ninja

Ninja were people of feudal japan trained in Ninpo or Ninjutsu. It was possible to use skills learned in assasination-which was done, but not coldly. Ninja's were japans peace keepers and information gathers-they would assasinate political powers that threatned peace of japan, and would often be recruited by a higher power (such as a warlord like Oda Nobunaga, or Ieyasu Tokugawa) to spy on enemy's and gather information. Ninja were originally called *Shinobi*, literally translating into a expert at information gathering. Ninja groups were divided into families and clans. The two regions were Ninjutsu developed and Ninja were founded were Iga and Koga provinces. there were roughly 53 subgroups of Koga and Iga. One of the most famous Ninja in history was Hattori Hanzo-a famous warlord and Ninja of Iga.
Random facts:
In 1676, the book Bansenshukai about Ninja methods was written by Fujibayashi Yasutake, a Samurai of Iga castle.
In 1681 the book Shoninki (correct Ninjutsu memories) was written by Fujibayashi Masatake.
In 1653 the book Ninpiden meaning secret teachings of Ninjutsu was written by Hattori Hanzo Yasunaga.
There were very few ninja-when oda nobunaga attacked Iga, 80 ninja fled.
Genbukan and Bujinkan are the only organizations keeping true Ninjutsu alive today.
Ninja didnt wear black very often-they wore deep red or dark green when on missions, and in winter snow, White.
Ninja were often Samurai too-afterall its only Title, not material.
Ninja didnt actually use straight swords much-only when they were desperate. After ninja had established themselves, they could use curved blades.
Other names used for ninja were Kancho, Shinobi, Kusa, Sppa, Rappa, Tsuppa, Mitsumoto(Kembun, Metsuke, Kaiken). Kyodan, Kanja, Choja, Shinobi no Mono, Onmitsu.
Ninja arent magical, they just understood sciences more advanced then the rest of the population of the time.
Ninja couldnt fly.
Ninja couldnt perform supernatural stunts.
Ninja can evade swords.
The Ninja stealthly entered his home.
by Ninpo-Bugei August 01, 2006
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