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” (as the Ninja despise the idea and concept of lists due to their limiting nature) is collectively known as the Ninja Hiden-Juroppo-ken, “the Ninja’s 16 Secret Fists.”
This article provides a basic listing of these natural body weapons which allow the Ninja to do MUCH more than merely punch and kick – they allow the shinobi warrior to control the flow and outcome of the fight! But, before I simply list the general fists that are taught to every student in an authentic Ninjutsu school, I want to talk about something that is very important to understand – especially if you are focused on Mastery, and not merely 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 striking than sixteen. However, the conventional list covered in this article provides not only a good starting point, it also allows for…
- The important strikes to be highlighted and focused on
- The student to overcome the tendency to limit his or her “view” of a fist to the hands
- The inclusion of all other variations and specialty forms to be included
- A foundation for the development of principles and concepts involving fight strategy
The ninja hiden-juroppo-ken, or “the ninja’s 16 secret body weapons”, are an important starting point for ultimately developing the awesome and powerful fighting skills for which the 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 (‘Chisel’) fist
- Boshi-ken – Thumb-tip
- Shuto – Knife-hand
- Koppo-ken – Thumb-knuckle
- Shitan-ken – 3 – 4 finger tips reinforced together
- Happa-ken – Open hand (slap)
- Shako-ken – palm-heel / claw-hand
- Shishin-ken – Any single finger
- Shuki-ken – Elbow / forearm
- Sokki-ken – Knee / shin
- Sokuyaku-ken – Heel of foot
- Sokugyaku-ken – Ball-of-foot / Toes
- Tai-ken – Entire body as the weapon
- Shizen-ken – Natural weapons (teeth, chin, shoulders, hips, etc.)
By looking at this list, it is difficult to see anything that could not 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, just as with any other technique, skill, or tactic in the shadow warrior’s arsenal, are not the secret – it is in 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.
