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Though Ninjutsu itself originated in Japan many of its techniques trace back to Ancient China. As many of the techniques
were passed down in secret historical evidence is often sketchy (try finding records of classified US military operations
in history books). It is painfully obvious that much of Ninjutsu, by the very virtue of its clandestine nature,
would be shrouded in obscurity and lack of records/evidence.
There are many items, however, pointing to the link between Ninjutsu and China.
Konigun ninjutsu itself was adapted by Saija from his training by the Yamabushi priests some 800 years ago. It is fairly
widely accepted that the Yamabushi derived many of their techniques from Chinese refugees subsequent to the fall of the T'sang
Dynasty.
It has also been suggested that a Chinese warrior by the name of Chang Busho founded the Koto Ryu Koppojutsu clan of
Ninjutsu. One need only look at his name to recognize the connection between him & Bushido, the code
of the warrior that governs the conduct of all ninja.
Many of the weapons of ninjutsu are also of Chinese origin. I will shortly be writing an article on the influence of
Chinese weaponry on Ninjutsu, especially Konigun.
Moreover, Kyushu was the route through which many exiled & fleeing Shaolin monks passed seeking refuge in Japan,
as well as many Ming dynasty rebels and Fujianese from Taiwan.
Some scholars also cite the Lin Kuei (Forest Ghosts- sometimes spelled Lin Gui, Lin Quai, or Lin Kwai) as forerunners
to the Ninja. These early shadow warriors were primarily assassins. While historical evidence of the Lin Kuei is vague,
the connection is still probably a reasonable supposition.
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