I wanted to be a ninja when I was a teenager, so I became a US Marine because it seemed like about the closest I could get. I did some kendo and judo when I was younger and still practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to this day. I have about half a dozen books in my queue but once I finish them up I'll be getting your books. It's awesome to see this factual historical research and I intend to eat it up.
Mr. Cummins I thought that it was illegal for any Japanese to leave Japan during the 江戸時代(えどじだい) Edo Jidai or Edo time period (1603-1868)? And if the Ninja were to coversate in a foreign language with a foreigner during this time period would it not have been in Dutch? Because outside of 出島 (でじま)Dejima all other non-Japanese could not come into Japan without facing the death penalty, right?
To be fair, they were allowed to leave... they just couldn't come back. There's an account of one high ranked official (Or somebody like that, you'll have to forgive me) who was in China when the decision was made and he was stuck there because he couldn't go back to Japan. That's honestly going to drive me crazy trying to remember what his name was. Truth be told, it's not even on the tip of my tongue. That being said, I have read about how they did destroy the seafaring vessels and such, though once you were able to leave, you were gone. However, like I said, even Japanese weren't allowed back.
Anthony Sforza Thank you for your reply. I know of Nakahama Manjirō who was a Japanese fisherman who was shipwrecked and was picked up by US whalers and taken to the US during the Edo time period. My understanding was that if a Japanese during this time period could be put to death for trying to go to another country and would be put to death if they came back from another country.
I think the best modern analog for comparison to ninja are the military intelligence fields. Military intelligence includes the likes of undercover operatives, data analysts, linguists/interpreters, counterintelligence operatives, cartographers, and psych-ops/propaganda operatives to name a few.
Yes. Ninjas never existed as a different separate social or warrrior class from the Samurai. Being a Ninja was about a job or role--playing of the things you mentioned. That means that people from every class or social status performed the ninja role:samurais, merchants, peasants, common citizens, etc
Wow. Looking at the comments, Antony you have done so much. So many people have learned new things about shinobi no mono and samurai. Thanks for everything you have done.
Actually Bujinkan is not just hand to hand combat, it has Shinobi Iri, Ten Mon etc. and term "Ninpo Taijutsu" is term for the most effective martial arts that ninjas used, actually six of them. However, it is true that Togakure ryu, Komogakure ryu and Gyokushin ryu were not combative school (except "Tengu Sumo" in Togakure ryu), but Takamatsu sensei just took their sneaking movements and has turned in the basic Tai Sabaki. So you are correct, Ninpo Taijutsu is a modern term, but it has it's roots in history ;)
I have been doing a lot of research about the ninja because i always had the great idea of making a historical fiction story (maybe even an animated show) about the ninja. (art similar to avatar, the tone of samurai champloo, and the emotional creativity of steven universe) unfortunately, I was so blinded by popular media and became so dissapointed that most of my story was false about the ninja. this new information has made me rethink the story...the main character looks for the secrets of ninjutsu to complete his destiny only to find out it doesn't exist lol. imagine how disappointed he would be to know mostly everything he learned was a lie. I think that's a great story arc to fit in with history. what do u guys think?
I like the idea but I think the historical truth is more interesting then a disappointing. I'm not sure the myth could exist the same way in history except maybe through tall tales told to children. Maybe maturing into the knowledge that the main character is already undergoing basic training and unaware until more advanced teaching presents the nature of shinobi arts they're learning.
Do you think when these ninjutsu skills were passed down to others that perhaps in an attempts to keep the lineage alive they deployed 2 Heads of the lineage. One that was the face of the tradition and taught the masses and one that was responsible for teaching the next leader in secret?
The fact that most books don't use the term ninjatō about their sword makes sense. The iconic ninja sword probably didn't have a name. Katanas and tachis isn't ninja sword either. Sure doesn't mean they didn't use them from time to time. But the ninja swords were just that, swords.
I think there’s a misconception about modern ninjitsu, modern ninjitsu is a collection of all the martial art the ninja would learn but as Jinichi Kawakami said martial art is only part of ninjitsu so while your right about ninjitsu not being a martial art martial arts is part of ninjitsu so all schools teaching ninjitsu may not be teaching all of ninjitsu its still ninjitsu
Why has the ninpo taijutsu evolved so differently over the years than jujitsu? What's evident is that they used their arms and fighting skills in unorthodox ways (shorter yari's, for instance).
No problem at all mate. Enjoy. You have about 8 years to catch up on lol! Best start with my free download Shinobi Soldiers then get a copy of Samurai and Ninja. That will explain all.
Flexible like gymnastics or Bo Jackson? Either way, they weren't athletes in the sense of being involved in sports. Were they athletic? Sure, just think of them as being a soldier - they would be in shape. They trained for battle and probably did a fair amount of physical labor at the time. Some of their activities were focused on doing everyday things, just to gather information. Sometimes they would have a mission that was extremely physically demanding, like infiltrating a castle undetected. If you were asking if they were agile, that definitely would have been a beneficial trait. However, they weren't doing backflips in the middle of a battlefield or anything like that. Hopefully that answers your question.
So were the Ninja trained in unarmed combat like Jujutsu like the rest of the Samurai? Forgive my ignorance but with so much misinformation going around it's hard for me to completely erase the notion that the Ninja would not engage in empty hand fighting at least on occasion.
I thought that in-nin was like someone who was hidden from view, sneaking around or whatever, and yo-nin was hidden in plain sight. are you saying that yo-nin were just visible and without a disguise?
can someone clarify. one of the first thinvs being said is that there were no such thing as ninja hand to hand combat such as Ninpo taijutsu, but then he goes on to say that ninja hand to hand combat was no different then the systems of unarmed combat that had already existed in the local regions. But, isn't this exactly the modern definition of what Ninpo taijutsu is? By the way, Ninpo taijutsu is an umbrella term used to refer to the local forms of martial arts as well as those martial arts that were brought over to Japan by immigrants that were adopted by the ninja. Sorry for the spelling.
also, the point is that any form of combat done by a warrior trained in the arts of ninja is the same as any other warrior. basically ninja and hand to hand combat have zero connection.
Antony Cummins ok thank you. I mean no disrespect. I have never known you on a personal level, so I would never attack you personally. I'm just trying to understand you. Thank you for your response. I will heed your advice.
I remember reading a long time ago about a ninja assassination carried out by a dwarf, who hid in the cesspit of his target for several hours. When his target eventually sat down to relieve himself, the shinobi thrust upwards with a spear and killed him. Is there any truth to that? It sounds too over the top.
It completely depends on the nature of the mission. If one is to scout an enemy town/city to assess the strengths/weaknesses of the defenses, it may be beneficial to look like a casual wimpy peasant to avoid suspicion from the enemy military.
The fact is that there were no ninja that existed back then but there was shinobi the word ninja never existed in those time if I'm wrong prove it with evidence
Hahahaha...Names are smoke and mirrors ... There is only one human body ... so there are only certain techniques ... No matter what you call them ... and a little bit of mysticism on the outside never hurts and maybe creates a second of speed ... 😊😅😊😅
Ninpo taijutsu cannot exist, or evolve because...Omg because this guy believes he can define what exists, because of his interpretation of the interpretations, of the scrolls he was allowed to access. Research this guy before you drink his kool aid.
not at all Mr. Cummins I like how you talk about the shinobi no mono their was rough an hard there not weak they part samurai they follow nearly the same code they training in spying weapon tnt lock pick and running an night raids haha secret polices you said it lol hell yaeh chohojutsu I am commando type get out there eyes open l track down keep ear open kenjutsu bo shuriken trap setting survival rock climbing
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I wanted to be a ninja when I was a teenager, so I became a US Marine because it seemed like about the closest I could get. I did some kendo and judo when I was younger and still practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to this day. I have about half a dozen books in my queue but once I finish them up I'll be getting your books. It's awesome to see this factual historical research and I intend to eat it up.
Marines or Ninjas...
Who gets more girls though?
Ninja are hard when there is female ninja near by :)
hahah yes they are!
Mr. Cummins I thought that it was illegal for any Japanese to leave Japan during the 江戸時代(えどじだい) Edo Jidai or Edo time period (1603-1868)? And if the Ninja were to coversate in a foreign language with a foreigner during this time period would it not have been in Dutch? Because outside of 出島 (でじま)Dejima all other non-Japanese could not come into Japan without facing the death penalty, right?
To be fair, they were allowed to leave... they just couldn't come back. There's an account of one high ranked official (Or somebody like that, you'll have to forgive me) who was in China when the decision was made and he was stuck there because he couldn't go back to Japan. That's honestly going to drive me crazy trying to remember what his name was. Truth be told, it's not even on the tip of my tongue. That being said, I have read about how they did destroy the seafaring vessels and such, though once you were able to leave, you were gone. However, like I said, even Japanese weren't allowed back.
Anthony Sforza
Thank you for your reply. I know of Nakahama Manjirō who was a Japanese fisherman who was shipwrecked and was picked up by US whalers and taken to the US during the Edo time period. My understanding was that if a Japanese during this time period could be put to death for trying to go to another country and would be put to death if they came back from another country.
Aren't we all?
I think the best modern analog for comparison to ninja are the military intelligence fields. Military intelligence includes the likes of undercover operatives, data analysts, linguists/interpreters, counterintelligence operatives, cartographers, and psych-ops/propaganda operatives to name a few.
correct
Yes. Ninjas never existed as a different separate social or warrrior class from the Samurai. Being a Ninja was about a job or role--playing of the things you mentioned. That means that people from every class or social status performed the ninja role:samurais, merchants, peasants, common citizens, etc
I actually like the REAL history of the shinobi and I think it is WAY cooler than that of how modern society sees it.
both are fun but the truth is more interesting when you've had your fill of fantasy
Awesome stuff there the way Anthony paints a picture and makes you feel like your actually there.😎
Love this video. Completely erases the modern “thief” archetype that ninja have slipped into. Thank you for revealing this truth!
I don't know.
Considering how much Bujinkan charge for lessons, equipment, the *15* Dan gradings...
Wow. Looking at the comments, Antony you have done so much. So many people have learned new things about shinobi no mono and samurai. Thanks for everything you have done.
You are welcome. Keep up the support!
Actually Bujinkan is not just hand to hand combat, it has Shinobi Iri, Ten Mon etc. and term "Ninpo Taijutsu" is term for the most effective martial arts that ninjas used, actually six of them. However, it is true that Togakure ryu, Komogakure ryu and Gyokushin ryu were not combative school (except "Tengu Sumo" in Togakure ryu), but Takamatsu sensei just took their sneaking movements and has turned in the basic Tai Sabaki. So you are correct, Ninpo Taijutsu is a modern term, but it has it's roots in history ;)
KungFu Balkan ummm... No it doesn't
Its ok, not everyone is going to agree just keep going
I have been doing a lot of research about the ninja because i always had the great idea of making a historical fiction story (maybe even an animated show) about the ninja. (art similar to avatar, the tone of samurai champloo, and the emotional creativity of steven universe) unfortunately, I was so blinded by popular media and became so dissapointed that most of my story was false about the ninja.
this new information has made me rethink the story...the main character looks for the secrets of ninjutsu to complete his destiny only to find out it doesn't exist lol. imagine how disappointed he would be to know mostly everything he learned was a lie. I think that's a great story arc to fit in with history.
what do u guys think?
I like the idea but I think the historical truth is more interesting then a disappointing. I'm not sure the myth could exist the same way in history except maybe through tall tales told to children. Maybe maturing into the knowledge that the main character is already undergoing basic training and unaware until more advanced teaching presents the nature of shinobi arts they're learning.
That so called ninja in the first UFC should have never entered the CAGE!! If he was truly a ninja!!!
Search for the phrase "Under the Rose".
Do you think when these ninjutsu skills were passed down to others that perhaps in an attempts to keep the lineage alive they deployed 2 Heads of the lineage. One that was the face of the tradition and taught the masses and one that was responsible for teaching the next leader in secret?
Very interesting video!
I love your spirit and all of the hard work you do Antony..Keep it up !
The fact that most books don't use the term ninjatō about their sword makes sense. The iconic ninja sword probably didn't have a name. Katanas and tachis isn't ninja sword either. Sure doesn't mean they didn't use them from time to time. But the ninja swords were just that, swords.
Could you do a video on the kusarigama? Was this a ninja weapon?
There is one coming up in the next few weeks and no it is not a ninja weapon :)
Ninja is a evasion art not a fighting art!!
So, if I got this right, ninjas working for a lord were like a CIA working for the president, right?
yes with a dash of magic. But the word shinobi can also mean thief at times. But what people think about is actually full time ninja
More of a combination of CIA and NSA Bec they did both operational aspects internal (NSA) and external (CIA)
I think there’s a misconception about modern ninjitsu, modern ninjitsu is a collection of all the martial art the ninja would learn but as Jinichi Kawakami said martial art is only part of ninjitsu so while your right about ninjitsu not being a martial art martial arts is part of ninjitsu so all schools teaching ninjitsu may not be teaching all of ninjitsu its still ninjitsu
Just to point out I’m the man who brought this to light. I’m actually the guy that changed the world option.
This is great!
So a simple servant of a castle that was hired by the enemy to adquire info or to carry our sabotages could be concidered a Ninja?
bang on, yes that is correct. Being a ninja does not mean good, what most people think of is full time ninja. but anyone hired on the spot can be,
Ninja is not a fighting style same as spy is not a fighting style
correct mate
If anything, it's a tactic of warfare, one of
“So... what martial arts do you practice?”
“Hehe, I do spy”
Why has the ninpo taijutsu evolved so differently over the years than jujitsu? What's evident is that they used their arms and fighting skills in unorthodox ways (shorter yari's, for instance).
Were shurikens ever used? They seem pretty impractical, yet they are synonymous with ninja.
I have talked about that loads. Check my channel and there are free downloads on my website. The answer is no. :)
Also see "list 25 ninja" on youtube. I wrote that :)
Antony Cummins I will. I'm still new to your channel so i know the basics, as well as some small things from Shadiversity.
No problem at all mate. Enjoy. You have about 8 years to catch up on lol! Best start with my free download Shinobi Soldiers then get a copy of Samurai and Ninja. That will explain all.
Also gotta catch up on other medieval youtubers i found the other day.
I’m also ‘ard. Battle proven 😂
Hahahahahahaha he said butt 7:03
Are Ninjas flexible athletes???
Flexible like gymnastics or Bo Jackson?
Either way, they weren't athletes in the sense of being involved in sports. Were they athletic? Sure, just think of them as being a soldier - they would be in shape. They trained for battle and probably did a fair amount of physical labor at the time.
Some of their activities were focused on doing everyday things, just to gather information. Sometimes they would have a mission that was extremely physically demanding, like infiltrating a castle undetected. If you were asking if they were agile, that definitely would have been a beneficial trait. However, they weren't doing backflips in the middle of a battlefield or anything like that.
Hopefully that answers your question.
So were the Ninja trained in unarmed combat like Jujutsu like the rest of the Samurai? Forgive my ignorance but with so much misinformation going around it's hard for me to completely erase the notion that the Ninja would not engage in empty hand fighting at least on occasion.
yes, it says so in the video. Just normal martial arts
Antony Cummins thank you very much
you know these tactic sound like what the native american's used when they would go on raids at night in a way
I thought that in-nin was like someone who was hidden from view, sneaking around or whatever, and yo-nin was hidden in plain sight. are you saying that yo-nin were just visible and without a disguise?
See Iga and Koka Ninja Book and Samurai and Ninja all explained in there. Two meanings.
that one and meaning someone who is hidden from public, i.e, no one knows they are shinobi.
can someone clarify. one of the first thinvs being said is that there were no such thing as ninja hand to hand combat such as Ninpo taijutsu, but then he goes on to say that ninja hand to hand combat was no different then the systems of unarmed combat that had already existed in the local regions. But, isn't this exactly the modern definition of what Ninpo taijutsu is?
By the way, Ninpo taijutsu is an umbrella term used to refer to the local forms of martial arts as well as those martial arts that were brought over to Japan by immigrants that were adopted by the ninja. Sorry for the spelling.
No, ninpo taijutsu was an invention of the 20th century. it never appeared in history. There is no such historical thing.
also, the point is that any form of combat done by a warrior trained in the arts of ninja is the same as any other warrior. basically ninja and hand to hand combat have zero connection.
David, look up "list 25 ninja" on youtube. :)
Antony Cummins ok thank you. I mean no disrespect. I have never known you on a personal level, so I would never attack you personally. I'm just trying to understand you.
Thank you for your response. I will heed your advice.
I remember reading a long time ago about a ninja assassination carried out by a dwarf, who hid in the cesspit of his target for several hours. When his target eventually sat down to relieve himself, the shinobi thrust upwards with a spear and killed him. Is there any truth to that? It sounds too over the top.
No that is a legend. It may be an older legend though. But there is no truth in it as we know. Not sure when it started but a long time after
Tupac Spock The legendary shinobi you refer to is called Goemon
Dannzal Bjorklund Thanks
I'm sure a majority of their techniques were the same as other systems. However they had their own techniques as well
Robin hood and ivanohe are good ninja ..
ok who is NOT a ninja?
I don't see how you can be selected as an assasin/spy/scout if you're not hard..... it's not Austin Powers or Johnny English....
It completely depends on the nature of the mission. If one is to scout an enemy town/city to assess the strengths/weaknesses of the defenses, it may be beneficial to look like a casual wimpy peasant to avoid suspicion from the enemy military.
Zdravím,),,
You mean Shinobi
The fact is that there were no ninja that existed back then but there was shinobi the word ninja never existed in those time if I'm wrong prove it with evidence
Ok. Taiheiki. 1375 shinobi appear twice
Hahahaha...Names are smoke and mirrors ... There is only one human body ... so there are only certain techniques ... No matter what you call them ... and a little bit of mysticism on the outside never hurts and maybe creates a second of speed ... 😊😅😊😅
Are you and your cronies still playing dress up and playing pretend samurai? That was halarious.
Ninpo taijutsu cannot exist, or evolve because...Omg because this guy believes he can define what exists, because of his interpretation of the interpretations, of the scrolls he was allowed to access. Research this guy before you drink his kool aid.
not at all Mr. Cummins I like how you talk about the shinobi no mono their was rough an hard there not weak they part samurai they follow nearly the same code they training in spying weapon tnt lock pick and running an night raids haha secret polices you said it lol hell yaeh chohojutsu I am commando type get out there eyes open l track down keep ear open kenjutsu bo shuriken trap setting survival rock climbing