Anshu Christa Jacobson – Book Review – Shoninki – “Original Japanese Text”
This is a book review of the title “SHONINKI – Original Japanese Text“. This is one of the most prominent historical text that we have left from the feudal era of Japan.
The Shoninki was written by Natori Masatake of the Kishu-ryu school of ninjutsu. Although the text is not very long, it reflects a certain way of thinking about ninjutsu, which is most interesting to anyone who wishes to learn more than just techniques. It is also important to keep in mind that the text was written for a selected contemporary audience. Without commentary and interpretation of the text, much would be lost. Therefore, a great translation is needed to understand the depth of the shoninki and the teachings of the kishu ryu school of ninjutsu.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK – TRUE PATH OF THE NINJA FOR ANY REAL SERIOUS NINJUTSU PRACTITIONER.
Take Care, Be Safe &
Good Luck in your Journey of Budo.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Book Review – True Path of the Ninja
This is a book review of the title “True Path of the Ninja“. This is a definitive translation of the SHONINKI, one of the most prominent historical text that we have left from the feudal era of Japan.
The Shoninki was written in 1682 by Natori Masatake of the Kishu-ryu school of ninjutsu. Although the text is not very long, it reflects a certain way of thinking about ninjutsu, which is most interesting to anyone who wishes to learn more than just techniques. It is also important to keep in mind that the text was written for a selected contemporary audience. Without commentary and interpretation of the text, much would be lost. Therefore, a great translation is needed to understand the depth of the shoninki and the teachings of the kishu ryu school of ninjutsu.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK – TRUE PATH OF THE NINJA FOR ANY REAL SERIOUS NINJUTSU PRACTITIONER.
Take Care, Be Safe &
Good Luck in your Journey of Budo.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu – School of War
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Original Japanese Text!
This edition of the Shoninki is the manual in it’s original Japanese form, to be used as a compendium with the English translation “True Path of the Ninja“. The version of the ninja manual used here is the one currently located in the Tokyo National Diet Library and is considered to be a 1743 transcription of the original 1681 manuscript. The original Japanese text found within these pages is a reference for any serious Japanese reseacher, Ninjutsu student, or martial arts collector. When being used in tandum with the above translation, students will find all the necessary additional information to help them explore the writings of Natori Masatake and the Ninjutsu curiculum of the Natori-Ryu. The is a Japanese language product.
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 9
SHONINKI – Part 9
Photo – Japanese Raccoon Dog.
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HENGE NO RON
Changes in your Appearance
It is said that kitsune (foxes) and tanuki (raccoon dogs) change shape to deceive their enemies.
We are not as lucky as this animal, however, if you skillfully disguise yourself, it is necessary to stay on guard, and keep this act of deception as you are in constant view of the enemy.
A person that does not disguise him/herself well will quickly become unmasked. This is a technique that must be studied in depth and very seriously.
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* Note* in Japanese folklore the kitsune and tanuki are the 2 most popular characters of fantasy bestiary. This is the thought of this idea of changing ones shape. ***
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We have already discussed the 6 things every ninja will carry on a mission, we have already discussed the 7 disguises of the ninja as well.
But there are times when these 7 have to be changed, and in that situation, make sure that you wear clothing that changes your appearance, change the eyebrows, teeth, face and if possible wear a beard.
If you are going to use make-up make sure that you understand make-up and get the colors that are right for your skin color or you will immediately stick out in the crowd and be seen.
There are so many variations and situations that you can get into, so make sure that you are adaptable, use the thoughts of the kitsune and the tanuki when changing your appearance.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 8
SHONINKI – Part 8
Photo – Temple / Sanctuary Woodblock Print.
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GUJI KEIKON NO NARAI
Gathering information in temples and sanctuaries
As a shinobi you need to learn about various places, to do this you can visit their temples and sanctuaries and donate money and gifts while there. While you are there if you say that you are a individual that will raise some concern, if you say that you are a priest or a villager, that he doubts will go away and you can continue with the mission.
Here if there are thoughts of attacks or plots on the area you can easily gather that information as the commoners will be praying for safety as well as the sermons that are being spoken of.
To obtain more information of the area, brothels, bath houses and amusement / gaming houses are also great places to establish your presents and gather information of the area.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 7
SHONINKI – Part 7
Photo – Painting: Japanese Ox.
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GYUBA NO TSUTA NO KOTO
The teachings of Oxen and Horses
this strategy is exactly opposite of the Wolves and Foxes strategy as the Ox and Horse have to walk among the men.
If your lord wants you to deliver a message, he will choose a shinobi that will be able to walk among the commoners and blend in so that he / she does not get caught.
another technique to understand with this strategy is a shinobi will meet another at a certain place in public and then they together will travel to the designated area to carry out the mission. This thought goes hand in hand with the way that horses and ox are lead by their masters.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 6
SHONINKI – Part 6
Photo – Woodblock Print: Japanese Wolf with Samurai.
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KORO NO MICHI NO RARAI
The teachings of Wolves and Foxes
Foxes and wolves are very cunning animals; it is said that the fox can deceive man and that the wold can read his soul. The travel indirect routes and can solve the most difficult problems.
When traveling down a road in enemy territory, you run the risk of running into a check point and can get caught. So in no circumstance should a shinobi take these roads. Instead use the techniques of the wolves and foxes. You should use routes by natural inhabitants which are located a distance of 2-3 “RI” (Japanese measurement, approx 2.4 miles) from the checkpoints.
In principal it is preferable for a shinobi to travel alone. First of all, he can then go where ever he wishes. If he does travel with other shinobi they should be in correct dress / costume for the mission, and one should be very good at languages (dakko no shinobi) and capable of speaking and taking notes of all of the areas that they are going.
With travel, it is crucial to study the wolf and the fox. Stay away from the main roads and use the secondary routes and the routes of the inhabitants.
*** THOUGHT ***
The person who acts out of duress has lost the favor of heaven. The techniques of these kinds of experts are not handed down to their descendants. As quickly as pigeon eggs are speedily discovered and become victims; so will you,…you should keep this in mind and ponder.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 5
SHONINKI – Part 5
Photo – Woodblock Print: Japanese Village in the rain.
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KINJUKU TORI HAIRU NARAI
Entering the Enemies House
Despite the unease feeling that a shinobi will have of gaining access into the enemy’s house, the house has already been scouted very well, and this is the shinobi’s primary duties.
Many times to seem less suspicious depending on the situation, the ninja would pretend to be sick at the front gate, this will help him gain access into the house and he can ask for medicine. It is not advisable to pretend to be drunk, as you may not receive any help.
Once they help, and you are starting to feel better, you need to ask to talk to the head master to thank him, from here you should leave the house.
Come back with a gift for the headmaster to show your thanks for his kind deeds, from here you can draw closer to the inhabitants.
If you bring gifts for the kids, you should do this in private first, also you help around the house too to take away the pains, don’t separate the jobs of men and women, just help out as much as you can until you have reached a good level of trust from everyone in the house.
At this point you are moving freely in the house of the enemy, and are now in the position to do your job as a shinobi in the house of the enemy, no matter if it is gathering information or anything else that your master as told you to do.
OLD JAPANESE PROVERB SAYS:
“Metal tends to adopt to fire,..
Men seek to conform to what they say,…
The nightingales beak eats nothing in the flower,…
It only delights in its delicious aroma.”
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“ASSESSING AN AREA AND TROOPS”
To learn an area the Shinobi should be able to observe it from a correct distance to gather the information that he / she needs. In territory you intend to reconnoiter, you should mingle with the servants and pass yourself off as a merchant, and remain in the same places for 2-3 days.
To count the number of houses you should fill both of your sleeves with a number of beans or small stones and place them in your sleeve one by one as you are passing by the houses. The right sleeve is for the houses on the right and the left is for the left.
This techniques is also used when passing by soldiers, horseman and lancers, as well as counting horses on roads and small bridges.
It is possible that you are in a position to not get a count, however, never loose track of what your goals are, always be nice, award gifts if needed and get in the good grace of those that can get your the information that you need to help carry out the mission.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 4
SHONINKI – Part 4
Photo – Woodblock Print: Samurai Spy watching Japanese women, waiting for others that may come into the room.
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SHINOBI ASHI NAMI JUKKA JO
10 Methods of Stealth Walking
1 – Nuki Ashi / Stealthy Step
2 – Suri Ashi / Rubbing Stpe
3 – Shime Ashi / tight Step
4 – Tobi Ashi / Flying Step
5 – Kata Ashi / One Step
6 – O Ashi / Gaint Step
7 – Ko Ashi / Little Step
8 – Kizami Ashi / Small Step
9 – Wari Ashi/ Quick Step
10 – Tsuene no Ashi / Normal Step
All of these steps are taught in great detail in the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo and at every annual Shinobi no Mono Stealth Camp!
I must say that this is the list of the 10 that are on the scroll of the SHONINKI, which is Kishu Ryu school of ninjutsu. There are other schools of ninjutsu that have different stealth methods, such as yoko aruki, yoko bashiri, kitsune bashiri, and various other walking methods.
However; even though different ryu may have different methods of walking within their school. These are the 10 most basic or kihon methods of walking and is considered basic knowledge of the historical shinobi and is the basic / foundation of stealth walking and should be mastered and taught by ALL schools of ninjutsu.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 3
SHONINKI – Part 3
Photo – Woodblock Print: Shows Lady Kaoyo and a faithful Samurai waiting to enter the Hachiman Shrine while a spy watches them from behind a large lantern.
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KOHO JUNIN NO NARAI
10 Methods of Concealment & Spying
1 – ONSEI NIN: This is the art of concealing yourself by the method of noise, such as music or the noise of animals such as horses.
2 – JUN NIN: This is following people with natural movements without destroying anything.
3 – MUSEIHO NIN: During troubled times it is necessary to be ready to sacrifice everything, even in a dead end situation. The enemy may be blinded by pity or overwhelmed by other feelings, which will grant you the possibility of escape.
4 – NYOGEN NIN: No matter how slim the situation. you should recognize the principal at once and profit from it in order to gain an advantage.
5 – NYOEI NIN: Under no pretext allow yourself to be separated from people; stick firmly to you goal.
6 – NYOEN NIN: During the times when people are not cautious or negligent enter their houses and their hearts.
7 – NYOMU NIN: Be capable of evaluating individuals.
8 – NYOKO NIN: Examine the enemy’s territory and adapt to it.
9 – NYOKA NIN: Study the enemy’s deepest depths and learn the most intimate recesses of his heart. Under these circumstances, in order to not behave suspiciously, you must act naturally or in disguise.
10 – NYOKY NIN: If and adversary has discoverd that he is being spied upon, all effort to defeat him will then be in vain. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NEVER leave a trace when you are spying.
These are the 10 basic or kihon methods of spying that are covered in the Shoninki. Again this is considered basic knowledge of the historical shinobi and should be mastered and taught by ALL schools of ninjutsu.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki Study Part 2
SHONINKI – Part 2
Photo – Woodblock Print: A Japanese Monk and a Tengu.
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SHUSHIBO NO KATO
7 Methods of Shinobi Disguise.
To be a ninja you need to learn to become a shadow, to blend into your surrounds and to escape the eyes of others to conceal your identity.
1 – KOMUSO (Itinerant Monk) this is when wearing the amigasa or straw hat.
2 – SHUKKE (Buddhist Monk) For getting close to people.
3 – YAMABUSHI (Mountain Ascetic) For approaching peopleand carrying a katana and wakizashi.
4 – AKINDO (Merchant) for freelymingling with the people.
5 – HOKASHI (Itenerant Actor) for blending into the crowd.
6 – SARRUGAKU (Street Entertainer) for blending into the crowd.
7 – TSUNE KATA (Normal Appearance) taking on an ordinary appearance in order to adopt other disguises. For those of you that train with the Budo Ryu and are in the Tomo Ryu training, this is called Kage no Kamae.
Prepare yourself well by using these different disguises, for the situation that you need. It is essential to know yourself and the area that you are going to be to blend in or become a natural shadow within the area.
(there are many interpretations of this book, this is my personal interpretations; I hope that this can help you in your training.)
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I hope that these words from Natori can help you on your journey of the arts. be Safe my friends.
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo
http://www.budoryuninjutsu.com/
Anshu Christa Jacobson – Shoninki
This is a short video of actual ninja fighting techniques from the Kishu Ryu Ninja Tradition (also known as Natori Ryu) that have been taken from one of the most well known historical artifacts on ninjutsu, a book called the Shoninki.
The Historical Ninjutsu Team contacted me and asked if I would do this video and I jumped on the opportunity to help show the world REAL ninjutsu.
I hope that you all enjoy the video, we had a good time making the video! If you are interested in training with our school please log on to:
BudoRyuNinjutsu.com
Take Care, Be Safe &
Good Luck in your Journey of Budo
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Anshu Christa Jacobson 