Feudal Japan is characterized by masked warriors bearing many exotic ninja weapons. The term “ninja” has become synonymous with stealth and deadly techniques. There are many debates regarding the existence of ninjas in reality. But the facts prove that even if the ninja characteristics have been exaggerated, the weaponry used by them is era-appropriate.
According to historical accounts, the Shinobi operatives had a number of devastating devices they could use to elude, wound, or kill an enemy. These weapons varied under the situations of espionage, assassination, or open warfare. The weapons of the ninjas had a certain panache and elegance to them which is absent from the western weapons of the same era. The Ninjas practiced the principles of economy of movement and immersion on one’s environment. This has led to precise and sharp multipurpose armaments.
The ninjas utilized a wide variety of arms throughout the ages. These weapons included ninja sickles, staffs and canes, polearms, grapnels, maces, fist loads, spikes, swords, weighted chains, cleated weaponry, and firearms. Most of the above-mentioned arms originated from farming tools. The variations on these weapons are innumerable according to regions and different eras of construction. We have briefly listed the most famous ninja weapons for you. Pick your favorite and learn more about them!
Nunchakus
One can never imagine a ninja without the signature Nunchakus. Anime and TV shows have helped propagate this image for a long time. The reality is quite different. Nunchakus were certainly not the ninjas’ first choice of weapon for combat situations. The weapon offers very little range and limited damage capability. Nunchakus were more commonly used as training tools. The defensive Nunchakus derived from a device used for rice cutting. The defensive capability of this weapon makes it capable of catching an enemy’ knife in its chain and snapping it in half. The Nunchakus must be used with extreme precaution as novices can seriously hurt their limbs or appendages.
Ninja Swords
The
katana is the blade most associated with ninjas. Deadpool and his Katanas may be popular but the real magic of these curved blades lies with the ninjas. The ninja swords are straighter when compared to those of Samurai. One can categorize them as large daggers or short swords. Ninja did not engage in melee combat or duels. Therefore, the small swords perfectly matched their motivation for working in the shadows. Additionally, blade combat was the last resort according to ninja philosophy. Their preferred methods of operation were subterfuge, slyness, and deception. It is interesting to note that ninja Katanas were usually unadorned. They did not contain any modifications or clan allegiances. This is another marked difference between ninja swords and the more ostentatious Samurai Katanas.
Ninja Stars
As the most recognizable
ninja weapons, the shuriken or the ninja star is often misunderstood. Ninjas did not employ these munitions to kill enemies while taking cover. Rather, these stars had other purposes. The throwing stars were a device of distraction and often led to successful infiltrations. The ninjas often laced the shuriken in poison before throwing them because a small sharp cut couldn’t eliminate a foe completely. The sharp edges of ninja stars made them a good replacement in the absence of a knife or a short sword.
There are many variations on the shape of these stars as well as the number of sharpened corners present. It is suggested that there are at least 40 to 50 types of Shuriken. All authentic shuriken contain a charred exterior. This is due to an ancient technique of covering a heated shuriken with silk and charcoal. The covering prevents the star from rust and makes it easier to hide.
Throwing Knives
Throwing knives of the Japanese warriors are the Kunai. The Kunai is a small triangular full tang knife with a covering instead of a proper handle. Many modern types of Kunai have ergonomic and slip-proof handles but this wasn’t the case with the original blades. The
throwing knives had almost the same purposes as the throwing stars. The Kunai was extremely adaptable as well. It could be attached to a pole to become a spear. It is also efficient for prying, throwing, thrusting, and climbing support. Historically, the kunai is a part of specific ninja weapons and it is not at all associated with the Samurai. Tanto blades are another type of dagger specific to Shinobi. The model is similar to the Katanas. Ninjas also used the Tanto blades for throwing in dire situations.
Did you want to become a ninja when you were young? If you still aspire to adopt this style of life, you now know which tools you need. Build your ninja collection and dominate the shadows. Head over to swordsswords for all your ninja gear needs!
