During the year 2008 we will study Ninpô mixed with the other Bujinkan styles. So far, Hatsumi Sensei is using the 9 forms of the Santo Tonko Tonso no Kata to teach the new feeling.
The first classes of January included extensive use of traditional Ninja weapons: Shaken, Shuko, Ninjatô with Saya and Sageo, Nawa (rope), Kyoketsu Shoge, Metsubushi.
As usual all these weapons should be padded. Here is an easy way to do a Saya with a Sageo by yourself.
How to make a padded Saya with a Sageo
for your Ninjatô
Step 1: To realize your Saya, you need a padded Ninjatô and the following items:
- Duct tape
- Cardboard cylinder
- a piece of cardboard for the Tsuba
- an empty cardboard box for the sides of the Saya
- a rope for the Sageo
- Scissors and Cutter
Step 2: Cut the Cylinder in two halves to create the two ends of the Saya. this will help you for the form. The Ninjatô has to be going in and out easily.
Step 3: Cut the box to make the two sides of the Saya and put them between the two half cylinders to the deired length.
Step 4: Put the different parts together with duct tape. It is important also to put tape inside the Saya for sticking the pieces together. This will ease the Nuki / iai actions.
Step 5: Put a piece of cardboard to the end of the Saya to close it. Finish it with duct tape. You might use Metsubushi.
Step 6: Cut the round Tsuba in a double piece of cardboard and cut a hole for the blade. Cover it with duct tape.
Step 7: Insert the Tsuba onto the Ninjatô. It has to be a little too small for a better hold onto the Ninjatô.
Step 8: Position the Sageo (rope) to the side of the Saya.
You can decide to have a Saya longer than the length of the blade. "There is no official size for the Ninjatô, it is only smaller than a Katana" Hatsumi Sôke, January 2008, Hombu Dôjô.
