Quck answer

Ninjas were real historical figures in ancient Japan. They were highly skilled covert agents trained in espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare. Ninjas were known for their ability to move swiftly and silently, employing various weapons and martial arts techniques. However, due to their secretive nature, much of their history and practices remain shrouded in mystery. Today, ninjas have become legendary figures in popular culture, often depicted as stealthy assassins with extraordinary abilities. While the modern perception of ninjas may be exaggerated, their existence as skilled covert operatives in ancient Japan is undeniable.

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While you are in a state of slumber, your pleasant dreams are suddenly interrupted by an unwelcome intruder. A mysterious individual, wearing a mask and dressed in black, appears behind you. You quickly escape, running in different directions, but he always manages to stay right behind you, moving swiftly and silently.

You turn to confront the man in black, who now has a drawn sword. He raises his sword and leaps into the air, preparing to deliver a powerful karate kick. Suddenly, you sit up in bed, breathing heavily. Phew! It was only a dream.

Now that you are awake, you realize who your assailant was. He was a ninja! All the typical characteristics are present: black attire, stealth, sword, and martial arts skills. Without a doubt, a ninja!

Ninjas are popular figures in today’s society. Children dress up as ninjas for Halloween. Movies, TV shows, and books revolve around ninjas. The word “ninja” even comes up in discussions about teenage mutant turtles, kitchen blenders, and motorcycles. But do ninjas actually exist?

If you are a fan of ninjas, you will be pleased to know that ninjas were indeed real. However, the historical ninjas were probably quite different from the modern portrayal. In fact, they were not even referred to as ninjas! The ancient ninjas of Japan were known as shinobis. The term “ninja” is of Chinese origin and was not used until the 20th century.

Shinobis lived in Japan between the 15th and 17th centuries. They resided in two regions: Iga and Koga. These areas were under the control of samurais. In order to remain independent from these feudal lords, the people in Iga and Koga trained in the art of ninjutsu. They acquired skills such as stealth, intelligence gathering, and assassination techniques.

The shinobis served as spies and professional warriors. They also relied on various weapons including explosives, poison gases, swords, knives, and bows. Some experts consider them to be the antithesis of samurais. While samurais engaged in open combat, shinobis operated covertly.

What about those masks and all-black outfits? These are modern inventions. The shinobis would have worn ordinary clothing that allowed them to blend in with their surroundings. Wearing an all-black outfit would have made them conspicuous rather than inconspicuous.

The shinobis gradually disappeared after the 17th century. However, legends and tales about them continued to circulate. People spoke of their extraordinary abilities, claiming that they possessed invisibility and the power to walk on water. Our contemporary perception of ninjas is based on these ancient stories. Now you know that the true shinobis were very different!

Try It Out

Are you interested in experiencing ninja-like combat? Gather a few friends or family members to assist you in exploring the following activities:

What Does a Modern Ninja Look Like?

If you were to draw or describe a modern ninja, what would come to mind? What weapons, characteristics, and skills would you envision? How does this modern portrayal differ from the historical version of ninjas that you learned about today?

Are you feeling creative? Take a look at these 25 Stealthy Ninja Crafts for Kids online. Choose a craft or two to make with your friends and family. Pay attention to the details of the crafts. Do they reflect the modern idea of ninjas or the more accurate historical account?

How do ninjas and samurai compare and contrast? Read more about samurai and then write a paragraph explaining their similarities or differences with ninjas.

Wonder Sources

• http://world.time.com/2013/02/05/you-dont-know-ninjas-8-new-revelations-about-the-shadow-warrior/slide/where-ninjas-are-born/ (accessed 12 June 2019)
• https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-ninja-195811 (accessed 12 June 2019)
• http://kotaku.com/all-you-know-about-ninja-is-probably-wrong-5932403 (accessed 12 June 2019)
• https://www.winjutsu.com/ninjakids/nk_history.html (accessed 12 June 2019)
• https://www.wayofninja.com/ninja-history-are-ninjas-real/ (accessed 12 June 2019)
• http://militaryhistorynow.com/2015/05/11/enter-the-ninja-facts-and-myths-about-japans-most-mysterious-warriors/ (accessed 12 June 2019)

FAQ

1. Are ninjas real?

Yes, ninjas were real historical figures in feudal Japan. They were highly skilled spies, assassins, and covert operatives. Ninjas were trained in various martial arts, stealth techniques, and espionage tactics. They were known for their ability to move silently, blend into their surroundings, and use unconventional weapons.

2. What is the origin of ninjas?

Ninjas originated in Japan during the Sengoku period (15th to 17th centuries). They emerged as a response to the political unrest and constant warfare of that time. The ninja clans were formed to provide intelligence, sabotage enemies, and carry out covert operations for their lords. They were skilled in gathering information, infiltration, and guerrilla warfare.

3. How did ninjas dress?

Ninjas did not have a specific uniform, as their primary goal was to blend in and remain unseen. They often wore dark clothing or disguises to help them hide in the shadows. Some common attire for ninjas included dark robes, hooded cloaks, and ninja masks to conceal their identities. Their clothing was designed to be lightweight and flexible to allow for swift movements.

4. What weapons did ninjas use?

Ninjas were skilled in a wide range of weapons and tools. Some common weapons used by ninjas include shurikens (throwing stars), kunais (dagger-like knives), swords, and bows and arrows. They also made use of specialized tools such as grappling hooks, smoke bombs, and caltrops (spiked metal objects to slow down pursuers). Ninjas were trained to be versatile and adapt to different situations, using whatever weapons were available to them.