Did Ninja Dislocate Their Limbs to Escape Capture?

Debunking the Myths: Don Roley Exposes the Truth Behind Ninja Escape Techniques

When it comes to ninjas, tales of extraordinary feats are rife, but not all are rooted in historical fact. One popular belief is that ninjas could dislocate their shoulders to escape capture when bound by ropes. Don Roley, a respected authority in ninjutsu, addresses this claim in an episode of the Ninja/Ninjutsu podcast.

Mr Roley, the founder and head instructor of the Colorado Springs Bujinkan Dojo, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. With nearly 15 years spent studying the Bujinkan in Japan, Roley has translated numerous ancient texts on ninjutsu, making him a prominent figure in the field. His deep dive into historical documents has led him to a clear conclusion: the notion of ninjas dislocating their joints to escape is more fiction than fact.

"There's nothing in any of the historical ninja manuals, and I don't think I ever ran across anything in a Japanese book on Ninjutsu that said that the ninjas dislocated their joints to get out of being tied up," Roley stated. His extensive research into Japanese texts on ninjutsu supports this assertion, pointing to a lack of evidence for such a practice.

"There's nothing in any of the historical ninja manuals."

Roley speculates that this myth may have originated from popular media, particularly the movie Shinobi No Mono, which features a scene depicting this dramatic escape technique. Despite its cinematic appeal, the practical reality of such a maneuver is highly questionable. "In reality, the chances that you would be left alone after you were tied up long enough to dislocate your joints and get out of there, is very low," Roley explained.

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For martial artists and enthusiasts of Japanese history, Roley's insights offer a sobering reminder to distinguish between myth and reality. While the image of a ninja dislocating their limbs to escape capture is compelling, it does not hold up to historical scrutiny.