What Is A Ninja?

A ninja is a trained assassin originating from Feudal Japan.  They were trained physically and spiritually.  They learned the arts of combat, using throwing stars and knives, different lengths of sword, sticks, blow pipes, garottes and other weapons.  They also learned the properties of certain chemicals to make smoke bombs and small explosions to confuse and evade the enemy.  They also learned to climb trees and walls, fly (using primitive handgliders) and boats.

Most importantly for the purposes of close assassination is the use of unarmed combat, which is generally called ninjistsu or ninjustsu, it is also known as taijustsu which translates as 'body combat'.

Although they were traditionally trained as assassins, they also engaged in scouting and espionage of different types.  Their conduct was seen as dishonourable as it did not conform to the Samurai Code.  For this reason, a Feudal Lord would engage the services of a ninja or shinobi to do the dishonourable deeds in his stead.