Togakure Ryu Tonko No Jutsu

Togakure Ryu Tonko no Jutsu
Takamatsuden Books 2010

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Published and produced by
Takamatsuden Books

Disclaimer

Please note that Takamatsuden Books are NOT RESPONSIBLE in
any manner whatsoever for any injury that may result from practicing
the techniques and / or following the instructions given within. Since
the physical activities described herein may be too strenuous in
nature for some readers to engage in safely, it is essential that medical
advice is sought prior to any training.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, scanning, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from
Takamatsuden Books.


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(Hidden Door School Escaping Forms)

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Mokuroku
(Catalogue)

(Hidden Door School Escaping Forms)

Mokuton no jutsu (Wood Element Techniques)

Katon no jutsu (Fire Element Techniques)

Doton no jutsu (Earth Element Techniques)

Kinton no jutsu (Metal Element Techniques)

Suiton no jutsu (Water Element Techniques)

Jinton no jutsu (Human Element Techniques)


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// /
/ / / Kinton (Bird Evasion) Juton (wild
Animal Evasion) Chuton (Bug Evasion) Gyoton (Fish Evasion)
Animal Elemental Techniques

Nitton no jutsu (Sun Element Techniques)

Getton no jutsu (Moon Element Techniques)

Seiton no jutsu (Astronomy Element Techniques)

Unton no jutsu (Cloud Element Techniques)

Muton no jutsu (Fog Element Techniques)

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Mokuton no Jutsu (Wood Evasion Art)

This is the strategy for hiding oneself in bushes and /or behind trees.
Then either attack, the enemy or escape, using the brush for
concealment.

The principles of Mokuton include:
Using the contrast between sunshine and shade created by brush or
grassland, wearing brush, leaves or grasses, capturing the enemies
attention by using brush and grasses to make distracting noises and
movements, simulating a person hiding in the brush.

Gisou no Ho (Camouflage Method)

This is a method of concealment by using the surrounding plant life
to evade, escape or infiltrate.

You must observe what kind of plant life is normal for the area in
which you need to hide in (the more dense the area is, the better).

The method is to tie a Tatsuki (cord) or your sword Sageo around
your body and shoulders in order to attach undergrowth, leaves,
branches and flowers (depending on the type of undergrowth)
vertically into the Tatsuki (insert the foliage to both front and back of
your body). Pay particular attention to breaking the line of your
shoulders. This will make your form harder for your enemy to see.

The main point is to only use plant life from where you intend to
hide. If you move from there to an area with different plant life, you

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must change it to this. Also, do not use a lot of different types of
plant life as it will make you easier to spot.

Uzura Gakure no Ho (Crouch And Hide Method)

This is the method used for blending in with the surrounding plant
life and then attacking your enemy by leaping out close to him and
cutting him down using the element of surprise. Firstly you need to
use Gisou no hou .

You need to be as close to the edge of the undergrowth as possible
for this method to be effective if you make too much noise leaping
out from the undergrowth, you will give your enemy time to respond.
You should wait for your enemy to be at a close enough range for
you to effectively surprise him and cut him down.

Metsubushi no Ho (Eye Crushing Method)

For this method you need to cut a branch (about 4 foot) from a tree, a
bamboo or a thorn bush. Hold it behind you in your left hand (allow
it to touch the ground) and hold your sword in your right hand.

As the enemy approaches keep the branch behind you and your sword
to the front approach with caution. When you are at a distance
where both swords are nearly touching, bring the branch forward in a
whipping motion straight across the enemys eyes when the enemy
flinches, either finish him with Bikenjutsu or escape to the rear.


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Gi Hen Mokuton no Ho (Deceptive Tree
Evasion Method)

This is a method of causing a distraction for escape, evasion or attack
by shaking the branches of a tree to make the enemy think that you
are there.

In this method you can use a kamayari to shake the branches of a tree
so that you make the enemy think he has discovered you.
Alternatively, you can attach a rope to the branch and attach a wild
animal to the other end of it. As the animal tries to escape, the branch
will move thus making the enemy believe that you are in the tree.
For added effect, you can also place your jacket in the tree so as to
make the enemy investigate further and buy you more time.

To Boku Gi Hen no Ho (Falling Tree
Deception Method)

This is a method of crushing your enemy by making logs or bamboo
fall on top of him. You can also topple them to create a distraction to
aid escape, evasion or infiltration.

There are many applications of this but to mention a couple, you
stack heavy bamboo poles or logs at the side of a path that you know
your enemy will be using, and when he is parallel with them, topple
them onto him by pushing them over from a high vantage point. Or,
tie heavy bamboo poles or logs to a roof or a high bank when
discovered by a pursuing enemy, cut the rope to make them fall
towards the enemy and aid your escape.


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Katon no Jutsu (Fire Evasion Art)

Katon no jutsu is a way of capturing the sight and attention of the
enemy by creating natural fires from the combustion of various
natural substances, including powders, grasses, oils and so fourth,
then attacking from unexpected directions or escaping. In the
Togakure Ryu, ninja warriors usually carried black powder made
from kiribai (paulownia wood ash) and sulphur. The powder was
mixed in proportion to the strength and amount needed to accomplish
the task at hand.

When the ninja employed their black powder mixes, they frightened
their enemies by throwing black powder mixes directly at them,
setting fire to grasses, brush and trees, and throwing powder mixes
into hibachi charcoal braziers or furnaces. When the mixes exploded,
they took the enemy by surprise during which time the ninja warriors
made sudden attacks, hid themselves in the moats of castles, on the
roofs of houses, in trees, or under the floor.

The most important factor to bear in mind when employing katon no
jutsu tactics is the weather, especially meteorolgical conditions such
as wind and rain.

Hizeme no Ho (Fire Attack Method)

This is a method of trapping and killing your enemy by surrounding
him with fire.

First, the Ninja prepares the area with the combustible materials to
light and create the fires this must be hidden from plain sight.

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The strategy depends on the situation so, if the Ninja was being
pursued, the idea would be to lead the enemy to the area that the trap
had been placed, the Ninja would then hide on the outer rim of the
area and when the enemy/enemies entered the area, the Ninja would
light the combustible materials. The fire would quickly surround the
enemy and kill him. If the enemy escaped the fire, the Ninja would
cut him down.

If the situation was that the Ninja wanted to kill an enemy using this
technique directly, then the trap would be laid on a path that the Ninja
knew was going to be used by his enemy the rest is the same.

The direction of the wind is a very important factor to consider in this
technique also important is being aware of potential rain. This will
covered in another volume Tenmon Chimon.

Netto no Ho (Boiling Water Method)

Again, as with most methods, this depends on the circumstances in
which the Ninja finds himself in. The idea is to stop you enemy in
his tracks by throwing or pouring boiling water (or oil) onto him.

The Togakure Ninja would keep pots of water/oil boiling if they
were at camp, then high ground was preferred, with this advantage, if
they were discovered and attacked, they could pour the boiling liquid
onto, or throw the liquid at the enemy. If the Ninja wanted to create
an escape route, then pots of boiling water could be placed under
slow burning fires at a high point and used in the same way to slow
the pursuit and injure the enemy. If the Ninja was defending a castle
wall, the same principle would be used to prevent the enemy from
approaching or climbing the castle walls.


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En Maku Kaku Ran no Ho (Smokescreen
Disturbance Method)

In this method, water is poured onto a fire to create a smokescreen to
aid escape, evasion or infiltration.

As we have already discussed, the Ninja would boil liquid on a fire.
If the Ninja wanted to create a smokescreen, the wind direction
would be observed, then the Ninja would position himself so that the
wind was blowing in the correct direction (i.e. if the wind was
blowing towards the enemy, then that was preferable), and then the
water would be poured onto the fire to create the smoke.

Another method for creating smoke was to burn dry grass.

Oni Bi no Ho (Fire Demon Method)

This method used superstition as an advantage Japanese people
hold the belief that the spirits of the dead float in the air. So this
method was used to make people believe that certain areas were
haunted.

The Ninja would soak lengths of cloth in oil and then bind them to
lengths of bamboo that could either be carried, staked in the ground
or hung from trees. When lit at night, they would look like floating
fire balls (fire demons).


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Soku To Ki no Ho (Breath Attack Tool Method)

The Soku Toki was a small box with Metsubushi mixed with burning
charcoal (blinding powder) inside it the Ninja blew into the one end
and the powder would be released out of the other end towards the
enemies eyes. This was also used by the Edo period police.

The Ninja would use a red Oni (demon) mask in conjunction with
this to create fear and also to create the illusion that the demon was
breathing fiery smoke.

Again, the Ninja had to determine wind direction to use this
technique effectively.

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Doton no Jutsu (Earth Evasion Art)

Doton no jutsu is the method of using the terrain and its features as
tactical advantages. Ninja made sudden attacks from uneven terrain,
and threw mud or stones instead of shuriken to blind and distract the
enemy. Often, ninja warriors would throw rocks or stones in the
opposite direction of their path of travel as a distraction.

Metsubushi no Ho (Eye Crushing Method)

This method is to use dirt as Metsubushi by either kicking it up at
your enemies face or grabbing handfuls of dirt and throwing it at your
enemies eyes. This is done to aid escape, evasion or infiltration. If
you wish to kill your enemy, it is preferable to do it swiftly with this
technique.

If you are kicking the dirt up into the enemies face use Bikenjutsu
Gedan no Kamae and edge forwards slowly and as you do, dig your
front toes into the dirt to gather it in front of your foot (your front
foot does not leave the floor). Try to divert attention to your sword
as you do this. If you are grabbing dirt with your hands, use an
Ukemi type movement so you go to the ground quickly and
rebound quickly and at that instant, you throw the dirt at the
enemies eyes.

These can also be done with sand.


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Mogura no Ho (Mole Method)

The actual Kanji for this technique means Soil Dragon
but the modern translation is Mole (Gikun).

This is a method for attacking an enemy with a sword or a spear from
a hidden vantage point below the ground (below the level of the
enemy).

If this technique was to be used in a building, then the Ninja would
hide under the floor (in the crawlspace under the house) and wait for
his enemy (to wait by a creaky floorboard would have been a good
indication of location). When the right moment came, the Ninja
would stab up through the floor with either a sword or a spear.

If this technique was used outside, the Ninja would dig a hole in the
ground this would be concealed by laying bamboo poles across it
and laying grass and vegetation on top of that. As the enemy walked
past, the Ninja would stab up with either a sword or a spear (this
technique was best used at a place where the Ninja knew the enemy
would pass special care and attention had to be employed if the area
was well known to the enemy any changes would be noticed).

Rakka no Ho (Method Of Falling Petals)

This method is to lure your enemy to fall into a hidden hole, then to
kill him. This can be used as part of a strategy for escape, evasion or
infiltration.

As with the last technique, dig a hole and camouflage it well. If the
enemy is chasing you, then you must go in a direction that will
guarantee that the enemy will fall into the hole. If you and your

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enemy are face to face, then you must keep your enemy at bay and
manoeuvre him so the hole is between you and the enemy. You then
coax the enemy to attack thus making him fall into the hole.

At that point, kill the enemy.

Inton no Ho (Escape And Conceal Method)

This is another method of using a pre dug hole in the ground again
for escape, evasion or infiltration. You can also use a natural
hollow for this method.

If you are discovered, or are about to be discovered, then retreat and
hide in the hole until the danger has passed. If you are discovered
whilst using this method, use Mogura no Ho.

Sekiton no Ho (Snow Evasion Method)

This method is for using Doton no Jutsu in the snow.

If you are lying in wait in a hole or are luring the enemy towards a
hole that is concealed, then you must ensure that it is still snowing
this will naturally camouflage the trap.

If you are using the sides of a path where the snow has naturally
drifted, then you must pre dig the holes and conceal them with a false
wall of snow.

The principles of Doton no Jutsu are the same.


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Kinton no Jutsu (Metal Evasion Art)

Kin Ton no Jutsu takes advantage of sound or light from metallic
objects to deceive your enemy, infiltrate enemy territory, attack an
adversary, or escape from danger.
.

Kodama no Ho (Tree Spirit Method)

This method once again plays on the superstitions held by the
Japanese from this time period if one or more Ninja were to remain
hidden in a wood or a forest and strike metal on metal repeatedly, this
would make people believe that the woods/forest was haunted by tree
spirits. This method also uses sudden unexpected loud noises, such
as thunder or a bell chiming, that startle the enemy to the advantage
of the Ninja.

When working in a team, when the enemy approached, the Ninja
would strike metal on metal to confuse and scare the enemy, and in
the confusion, one or more Ninja would approach and kill the enemy.
Needless to say, this method can be used for escape, evasion and
infiltration.


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()
() Hikari no Ho (Aizu) (Light Method Signals)

This method is used for signaling by reflecting sunlight off a polished
plate or mirror. By facing the sun and tilting the mirror back and
forth, the mirror reflects the sun and light bursts are created.
Alternatively, by passing your hand over the mirror covering and
uncovering it, this can also be used for signaling.

()
Hikari no Ho (Me-Tsubushi) (Light Method Eye Crush)

In the Koto Ryu, there is a sword Kamae called Mangetsu no Kamae
similar to Hoko no Kamae sword handle in your right hand, back
of the blade in your left. It is said that there were 2 methods for using
this Kamae. First was if it was raining, the swordsman would collect
water in the Hi (Blood Groove) of the sword and flick it towards the
enemies eyes. Second was to catch the suns rays in the blade of your
sword. When the enemy was blinded by this, he was dispached.

The Togakure Ryu use Kasumi no Kamae from Bikenjutsu with the
same principles in mind. If the Ninja had a shiny flat plate to hand
(mirror), then this was used as in the last technique to harness light
from the sun but this time to blind the enemy. Escape, evasion or
infiltration was the deciding factor in whether your enemy then lived
or died.

In-Yo no Ho (Light/Dark Mathod)

This method is to take advantage of the contrast between light and
shade and the time the human eye takes to react to this change.

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Regardless of whether its daytime or night time (the moon casts
shadows), this method can be used to great effect.

Trees, bushes, rocks, walls etc. all create shadows. This method is to
hide in the shadows in wait of the enemy (or just to remain hidden)
and when an enemy approaches, you jump into the light and cut the
enemy down, then leap back into the shadow.

The light makes it very difficult to see clearly into shadows (the
darker the better).


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Suiton no jutsu (Water Evasion Art)

Sui Ton no Jutsu is made up of methods for using water to deceive or
escape from an enemy, or to infiltrate enemy territory, or to attack an
adversary. It contains swimming methods, uses for poisonous liquids,
use of breathing apparatus, and deceptions.

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Kaku Shu Koshiki Eiho (All Kinds Of
Traditional Swimming Methods)

This set of methods have been handed down over the centuries in
Japan. They are used for escape, evasion or infiltration in
circumstances where water is present. As with all of the techniques
in the Tonko no Jutsu, there is a REAL element of danger involved
in performing them. With the Suiton methods it is essential that you
have a training partner with you in case things go wrong. Your local
swimming pool is a great place to practice the swimming methods as
they almost always have lifeguards to hand. Please stay safe when
performing these methods.

Tachi Oyogi (Treading Water)

This method is used when you wish to remain stationary in the water.
The aim with this is first to use 2 hands, then 1 hand and then just
with the legs. This is a great method for fighting in the water with or
without weapons.

The following explanation is for practicing in a swimming pool.
You can start at the top of the ramp. The water should be up to your
chest, at least. (A gentle reminder that your buoyancy is best over the
deepest water, and buoyancy is what makes treading possible.)
But, progress according to your comfort you have your whole life
to spend enjoying deep water.
As with bobbing, face the wall, hands on the edge, and let yourself
hang in the water a bit. You may sink a little normal.
Your face should be submerged, with your mouth a little open, jaw
relaxed.

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Hold your breath without bubbling it out this time.
Raise your face for your next breath, exhale it all out and submerge
again. Your whole body is relaxed, and you're still holding on to the
pool edge.
Begin with a slow "giant stride" scissor kick slowly. No need to
work hard while treading it's a survival technique. .Your ankles are
relaxed as usual. Each kick pushes you upward.
Now add a wide, ongoing breaststroke-like sweep with your hands,
first in front of you, palms out, pushing water behind you along the
surface, then returning your hands to the front, palms facing as they
meet in front of your chest... back and forth... it's slow but powerful.
You've pushed yourself a bit away from the wall to do this. Come
back at your own pace.
Keep submerging your face, breath held in your lungs (mouth a little
open), raising it up only to take your next breath.
Exhale everything before inhaling. Stay relaxed and curved a bit
forward. Note that your air-filled lungs are the highest part of your
body.
That's it. You shouldn't be too far from the wall and can swim easily
back.
Treading, breathing freely
As you become comfortable treading with your face down, you'll
then:
lift your face up and back,
looking up,
leaning backwards,
as you rhythmically scissor and sweep.
you only need your face clear of the water,

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your body relaxed and
your movements slower than you think.
You can adjust your stroking movements, of course, in order to
gradually tread for longer and longer periods.

In tachi oyogi, you can also roll your legs in a more circular
movement with a feeling of pressing the water down. For the arms, it
is preferable if you can perform this without using your arms at all,
but it is also acceptable to use one arm for balance.

To use a sword while in the water:- In such cases, it is important to tie
a cord to your sword in order to prevent it sinking into the water.

Nuki-Te (Overhand Stroke)

Nuki-te uses a breaststroke-style frog kick, but the arms move in the
manner of swimming the crawl style. This is very effective for times
when you wish to keep an objective in sight, and you wish to swim
fast (this is regarded as the fastest swimming method). You can also
carry a weapon in your mouth (like a Tanto) or tied to your back
(your sword).

Here are some tips for your arms for the crawl method.

1. When swimming front crawl, keep your head still (apart from
when youre breathing). To practice this, swim as far as you can
comfortably manage without breathing and concentrate on the
contrasting feeling of your hips rocking while your head stays still.
2. Although the exact path of the pull is a lot down to personal
preference, keep the following in mind.
You wouldnt haul a rope in with your arms out to the side of your
body, youd do it towards your stomach. So at the beginning of the

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pull (before youve reached your waist) try to keep your hand
somewhere near the centre line of your body.
As you pass your waist and the pull turns more into a push start to
move the hand further out away from the body you wouldnt do a
push up with your hands close to your body, youd keep them
shoulder width apart.

Although the arm obviously starts straight, have a slight bend in your
elbow during the main part. Longer levers may well be more
effective but you need to be very strong to control them.
Try imagining that there are a series of poles sticking up out of the
bottom of the pool and that you have to grab hold of them and use
them to pull yourself forwards.
4. The path of the arm recovery over the water is again a lot down to
personal preference and youll see all sorts of styles even at top level
swimming, but we would recommend that as your arm recovers you
tuck it in so that your hand passes fairly close to your arm pit.
The following concerns the frog kick method for the legs.

The leg movement, colloquially known as the "frog kick", consists of
two phases: bringing the feet into position for the thrust phase and the
in sweep phase. From the initial position with the legs stretched out
backward, the feet are moved together towards the posterior, while
the knees stay together. The knees should not sink too low, as this
increases the drag. Then the feet point outward in preparation for the
thrust phase. In the thrust phase, the legs are moved elliptically back
to the initial position. During this movement, the knees are kept
together. The legs move slower while bringing the legs into position
for the thrust phase, and move very fast during the thrust phase.
Again, the goal is produce maximum thrust during the in sweep
phase, and minimum drag during the recovery phase.

As a variant, some swimmers move the knees apart during the
preparation phase and keep them apart until almost the end of the
thrust phase. Moving both knee and foot outwards like a real frog
avoids the extreme rotation in the lower leg.


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Aori Hira (noshi) (Flat Scissor Legs
Swimming)

This is a swimming method handed down in the Togakure Ryu. You
can swim both quickly and soundlessly. The front arm strokes below
your body, and the rear arm makes large strokes along the line of the
body, down toward the legs. The leg stroke is called Aori Ashi.
One leg kicks the water with the top of the foot, and the other kicks
the water with the sole of the foot like in the breaststroke. The legs
move in a scissoring action.
Here, too, a weapon can be carried in your mouth or tied to your
back.

Hobaku Oyogi (Restrained Swimming)

This method is a last-resort swimming method for surviving when
you have been tied up and bound. Float face-up, and move your
entire body like a dolphin in order to propel yourself through the
water. When you reach the shore, try to shoot your body out of the
water using this propulsion and slide your back up the shore to reach
dry land.

Doku-Mizu Teppo no Ho (Poison Water
Cannon Method)

The doku-mizu teppo is a water cannon made from bamboo and filled
with poisoned water. Prior to using the cannon, block the hole, for
example with grass or wax. Shoot it at an enemies eyes or mouth.

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You can then escape or attack during the opening when the enemy
reacts to this. There are both large and small versions of this weapon.
For using the cannon, place the end against your lower abdomen and
pull the water tube towards you. This allows for accurate aim and
more power so the jet of water will fly further.

This is how to make your own Mizu Teppo

These are the materials that you will need to make the water gun (see
illustration on the next page)

1 piece of bamboo pole with the appropriate holes drilled.
1 smaller stick with the appropriate holes drilled.
1 piece of bamboo to make the handle with appropriate holes drilled.
1 length of soft cotton.
1 square piece of cloth.

Materials needed for the Mizu Teppo.


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The handle is placed onto the plunge stick and pegged into place.

Place a couple of pegs on the other end of the plunge stick to hold the
soft cotton in place.


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Wrap the soft cloth around the pegs .

Secure the cotton with an elastic band or some string.


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Wrap the square of cotton around this and secure it with an elastic
band or some string.

This in the plunge stick completed.


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The one end of the bamboo is bored out completely this allows the
plunge stick to be put in (this is also the end that the water is placed
in.

The Mizu Teppo is now ready to use.

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This is a view of the front you can see that a smaller hole is in the
front to allow a smaller stream of water to be pushed out when the
plunge stick is pushed. This can always be plugged with wax or dirt
if the weapon is not to be used at the time.

As for the poison liquid I believe that this weapon would have been
used as a kind of Metsubushi tool. If the water was infused with
chillis, vinegar, lemon juice and of course poisons (for example, the
poison that comes from the blowfish) when pointed towards the
enemies eyes or mouth, the effect on your enemy would be instant
pain / discomfort and would allow you to escape, evade or infiltrate.

Gi Hen Kaku Ran no Ho (Deceptive
Disturbance Method)

This method is used if you are being pursued by an enemy close to a
pond , river or a stream.

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To make the enemy believe that you have entered the water, you pick
up a large stone or a branch and throw it into the water immediately
go in the opposite direction and hide using any of the methods written
in this book.

As the enemy investigates this, you either escape evade, infiltrate.

Mizu Gumo no Ho (Water Spider Method)

This is a device for floating, suspended in the water. Four to Five
separate compartments are made from rabbit skins and inflated.
These are held together by string and tied together to create a circle.
In the centre, there is a wooden seat also attached to the circle.


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This is a device for floating, suspended in the water. Four to Five
separate compartments are made from rabbit skins and inflated.
These are held together by string and tied together to create a circle.
In the centre, there is a wooden seat also attached to the circle.

In shallow water, a Kama-yari can be used as a rowing pole. The
Kama part of the blade can be used for either snaring an object on
shore to aid getting out of the water, or as a weapon.

In deeper waters, a Shinobi-Gai ( Stealth Paddle) is used.
This is made from a 3 foot length of bamboo with a fan of bamboo
strips on the one end and a hidden weighted chain on the other. The
chain is used for either snaring an object on shore to aid getting out of
the water, or as a weapon.

With the mizu-gumo, it is important to move your legs like a
swimming bird for balance.

Sui Chu Ki no Ho (Underwater Tool Method)

The Sui Chu Ki is a tool used in the Togakure Ryu. It is made from
a 3 foot length of bamboo with a mouthpiece attached to it, and has
two main uses. The first use is for breathing when you are
underwater. It can also be used as a horn, like a conch shell for
signalling. It can of course be used as a weapon.

For staying underwater, it is important to stay submerged by using
one hand to hold onto reeds, or something to prevent you from
floating to the surface.


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Be sure to breathe only through your mouth, not your nostrils if
needed, you can always block your nostrils prior to using this
method.

It is possible to remain submerged for 12 hours using this method.


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Jinton no jutsu (Human Element Techniques)

Jinton no Jutsu is the use of disguise and identity concealment
(Hensojutsu ) to escape, evade or infiltrate the enemy so
learning how to imitate the following convincingly is important.
This has a close relationship with theatre and acting. Jinton no jutsu
also includes ways of using the different classes of people for escape,
evasion and infiltration.

Danton (Male)

Depending on whether or not you yourself are male (Jin )or female
(Onna ), depends on the approach you will take.

Men are egotistical creatures and as such, you can use honour,
embarrassment, vanity or pride against them to manipulate them into
doing your will.

It is also important to discover the mans interests and daily routine
as this can be vital in ones strategy for using him.

Sex is always an important factor in the manipulation of men, so it is
important to know the mans sexual orientation in order to be able to
exploit him. It is also important to know how to use Kunoichi
(Female Ninja) effectively to obtain information from men.


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Onnaton (Female)

Females are also creatures of ego and as such, the same applies to
females as does to males.

Gossip amongst females is also something to consider this can be
very effective to spread disinformation.

It is important for the Ninja to know how to impersonate a female and
understand the strategies of the Kunoichi to be able to use them
within a situation.

Kunoichi (Female Ninja) were trained differently from male
ninja. Their training focused more on disguises, poisons, and using
their gender to an advantage. While they were trained in close
combat, they were only to make use of this knowledge if they were
caught.

They would usually disguise themselves as geisha, prostitutes,
entertainers, fortune-tellers, and the like to get very close to the
enemy. It is thought that they would generally seduce the soon-to-be
victim and when they get close enough, would poison them, but it is
just as possible they would be disguised as a household servant,
allowing them many opportunities to overhear information or get
close to a victim.

Kunoichi would hide a variety of hidden weapons on their persons.
They would also conceal weapons within everyday items such as a
knife within a bunch of flowers or poison dust on the flower itself.


35

Roton (Elderly)

Elderly people are very good sources of information gathering within
regions as they have most probably lived in that area most of their life
and know a great deal about the comings and goings within that
region.

Typically, old people are happy to talk to anyone especially ones
that have no immediate family caring for them, so gaining their trust
and obtaining information from them is not difficult.

Old people also know everything from local legends to the lay of the
land (topography) which is vital for Tenmon / Chimon (see last
section).

Lastly, it is vital to study the mannerisms and the way old people
move for example, if an old person worked as a farmer all his life,
then he would probably be hunched over and suffering from arthritis,
where as an old samurai may suffer from old war wounds and bear
scars. This in an important aspect of Henso Jutsu.

Yoton (Young and infants)

Children are playful by nature, so a good method of escape is to
coerce the children to play some game or other close to your enemy
as a distraction to aid your escape, evasion or infiltration. Also, a
woman carrying her child would be a clever disguise for a Ninja as it
would not draw much attention and for what people may presume is
a baby, may actually be Ninja tools etc.

Children are also trusting by nature and may be bribed either with
food or money to give information without them realising they are
doing it.

36

Children would also be held captive in order to blackmail the parents
and relatives. Hostage swapping was a common practice in any
negotiations as a trust bond.

Kiton (Aristocracy)

The most important factor to consider when it comes to aristocracy is
the various rules regarding etiquette, proper speech and the
hierarchical structures within this class so the Ninja needed to be
able to blend into this environment either as a high ranking Samurai
or as the hired help but it was vital to understand the correct way
to conduct ones self to effectively disappear. Also, for instance, a
Daimyo, or Shogun for that matter, would have advisors for the
various decisions that they would have to make in the day to day
governing of their fief or country. It was important for the Ninja to
know who was who to enable him to potentially manipulate the
Daimyo or Shogun either directly or through his advisors. It was a
well known fact that the Ninja often pulled the political strings of
power without anyone realising it.

Senton (Poor)

Poor people would often beg in public places such as local temples,
shrines and busy town areas, and as a result they would be in a
perfect position to gather information about the region / town so the
Ninja could either offer money or food for this information as they
would almost certainly be susceptible to bribes. The most likely
scenario would be that the Ninja would disguise himself as a beggar
and carry out this information gathering while remaining invisible
within these surroundings.

37

Hensojutsu

Hensojutsu is the art of disguise. The most important part of this is
Shichihode (seven disguises) and is made up from the
following

Tsune no Kata (commoner, including Ronin, or masterless
samurai, farmers and townspeople),
Sarugakushi (Travelling Entertainer / Dancer)
Hokashi (Travelling Entertainer / Minstral / Magician)
Shukke (Monk),
Komuso (bamboo flute playing mendicant zen priest)
Yamabushi (mountain-dwelling ascetic)
Shonin (merchant)

You should study all of these thoroughly and understand that there is
a close relationship with this to the performing arts. So, you should
study different styles of clothing for all classes, the way people
appear and the use of makeup to aid your appearance (special
attention should be placed on the eyes), the different hair styles of the
various classes and changing the shape of your body with both
posture and prosthetics and lastly matching your movement to fit
your disguise. You also need to study different dialects of speech and
the customs that are specific to the region that you are in. If your
disguise includes a musical instrument or an art such as the tea
ceremony (for example) you should master these arts so as to be
convincing it is the small details that will give you away.


38

Kinton (Bird Evasion) Juton (wild Animal Evasion)
Chuton (Bug Evasion) Gyoton (Fish Evasion)

Kinton (Bird Evasion)

This is how to use birds within the strategies of escape, evasion and
infiltration. Over the centuries and all over the world, people have
trained birds for a variety of purposes. Birds of prey are used for
anything from hunting to keeping other birds and small animals away
from your area. Pigeons are used for carrying messages to a specific
location and have been effective for many hundreds of years. Birds
of prey can be very effective in stopping messages getting through
via pigeons. Birds of prey can also be used to attack and kill the
enemies fowl.

Ninja would learn how to startle birds to create a distraction against
the enemy. They would also learn to mimic certain bird calls in order
to attract or startle birds.


39
Saiminjutsu (Hypnosis) could also be used on certain birds.
For example

Closing a chicken's eyes and stroking its back will paralyse the bird.
Clapping your hands next to the head will awaken the chicken.

Covering a love birds eyes and then shaking it will also paralyse it.
The bird will appear dead. Throwing it into the air with a Kiai will
awaken it the bird will not fly, rather flap its wings frantically and
fall to the ground.

Juton (Wild Animal Evasion)

This is how to use animals within the strategies of escape, evasion
and infiltration. Over the centuries and all over the world and
throughout the ages, people have domesticated dogs and used them to
perform various jobs including guard dogs, drugs and explosives
detection, guide dogs and of course as companions. The best way
to befriend a dog is to give it food. However, this may not always
work as they may have just been fed, so be aware of this. Also, dogs
are prone to enjoy a good game of fetch (use this to get the dog away
from you) however, they usually return with the item for you to
throw it again so this wouldnt be a good strategy if you wanted to
remain undetected by humans. If you use food to befriend the dog,
be aware that you can also drug or poison the dog if needs be. If you
have a dog hunting you, rubbing another animals scent on yourself
will mask your own scent.

It is important to know how to trap wild animals to be able to use
them to aid escape or for a food source if necessary.

Ninja would sometimes tie a wild animal to a tree. The tree would
move and alert the enemy. As the enemy inspected the tree, this
would allow the Ninja to escape, evade or infiltrate the enemy.

Ninja would sometimes keep mice in their pockets. If the mouse was
released into a room where people were relaxing or sleeping, this

40
would cause panic amongst the people within the room especially
women and children. This would create a great diversion for the
Ninja.

Chuton (Bug Evasion)

This is how to use snakes, toads and spiders etc. within the strategies
of escape, evasion and infiltration. These animals can be easily
placed in the pocket. Snakes were attached to the weighted end of the
kusarigama. When thrown at the attacker and the rope wrapped
around them, would result in the attacker being bitten by the snake. In
this case the snake does not need to be poisonous. The sheer fact that
they had been bitten was enough to scare some people to death.

People are naturally jumpy when it comes to these kinds of animal,
so if such things are released into a room again while the people
are either relaxing or sleeping, this will have great effect and cause
much fear.

In the old days the Samurai would listen for the sounds of crickets.
The reason for this was that when humans approach crickets, they
stop rubbing their legs to hide themselves from coming danger. To
counter this, the Ninja would breed crickets and keep them around
humans all their life. They would be taken with them, and as such
when the wild crickets became quiet, the bred crickets would be
released and continue making a sound thus the Samurai would not
be distracted.


41

Gyoton (Fish Evasion)

This is how to use fish within the strategies of escape, evasion and
infiltration.

Firstly, it was important for the Ninja to know how to catch fish
fish is, and has been for many hundreds of years, a main staple of the
Japanese diet.

A Ninja could poison the waters of an enemys territory to kill the
fish thereby taking away an important food source.

Fugu (Blowfish) livers contents are highly poisonous. This
poison was used for the tips of shuriken, arrows, darts and even
sword blades.

Another method was for the Ninja to disguise himself as a
fishmonger messages or weapons could be hidden in the fish and
easily transported or passed on without arousing suspicion.

Nitton no jutsu (Sun Element Techniques)

The most important aspect of Nitton no Jutsu is Kurai Dori or
Proper Positioning to position yourself to use the sun to your
advantage.

The sun must be kept behind you at all times when fighting an enemy
this will blind the enemy thus creating a natural advantage.

If the sun is in front of you and you are faced with an enemy, use
your sword or any metallic object to reflect the sun towards the

42
enemys eyes to temporarily blind him and take advantage at that
moment.

Getton no jutsu (Moon Element Techniques)

This is to use the moon for attack, evasion and infiltration.
Knowledge of the timing of the moons cycle is essential. You move
when the moon is new and remain still and observe when it lights up
the earth use the shadows that are created naturally for this this is
similar in method to In/Yo no Ho from Kinton no Jutsu.

Seiton no jutsu (Astronomy Element Techniques)

Seiton no Jutsu is used for navigation at night you use the well
known constellations to determine longitude and latitude. You need
to study star patterns in relation to where you live and create a chart
that you can determine direction from. This is used to aid attack and
retreat at night. If it is cloudy, usually landmarks will be silhouetted
against the clouds this should also be studied within your local area
i.e. a lake will show up differently against a cloud as opposed to a
field.


43

Unton no jutsu (Cloud Element Techniques)

This is the method of using clouds for escape, evasion or infiltration
by using naturally occurring cloud phenomena to your advantage.

In the Togakure Ryu, the clouds are used as a blanket that covers the
moon at night thus creating darkness. This is known as Ankoku
Toshi Jutsu meaning Darkness Perspective. Ankoku Toshi no In is
related to this it is used for seeing into darkness.


44

Muton no jutsu (Fog Element Techniques)

Also called Kirigakure no Jutsu, Muton (Mu means fog) is for
moving an army or disappearing in fog. There are two main uses for
Muton no Jutsu - the first is to determine when the fog will come
down, the second is using it at the moment it arrives. For example,
fog usually arrives after a lot of rain has fallen when there is warm,
still air or when rain comes from the sea to the land in the morning,
followed by a warm southerly air current in the afternoon, then a cool
northerly wind in the evening. This is based on predictions from
Tenmon Chimon and as such you must understand that predictions
are purely based on weather lore and differ from country to country,
region to region, season to season. You must study this for your own
region or for regions / countries that you intend on visiting.

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Togakure Ryu Tonko no Jutsu

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