The ninja clans of feudal Japan were renowned for their vast arsenals of exotic weapons. whether on a mission of espionage, assassination, or open warfare, shinobe operatives had a number of devastating devices they could use to elude, silence, wound, or kill an enemy.

Now pioneering martial artist Sid Campbell presents an exhaustive illustrated guide to the traditional weapons of those mysterious shadow warriors. Exotic Weapons of the Ninja details the development and use of ninja sickles, staffs and canes, polearms, grapnels, maces, fistloads, spikes, swords, weighted chains, cleated weaponry, and firearms. This essential resource also closeley examines the four types of weapons-'invisible,' clawed, air-propelled, and pyrotechnic-that the ninja used so effectively to enhance their reputation as an elusive unpredictable, and even supernatural force.

A fascinating look into the world of these stealthy warriors though the tools they mastered so brilliantly, Exotic Weapons of the Ninja is a must-have for anyone interested in ninjutsu, martial arts weaponry, ancient Japanese history, or improvised weapons.

Karate pioneer Sid Campbell established his first school in Oakland, California, in 1967. He is a prolific author and accomplished film actor, stuntman, and fight choreographer.

Contents

Introduction
Chapter One Sickle weaponry
Chapter Two Staff and cane weaponry
Chapter Three Polearm weaponry
Chapter Four Fixed and articlulated staff weaonry
Chapter Five Grapnel weaponry
Chapter Six Mace weaponry
Chapter Seven Fistload weaponry
Chapter Eight Invisibility weaponry
Chapter Nine Spike weaponry
Chapter Ten Ceated weaponry
Chapter Eleven Clawed weaponry
Chapter Twelve synthesized weaponry
Chapter Thirteen Sword weaponry
Chapter Fourteen Weighted chain weaponry
Chapter Fifteen The ninja shuriken
Chapter Sixteen Air-propelled weaponry
Chapter Seventeen Pyrotechnic weaponry
Chapter Eighteen Firearm weaponry