Ninjutsu (忍術), sometimes used interchangeably with the modern term ninpō (忍法),^[1] is the strategy and tactics of unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare and espionage purportedly practiced by the ninja.^{[2][page needed]} Ninjutsu was a separate discipline in some traditional Japanese schools, which integrated study of more conventional martial arts (taijutsu) along with shurikenjutsu, kenjutsu, sōjutsu, bōjutsu and others.^{[citation needed]}

While there is an international martial arts organization representing several modern styles of ninjutsu, the historical lineage of these styles is disputed.^{[citation needed]} Some schools claim to be the only legitimate heir of the art, but ninjutsu is not centralized like modernized martial arts such as judo or karate.^{[citation needed]} Iga Ryu claims to be the oldest recorded form of ninjutsu, and claims to have survived past the 16th century.^{[citation needed]}

History

Spying in Japan dates as far back as Prince Shōtoku (572–622). According to Shōninki, the first open usage of ninjutsu during a military campaign was in the Genpei War, when Minamoto no Kuro Yoshitsune chose warriors to serve as shinobi during a battle.^{[citation needed]} This manuscript goes on to say that during the Kenmu era, Kusunoki Masashige frequently used ninjutsu. According to footnotes in this manuscript, the Genpei War lasted from 1180 to 1185, and the Kenmu Restoration occurred between 1333 and 1336.^{[3][page needed]} Ninjutsu was developed by the samurai of the Nanboku-cho period, and further refined by groups of samurai mainly from Kōka and the Iga Province of Japan in later periods.^{[citation needed]}

Throughout history, the shinobi were assassins, scouts, and spies who were hired mostly by territorial lords known as daimyō. Despite being able to assassinate in stealth, the primary role was as spies and scouts.^{[citation needed]} Shinobi are mainly noted for their use of stealth and deception.^{[citation needed]} They would use this to avoid direct confrontation if possible which enabled them to escape large groups of opposition.

Many different schools (ryū) have taught their unique versions of ninjutsu.^{[citation needed]} An example of these is the Togakure-ryū, which claims to have been developed after a defeated samurai warrior called Daisuke Togakure escaped to the region of Iga. He later came in contact with the warrior-monk Kain Doshi, who taught him a new way of viewing life and the means of survival (ninjutsu).^[2]:18-21

Ninjutsu was developed as a collection of fundamental survivalist techniques in the warring state of feudal Japan.^{[citation needed]} The ninja used their art to ensure their survival in a time of violent political turmoil.^{[citation needed]} Ninjutsu included methods of gathering information and techniques of non-detection, avoidance, and misdirection.^{[citation needed]} Ninjutsu involved training in free running, disguise, escape, concealment, archery, and medicine. Skills relating to espionage and assassination were highly useful to warring factions in feudal Japan.^{[citation needed]} At some point, the skills of espionage became known collectively as ninjutsu, and the people who specialized in these tasks were called shinobi no mono.^{[citation needed]}

The Eighteen Skills

1. Kusarigamajutsu – kusarigama (chain-sickle) techniques
2. Naginatajutsu – naginata (polearm) techniques
3. Seishinteki kyōyō – spiritual refinement
4. Shinobi-iri – stealth and infiltration
5. Shurikenjutsu – throwing weapons techniques
6. Sōjutsu – spear techniques
7. Sui-ren – water training
8. Taijutsu – unarmed combat
9. Tenmon – meteorology

See also

• Kunoichi
• Modern schools of ninjutsu
• Ninja in popular culture