The use of weapons in Ninjutsu differs in many respects from that of other martial arts.
Some of our nine schools, which were formed on the battlefields, emphasize traditional weapons, such as the yari or the tachi in Kukishinden ryu. However, the approach of the ninja schools is completely different, thanks to their formation and application.
In these trends, they follow the concept that almost anything can be used as a weapon, and that different weapons can perform countless functions. In fact, it depends on the creativity and experience of the user, what and how they use in order to survive. That is why, in addition to traditional weapons, we also learn to use modern weapons and everyday objects in our training sessions.
In Ninjutsu, we learn that the weapon is yourself. The object you hold in your hand is just another tool to overcome your limitations. All objects are brought to life by the user. As long as a person treats these things as separate objects, it is very difficult to get along with them, however, returning to the basic principles that he learned when practicing unarmed movements, the device will "obey" much more easily, it will become a part of our body.
At the trainings, the students first get to know the basics of each device (falls, rolls, standing, etc.) and learn the special principles associated with the device. Then comes the use of these tools and the practice of defense methods against them.
SWORDS
The design of the swords always reflects the metalworking skills of the given era and the type of combat they were intended for. When it comes to Japanese swords, everyone usually thinks of the ornate, curved samurai sword, the katana, even though among the many types used throughout history, this type was dominant for a relatively short period of time. In Japanese, the term katana 刀 means sword in general. Typically Japanese weapons are called nihontō 日本刀 and are held in high esteem in the island nation. For those who are interested in the topic in more detail, I recommend Hatsumi sensei's book, which was also published in Hungarian, entitled JAPANESE SWORD Fencing - THE SECRETS OF THE SAMURAI.
Ken or another reading is tsurugi 剣
The first swords that were used in Japan had a straight blade, and they began to be produced based on a Chinese pattern. This type of weapon was used until about the middle of the Heian period (980 AD). Since the technology of the time was not yet advanced enough, the swords were given a thick blade to avoid breaking during clashes. The disadvantage of this procedure was that only the part close to the tip of the sword could be equipped with a cutting edge.
None but the most powerful warriors could afford to own such a weapon, so they were not as widespread as later swords. No written techniques about the use of these swords have survived, however, the use of the weapon can be partially reconstructed through the surviving form exercises. In Bujinkan, 2013, it was the topic of the year.
Daitō 大刀 long swords (blade longer than 2 shaku)
The long sword, which many believe was the primary weapon of the samurai, has undergone a great transformation throughout history. It has changed a lot in both length and shape, and accordingly the way of fencing with it. The average blade length was 90 cm (3 shaku), but some blades could be much longer, up to 220 cm. Considering the current situation, 90 cm does not seem too long, however, if you take into account that medieval Japanese warriors were on average 150-165 cm tall, the situation looks different.
In the beginning, the sword was considered a secondary weapon alongside horse archers. The weapon was carried upside down suspended from the belt, but sometimes it was carried on the back. These specimens were called tachi 太刀. They had a long and strongly curved blade to make them easy to use even from horseback. It was often used with one hand, as the other hand had to hold the bridle. This hold was maintained even when fighting from the ground.
During the bloody wars of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1192-1573 AD), this type of sword was in use, so the techniques of the old fencing schools were all developed for this weapon, and later, as the weapon changed, the techniques were adapted as well. . In Bujinkan, we covered the weapon in more detail in 2010.
The year 1603 brought a big change in the history of Japan. The internal wars that had been going on until then came to an end after the election of Tokugawa as shogun (military regent). This is a historical turning point, it also affected swords. While soldiers used to fight each other on the battlefields in armor, in the age of relative peace, duels became more common, especially in urban environments. Shorter and somewhat straighter blades were advantageous for the new fighting style. This type of sword was already known in earlier times, it was the uchigatana 打刀 (slashing sword). From this the type gave rise to the shape known today as the katana, which became the symbol of the samurai. This weapon was worn in the belt with the blade facing up. This outfit allowed for a faster draw, which could save the fighter's life during a duel. Another advantage of the shorter blade is easier use in closed spaces.
Shōtō 小刀, short swords (blade length between 1-2 shaku)
In addition to the long sword, samurai often wore a shorter one. This pairing is called daishō 大小 (big-small) Paired with the tachi was the kodachi 小太刀 (small tachi), which was also hung on the belt and carried with the blade down, while the katana was accompanied by a wakizashi 脇差 (placed to the side) in the belt spelled, blade up.
Tantō 短刀 (blade length 1 maximum one shaku)
The name consists of two parts. tan = short, to = sword (short sword or blade). Knives and daggers are listed here. It may sound strange at first, but the old warriors did not really consider these tools as weapons. However, by examining the armor and weapons they set out on the battlefield with, it is easier to understand why they were treated as useful tools. That is why we do not find knife techniques in the old densho (technical description of a school). Of course, this does not mean that at Bujinkan we do not deal with the use of knives, as we are also aware of how effective and dangerous these tools are.
Its use is based on bare-handed combat, it is mainly used in close combat, but it can cause serious injuries even when thrown at a distance of a few meters. Since it fits in a small space and is an extremely versatile tool, it fits perfectly into the ninja fighting style. In addition to traditional cutting and stabbing, it can be used for digging, marking, screwing, climbing, making traps, etc. can also be applied.
Yoroi 鎧 /samurai armor/
The development of armor is always a response to the development of weapons. When designing them, two opposing aspects must be met. It should provide maximum protection against external influences, but at the same time it should be comfortable and mobile so as not to disturb the wearer in combat.
When studying the old techniques in Bujinkan, we need to know what kind of armor was used at that time, what was its peculiarity, how it affected the movement. Once the past is understood, the techniques must be adapted to the conditions of the present. According to records, the first armor was used in Japan from the 4th century. Cavalry preferred the slatted Tanko, while infantry preferred the hourglass-shaped Keiko. The first all-Japanese armor was developed in the Heian period (794-1191).
The O-yoroi is a large robust suit of armor worn primarily by the cavalry, i.e. the warrior aristocracy. It provided excellent protection during archery from horseback, however, once the warrior was dismounted, it was more of a hindrance.
At the same time, the haramaki was developed, which was initially used by the infantry. Over time, however, high-ranking samurai also switched to wearing it, as it was much more comfortable to move in. This type of armor protected the front and side of the body, and was fixed at the back.
