Ninpō Sanjūrokkei

The 36 Military Strategies

The Ninja had to have a good grounding in the 18 categories of martial arts (bugei jūhappan) and try to become a specialist in them. In addition, a Ninja had to learn another 18 categories of secret techniques (Ninja jūhakkei).

The number 36 is special because it can be broken down into 3 and 6. Adding 3 and 6 gives 9. Multiplying 3 and 6 gives 18. Dividing 18 back into 1 and adding 8 gives 9 again. In martial arts, especially the Chinese, the number 9 is special. The number 9 is said to be perfect because 10 begins a new range of numbers (two digits).

The sanjūrokkei often varied, subject areas were dropped, others added. Of course, a Ninja not only learned the ninpō sanjūrokkei but always tried to perfect himself in as many areas as possible.

Of these 36 basic martial arts, 3 are of particular importance. Taijutsu (unarmed combat), bikenjutsu (sword fighting), and bōjutsu (stick fighting). These 3 are also referred to as the three pillars of the ninpō.

Also of great importance is seishin teki kyōyō (spiritual development). Without the spiritual and philosophical aspect, martial art degenerates into an empty shell with no value.

Bugei Jūhappan

  1. Jūjutsu, Kenpo (Unarmed Defense)
  2. Kenjutsu, Gekkenjutsu (Sword)
  3. Iai jutsu, batto jutsu (Sword Drawing)
  4. Kusari fundōjutsu (Chains)
  5. Kusarigamajutsu (Chain and Sickle)
  6. Bojutsu (Staff)
  7. Sōjutsu (Spear)
  8. Naginatajutsu (Halberd)
  9. Suiren (swimming)
  10. Bajutsu (Riding)
  11. Kishajutsu (Mounted Archery)
  12. Jōjutsu (Walking Stick)
  13. Kyūjutsu (Archery)
  14. Yoroi Kumiuchi (Fighting in Armor)
  15. Hōjō jutsu, Hobakujustu (Shackles)
  16. Juttejutsu (Iron Staff)
  17. Hojutsu (Illusions)
  18. Nage Kenjutsu, Shurikenjutsu (Throwing Blades)

Ninja Juhakkei

  1. Seishin teki kyōyō (Mental Development)
  2. Taijutsu (Unarmed Combat: Jutaijutsu, Daken Taijutsu, Koppo Jutsu, Kosshijutsu)
  3. Bikenjutsu (Sword: Tantōjutsu, Kodachijutsu, Ōdachijutsu, Ninja tōjutsu, Ittojutsu, Nitojutsu)
  4. Sōjutsu (Spear)
  5. Naginatajutsu (Sword Lance)
  6. Bisentōjutsu (Halberd)
  7. Kusarigamajutsu, Kyoketsu shoge (Sickle and Chain, Rope)
  8. Roku shaku bōjutsu, Bōjutsu (Staff)
  9. San shaku bō jutsu, jojutsu (Walking stick)
  10. Shurikenjutsu, Senbannagejutsu (Throwing Blades)
  11. Kishajutsu (Mounted Archery)
  12. Inton jutsu (Hide: Omote/Ura Goton, Tenchijin Santon)
  13. Hokojutsu (Walking Techniques)
  14. Hensō jutsu (Dress Up: Shichiho de Sanpo Gata)
  15. Kakushi Bukijutsu (Secret Weapons: Shuko, Sokko, Neko de, etc.)
  16. Ninyakujutsu (Medicine, Drugs)
  17. Gunryaku Heiho (Strategy)
  18. Tenmon, Chimon (strategies of Heaven and Earth)
Text: Stefan Imhoff