NINJA TRUTH — Season 1, Episode 19: The Bansenshukai

Episode synopsis

The Bansenshukai is a compilation of ninja techniques from 49 Iga and Koka ninja schools. It covers everything from ninja principles to various ninja techniques and tools. However, the ninja passed it on from master to apprentice with the utmost secrecy. So how did it come to see the light of day? It turns out that it was due to an unfortunate event involving ninja during the Edo period. We examine this event and also get television's first look at scrolls said to be the oldest extant copy of the Bansenshukai.

About NINJA TRUTH

Ninja are now seen in popular media around the world. But as their profile rises, their reality gets muddied amid legends and fantasies. The truth about authentic ninja lies unknown, shrouded in mystery. This program carefully examines the fighting skills and tools used by actual ninja, and conducts experiments to determine the "Ninja Truth".

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Episode 1
• E2Episode 2
• E3Shuriken
• E4Ninja Yashiki
• E5Ninja Fire Arts
• E6Concealed Weapons and Hyorogan
• E7In Search of the Kunoichi, the Female Ninja
• E8Extraordinary Ninja Tools: Kunai and Ikibukuro
• E9Shinobi Rokugu: The Six Essential Tools of the Ninja
• E10Poison and Medicine: The Ninja's Double-Sided Coin
• E11Innin and Yonin: The Yin and Yang of the Ninja
• E12Physical Abilities of the Ninja