Ninja Disguises and Costumes

To most people the thought of a ninja conjures up images of a black stealthy figure in the shadows with a sword and throwing stars. This is a very popular portrayal in the media and Hollywood with movies like American Ninja, Ninja, and even Batman. However, there is no written evidence documenting the use of a black ninja uniform (shinobi shozoku) being used. Nevertheless, the ninja would use any clothing that would help them in accomplishing their missions. Ninjas were experts at adapting to their environments and it was no different when they were traveling.

Although most recognized in their black ninja uniform (shinobi shozoku) one skill that is overlooked is that ability for the ninja to blend in with everyday people and their surroundings. The ninja would keep from doing anything that might catch the attention of their adversaries or targets. They would even go so far as to talk with the local dialect so someone listening would believe they were local.
Some of the more notable disguises of the ninja are:

Komuso (Zen Priest)
This disguise uses a large round hat that allows the ninja to hide their face.

Saruwaka ("Noh" Dancer)
Dancers (noh) where often invited into the enemies camps for entertainment. This would give the ninja an opportunity for exploring enemy castles.

Shukke (Mendicant Monk)
This allowed the ninja to collect information while asking for blessings (alms).

Yamabusi (Mountain Priest)
The last person you would suspect is the mendicant monk.

Akindo (A Merchant)
This disguise would give the ninja access to collect information while selling goods.

Shinobi-monomi (Wood Gatherer)
This allowed the ninja to discover and acquire the news about an enemy's territory

Many times the uniforms they wore were reversible and when worn inside out it would give the appearance of everyday clothing. The uniforms also had numerous hidden pouches to not only hold weapons, but also items that would come in handy while in disguise such as makeup.

Common everyday clothing was called yamabushi and made traveling easier. Since traveling in yamabushi they could travel freely between all the political boundaries. This is something they could not do if anyone knew they were ninjas on a mission. Robes were popular and fit loosely around the body to conceal any weapons they were carrying such as a tanto.

The various ninja disguises also gave rise to the numerous weapons ninjas where known to use. One bizarre weapon is the steel fan, which would look inconspicuous to an onlooker but could quickly turn fatal for the ninja targets. Another adapted weapon is known as the Sai. This tool was used by farmers in the fields to help in planting crops. The middle long prong would be punched into the ground until the small out prong touched the dirt. The seed was then thrown into the deep hole and covered. The farmers would plunge the Sai into the dirt where the smaller prong had made a mark. So, the ninja used this fact and pass their weapon off as a common farming tool when it was found.

If you enjoyed this article on the ninja please go visit The MMA Zone. If you would also like to read "Ninjutsu - The Secret Society" please follow the link below.

Troy Macraft, is the Head of Content Development at The MMA Zone. He is an expert in the realm of martial arts training and the history of the ninja. If you enjoyed this article and would like to read: Ninjutsu - The Secret Society please click on the link.

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