In the Basic Teachings of the Art of Ninjutsu, the art of Japan’s ancient ninja warriors, there is a list of sixteen “fists” or body weapons. This so-called “list” (since Ninja despise the idea and concept of lists due to their limiting nature) is collectively known as the Ninja Hiden-Juroppo-ken“The 16 Secret Fists of Ninja”.
This article provides a basic list of these natural body weapons that allow the ninja to do MUCH more than just punch and kick – they allow the shinobi warrior to control the flow and outcome of the fight! But, before I just list the general fists that are taught to all students in an authentic Ninjutsu school, I want to talk about something that is very important to understand, especially if your focus is on mastery, and not just learning a few “trciks.” “. “with which to impress your friends.
In truth, there are many more so-called “fists” or areas of the body that can be used for punching than sixteen. However, the conventional list covered in this article provides not only a good starting point, but also allows…
- Important strikes to highlight and focus on
- For the student to overcome the tendency to limit his “vision” from the fist to the hands.
- The inclusion of all other variations and specialty forms to be included
- A basis for the development of principles and concepts related to the fighting strategy.
the Ninja hiden-juroppo-kenor “The 16 Secret Body Weapons of the Ninja”, are an important starting point for ultimately developing the incredible and powerful fighting skills Ninja Warriors are famous for.
The 16 secret fists of the Ninja include:
- Kikaku-ken (Zutski) – Headbutt
- Fudo-ken – Clenched Fist
- Shikan-ken – Extended knuckle fist (‘chisel’)
- Boshi-ken – Thumb Tip
- Shuto – Knife Hand
- Koppo-ken – Thumb-knuckle
- Shitan-ken – 3 – 4 fingertips reinforced together
- Happa-ken – Open hand (slap)
- Shako-ken – palm heel / claw hand
- Shishin-ken – Any finger
- Shuki-ken – Elbow / Forearm
- Sokki-ken – Knee/shin
- Sokuyaku-ken – Heel of the foot
- Sokugyaku-ken – Ball of Foot / Toes
- Tai-ken – The whole body as a weapon
- Shizen-ken – Natural weapons (teeth, chin, shoulders, hips, etc.)
Looking at this list, it’s hard to see something that can’t be found in other martial arts. Even if a particular art or system did not contain all of these strikes, each of them could be found, in one form or another, in other systems collectively.
But, it must be remembered that the Ninja’s fists, as with any other technique, skill or tactic in the shadow warrior’s arsenal, are not the secret, it is the way they are used that makes the difference between the art of Ninjutsu, and most of the more conventional “styles” available in the world today.