In the 15th century, a well-equipped and trained group of spies, scouts, and assassins, popularly called ninjas, acted in feudal Japan. Superstitious and dark minds endowed these people with the most incredible abilities. About the ninja there were many of the most fantastic stories. However, as it turned out, the point was not in supernatural skills, but in the unique ninja weapon. These people were not creatures of demons, did not fly in the air, did not breathe under water and did not become invisible. However, in order not to lose enormous psychological superiority over the enemy, they did not reveal their secrets. Information on the name of the ninja weapon, a description and use of special military products is presented in the article.
Acquaintance
The history of professional ninja clans begins in the VI century. The peak of their activity fell on the XV. In the XVII century, representatives of the ninja were destroyed. For a thousand years, the ninja in Japanese history has left a very deep mark. In the XX century, several secrets about the art of ninjutsu were revealed. This teaching was brought to Japan by Buddhist hermit monks. These people were a rather specific caste. In the possession of weapons, the monks were not equal. In addition, they were unsurpassed healers and sages. It was with the monks that the training of young ninjas was carried out, which were first recruited from commoners. Their task was to repulse the arbitrariness of the samurai, using special weapons for this. The name “ninja” or “shinobi,” which means “hiding,” applied to professional warriors who specialized in espionage and sabotage. Over time, the structure and specifics of their activities underwent changes. The clan was now a closed organization, representatives of which were hired by Japanese feudal lords to physically eliminate competitors.
What is special about shinobi weapons?
According to experts, when performing ninja tasks they did not adhere to the code of honor. The priority for them was only the end result. To achieve his goal, the ninja used reliable methods of conspiracy, could pretend to be a layman and successfully dissolve in the crowd. Due to such tactics, the ninja weapons were not suitable for open battles. They made it as compact and inconspicuous as possible. Only in this way did it fit organically into the shinobi costume and did not attract attention. The ninja weapon set was intended for quick and silent killings.
About costumes
Among the inhabitants, as a result of watching some films, there was an erroneous opinion that black costumes wore “bad” ninjas, and “good” ones were white.
Since black color is very rare in nature, the Shinobi, not wanting to attract attention, preferred dark brown and dark blue. Especially for fighting, red suits were intended. As a disguise, the shinobi used outfits of merchants. Also, ninjas dressed as travelers and paupers. Such clothes are full of pockets in which it is convenient to hide various deadly devices.
What kind of weapons does a ninja have?
Like the samurai, the shinobi used swords. However, unlike the katanas, the traditional samurai swords, the blade ninja weapons are compact in size.
These blades were called "ninjato." Since individual forging was not available to all ninja, traditional katanas became the basis for the manufacture of weapons. The trophy blade, selected in a duel from the samurai, was given the necessary shape by trimming and grinding. With the help of these swords, very quick strikes were delivered. Mostly the ninja scabbard did not change. This gave them the opportunity, if necessary, to impersonate a samurai.
Shinobi also used the sword, which is known as sikimizue. As a scabbard, a bamboo cane was used. In the design of this ninja weapon (the photo of sikomizue is presented in the article) there is no guard, which made it possible to carry it hidden.
With such blades, the sinobi disguised themselves as wandering monks. Using the iaido technique, they quickly and silently dealt with opponents. Sai is another ninja blade weapon. The design of this product resembles a trident and a stylet. We used sai in those situations in which it was not necessary to observe conspiracy measures. The blade is very effective at delivering quick stabbing. In addition, with this weapon it is convenient to repel attacks with a sword.
Shinobi also used a ritual dagger, which was called "tanto". This blade product is very compact. The physical liquidation of the enemy took place quickly and almost silently.
About the Nunchucks
This product is a rather specific shinobi weapon. It came to Japan from China. Structurally, the nunchucks consist of two sticks connected to each other using a rope or chain. This species is a very formidable weapon. Ninjas used it to inflict severe injuries. Also, you can stun and strangle the enemy with nunchaku.
About shurikens
This type of weapon is represented by special throwing "stars". Coins became the basis for the manufacture of traditional hira-shuriken. High fighting qualities were possible due to their special form in the form of a swastika. This throwing weapon was intended for use in open areas. Ninja with the help of shurikens eliminated opponents who were not wearing heavy armor.
About Kushari Fundo and Kushari Gama
Kushari Fundo is a chain with a weight attached to it. Shinobi resorted to this weapon in situations where it was not possible to use a sword. The attacks were carried by a heavy sinker. It was enough for the warrior to untwist the chain in front of him and at the right moment to release it into the enemy. Kushari Gama is another very effective weapon based on Kushari Fundo. An additional element to the chain and sinker in this embodiment was the usual rice sickle. Shinobi defended themselves from enemies with the help of a chain. The ninja could counterattack the enemy using a sickle.
About poisons
Very often ninja liquidations are imitated under accidents. An effective remedy for this was poison. Shinobi used two types of poison:
- Dzagarashi-yaku. Death from him came instantly.
- Heku-ro. The poison did not act immediately. He was resorted to in cases where the killer needed time to leave the scene of the crime.
To eliminate the sinobi using poison, they used special tubes, which were called "fukiya." Their length was not more than 500 mm. They were intended for shooting poisoned darts. Since it was very difficult to aim, the shinobi used these tubes at close range. Today, fukiya shooting in Japan is considered a sport.
Ninjato sword. How to make?
Ninja weapons can be crafted in artisanal conditions. Having the necessary tools and blacksmithing experience, it will not be difficult for a home craftsman to make the legendary shinobi sword. In order to make a real ninja, it is advisable for a beginner to first practice on smaller workpieces. For example, make some short knives. As a material for the sword, you can use a steel strip of grade 65G. Before work, you need to cook the grinder and files. With their help, the workpiece is given the desired shape.
Making a sword should be done in stages. First, the outline of the blade should be applied to the strip. Then, from the steel strip, use a grinder along the contour to cut the blank of the sword. After this, the product, using the grinder, you need to give the appropriate form and bring down the slopes. The product is now ready for quenching and grinding procedures. Many craftsmen add shine to their homemade products using special pastes. Since the sinobi sword is a melee weapon, the home craftsman who made such a blade may have problems with the law. Avoid criminal liability for the manufacture of knives in the event that the sword will not be sharpened.
How to make shuriken?
Judging by the numerous reviews of tinkering enthusiasts, good throwing "stars" are obtained from old CDs. Before work, you should prepare a ruler, marker and scissors. On the disk you need to put two lines that should cross each other. This will be the basis of the future shuriken. Then you should draw the corners. According to experienced craftsmen, it is much easier to make four-pointed stars. Products with a large number of rays are more difficult to do. Then, using scissors, the shuriken is cut from the disk. Work should be done carefully. Otherwise, you can break the beam or cut yourself. In order to round the sharp edges of the rays, you need to use a file.