjas form Iga, Koga and Negoro became the intelligence service, body guards or modern weapon units of the Central Feudal Government. Ninjas who did not serve the central government were also assured a secure living under Todo’s (Lord of Iga Province) pacifying policy. It is well known history that the Koga ninja unit participated in the Shimabara Uprising (Christina Rebellion) in Kanei 15 (1638) but after that they served in the capacity of “Oniwaban” (lit. guards of the gardens, but the true nature was a spy) to be dispatched to different feudal states for collecting intelligence data but time passed and up to the Meiji Restoration they did not have a chance to perform spectacular services.
Techniques of Ninjutsu
1. Ninja’s Costume and Disguise
The apparel for the steal-in was lightweight with a dull color between black and grey. It consists of a coat with straight sleeves having no pockets, slacks called “Igabakama” (resembling knickers) hand covers, gaiters and socks heavily padded with cotton. The head and face are covered with a hood having an opening only for the eyes. A belt of the same color was bound around the waist and a sword called “ninjato” which was shorter than the standard sword was carried in the belt. This ninjato is sturdily made all around and is usually covered with black lacquer and has an oversized sword guard and tassel strings about 14 feet long.
The ninja carried a bag containing a shuriken, metsubushi and medicine. A bamboo container having kindling charcoal which was hung form the belt and a longs sack containing all types of tools which was carried diagonally on the back.
Depending on the surroundings, he wore an outer coat which had a dark brown lining. In case of snow, a white lining was used in the outer coat.
The hair style for ninja was called “shiho gami” with the hair of the temple shaved and the rest tied together at the tope of his head with the loose ends hanging.
“Shihode” (lit seven ways to go out) means the method of disguise which comes in seven basic forms, namely komuso (wandering flute player), yamabushi (itinerant priest) shukke (Buddhist priest), shonin (merchant) hokashi (tumbler) and sarugaki (monkey trainer) and ordinary man.
2. Walking and Running Techniques
Walking and running fast are of utmost importance to a ninja and it was normal for them to cover twenty kilometers per hour or 120 to 160 kilometers per day.
In “Shoninki” ten different foot works are described namely nukiashi (tiptoe), suriashi (sliding step), shimeashi, tobiashi (hopping), kataashi (one foot), ohashi (big step), koashi (small step), hashiriashi (running) and tsune-no ashi (normal steps). It also describes “ukiashi” (floating foot) as a step that one should perform with the feeling of a monkey walking on tree branches.
The techniques of “shinsotoko” (lit. true bush rabbit walk) is described as the step in which one places his left foot on his left hand , his right foot on his right hand and walks quietly on the edge of the walls. Also “yokoaluki” means to walk sideways to the left or right. The technique of walking on the toes or the tops of the feet to imitate a deformed person is also described.
In “Mansen-shukai” notations ion the walking method as part of the camouflage can be found.
3. Jumpimg Techniques
There are six ways to make a jump, namely maetobi (forward jump), ushirotobi (backward jump), takatobi (high jump), habatobi (broad jump) yokotobi (side jump) nanametobi (diagonal jump). It was standard for a ninja to make six meters by the broad jump, three meters by the high jump and fifteen meters by the jump down.
If it was necessary to jump down more than 15 meters, he opened his outer coat by holding the two bottom ends of his coat with his hands and the outer edge with his teeth to leap or used a parachute made of cloth.
Please enjoy the article.
Robert Gruzanski