Equipment
Unlike other martial arts, Bujinkan Budou uses many weapons, armour and clothing styles in its training. Although we don't carry all this equipment with us to every session, a great deal of training goes through cycles where we focus on a weapon or style or situation.
Here you will find a list of equipment that we use in our training and that practitioners can acquire after they have joined the doujou. Equipment is organised into grades as QUT Ninjutsu focuses on certain weapons for each individual level.
Many weapons used at QUT Ninjutsu are unique and not commercially available. Historically many weapons were also designed to the specifications of the user's body, which is important when considering how the weapon will be used optimally. QUT Ninjutsu members are encouraged to create their own weapons or to modify commercially available weapons to achieve optimal results.
Core Equipment (Mukyuu 無級)
Core equipment represents equipment that is used in every training session and should always be in the training bag. Mukyuu represents the provisional level before the first grading to 9th Kyuu.
Keikogi - 稽古着 (Training Clothes): Keikogi or simply Gi come in many forms and styles. QUT Ninjutsu recommends the use of the Judo or Juujutsu Gi in a single weave in black. The reason we wear black is to reduce staining (from grass and dirt) and for long term use. Black Gi tend to grey over time, which still looks good. Lighter coloured Gi like White or Blue darken into a light beige or faded blue, which no longer looks good.
The Gi jacket folds right over left for men and women.
Obi - 帯 (Belt): Obi is a general term which refers to a wide variety of belt styles. Generally, the Obi in martial arts is made of a thick cotton 5cm wide and long enough to be tied around the waist twice. Obi colour has a significance to rank in many styles. In Bujinkan Budo, a white belt represents Mukyuu, green represents 9th Kyuu to 1st Kyuu and black represents 1st Dan to 15th Dan.
Obi are tied in the Komamusubi 小間結び (reef knot) style.
There is a common myth that the obi should never be washed. This is a complete fallacy and the obi should be washed just as regularly as the Gi.
There are many practitioners who keep wearing the same obi for many years so it shows wear and in some cases, starts disintegrating. Many practitioners consider this a badge of honour, but I think it just looks ratty and unprofessional. If the obi starts to show visible wear, consider either repairing it or replacing it. Faded colours are acceptable, but rips, tears and visible damage should be repaired as soon as possible.
Kaku Obi - 角帯 (Stiff Belt): Kaku Obi is a wider longer belt that is used for carrying weapons. QUT Ninjutsu members are free to wear a Kaku Obi if they wish. Kaku Obi come in a range of colours, patterns and styles, the only restriction at QUT Ninjutsu in terms of Kaku Obi colour are black (reserved for Dan grades), purple and gold (including gold patterns, trimmings or embroidery).
Kaku Obi are tied in a variety of styles. During the Edo period, as Kaku Obi became larger and more ornate, the knot moved to the back. Martial arts styles like Iaidou wear Kaku Obi like this. In Bujinkan Budo, wearing the knot to the back is not practical as it is difficult to do ukemi (break falling). During the warring states period, Samurai wore their Kaku Obi knots in a variety of styles including the front or sides. Practicality should dictate where to place the knot.
Jika Tabi - 地下足袋 (Outdoor split-toed shoes): Invented in the early 20th century, Jika Tabi are modelled on tabi, a traditional split-toe Japanese indoor shoe. Used by Japanese farmers, construction workers and other workmen, the Jika Tabi provides tactile sensing of the ground and better balance than fully enclosed shoes. QUT Ninjutsu members are free to wear Jika Tabi or a sports shoe of their choice.
Jika Tabi are outdoor shoes and should not be used indoors or in a dojo. Never ever wear them to Honbu dojo in Japan.
Tabi - 足袋 (Split-toed shoe): Tabi are a traditional Japanese split-toed indoor shoe. In the past we used cotton tabi for training, but in recent years the Bujinkan has adopted leather tabi for training, which last much longer than the cotton variants.
Leather and cotton tabi are exclusively indoor shoes. They should never be worn outdoors. As QUT Ninjutsu trains outdoors, it is not a requirement to purchase tabi, however it is prudent to have a pair when training at or visiting other dojo. The reason we wear tabi indoors is for hygiene reasons.
First Aid Kit - 救急箱: First Aid Kits and first aid training are important for martial arts practice. Although we, at QUT Ninjutsu, strive for a safe and secure training environment, accidents can and do happen so it is critical to be prepared. A basic first aid kit contains all the necessary equipment to treat small lacerations, cuts, burns and bites. This is especially important in outdoor environments where there is a greater array of risks and hazards.
QUT Ninjutsu members are encouraged to complete basic and advanced first aid.
Superglue and Electrical tape: Anything can happen at training, so it is always important to be prepared. Superglue can close larger lacerations and stem bleeding, while electrical tape can be used to repair clothes, shoes and even bind damaged fingers.
It is recommended to buy standard commercial superglue in small tubes, as they are often not reusable.
9th Kyuu - 九級
9th Kyuu focuses on the Gyokko (Jade Tiger) school and introduces weapons into training, including the Tantou (Dagger/Knife), Kodachi (short sword) and Katana (long sword).
Tantou - 短刀 (Dagger/Knife): Tantou is a thrusting dagger or knife carried as a multi-purpose tool or sidearm. At QUT Ninjutsu we use training Tantou made of rubber or wood, either material is acceptable.
Cold Steel make an excellent range of rubber training knives, but each QUT Ninjutsu member is free to source their own equipment.
Knives and daggers are the simplest weapons to use, so they are introduced as a starting weapon. Many techniques in the Gyokko school work very well with knives, short swords and long swords.
Kodachi - 小太刀 (Short Sword): Kodachi is a short sword carried as a side-arm, often to complement the Tachi (Cavalry Sword) or Katana (Long Sword). Kodachi had a long handle (tsuka), which could be gripped with two hands as opposed to the Shoutou (which has a shorter handle). At QUT Ninjutsu a wooden training Kodachi is preferable, but rubber Kodachi are also acceptable.
Unfortunately, many weapons labelled as Kodachi commercially are not the right specifications for this weapon. It is recommended to QUT Ninjutsu students to purchase a Bokken (wooden training sword) and shorten it with a carpenters saw to a blade length from the tip of the fingers to the elbow (between 30 and 60cm - depending on the length of the arm). Many Kodachi also don't come with a tsuba (hand guard) and commercially available versions are too small for practicality. It is recommended to attach a Shinai Tsuba to the Kodachi, this can be achieved with a curved rasp.
Katana - 刀 (Sword): Katana come in many styles and variants. The training Katana is called the Bokken, usually made out of wood, though rubber variants are becoming popular. Both wood and rubber variants are acceptable at QUT Ninjutsu.
Bokken can be purchased online in a variety of styles. Many commercial Bokken have very small hand guards (tsuba), so like the Kodachi, it is recommended to attach a Shinai Tsuba to the Bokken. The length of the Bokken's blade should reach from the tip of the fingers to the neck, and the handle (tsuka) should fit comfortably in two hands (25 to 30cm). A plastic scabbard (saya) can often be found online, which is recommended for drawing practice.
8th Kyuu - 八級
8th Kyuu focuses on the Koto (Tiger Felling) school and introduces Senban Shuriken (銛盤手裏剣) and Teppan (鉄板) into training.
Senban Shuriken - 銛盤手裏剣 (Hidden Hand Blade): Shuriken come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The Senban Shuriken has four edges which are slightly sharpened. The idea of the Senban Shuriken is to be able to hold it in the palm of the hand and cut in four directions. It is a common misconception that Shuriken were primarily thrown weapons. Although they could be thrown, they were primarily used as hidden blades or multi-purpose tools.
QUT Ninjutsu uses rubber training Shuriken, but members are encouraged to make their own as Shuriken size should be relative to hand size. The corners of the Shuriken should extend out beyond the hand.
Bo Shuriken - 棒手裏剣 (Hidden Hand Dart): Bo Shuriken are dart shaped Shuriken that could be used for throwing or stabbing. They were also often sown into clothes as armour or a shield. QUT Ninjutsu recommends making wooden Bo Shuriken for training.
Bo Shuriken can be fashioned from old pens or wood pieces purchased from a hardware store. For training they are used as a small knife. For throwing practices it is recommended using metal Bo Shuriken.
Teppan - 鉄板 (Metal Plate): Teppan are simply a metal plate. They can be used as weapons, armour (sown inside the clothes) or tools. Held like the Shuriken, it can be used to strike in the palm of the hand. Teppan were not sharpened.
Teppan can be made from a variety of materials including wood, rubber or metal. For training, it is advised to use rubber Teppan for practice.
7th Kyuu - 七級
7th Kyuu focuses on the Kukishinden (Nine Demons) school and introduces long bludgeoning weapons including the Hanbou (Half-staff), Bou (staff) and Yari (Spear).
Hanbou - 半棒 (Half-staff): The Hanbou is a stick with a length of around one metre (from the ground to the hip). Hanbou represents a short stick, a broken spear, a sheathed sword, a walking stick/cane or any number of short bludgeoning weapons.
The Hanbou can seem like a deceptively simple weapon, but with more complex capturing and holding techniques it becomes much more difficult to use.
The Hanbou can be fashioned from any kind of wood, but hardwoods like oak are preferred for durability and strength. Recently, Bujinkan members have started creating safer leather Hanbou, which are better suited to training. These handmade Fukuro-Hanbou are quite expensive, but a worthy training investment.
Bou - 棒 (Staff): The Bou is a longer stick, pole or staff that should reach up to head height (1.7 to 2 metres - depending on the person). Bou represents any kind of longer stick or broken weapon. Like the Hanbou it can seem deceptively simple at first glance, but more complex techniques are quite difficult.
Like the Hanbou, it is recommended to purchase a hardwood Bou or fashion a Bou from hardwoods like Oak or Ironbark from a hardware store. Fukuro-Bou are also available, but quite expensive.
Yari - 槍 (Spear): The Yari is a spear used extensively in Feudal Japan by Samurai and Ashigaru (Footsoldiers) alike. The Yari was the standard battlefield weapon as it could be used in large formations and could keep the enemy at bay. Yari were generally a variety of lengths, from 1 metre to 6 metres long. For QUT Ninjutsu training it is recommended that the yari be around 2 metres to 2.4 metres long depending on the person (person height + 60cm).
Training Yari are not commercially made, so members will need to craft them themselves. Most hardware stores have hardwood cut into cylinders, it is just a matter of sanding down the tip.
6th Kyuu - 六級
Under Construction.
This section will be filled out with more equipment and weapons in the future.
Here you will find a list of equipment that we use in our training and that practitioners can acquire after they have joined the doujou. Equipment is organised into grades as QUT Ninjutsu focuses on certain weapons for each individual level.
Many weapons used at QUT Ninjutsu are unique and not commercially available. Historically many weapons were also designed to the specifications of the user's body, which is important when considering how the weapon will be used optimally. QUT Ninjutsu members are encouraged to create their own weapons or to modify commercially available weapons to achieve optimal results.
Core Equipment (Mukyuu 無級)
Core equipment represents equipment that is used in every training session and should always be in the training bag. Mukyuu represents the provisional level before the first grading to 9th Kyuu.
Keikogi - 稽古着 (Training Clothes): Keikogi or simply Gi come in many forms and styles. QUT Ninjutsu recommends the use of the Judo or Juujutsu Gi in a single weave in black. The reason we wear black is to reduce staining (from grass and dirt) and for long term use. Black Gi tend to grey over time, which still looks good. Lighter coloured Gi like White or Blue darken into a light beige or faded blue, which no longer looks good. The Gi jacket folds right over left for men and women.
Obi - 帯 (Belt): Obi is a general term which refers to a wide variety of belt styles. Generally, the Obi in martial arts is made of a thick cotton 5cm wide and long enough to be tied around the waist twice. Obi colour has a significance to rank in many styles. In Bujinkan Budo, a white belt represents Mukyuu, green represents 9th Kyuu to 1st Kyuu and black represents 1st Dan to 15th Dan. Obi are tied in the Komamusubi 小間結び (reef knot) style.
There is a common myth that the obi should never be washed. This is a complete fallacy and the obi should be washed just as regularly as the Gi.
There are many practitioners who keep wearing the same obi for many years so it shows wear and in some cases, starts disintegrating. Many practitioners consider this a badge of honour, but I think it just looks ratty and unprofessional. If the obi starts to show visible wear, consider either repairing it or replacing it. Faded colours are acceptable, but rips, tears and visible damage should be repaired as soon as possible.
Kaku Obi - 角帯 (Stiff Belt): Kaku Obi is a wider longer belt that is used for carrying weapons. QUT Ninjutsu members are free to wear a Kaku Obi if they wish. Kaku Obi come in a range of colours, patterns and styles, the only restriction at QUT Ninjutsu in terms of Kaku Obi colour are black (reserved for Dan grades), purple and gold (including gold patterns, trimmings or embroidery).Kaku Obi are tied in a variety of styles. During the Edo period, as Kaku Obi became larger and more ornate, the knot moved to the back. Martial arts styles like Iaidou wear Kaku Obi like this. In Bujinkan Budo, wearing the knot to the back is not practical as it is difficult to do ukemi (break falling). During the warring states period, Samurai wore their Kaku Obi knots in a variety of styles including the front or sides. Practicality should dictate where to place the knot.
Jika Tabi - 地下足袋 (Outdoor split-toed shoes): Invented in the early 20th century, Jika Tabi are modelled on tabi, a traditional split-toe Japanese indoor shoe. Used by Japanese farmers, construction workers and other workmen, the Jika Tabi provides tactile sensing of the ground and better balance than fully enclosed shoes. QUT Ninjutsu members are free to wear Jika Tabi or a sports shoe of their choice.Jika Tabi are outdoor shoes and should not be used indoors or in a dojo. Never ever wear them to Honbu dojo in Japan.
Tabi - 足袋 (Split-toed shoe): Tabi are a traditional Japanese split-toed indoor shoe. In the past we used cotton tabi for training, but in recent years the Bujinkan has adopted leather tabi for training, which last much longer than the cotton variants.Leather and cotton tabi are exclusively indoor shoes. They should never be worn outdoors. As QUT Ninjutsu trains outdoors, it is not a requirement to purchase tabi, however it is prudent to have a pair when training at or visiting other dojo. The reason we wear tabi indoors is for hygiene reasons.
First Aid Kit - 救急箱: First Aid Kits and first aid training are important for martial arts practice. Although we, at QUT Ninjutsu, strive for a safe and secure training environment, accidents can and do happen so it is critical to be prepared. A basic first aid kit contains all the necessary equipment to treat small lacerations, cuts, burns and bites. This is especially important in outdoor environments where there is a greater array of risks and hazards.QUT Ninjutsu members are encouraged to complete basic and advanced first aid.
Superglue and Electrical tape: Anything can happen at training, so it is always important to be prepared. Superglue can close larger lacerations and stem bleeding, while electrical tape can be used to repair clothes, shoes and even bind damaged fingers. It is recommended to buy standard commercial superglue in small tubes, as they are often not reusable.
9th Kyuu - 九級
9th Kyuu focuses on the Gyokko (Jade Tiger) school and introduces weapons into training, including the Tantou (Dagger/Knife), Kodachi (short sword) and Katana (long sword).
Tantou - 短刀 (Dagger/Knife): Tantou is a thrusting dagger or knife carried as a multi-purpose tool or sidearm. At QUT Ninjutsu we use training Tantou made of rubber or wood, either material is acceptable. Cold Steel make an excellent range of rubber training knives, but each QUT Ninjutsu member is free to source their own equipment.
Knives and daggers are the simplest weapons to use, so they are introduced as a starting weapon. Many techniques in the Gyokko school work very well with knives, short swords and long swords.
Kodachi - 小太刀 (Short Sword): Kodachi is a short sword carried as a side-arm, often to complement the Tachi (Cavalry Sword) or Katana (Long Sword). Kodachi had a long handle (tsuka), which could be gripped with two hands as opposed to the Shoutou (which has a shorter handle). At QUT Ninjutsu a wooden training Kodachi is preferable, but rubber Kodachi are also acceptable. Unfortunately, many weapons labelled as Kodachi commercially are not the right specifications for this weapon. It is recommended to QUT Ninjutsu students to purchase a Bokken (wooden training sword) and shorten it with a carpenters saw to a blade length from the tip of the fingers to the elbow (between 30 and 60cm - depending on the length of the arm). Many Kodachi also don't come with a tsuba (hand guard) and commercially available versions are too small for practicality. It is recommended to attach a Shinai Tsuba to the Kodachi, this can be achieved with a curved rasp.
Katana - 刀 (Sword): Katana come in many styles and variants. The training Katana is called the Bokken, usually made out of wood, though rubber variants are becoming popular. Both wood and rubber variants are acceptable at QUT Ninjutsu. Bokken can be purchased online in a variety of styles. Many commercial Bokken have very small hand guards (tsuba), so like the Kodachi, it is recommended to attach a Shinai Tsuba to the Bokken. The length of the Bokken's blade should reach from the tip of the fingers to the neck, and the handle (tsuka) should fit comfortably in two hands (25 to 30cm). A plastic scabbard (saya) can often be found online, which is recommended for drawing practice.
8th Kyuu - 八級
8th Kyuu focuses on the Koto (Tiger Felling) school and introduces Senban Shuriken (銛盤手裏剣) and Teppan (鉄板) into training.
QUT Ninjutsu uses rubber training Shuriken, but members are encouraged to make their own as Shuriken size should be relative to hand size. The corners of the Shuriken should extend out beyond the hand.
Bo Shuriken - 棒手裏剣 (Hidden Hand Dart): Bo Shuriken are dart shaped Shuriken that could be used for throwing or stabbing. They were also often sown into clothes as armour or a shield. QUT Ninjutsu recommends making wooden Bo Shuriken for training. Bo Shuriken can be fashioned from old pens or wood pieces purchased from a hardware store. For training they are used as a small knife. For throwing practices it is recommended using metal Bo Shuriken.
Teppan - 鉄板 (Metal Plate): Teppan are simply a metal plate. They can be used as weapons, armour (sown inside the clothes) or tools. Held like the Shuriken, it can be used to strike in the palm of the hand. Teppan were not sharpened. Teppan can be made from a variety of materials including wood, rubber or metal. For training, it is advised to use rubber Teppan for practice.
7th Kyuu - 七級
7th Kyuu focuses on the Kukishinden (Nine Demons) school and introduces long bludgeoning weapons including the Hanbou (Half-staff), Bou (staff) and Yari (Spear).
Hanbou - 半棒 (Half-staff): The Hanbou is a stick with a length of around one metre (from the ground to the hip). Hanbou represents a short stick, a broken spear, a sheathed sword, a walking stick/cane or any number of short bludgeoning weapons. The Hanbou can seem like a deceptively simple weapon, but with more complex capturing and holding techniques it becomes much more difficult to use.
The Hanbou can be fashioned from any kind of wood, but hardwoods like oak are preferred for durability and strength. Recently, Bujinkan members have started creating safer leather Hanbou, which are better suited to training. These handmade Fukuro-Hanbou are quite expensive, but a worthy training investment.
Bou - 棒 (Staff): The Bou is a longer stick, pole or staff that should reach up to head height (1.7 to 2 metres - depending on the person). Bou represents any kind of longer stick or broken weapon. Like the Hanbou it can seem deceptively simple at first glance, but more complex techniques are quite difficult.Like the Hanbou, it is recommended to purchase a hardwood Bou or fashion a Bou from hardwoods like Oak or Ironbark from a hardware store. Fukuro-Bou are also available, but quite expensive.
Yari - 槍 (Spear): The Yari is a spear used extensively in Feudal Japan by Samurai and Ashigaru (Footsoldiers) alike. The Yari was the standard battlefield weapon as it could be used in large formations and could keep the enemy at bay. Yari were generally a variety of lengths, from 1 metre to 6 metres long. For QUT Ninjutsu training it is recommended that the yari be around 2 metres to 2.4 metres long depending on the person (person height + 60cm).Training Yari are not commercially made, so members will need to craft them themselves. Most hardware stores have hardwood cut into cylinders, it is just a matter of sanding down the tip.
6th Kyuu - 六級
Under Construction.
This section will be filled out with more equipment and weapons in the future.
