by Tarot

Created on: October 15, 2008

The most famous ninja weapon and their primary fighting weapon was the ninja sword.

Ninja used a wide range of weapons in combat, many of which could be used for climbing or other tasks, but their main fighting weapons normally consisted of blades. The ninja sword should not be confused with the Katana which was used by the samurai. The main differences are that the ninja sword was normally shorter, it was stronger with a single strong piece of steel being used to make the hilt and guard, and was more rough and ready than the samurai sword. Both swords were single edged but the ninja sword was a very plain blade with its hilt and scabbard being non-reflective black and it normally lacked any engraving or adornment.

The focus of a ninjas sword fighting art was on the skill of the ninja, not the quality of the blade, the ninja sword was a tool built to serve its purpose but the important part was the ninja and the sword could be discarded and replaced if necessary. The sword was normally carried in its sheaf on the left side of the body so that it could be quickly drawn in response to a surprise attack but they would sometimes were it on their backs either by simply strapping it over the shoulder when climbing or by wearing it beneath the ninjas outer clothing for concealment, this is another reason for the sword being relatively short.

The focus of ninja sword fighting was flexibility, speed and skill. A number of specialized sword grips were mastered so that the ninja could adapt their fighting style to any situation, the normal grip was two handed with the right hand leading and a short space between the hands to provide maximum flexibility. Other grips included a single handed grip for fighting while running or climbing and a reverse single handed grip were the blade is concealed along the back of the arm but could quickly be brought into use.

Speed was emphasized and began with the draw, in response to a surprise attack a ninja would not parry the attack but would draw the blade and slash at their opponents sword arm or body as a single action. After the draw ninja attacked opponents using slashing attacks with the point or the last quarter of the blade, the en-thesis is on speed and accuracy using light but fast attacks, the aim is to disable the opponent with multiple attacks to vulnerable areas rather than killing with a single blow. They also practised blocking and stabbing techniques.

In addition to the swords use as a weapon their are many tales of the ninja sword and its scabbered being used as a climbing tool, the strap being used as a garrotte or trip wire and of the scabbered being used as a snorkal, hiding place for small items or even as a blow pipe. It is hard to evaluate the acuracy of those stories but their is no doubt that ninja were fond of items that could be used for multiple purposes. See my other article on ninja weapons.

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