Ninpo
(忍法)
Glossary Entry
A Japanese term meaning methods, principles, or ways associated with endurance, concealment, and shinobi practice; in modern martial contexts, Ninpo is also used more broadly for systems or philosophies incorporating these concepts.
MEANING & ETYMOLOGY
忍
(nin)
Endurance, perseverance, concealment, or stealth; also associated with enduring or bearing difficult circumstances.
法
(hō)
Method, principle, law, doctrine, or way.
Term Type
Martial and strategic concept
lITERAL SENSE
Ninpo may be understood as the “methods,” “principles,” or “way of endurance and concealment.” While closely related to Ninjutsu, the use of hō (法) rather than jutsu (術) can convey a broader emphasis on principles, methods, or doctrine beyond individual techniques.
See Also
References
Okuse, Heishichirō (1964). Ninpō: Sono Hiden to Jitsurei (忍法―その秘伝と実例). Jinbutsu Ōraisha.
Yamaguchi, Masayuki (1963). Ninja no Seikatsu: Ninjutsu no Bunkashiteki Kenkyū (忍者の生活―忍術の文化史的研究). Yūzankaku.
Hatsumi, Masaaki (1964). Ninja/Ninpō Gahō (忍者・忍法画報). Akita Shoten.
Study with the Kobukan U.S. Shibu
Want to learn more? The Kobukan United States Shibu provides a number of options to train with us, flexible enough to suit your location, schedule, and interest.