Donning the Mask
A secret identity has always been revered as powerful among the stories and big screens across the centuries. Indeed, nothing made me feel more special, as a child, than the knowledge that I had something special; that I knew something secret.
This feeling of secrecy is what inspired me to start Ninja International many years ago. I had the idea of teaching Ninjutsu through my writing via the mail or internet, and sending out shirts to the clan members to wear with Japanese calligraphy on them, known only to the clan. Thus, if one wanted to be recognized by fellow clan members, they could wear the shirt and eventually find a training partner without revealing their identity to the public.
That was many years ago, but the concept remains clear to me. As a member of Ninja International, the unique possibility of being called upon, to attend ninja missions, is what motivates our practitioners to stay dedicated to their training. Less they get the once in a lifetime call and be unprepared.
The same kind of motivation, comes from putting on a uniform associated with your training. You can purchase pieces of your training outfit anywhere you choose. If you would like to get a Ninja International Shirt to top off your uniform, it can be purchased here.
A whole shizoku (uniform) can be bought here, relatively cheap. I have always preferred to personalize, though. I find these pants to be free flowing; click here. I customize mine by sewing elastic into the ankles and by adding velcro or snaps at where the waist comes together. If this work troubles you, you can order prefabricated pants by contacting us through our website at NinjaInternational.com. If you want tabi (ninja footware), the outdoor variety is recommended; found here. Arm gaurds; here.
Clan only t-shirts are available through us, if you are one those who wish to remain secret. You must contact us through NinjaInternational.com with your credentials.
Finally, the ninja mask. I like to give out masks at a key time in a student's advancement, for sentimental reasons. Then I like to take the mask back at another point, for another reason entirely. It has to do with mastery of the self, and mastery of the unknown.
A mask can be crafted out of a 4x4 foot piece of cotton material. First by folding the cloth into a triangle and placing the eyes through the opening of one side of the shape and out of the other opening. You can pull the material into a tight slit across the eyes and tie it up in the back. Tuck the remaining material into the shirt.
After the mask is tied into place, it can altered by removing the top or bottom independently or together, depending on the need. During swimming, for example, the bottom can be slid down to keep from aspirating water in from the damp cotton.
The mask, like all other equipment is a versatile tool. It can be used in combat as a kusari fundo, a basic weighted chain weapon. It can be utilized in climbing tree trunks of a larger circumference. Sometimes you may need to use it as a bag, or tourniquet. The key is to remember in the midst of confusion that you have it at your disposable.
Together, your total uniform should feel self-inspired. The key to all mysticism lies in personalization. Just as you mold yourself into your own martial arts master, so should you take care in your uniforms, tools, and social affairs.