Ninja techniques are shrouded in secrecy. When a ninja develops a new skill, it is recorded in makimono (scrolls) for future generations of ninjas.

Part 1

Step 1: Stealth

Step 1

Stealth. First, you'll need clothing that blends into your environment (in some cases, clothing may not be necessary). Many articles state that ninja attire (shinobi shozoku) should be tight-fitting to avoid noise. This is a misconception, as tight clothing hinders blood circulation, negatively impacting your mission's success. Additionally, tight clothing can reveal your presence. Camouflage, on the other hand, distorts your shape, making it harder to identify you as a person. Your nighttime attire should be dark blue, spacious, and comfortable. Pay attention to keikogi and hakama. The bottom of your hakama should be tucked into tabi (ninja shoes) and securely fastened.

Step 2: Additional Stealth Tips

Step 2

Additional stealth tips. Before turning a corner, listen for footsteps or voices beyond the wall. If you're experienced enough, you can determine the direction and position of a person behind the wall by sound. The lower you are, the less likely you are to be noticed when peeking around. If you hear loud footsteps on the stairs, move along their side as close to the wall as possible.

Step 3: Throwing Bo Shuriken

Step 3

Throwing bo shuriken. Hold the bo shuriken in your hand, positioning it between your index and middle fingers. Use your thumb to grip the bottom of the bo shuriken. Extend your non-shuriken hand towards the target, stepping forward with the same side foot. Your back foot should be positioned to the left or right, creating an English letter L shape (without your feet touching). The hand holding the bo shuriken should be bent and raised near your head (as if preparing to swing a hammer). Now lower this hand, accelerating its motion to make a straight throw. Your arm's motion should be sharp enough for the bo shuriken to fly straight out of your hand and hit the target, but not so fast that you lose control.

Step 4: Throwing Shuriken

Step 4

Throwing shuriken. Grip the shuriken in your hand as seen in movies, and throw it. Reach into your back pocket for another shuriken, draw it out, and immediately throw it. This requires practice, but initially, focus on throwing accuracy rather than power, distance, and other factors.

Step 5: Sword Mastery

Step 5

Sword mastery. Below are five fundamental stances for battling with a sword.

Step 6: Creating Smoke Bombs

Step 6

Creating smoke bombs. You will need potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and sugar. Use these ingredients in a ratio of 6:4, respectively. Potassium nitrate can be purchased at a hardware store. Melt the ingredients over low heat to form balls and add fuses. A cheaper alternative might be using a bag: seal the bag but make a small hole at the bottom. Fill it with various powders, such as flour, sugar, or even just trash.