The Types Of Espionage Equipment and Examples Of Equipment Used in The Past
The espionage equipment evolved together with the advance of technology, along the history. At the beginning, when the espionage relied almost entirely, on human resources, the equipment was not really sophisticated, rather ingenious. Some of it, actually was so ingenious that it was further improved and used until modern history. This is the example of “scytale”, a cryptographic device used by the Spartans. This was a secure way of communication and was nothing but a rod. Only it took a rod of the same size, to wrap a piece of paper around it, in order to read the message on it. Otherwise, the message was unreadable. The single-key-paper cyphers and the Enigma, the German cryptographic machine used in World War II are some of the scytale successors.
Also for communication, a form of delivery was the “dead drop”. The dead drop is used even today and means leaving a message in an unsuspicious place, like a crack in a tree or a building. Another unsuspicious object may be left underneath, to mark the existence of a message, in that place.
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Animal horns were used as listening devices, to amplify the sound. They were used not only for spying but also by the deaf people.
Lenses have been used, as surveillance equipment, in monoculars, binoculars, since their apparition but before them, any building may have had hidden chambers, with tiny holes, in the walls. From the secret chambers, one could spy, seeing and hearing anything that was happening, supposedly confidentially, in another room.
The surveillance equipment developed tremendously, once the photographic camera was invented. This way, the espionage equipment became easier to use, carry and more difficult to detect. From cameras built in pens, regular glasses and watches, to the cell phones commonly used today, the espionage equipment has also become widely accessible and thus, leading to the apparition of regulation laws, due to privacy concerns.
How Do Intelligence Agents Train and What Situations Do They Train For?
These days, intelligence is a wide field of activity, carrying a multitude of tasks, in different aspects of life. This way, the espionage training is specialized for different departments, with different needs. Far from the glamorized Hollywood productions like “James Bond” or “Mission Impossible”, intelligence requires both field and desk operatives, nowadays. The field operatives, those with higher physical skills and closer to the Hollywood image are either recruited from the army and already trained for heavier physical challenges or trained for this purpose. These may range from martial arts to flying planes and jumping with a parachute.
The espionage training is directed towards the kind of missions the agents will be specialized for. Some will be more trained for covert spy work, some for handling surveillance equipment, some for counter surveillance, etc. Along the time the agent jobs have become more numerous and more complex. Many agents, today, for example are required to have high computer knowledge, as computers and electronic surveillance have become an indispensable arsenal for any intelligence agency.
Espionage training is also determined by country specific ways of handling intelligence. Thus, United States uses more technical operatives, as it is a country that, heavily, relies on technology, when it comes to surveillance and counter-surveillance. In the countries that rely more on human resources like the former USSR or other Eastern European Countries, the field agents are more likely to be trained into various activities and their training may include even development and improvement of paranormal skills, in exceptional individuals.
Professional spies have to be able to handle any challenges, in their mission, from physical battle, to weapons, computers, to recognize and track terrorists, particularly these days, to have enough education and charisma to infiltrate into different circles, gain credibility and perform deceitful tasks, if necessary.
An Introduction To Espionage
Espionage means obtaining secret information, without permission from the person who detains it information, through clandestine means. Espionage has been documented, all along human history, since ancient times. At the beginning, espionage was motivated solely by military or political reasons. In the modern era, when finances are such an important factor in obtaining and preserving political and military power, industrial and economic espionage has become common practice.
Throughout the history, people have used espionage to defend themselves, conquer others or simply for individual purposes, determined by greed or revenge. The methods of deception, diversion and subversion were pretty sophisticated, since the earliest times. They have also been documented and passed over to students, in all the ancient civilizations: Egypt, China, India, Greece and the Roman Empire. The Bible also mentions espionage incidents. The Mongolians also owe their conquests in Asia and Europe, mostly to espionage.
In the medieval times, espionage has been used successfully, by powerful nations and monarchs. Intelligence was gathered in Japan by the ninjas. In England, Elizabeth, used espionage frequently, to attain her purposes. Though, the most ruthless royalty figure and exceptionally skilled, in espionage was Catherine De Medici who had no scruple to use it, together with assassination, even against her own son.
During the modern times, espionage escalated to the level of war of intelligence. The Cold War between the Unites States of America and U.S.S.R. also involved their allies and its purpose was mainly, related to the possession of nuclear weapons. The competition between USA and U.S.S.R., for getting further and further away from Earth, into space, made actually part of The Cold War. At a certain point, both nations realized the advantages of spying on each other, on large geographical areas, through satellites.
These days, with different methods and forms of organizations, from country to country, espionage extends to law enforcement. Due to new historical circumstances, professionally trained agents are targeting illegal and terrorist activities, including drug and human trafficking.
Kev
Military Enlistment and Guest Writers
To the readers and members of WayOfNinja.com, it has been my privilege to have you here. On the 29th of July, I will be enlisting into the Singapore military. Serving the military for the minimum period of 1 year and 10 months is mandatory for all male citizens of my country.
During this period, I only have the weekends free. Hence, you may not see many updates here. Therefore, I am appealing to everyone to help out if you can.
I’ve decided to invite guest writers who are either martial arts, meditation or Parkour practitioners. If you would like to contribute original articles for Way Of Ninja and write well, please contact me at logen[@]wayofninja[.]com with the subject ‘Guest Writer’. Remove the square brackets.
Please continue to visit WayOfNinja in my absence. I have made arrangements with my web host for the website to continue running.
Thank you.
Logen L.
Sun Tzu The Art of War Influenced The Ninja
Sun Tzu on The Art of War is among the oldest military textbooks known to man. It is believed to have been written in the late 5th century BC. Yet, despite how old it is, this ancient warfare text is still used by the militaries of today and has found application in business strategy.
Did you know that Sun Tzu on The Art of War might have been the reason why ninjas exist. Sun Tzu, a general from 5th century BC China, was said to have been a legendary military strategist. His strategy and tactics was based on common sense and deception.
In old Japan, the Samurai frowned upon using deception and instead lived by the Bushido code of honour. But, the truth in Sun Tzu’s words could not be ignored. Hence this became one of the reasons why the Shinobi existed and became the spies and assassins in the shadows.
WayOfNinja has published an ebook on the original translated text on Sun Tzu on The Art of War. Learn about the strategy and tactics of warfare. You can download and read this book for free.
Logen L.
Attacking Muggers Flee From Rescue Ninjas
Five ninjas rescued a student from the muggers who were assaulting him. The German student who was in Australia for an exchange program was attacked in a dimly lit alley.
Soto Sensei and Ninja Trainees
Fortunately for the victim, there was a Ninjutsu school close by and the Sensei had seen the attack. He promptly got his students to rescue the victim. The moment those criminals saw the ninja warriors in black training gi, they fled. The Ninjutsu sensei, Kaylan Soto, was quoted in the news saying, “You should have seen their faces when they saw us in ninja gear coming toward them.”.
The Sydney police has already two of the three muggers.
News sources:
- BBC News
- Yahoo News (as taken from Reuters and Sydney Morning Herald newspaper)
This is a genuine news story, and I’ve provided the direct links to the news sources above.
There are two points of the news I’d like to talk about.
One, what was the victim doing in a dark alley? As a foreign student, you are naturally ignorant about the locale of the country you visit. Common sense would dictate that a dark alley (especially to a foreigner) is potentially dangerous.
My point to you is to be ever aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Always appeal to your intuition and instinct.
Two, it is great to know that the ninjutsu school was proactive in their way of ninja. They took prompt action to rescue an innocent passerby. This decisive action prevented further harm to the victim. And decisiveness is an important trait of a ninja. The victim was obviously lucky that the muggers were equally ignorant and chose to attack the victim near a Ninjutsu school.
That’s all. Persevere in you way of the ninja! Ganbatte!
Logen L.
Free NLP Ebook Giveaway
In the article about training your mind with Kuji-in, we learnt a little about Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Way Of Ninja is providing a copy of Richard Butler’s free ebook on NLP.
Please read it and determine if there are any techniques you can incorporate in mind-training.
Logen L.
Precision Jumps by American Parkour
Here’s an excellent tutorial on Precision Jumps, done by American Parkour.
They are the ones behind The Tribe Parkour Tutorial Volume 1 for beginners. I recommend that you get the DVD tutorial so that you can get started on Parkour. Read WayOfNinja’s review on The Tribe Parkour Tutorial Volume 1.
 | US $25.00 End Date: Friday Oct-01-2010 8:02:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $25.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Logen L.
Training With Your Body’s Own Weight
To be a modern ninja, one has to have some form of physical fitness. Both muscular endurance and physical stamina are essential to a ninja’s training in martial arts, Parkour and stealth.
While there are many ways to train your fitness, bodyweight exercises (aka Calisthenics) allows you to naturally progress towards Parkour’s conditioning exercises. Bodyweight exercises uses the body’s weight as resistance for your workout. Some notable examples are push ups, pull ups and crunches.
This form of workout also allows you to build strength and endurance without going to the gym.
Therefore, because of the simplicity, you’ll have no excuses to skip a workout session, and should be able to build your cardiovascular strength fairly quickly.
Basic Workout Program by Way Of Ninja
The following program is meant only for beginners to train towards a basic level of fitness using Calisthenics workouts. The workout should be done thrice a week, with a day of rest in between (e.g. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). Please consult your doctor before attempting any exercise program.
You can refer to the exercise videos or pictorial instruction on Workoutz, if you do not know how to do the below exercises.
Part 1:
There should be 10 to 15 seconds of rest between each exercise and set.
Push-ups (3,5,3)
Crunches (10)
Tricep Pushups (3,5,3)
Bicycle Crunch (10)
Touch your toes (3)
Reverse Crunch (10)
Wide Pushups (3,5,3)
Vertical Leg Crunch (10)
Cobra Stretch (3)
Dive Bomber Push-ups (3,5,3)
Prone Bridge (30 sec)
Side Bridge -static (30 sec per side)
Part 2:
Take a 10 to 20 minutes break before continuing.
The jogging should last no more than 14 minutes for males and 18 minutes for females.
Pull-ups (1,1,1)
Supine Pullups (7,7,7)
Tuck Jumps (5,5,5)
Bodyweight Squats (30)
Jogging (1.5miles)
Recommended Bodyweight Training Guide
It is highly recommended that you use the workout routine in Stew Smith’s book, The Complete Guide to Navy Seal Fitness.
 | US $22.58 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 13:44:14 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.58 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Stew Smith was a former Navy SEAL, an equivalent to a ninja of Old times. He has been featured on National Geographic, Fight Science.
The bodyweight workout provided in his book will enhance your strength and stamina. And the free DVD included in the book will better explain the workout. Get The Complete Guide to Navy Seal Fitness now.
Logen L.
Train Your Mind With An Ancient Ninja Technique 3
Instructions on Anchor Kuji-In
The key to the anchoring technique is your state of mind. What is the mental state that you want to anchor to a particular hand seal or gesture.
For example, you would like to become confident. You must prepare intense memories of you being confident in a situation. If you find that you cannot find a true memory, you can instead create an ideal situation of confidence in your imagination. Either way, intense emotions of confidence must be evoked for the technique to anchor.
The other thing you need is the gesture or hand seal. It should be unique, easy to do and inconspicuous in a situation where you need confidence.
Watch the video instruction by Steve G Jones.
 | US $29.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 22:12:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $34.95 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Why in the world would you need an Anchor Kuji-In in this day and age? Let us explore circumstances where anchoring becomes useful.
You want to feel confident in uncertain situations (e.g. public speaking)
You want to quickly calm yourself from anxiety
You want to feel motivated to train
Logen L.
Train Your Mind With An Ancient Ninja Technique 2
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a means to understand how someone process their thoughts, emotions, language and behaviour to produce the results they do. The premise behind NLP is if we are able to alter our thought-process, we can change the way we react or perform in certain situations.
After all, human beings perceive and interpret situations based on their experiences in the past.
By breaking down the thought-process of an expert, we can copy what they do and use their methods to improve ourselves.
The Big Book Of NLP Techniques: 200+ Patterns & Strategies of Neuro Linguistic Programming
For example, we can observe the mental process of a calm person and a anxious person. If we learn to process our thoughts in the manner used by the calm person, we will be able to become calm as well.
NLP Anchoring Technique
Ivan Pavlov discovered a phenomenon on animal conditioning and human conditioning. In one of his experiments, he would use a bell to indicate to the dogs of their mealtime. After numerous times, the dogs learnt to associate the ringing sound to food. The moment Ivan rang the bell, the dogs began to salivate.
This is the principle of the ‘NLP Anchor Technique’. We associate a stimuli (smell, taste, action, sound, touch) with a mental state, through strong emotions and repetition. To activate the state, we recreate the stimuli.
Let me illustrate how powerful the technique is with a case. A lady was once a nurse during the World War Two. Everyday, she smelt the strong odour of antiseptic and took care of soldiers who were severely injured. Of which, some lost their limbs and died. Decades after the war, whenever she smelt antiseptic, she would feel depressed and helpless. The smell took her back to the melancholy of war. Of course, the anchor that occurred in this case was not purposely created.
Similarity Between the NLP Anchoring Technique and Kuji-In/Ketsu-In
In the same way, we can regard the kuji-in and ketsu-in as an ancient version of the anchor technique. The ninja formed a hand seal and uttered the corresponding character to summon the mental state he needed. It is probable that they attached the state of mind to the hand seal by meditating with each hand seal for some time.
We’ll learn to use kuji-in in the modern context by combining some of the hand seals with the NLP Anchor technique.
Logen L.
Train Your Mind With An Ancient Ninja Technique 1
The ancient ninja were steeped in esoteric Buddhist beliefs, the core of Japanese mysticism and spirituality. The kuji-in was a series of hand signs used to summon a ninja’s state of mind in order to complete their missions successfully.
Another form of mysticism prevalent in the ninja traditions is the Ketsuin. It was said to be a method created by the Yamabushi (mountain hermits/wise-men). Similar to Kuji-in, the Ketsuin was used to increase a ninja’s concentration and abilities prior to their missions.
The method involves the use of 9 characters: 1. (Rin), 2. (Pyo), 3. (Tou), 4. (Sya), 5. (Kai), 6. (Jin), 7. (Retsu), 8. (Zai), 9. (Zen). The ninja would first say ‘Rin’ and move his finger like a sword from left to right. Next, he would say ‘Pyo’ and move the finger from top to bottom again like a sword. All the other characters would be repeated in the same way as illustrated in the above chart.
Qi-Gong and Kuji-In: A Practical Guide to An Oriental Esoteric Experience
Both the methods of Kuji-in and Ketsuin were used by ancient ninja to draw out a mental state appropriate for succeeding their missions. Whether it was courage, focus or enhancing their abilities, they were able to use these methods. However, are these methods based off superstition, or can we as modern ninja understand how these methods work. And will we be able to use the principles behind these methods to achieve any state of mind that would be useful in our daily lives?
In the next article, we shall explore the modern equivalent of Kuji-in and Ketsuin.
Logen L.
Reviewing ‘Street Self Defense 101 : Volume 1′
“among the best self-defense teaching materials around.” – H. Tran
Street Self Defense 101 Volume I
Other than techniques, he teaches you to attain the mental edge to prepare yourself to defend yourself. Many people freeze up and hesitate when ambushed with an attack. Learn how to attain the self defence mentality and be always ready.
This DVD will no doubt supplement your martial arts training. If you’re a beginner, it can enable you to defend yourself without years of training.
Ninja Parkour Tutorial for Complete Beginners
Gain the NINJA ability to scale through obstacles!
American Parkour has produced a video tutorial (The Tribe Tutorial Volume 1) that teaches complete beginners the most common basics in Parkour. This is a great starting point to train in foundational movements and commit them to muscle-memory. Without any conscious thought, you will be able to maneuver your body through obstacles and evolve into intermediate Parkour moves.
The explanation is insightful and discusses how to execute the Parkour move and what mistakes to avoid. While the video tutorial lasts for 45 minutes, there are lots of details. It is advisable to learn the Parkour moves at your own pace and rewatch any specific move that you need to. Besides the video tutorial, the DVD contains PDF tutorials that can be printed and be conveniently taken to your training area for referencing.
This is indeed the perfect video tutorial for people new to Parkour, both young and mature. You will need this to get started on your Parkour training. Don’t procrastinate!
| US $25.00 End Date: Friday Oct-01-2010 8:02:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $25.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Visit their store on Ebay or AmericanParkour Amazon Store
Logen L.
Ninjutsu: The Secret Art of the Ninja Review
Do you have what it takes to become a Shodan in Bujinkan?
Ninjutsu: The Secret Art of the Ninja is authored by Simon Yeo, who has trained for over 30 years in martial arts (such as Judo, Karate, Tai Chi, Pk Mei King Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Jujutsu, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). He hold a 10th degree black belt in Bujinkan and has also trained under Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei.
This is basically a book that tells you what you need to know on the journey to becoming a Shodan (first degree black belt) in Bujinkam Ninjutsu. The basic techniques that forms Ninjutsu’s foundation are well-explained and organised with lots of details and coloured illustrative photos.
 | US $20.02 End Date: Sunday Sep-12-2010 3:46:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $20.02 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
The first part of his book focuses on ninja philosophy and the mind, body and spirit connection. The latter part covers basic techniques of Ninjutsu, pressure points and training tips.
All this information is written in a straightforward manner and is recommended for beginners of Bujinkan Ninjutsu. Get Ninjutsu : The Secret Art of The Ninja now on Amazon.
Logen L.
How To Choose Ninja Parkour Shoes
Before getting started on Parkour training, it’s advisable to have a good pair of shoes. The ideal Parkour shoes should be light in weight, durable, have adequate cushioning, and provide good traction on a variety of surfaces.
The general rule to keep in mind is that the shoes should allow you to move as freely as you can, just like being bare-footed.
Light in weight
Shoes that are light-weight help when you’re doing precision jumps and leaps. The shoes should feel ‘weightless’, to allow your body to move naturally.
Durable
It is important for your pair of shoes to cope with the demands of Parkour. They must not rip or tear easily during training. Be especially concerned with the soles. Instead of having glued on components, the soles should be in one-piece.
Adequate Cushioning
Adequate cushioning protects the joints and shock. However, be wary of too much cushioning. This can cause you to develop poor parkour techniques and encourage you to take unrealistic drops just because of the protection. Most traceurs recommend that Parkour shoes should be as close to feeling barefoot as possible because this allows you to be more sensitive to feeling your techniques (e.g. landing).
Good Traction
Traction and grip on surfaces is an important factor in choosing parkour shoes. Good grip allows you to move better and train with more confidence (as it eliminates the risk of slipping on most surfaces).
Recommendations for shoes
Vibram FiveFingers KSO (for men / for women)
The Vibram FiveFingers shoes, are the best in terms of giving a natural bare-footed-feel of movement, which is an important factor to improve Parkour techniques. The soles are durable and have fair grip. The cushioning is minimal. We recommend Vibram FiveFingers to traceurs who want the most natural feel when doing Parkour. Click the links above to find out more about Vibram Five Fingers KSO.
Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 320PK Trail Running Shoe
Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite Shoes (Inov-8 unisex) are designed to complement the human body’s biomechanics. It has midsole cushioning. Performance-wise, these are a good pair of parkour shoes in the overall factors. We recommend Inov-8 for beginner traceurs. Check out the links to find out more about Inov-8′s range of shoes.
K-Swiss® Ariake
K-Swiss Ariake Stability Running Shoes are designed for parkour training. They are well-known for the quality in traction, light weight and cushioning. However, some traceurs complain that the thick cushioning may compromise a traceur’s Parkour techniques. We recommend K-Swiss if the traceur has joint problems and needs the excess cushioning.
Go to W.O.N.’s store to search for Parkour shoes.
Logen L.
Finding our own path
I can’t help but to get frustrated when people are so against individuality and freedom of self expression in martial art. Many would say that I hold this point of view because I am an instructor of Jeet Kune Do Concepts, and am therefore an anti-traditionalist. This is simply not true because to say you are against tradition is to create another tradition of anti- tradition!
In fact, I recently started researching Ninjutsu because I respect it’s totality as a combat art. When you learn Ninjutsu you aren’t just a student of fighting, you are a student of war. Quite simply, I like what the art has to offer.
So why do I hold firm to our right to be creative and find our own way through martial art? The answer is really self explanatory, if we don’t we are not martial artists, we are martial emulators. What is art? It is self expression. The arts we study are only “arts” to their creators if we cease to develop them and allow them to change with the times. My view is not based on my JKD background, it is based on what art is, the expression of self. If I trace your picture I am not the artist, nor should I claim to be.
I will even go as far as to say we are doing the creators of our arts a great injustice by failing to keep their expression of martial art effective. If I knew that we would all be flying around in spaceships in 10 years, why would I want to teach my students to shoot a bow while riding horseback? If I would teach it I would be sure to do it for mere historical preservation, and I would also let my students know my purpose for such methods.
This is another thing that brings me back to my favorite Chinese proverb. “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” We go to our instructors and they keep handing us fish, and we become content with that. We want them to give us our fish! The truth of the matter is that we should be asking them to show us how to fish for ourselves.
Why don’t they teach us like this then? Well, basically because they were also students who like us wanted someone to give them the answers. In this way they wouldn’t have to put in the flight time and suffer the blood sweat, and tears of hard training. They could simply take their instructors teachings as the gospel truth, and if it ever fails them when needed they can just blame the instructors who taught them!
Bruce Lee said that “The mind is like a fertile garden in which anything that is planted, flowers or weeds, will grow.” When we have 80 years of traditional instructors just allowing their students to stick their hand out demanding the fish, that is the seed that is planted. Therefore our minds just accept that this is how it should be. A garden is cultivated over time and you must continue to cultivate it, it is a never ending process of getting rid of weeds and planting new seeds. We must also remember that the gardener still has the freedom of choice to plant the garden the way he wants. Does he want veggies or flowers (combat, or pretty forms and katas), maybe a mixture of both? It’s his garden, why should we be offended or even care?
I have my own garden, and I fish for myself and I am proud of that. I am also proud of others who do the same which is why I love W.O.N. I am even proud of those who are practicing one traditional art because they are passionate about it. What I don’t appreciate is when people start trying to force there tradition or opinions on me from the perspective that there is only one way. There is always more than one way to a destination although some ways may be more difficult to travel than others.
We must all find our own path. If you want to take the same road everyone else does that’s fine, if not that’s fine too. However it never hurts to check out the other routes to see if another path might work better for us.
I myself appreciate all arts and I feel that they all have something to offer. I like Bruce Lee’s attitude on this. “Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” Learn to fish for yourself, plant and harvest your own garden and share your ideas even if they are not yours, someone can use them I’m sure, just don’t claim your path is the only one because in all actuality “their is no style if you understand the roots of combat.” Martial art is about discovering our weaknesses and making them stronger, it is about overcoming personal limitations and fear, and it is art so it is also about self expression. Keep this in mind and find a Way of Ninja that you can enjoy. In this way you will continue training for years and develop yourself as a human being to the fullest, in body, mind, and spirit.
Kurtis Banish
Sarutobi Sasuke, One of The Legendary Ten
Sarutobi Sasuke is probably a fictional character that appeared in many children’s stories in the early 20th Century. His life and story is probably based on a Kozuki Sasuke, a famous ninja of the Meiji era. The word “Sarutobi” means “Monkey Jump”, and like many Japanese names it is actually a nickname that describes the qualities of a person. Sarutobi Sasuke was renowned for his acrobatic abilities. He could dodge the fastest warrior, ducking and jumping around a sword slash.
According to the legend, Sarutobi Sasuke began training at the age of ten. It is said that he met his sensei (teacher) when he was practicing fencing on a tree. An old man happened to come by and laughed at the child’s efforts. Sasuke got angry and rebuked the old man for having laughed at him.
“Child, practicing swordfight with a tree is like fighting a dead enemy!” the old man said.
Hearing these wise words, Sasuke was immediately alert, recognizing that the old man was probably a master swordsman. Sasuke pleaded to the old man to teach him sword fighting. The old man revealed himself to be Haakunsai Tozawa, a prominent Ninja of that time. Thus, Sasuke gained instruction as a Ninja.
After instruction, Sasuke joined the Sanada Clan, led by Yukimura who was at that time fighting against the forces of Tokugawa. Yukimura formed a group of ten Ninjas, called the Sanada Ten Braves, who took active part in the battles between the Sanada Clan and Tokugawa’s forces. During the Siege of Osaka, the Sanada Ten Braves were a crucial element of Yukimura’s strategy as they spied and brought forth instrumental information to their master.
In one popular story, Sasuke was sent to spy Tokugawa in his castle. He made a successful entry into the castle and overheard conversations of a plan to attack his master. However, when leaving, guards caught him. Sasuke was a master of evasion, having gone through many such situations in the past. He easily jumped over a high wall.
Unfortunately, there was a bear trap on the other side. Sasuke fell right into the trap. Before the guards arrived, Sasuke amputated his leg in order to get out of the trap. Realising that escape was impossible in this condition, Sasuke committed suicide rather than being caught.
Joyce
Sell Your Used Textbooks For Pocket Money
After every school year, what do you do with your old textbooks?
Do you…
- Leave the textbooks lying around the room?
- Throw the textbooks away?
- Or sell the textbook to someone for cash?
The last options sounds attractive, doesn’t it?
You can make use of SellBackBooks to sell off your books (even novels!). Use the cash you receive for things you really want and need. Perhaps to fund part of the fees for martial arts classes or exercise gear.
SellBackBooks is a free service that allows you to sell off unused old books at your convenience. They are better able to find buyers for your books. Shipping the books to SellBackBook is free as they pay for transporting your book to them.
Just follow these steps after you reach their website:
1. Key in the ISBN number of your book to find out how much money your book is worth.
2. Sell the books and ship the books to them for free!
3. Receive the money via check or direct bank deposit.
Visit SellBackBooks now to sell your used books for free.
Reviewing ‘Street Self Defense 101 : The Basics’
“Very effective in dealing with “Real World” street situations.” – John H.
Street Self Defense 101 – The Basics
The material covered is easy to understand and is to the point. The tactics presented have been praised to be street effective by several martial arts instructors.
Shihan Michael Pace who presents the content is a 9th Dan in Goshin-Ryu Karate and has studied Judo and Jujitsu. Back in 1994, he was awarded the title of Shihan (master).
This DVD will benefit beginner and/or experienced martial artists. Through this video course, you will understand how you can apply your martial art effectively if ever you are attacked.
If you’re interested in learning self defense without training for years, watch this DVD. Be able to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Ishikawa Goemon, The Ninja Thief
No ninjitsu school in Japan would openly acknowledge Ishikawa Goemon as one of their students. This is because, Ishikawa Goemon is considered to be the greatest thief in Japanese history. Goemon was probably a Ninja, since many sources claim that he was born in the Iga Province, the home of the Ninjas. Yet, he perverted ninjitsu in the sense that he used the Ninja techniques to steal from others. Other sources claim that he was a samurai born to So Sekei, the chief retainer of a local warlord. He quit being a samurai after the assassination of his father and became a thief in Kyoto.
However, despite being a thief, he was well liked by the common people. Goemon was a sort of Japanese Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Goemon lived in the Edo era, in the 16th Century. The Civil War (Warring States Period) had just ended. This period was characterized by massive differences between the classes of people. Much power and wealth were in the hands of the daimyo (the leader of a province). There was a rich aristocratic class who were powerful landlords. The common people were peasants, condemned to forever work the lands of their masters for a meagre pay. Ishikawa Goemon sought to iron out these differences using his own radical method.
In 1594, Goemon entered the castle of the Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the regent of the emperor. It is not clear why he did so. Some say to steal; which does not seem to be a good reason because of the risks. Others say that he planned to assassinate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who at that time was perceived to be a despot and who oppressed the common people a lot. Still others claim that the aim was to avenge Goemon’s father who had been killed by Hideyoshi (this is the version of the popular plays by the Japanese kabuki).
Whatever the case, Geomon entered the master bedroom of the regent. According to popular legend, there was a mystical incense burner in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s room, which sounded a shrill alarm whenever an intruder comes in. The samurai guards of the regent were quickly roused and caught Goemon in the act. A more logical explanation would be that he tripped over something that raised the alarm…but hey, who are we to challenge history?!!! When caught, Goemon was brought before the regent for interrogation, where he gave the following statement:
“It is you who are the thief, for having stolen the whole country!”
Toyotomi Hideyoshi was furious at this, since it was well known that he had came to power after a series of battles, intrigue and even political assassinations. He ordered that Goemon and his whole family be put to death by boiling in hot oil at the front gate of the Nazenji temple in Kyoto. While Goemon was unable to save the rest of his family, he saved his young son, Gobei, who had been put in the same cauldron as him, by holding him above the boiling oil.
Joyce
Kato Danzo, The Ninja Illusionist
All Ninjas of the olden days were attributed supernatural powers, sometimes greatly exaggerated. Many were associated with witchcraft or black magic even. The illustrious Kato Danzo was also well-known for his capabilities as an illusionist. Who else can boast of being able to swallow a whole bull in front of a crowd of over twenty persons? Who else can throw seeds onto the ground and have them sprout and flower in front of the very eyes of the onlookers? Kato Danzo mastered the techniques of illusion to such an extent that even the powerful lords of Japan were in awe of him.
Kato Danzo lived during the Sengoku period in Japan. The Sengoku period was a period of civil unrest (15th to 17th Century). This period marked the rise of the daimyo or regional lords and the erosion of centralized power. The daimyo held considerable powers and thus, like other Ninjas, Kato Danzo sought employment from one of these lords: the powerful and respected Uesugi Kenshin. Yet even Uesugi Kenshin was afraid of Kato Danzo.
Under the pretext of testing the abilities of the great Ninja, Uesugi Kenshin charged Kato Danzo of recovering a prized sword of one of his vassals that had been stolen by a rival and kept in a guarded castle. Yet, unbeknownst to Kato Danzo, the daimyo had alerted the rival of the arrival of the Ninja. There are many versions on how Kato Danzo escaped this trap.
One version is that he distracted the guards who had caught him with one of his magic tricks. Historical documents have it that he caused several little dancing dolls to spring out of a gourd. While the astonished soldiers watched, Kato Danzo leapt off the window and escaped.
The other version is that Kato Danzo had sensed the trap beforehand. He consequently sent in a dummy with his Ninjitsu outfit over the hedge of the castle instead of going in himself. The dummy was attached to a rope which he held from the other side. The soldiers, on orders from the daimyo, shot their arrows at the dummy. Kato simply pulled the rope causing the dummy to levitate in mid air. This caused much bewildered the soldiers and gave Kato enough time to escape.
In both situations, Kato Danzo became famous as tobi Kato (Flying Kato). He did eventually bring back the sword to Uesugi Kenshin but, because of the latter’s betrayal, did not continue to work as one of his vassals. Instead he went to Uesugi’s arch-enemy, Takeda Shingen. However, the latter also found Kato Danzo to be more dangerous than useful. Kato Danzo died by decapitation on the instructions of Takeda Shingen.
There is a saying among Ninjas that goes:
“A competent Ninja cannot be loved by his Master”
This is certainly true in the case of Kato Danzo.
Joyce
Examples of Blending Self Preservation and Self Perfection
I wanted to post this video link for the members of W.O.N. to show how we blend both elements of training in Jeet Kune Do. It is also sort of a homework assignment! I want you to see if you can tell the difference between when the students are drilling and when they are sparring. By doing this you will be more equipped to create your own drills. Many times I have students do this type of training with equipment on so they can get a little more vicious with the sparring element.
Kurt B.
Self Preservation and Self Perfection.
This is a subject of great importance in regards to training in the martial arts. Many martial artists unknowingly spend too much time on one and not enough on the other. Most people simply don’t recognize the difference between the two, or the importance of them both.
Bruce Lee said this in an interview… “You have natural instinct and you have control. You are to combine the two in harmony. If you have one to the extreme you will be very unscientific. If you have the other to the extreme you will become all of the sudden a mechanical man.” Bruce was simply speaking of the importance of harmonizing both self perfection along with self preservation.
To give you a better understanding of this article I must define both methods of training. Self perfection is the time you spend perfecting your technique. You might practice kata, hit focus mitts, or do drills with a partner in a cooperative manner. It can also include hitting a bag or working with a Wing Chun dummy. Any drills that involve a pattern of any sort can also be considered self perfection.
Self preservation on the other hand is focused more on application. It is not even as simple as training to strike an uncooperative opponent because you must also learn to get hit and keep your composure. Self preservation includes sparring, that’s it! However we are not talking about the type of training we see in Tae Kwon Do schools. I’m sure you’ve seen it, two Tae Kwon Do students sparring according to Tae Kwon Do rules. I’m talking about sparring at ATLEAST 60% contact, anything goes! Head shots, groin shots, take downs, submissions, and body slams are all fair game. Things like head butting, eye gouging, and biting should be simulated, and multiple opponents and weapons must also become a variable at some point. You simply have to simulate street fights so that you learn to preserve yourself in reality, not just in the dojo.
I consider both types of training to be of equal importance, but we must train them equally. Considering something important doesn’t mean your doing it! Too much time perfecting technique will lead you to becoming the “mechanical man” with no application skills. If all you do is spar you will become very “unscientific” and you will lack finesse, precision, and economy of motion.
Trying to compartmentalize your training and separate both elements all the time can be tedious, although it produces great results! In fact it has to be done to an extent because you must learn the difference between the two. We must spend 50% of our time doing one, and 50% percent doing the other.
However, both elements can be weaved together to produce a synergistic effect. For instance, you can be working a particular drill or technique with a partner (chi sao, lop sao, Hubad, or anything with a pattern for the sake of learning). To make it more combative, either of you can break the pattern by striking outside of the limitations of the drill or pattern, and switching to sparring mode. When ready you simply find your way back into the drill. Simply alternate between drilling and sparring. Get creative and blend both elements together.
This type of training is very beneficial. It makes your self perfection element more combative, and it makes self preservation more conducive to learning rather than competing. When you equally work both elements they tend to help each other out along the way. A synergistic effect takes place, instead of how your going to one extreme would make you either “unscientific” or “mechanical.”
Kurt B.
