How did ninjas train? Survival techniques of Japanese mercenaries

A black suit, a covered face and a silent sneaking gait – all this characterizes the colorful oriental warrior. This is how he is often portrayed in movies. But despite his inconspicuous attire, ninja – a bright hero in any blockbuster, skillfully performing various tricks.

The movements of warriors are dynamic, fast and accurate. But to achieve this, ninja had to hone their skills for years and daily grueling training. What did the Japanese warriors need this for?

Shinobi-no-mono, or abbreviated shinobi – another name for ninja – in medieval Japan performed the functions of scouts, spies, mercenaries. This is the main difference between them and the samurai – the military nobility. Ninja services were used when the task was to make a surprise attack on the opponent.

To execute the order was clearly and accurately, the ninja had to be real robots: dexterous, hardy, able to climb high walls, swim across deep rivers.

Basic ninja skills

Proficiency in hand-to-hand combat.

Japanese historians have found no direct evidence that the shinobi had or developed their own special system of combat. Rather, they most likely applied and modified elements of Japan’s already existing martial arts.

martial arts enthusiast, commercial director at the Research Institute for the Development of National Education

One of the features of ninja technique was its variation and adaptability. They devised various training methods that allowed them to develop agility, speed and fighting skills. Shinobi were excellent with weapons, especially knives and brass knuckles.

In their practice, warriors used a variety of techniques such as hand-to-hand combat, kung fu and judo. For each specific situation, techniques from these martial arts were used.

Memory training

In addition to honing their fighting skills, it was important for shinobi to accurately calculate the situation, make quick correct decisions and memorize information. Therefore, another important skill was to train a sharp and inquisitive mind.

To keep a large amount of information in their heads, ninja read every day, memorized the names of geographical objects, names, and details of the terrain.

Running training

Strong legs were considered the key to a successful operation. Starting as early as the age of five, shinobi developed endurance and speed. It was important for fighters to train their running technique for both long and short distances. Ninjas could face tasks of varying difficulty.

The shinobi covered distances of five kilometers every day, despite weather conditions and terrain. The more obstacles encountered along the way, the more effective the training was considered.

Jumping

Shinobi paid great attention to this skill. Warriors performed jumps from walls that could be up to six meters high. Therefore, the most important thing was to perfect the technique of grouping while falling. Ninjas also used shoes with shock-absorbing soles for this purpose.

To climb steep walls, shinobi practiced the “multi-step jumping” method. In this technique, it was important to develop agility, coordination, and calf muscle strength.

Swimming

Another type of training process, without which no ninja’s day was complete. It was important not only to be able to swim long distances without stopping, but also to be able to dive well and hold one’s breath for long periods of time. Shinobi could not complain about the temperature of the water. They had to accept any task without question. Thus, swimming in icy rivers was also a great way to harden the body.

The frequency of training for ninjas was high: several hours a day. They also had special training sessions outdoors to get used to the unpredictable conditions of combat. Ninjas became representatives of a real martial art, which is still in demand and used in the modern world.