When most people, especially those in the West, think of the ninja, they see images of rather evil-looking men wearing black clothes, including the tabi (split-toed shoe socks) and hood, with only a small space where sinister eyes are visible. This is the image portrayed in the many books and popular films being made by people who know little about the true history and meaning of ninpo (higher order of ninjutsu).

It is true, of course, that ninja often wear black. But that is restricted to when they are called on to operate in a dark area or at night. How a ninja dresses and the weapons and tools he uses (clothes being one of them) is part of the science of ninjutsu. This aspect involves knowing one's environment-natural and social-and adapting to it in ways that are advantageous.

Today, for example, in the proper setting or circumstance, a ninja might be found dressed in a three-piece suit with a briefcase. But what I find amusing is when ninja are pictured wearing the traditional black gi (uniform) while in a winter setting with the ground covered with snow. In this case, it is obvious one would wear white.

Just as dress is a "weapon" in ninjutsu, there is a wide range of weaponry and tools the ninja can use. Many of these are available today. Entire books have been written on the subject, but in this article we will discuss a small area of the topic, one that is related to the use of "appearance" to out-smart and surprise a foe.

A ninja, it should be noted, would dress as traveling merchants, entertainers, doctors, farmers- whatever the situation called for. This is how the ninja used the environment -with both weapons and dress-to gain an advantage.

I would like to discuss shikomisure, which are types of weapons that are hidden in some form. For example, some of these weapons can be hidden in bamboo walking sticks or fishing poles. These innocent looking articles can contain hidden blades, chains, hooks for attacking or climbing and many other devices. For example, a shinobi bo (hidden staff) can have a concealed chain inside. When attacked, swing the shinobi bo and a fundo (metal weight) allows the chain to come out of the bo. The opponent will be surprised and soon under control as the chain wraps not only around his mouth and head, but also his sword. Deceptive appearance-that's the way of the ninja.