Seven Ingenious Uses for the Samurai Sword Cord
Japan's ancient spies, the ninja, were renowned for their resourcefulness, often transforming everyday items into multifaceted tools of survival and warfare. Among their many ingenious adaptations, the sageo—a cord attached to the scabbard of a Japanese sword—stands out for its versatility. Here are seven primary uses of the sageo that showcase the creativity and practicality of the ninja.
1. An Improvised Belt
In situations where a belt was needed but not available, the sageo could be used to secure clothing or gear. This simple yet effective use ensured that the ninja could always stay prepared for action, even if caught off-guard.
2. Sword Security While Sleeping
Ninjas often tied their long and short swords together using the sageo and then slept on them. This prevented their weapons from being stolen or tampered with during the night, ensuring they were always ready for an immediate response to any threat.
3. Searching in Darkness (Zasagashi)
In low-light conditions, the sageo could be used in a technique called zasagashi. By placing one end of the cord in the mouth and keeping the other attached to the scabbard, with the sheath balanced on the sword tip, ninjas could probe the area for guards or obstacles. If the cord made contact with an enemy, the ninja could instantly thrust or cut to eliminate the threat.
4. Climbing Aid
When scaling walls or other obstacles, the sageo provided critical assistance. The ninja would lean their sword against a wall, using the guard as a step, and then pull the sword up with the long cord once they had ascended. This method allowed for quick and silent climbs.
5. Cordage for a Tent
The sageo could also serve as cordage for setting up a temporary shelter. This adaptability meant that ninjas could use their environment to create a base of operations, even in remote locations.
6. Tying People Up
Capturing and restraining enemies or prisoners was another practical use of the sageo. The cord could effectively bind hands and feet, ensuring that captives could be controlled or transported without difficulty.
7. Entangling Weapons and Limbs
In close-quarter combat, the sageo could be used to entangle an opponent’s spear or limbs. By ensnaring a thrusting spear or wrapping the cord around an enemy's limb, the ninja could gain the upper hand in the skirmish.
While these seven uses highlight the primary applications of the sageo, its versatility extended beyond these functions. It could also serve as a tourniquet or to secure bandages, act as a tripwire, or even function as a clothesline for drying garments. The sageo is a testament to the ninja's ingenuity, turning a simple cord into a critical survival tool and a weapon of stealth and strategy.
Did Ninja Dislocate Their Limbs to Escape Capture?
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.
The Fiery Siege of Kasagi Castle
Few episodes capture the mystique and tactical brilliance of the ninja better than the 1541 surprise attack on Kasagi Castle. This audacious raid offers a rare, authentic glimpse into the covert operations of the ninja during the Sengoku period.
Issue #2 of Inside Ninjutsu
Available now for FREE
Prepare to delve deeper into the mysterious world of ninjutsu with the highly anticipated release of Inside Ninjutsu Issue #2. Building on the success of our debut, this edition promises an even richer tapestry of news, reviews, history, training ideas, and in-depth articles tailored for the dedicated practitioner and enthusiast of the shinobi arts.
✅ Club Profile: Nami Ryu Dojo
✅ Was Yasuke a samurai?
✅ Samurai Strongholds
✅ How to get more students
✅ The Art of Suijutsu
✅ New Koto Ryu Book
✅ Buyu Bulletin
✅ Develop ninja night vision