Togakure Temporary Member Forum

[Tenshin]

Until the new family system is finished, I think this is a good place to put it. First things first, I'd like to say that although I'm very busy lately I have a few days in the week where i have time to come online and look around the forums, but I will be much less active than my prior 10 posts a day.

One thing I'd like to discuss, is that new Revenge and Reward thread. I intend on taking part in it, but I would like to know what the Togakure plays in it. Apparently a strong figurehead from a Koga ninja clan is being executed. The Togakure is a clan of Iga province, though I believe there was no trouble between the two in history, some like to speculate a rivalry among the clans. Should we asume a peaceful disposition, or be against their clan?

[Jin]

Great idea Tenchi.

Yea unlike how the media (check out the anime Basilisk if you haven't, heh perfect example) describes the ninja families of Iga and Koga, There were no true rivalries among the two areas besides the common arguments and such that happens usually with neighboring areas (Iga and Koga were next to each other basically). Although, sometimes they were against each other because of the ninja family being allied with a daimyo/lord/person who wanted to attack their counterparts from the other province (this would happen to with ninja families of the same province, then a matter of where loyalties were came into question, that must have been a tough decision! heh). Also, the Iga and Koga clans often times even aided and allied with each other too!

So after my long winded talk about them, I'd like to propose a peaceful disposition.

[Jin]

I hope kinjo and nobody4422 is still with us. You guys still here? We're not dead, we're just waiting for sykoi to finish the new family system. I hope the new family system allows more moderators than just one person running the whole thing. :P

[Tenshin]

I think there should be a family admin, and family moderators under that admin.

[Kinjo]

Still here quietly waiting :P

[Jin]

^Glad your still here Kinjo. Nobody4422 where did you go! heh
Hey kinjo do you want to get in on the RP thread "Revenge and Reward"? That would be fun to see you catching up to Tenchi and have you assisting him...while I'll be in my office *cough* relaxing *cough*, concentrating on my work, heh. But no pressure or anything if you don't want to.

I think there should be a family admin, and family moderators under that admin.
Yea I definately agree, one owner (admin) and a few moderators under.

[nobody4422]

Dont worry Im not going anywhere I just tend to keep quiet until I have somehthing to say.

[Jin]

Togakure family

Brief background:

As a former samurai, I defended my lord until the day of his demise in battle. After suffering defeat of enemy troops, I was forced to flee and take up residence of my birthplace, in the remote region of Iga that I left long ago to pursue my own goals. There I reconciled my relationship with my uncle and resumed my training in the Togakure ryu (the hidden door school) of ninjutsu that I once ago took up.

Several years past, and I slowly mastered the Togakure ryu. As time went on and nature took its course, my uncle’s health deteriorated. Having no son to inherit his title, soke (grandmaster or head of the family) of the Togakure ryu, he past it down onto me. Feeling the pressure of fellow family members who thought I was not quite suited for such a title because of my sudden disappearance long ago, I quickly assumed the duties as the 23rd soke of Togakure ryu (the ninjutsu of the Togakure family) to the best of my abilities.

The Togakure family is a ninja family that does not seek out engagements of combat merely based on the thrill of violent danger or need for money, but rather motivated by love or reverence. The Togakure ninja operatives will be assigned missions involving combat and espionage from the leaders of the family. The main teachings of Togakure ryu are to:

• protect our country, family, and nature
• avoid unnecessary violence

Keep in mind that we are not hired assassins; we utilize our covert tactics and information gathering skills when called upon to do so by the leaders of the family. We are also not spies, but warriors skilled in ninjutsu that have proficiency in surveillance techniques.

The Togakure ninja operative is trained in several areas of expertise, some are:
• seishin teki kyoyo (spiritual refinement)
• tai jutsu (unarmed combat)
• ninja ken (ninja sword)
• shuriken-jutsu (throwing blades)
• henso-jutsu (disguise and impersonation)
• shinobi-iri (stealth and entering methods)
• cho ho (espionage)
• inton jutsu (escape and concealment)

Hierarchy:

Genin: The genin is proficient in ninjutsu in all aspects and handles most missions. They are usually sent out for low to middle ranked missions, usually by teams of three. They might also be called upon for high ranked missions but will be guided by chunin. New genin will also be trained in teams of three by chunin.

Chunin: The chunin would be a rank up from genin. They would provide teaching as well as leading teams of genin or assembling a team of 2 other chunin for high ranked missions. Also chunin might be called upon for even higher ranked missions (called N ranked missions) led by a jonin. Chunin will make up the bulk of the family.

Jonin: The jonin will be the highest rank for ninja in the Togakure family (besides soke). Most of the identities of jonin will be kept secret, even from genin and chunin to some extent. Jonin operatives will be relied upon for the highest of missions, from high ranked missions to N ranked missions, and will work either in teams of 2 or more. The best jonin also will be invited to join an elite team of ninja called the tokushuheiki (roughly translates to special weapon) squad for missions requiring special tactics and protecting the family from exceptional threats (think of tokushuheiki as black ops or SWAT).

Anpori: Roughly translating to security council, the anpori consists of the leaders of the family and they decide the fate of the family. They make the rules and assign the missions when there are missions to be done. Council members must be chunin or higher to be accepted as such and must demonstrate incredible leadership skills.

Soke: The grandmaster of Togakure ryu. He/She is the representative of the Togakure family and must demonstrate the philosophies and ideals the family encompasses. The soke has authority to decide when a chunin is ready to become a jonin and to decide who will become his/her inheritor when he/she is ready to retire. Along with various other jobs, he/she is responsible for the protection of the family and the future of the family as well. The soke is also the head member of the family council and presides over the meetings.

-Information written by Togakure Jin

[Jin]

If you like to join our family and follow our ideals and philosophies, please don't hesitate to PM me. Once Sykoi is finish working on the new family system, Our family board will be up and running again.

[Tenshin]

Sykoi is making us suffer :'(

[Comicartist22]

• henso-jutsu (disguise and impersonation) and • cho ho (espionage)

These alone have me questioning the creation of my own family.


Uchimaro

[Jin]

heh, yea I put as much detail as I could into the development of this family and this is just the start really.

[Tenshin]

Why don't we make a forum in the Private Forums for the time being?

[Jin]

I requested it a while ago and it got rejected because Sykoi said he's working on it or something.

[Sykoi]

It was rejected because I said the Diary-family system isn't ready yet, I have been sick and still am sick... I will finish it when I am no longer sick.
If someone else accepted a family through the Diary system, I am sorry.

I deny these requests because I have to rewrite a lot of the Diary system to make it work correctly with the old family system, so please be patient.

[Jin]

^ Oh ok, but I was just hoping for a private forum for the time being like Bakemono's forum, I can wait for the new system. Not trying to rush you Sykoi, I know your sick and all, I was just a little confused, heh. :confused:

[Tenshin]

Well in that case, might as well post up all your Togakure threads in this thread here. There are some things I'd like to look at.

[Jin]

The Way of the Ninja - Nindo:

1. Know the wisdom of being patient during times of inactivity.
2. Choose the course of justice as the path for your life.
3. Do not allow your heart to be controlled by the demands of desire, pleasure, or dependence.
4. Sorrow, pain and resentment are natural qualities to be found in life. Therefore, work to cultivate an immovable spirit.
5. Hold in your heart the importance of family loyalty, and pursue the literary and martial arts with equal and balanced determination.

Information from Tenchi

Weapons of ninjutsu

A list of common weapons used by Togakure ninja.

Ninja Ken
A ninja's sword was an important part of the art of ninjutsu, however, in comparison to the Samurai's Katana, it was little more than a slab of metal with a ground edge. The Ninja Ken, otherwise known as the Shinobigatana rarely afforded the spiritual qualities or attachments that a Samurai's blade would. Much shorter then normal blades for the sake of mobility and close quarter combat. Often made by the ninja himself in home shops, as a result of the lack of money, or disability to access an expert swordsman. It was simply a tool to the ninja. The blade was often much shorter then the scabbard, making room for the concealment of blinding powder.

Aikuchi
Similar to the tanto, but without a tsuba (hand guard).

Shinobi-zue (ninja stalves and canes)
Varying in length from three to six feet, ninja canes and stalves often contained a variety hidden weapons and tools. Ninja shikomi-zue are hollowed out sticks concealing blades, arrows, chains, hooks, climbing aids and even poison liquid or gasses. They were also commonly used for transformation into underwater breathing devices or blowguns.

Tessen (Iron War Fan)
An iron fan used for combat with the same application as a club or short stick. A slab of folded iron covered by heavy paper or silk folds to retain the appearance of a true fan, but still have the defensive purposes.

Kusarigama (Ninja Blade and Chain Weapon)
Long range blade and chain weapons allows the ninja to attack and entangle and enemy from a safer distance. The Kusarigama is comprised of a sickle ranging in handle lengths, and a chain or rope ranging from nine to twelve feet. With an iron weight fixed on the end of the chain, it proved a very effective tool.

Kusarifundo (Weighted Chain)
Similar to the Kusarigama in application, only it is used for close range. Ranging between eighteen and thirty inches in length, it can be used to strike, entangle, or snare an enemy, or his weapon. simply a steel chain with a small steel weight on each end, it is most commonly used as a surprise, with forward-shooting strikes.

Naginata (Edged Halberd)
A blend of an individual short sword or dagger attached to a six foot staff for longer range.

Yumi and Ya (Ninja Bow and Arrows)
Yumi and Ya are half the length of conventional Samurai Bow and Arrows, making them easy to carry, it also reduced the range, and forced ninjas to get in closer to their enemies in order to hit them. Often carried in a bamboo tube, the combination was easy to conceal and transport.

Fukiya (Blowguns)
Close range, and accurate within twenty feet, they were often disguised as flutes, canes and umbrellas. Darts are constructed of paper cones and steel slivers.

Toami jutsu (Fish Nets)
Used to ensnare or control multiple attackers. Also rigged up as traps in forests or castle corridors.

Kamayari (Hooked Spears)
Spears with a hook at the base of the spearhead were used for a variety of purposes, including combat, climbing, swinging, or snagging passing enemies from above.

Tetsubishi (Caltrops)
Securely held in a carrying case, these steel and iron foot spikes were used to slow or stop pursuers, and were capable of embedding themselves deep in the foot. Designed so at least one spike will be facing up, these are a necessity for ninjas on high risk missions.

Shuriken (Throwing Blades)
Hira Shuriken were flat throwing plates and star knives, used to distract, slow down and injure an enemy. Similarly, the bo shuriken were straight throwing blades that resembled short knives.

Metsubushi (Sight Removers)
When overwhelmed by multiple attacker, these devices were often used. Hollowed out egg shells or nut hulls were filled with explosive, or compressed powder in hesitate enemy advance or screen attacks, if a ninja were to be discovered by a group of guards during a mission.

Information researched by Tenchi


Yon-po Hiden (Four Secrets) of Togakure ryu:

Four weapons specialized by the Togakure ryu.

Senban Shuriken- The symbol of the school, the four pointed throwing star resembled a tool used by carpenters to remove nails, called a kugi-nuki. It was a weapon to harass the enemy to assist in escape and other various applications.

Shuko / Ashiko- Commonly known as climbing claws, they were frequently used on both the hands and feet for combat as well, capable of delivering very serious injuries. They were made of metal bands around the hand and wrist with a strap of leather connecting them. Also called Tegaki.

Shindake- A bamboo tube around 4 feet long, used as an underwater breathing tube and a blowgun.

Kyoketsu Shoge- Almost exclusively used by the ninja, the kyoketsu shoge had a multitude of useful applications. It consists of a blade and hook combination, attached to a steel loop by means of an eighteen foot long rope or chain and was used to entangle, stab and smash an enemy in long and close ranges.

Information researched by Togakure Jin

[Jin]

"The essence of all martial arts and military strategies is self-protection and the prevention of danger. Ninjutsu epitomizes the fullest concept of self-protection of not only the physical body, but the mind and spirit as well. The way of the ninja is the way of enduring, surviving, and prevailing over all that would destroy one. More than merely delivering strikes and slashes, and deeper in significance than the simple out-witting of an enemy; ninjutsu is the way of attaining that which we need while making the world a better place."

Originally from the writings of Toshitsugu Takamatsu.

[Kinjo]

Shuko are the sort of family weapon of the Togakure Ryu aint they?

I think I remember reading that somewhere, and also the Senban (curved 4 point) shuriken made from sheet metal.
I just wondered if you might carry on that idea as in the real Togakure Ryu or not :P
(personally I always kind of wished the Togakure Ryu preferred weapon was something other than the shuko, such as the kasari-gama (what a cool weapon hehe)

Great list of ranks and stuff so far :D

[Jin]

Thanks for mentioning that Kinjo. I was thinking about it but haven't got around to making a section specifically for the four secrets of the Togakure Ryu. I will add senban shuriken, shuko/ashiko, Shinodake, and Kyoketsu Shoge to the list of weapons in their own little sub-section, heh.

[Tenshin]

I'd like to see that section come to life.

[Jin]

^ Just added it below the list of commonly used weapons in its own little sub-section. I wonder how many of these weapons will be implemented in-game, I hope atleast 5+ heh.

I hope they implement the senban shurikens, heh.

[nobody4422]

I asked about this in the previous forums. If players will make some of the more exotic and unconventional weapons and how there would be measures to prevent rediculously unrealistic (Huge FF7/Anime style swords) weapons.

I cant really remember the exact answer I got but it sounded like they would be trying to make weaponsmithing very open. As far as the unrealistic weapons, I dont remember the answer I got for that, but Im pretty sure theyll try and discourage it.

[Jin]

^ makiing weaponsmithing open sounds good. The weapons we listed wouldn't seem too overpowering nor unrealistic. Guess we need some people in the Togakure family smithing some senban shurikens? heh

If this is how it's going to be, I wonder how the developers will keep the more unrealistic weapons out of the game and make sure weapons aren't too unbalanced or "god"-like.

[Kinjo]

Well thats easy

Player A. cant just smith any sword he wants, has to be a preconfigured list of options of what can be made.

If the devs dont want a gigantic unrealistic sword to be ingame it wont be, because the devs themselves still have to make and upload the models for the combinations of weapons that are able to be made.

Its not possible to smith something that the devs would have never known could be smithed when they are creating the smithing system.

[Jin]

^ Oh ok, nobody4422 said he heard that the weaponsmithing is going to be very-open, so I thought smiths could actually design their own shapes. But what you said Kinjo makes sense.

[Tenshin]

Yeah, unless there's a limited ingame weapon modelling system implemented in the guise of smithing... that would be amazing... but I doubt they'd make that. The devs are already trying to implement every other humanly possible thing in the game.

[nobody4422]

I think that is actually what they said they had in mind. weaponsmithing would be similar to making clothing in that you "cut" out the shapes you want to use for all the parts, and then assemble them together once you have them all. I think this is how they said it would work, but, its been a while and my memory is a bit fuzzy.

[Jin]

^ well, we will find out when the game is ready, heh. I wouldn't be surprised if it was some hybrid of all these ideas.

BTW, we really need our family forum back, comon Sykoi! haha jk, just get better soon.

On a related topic, I wonder how open the system will be when developing your own ryu. I would like to see something resembling the Togakure ryu in-game someday. :)

[Kinjo]

If they did somehow make so you could design your weapon shape with total freedom (maybe possible with some kind of a customizable alpha channel map to show and hide certain parts of a model) but even then the length, dmg, attributes of the weapon would be preset, even if there was several presets to appear the shape effected them, they would still be preset attribs by the dev team.

Allowing custom shapes, can often mean more downloading depending on how its implemented. So keep this in mind, do you really want to be lagging more just to see someones cool sword design?

Also there is the immature player factor.
Imagine swords shaped like body parts :rolleyes: policing such things would be a waste of GM time better spent on other things.

[Jin]

^yea very good point Kinjo and custom shapes and presets. I'm thinkin they would have a hidden min and max for every stat as well, that makes sense.

[Jin]

A ninja must have the strongest commitment and serious mind towards ninjutsu, for only the focused can truely understand. Lust for violence, and greed; ninja do not desire such things. More than just an art of combat, ninjutsu is a way of life while encompassing the balance of mind and body to form perfect harmony with one's inner self. With this perfect harmony, a ninja is prepared for any provoked attack, defying all odds and surviving all hardships.

written by Togakure Jin

[Kamakiri]

I am interested in my character becoming a shinobi. I am using this character from an old pen and paper game and he was just a simple peasant, and even though right now my Aikido classes call me to be an unarmed specialist, I have a friend who does Togakure ninjutsu. What would the requirements be?

[Jin]

If you truly wish to excel in ninjutsu in the game and have the same ideals/philosophies (written on the first page of this thread) of the family, we'd gladly welcome you.

[Kamakiri]

Well my character is a carptenter, so I can make kugi-nuki :P. I will work on his story and see if my character can and would be a good contribution to the family.

[Jin]

Sounds good, I hope to hear from you soon! I'm sure we all can contribute to the family, both physically and mentally. In our old forums we had a registration page for people wishing to join our family, since we have to wait for the new family diary system to be finished we have to wait til we have our forum again. But please feel free to post it here and anything else.

[Jin]

still waiting for family diary system, heh.... :-P

[Kamakiri]

I think one thing that could be done in the meantime is pile a collection of credible books and websites for people to read and check out. Mostly books, to weed out armchair wannabe's though :P.

Books on Sengoku-era history and ninja's both included. It's important to see the bigger picture.

Most of my knowledge has been taught to me from Mark Agostino from the Bujinkan dojo of Chicago, and my friend who has been to a few Togakure classes in atlanta, the only books I have are some of the Stephen Hayes books.

Stephen Hayes Ninja Volumes:
1. Spirit of the Shadow Warrior
2. Warriors ways of Enlightenment
3. Warrior path of Togakure
4. Legacy of the Night Warrior
5. Lore of the Shinobi Warrior

Encylopedic book on the Sengoku era covering samurai, but has a small section on ninja's.
Secrets of the Samurai - Oscar Ritti and Adele Westbrook.


-----
*gets the ball rolling*

[Jin]

^ I would highly recommend "Ninjutsu: History and Traditions" or mostly any of the other books written by Hatsumi Masaaki.

[Tenshin]

Yes, I'd refrain from reading Stephen Hayes, as he's somewhat looked down upon in the bujinkan for some reason or another. Books written by Hatsumi are good references and should be considered. I also recommend History and Traditions as a reference book.

[Kinjo]

Hes looked down upon because He and Soke had a falling out I presume,

I think hes still married to his daughter though?? (not sure)

But he was hatsumi's best buddy at one stage so im sure a lot of his books are probably pretty accurate. The falling out was bound to be about money or something I think.

One of the reasons Im glad i dont train in Bujinkan (or any Ninjutsu in general) anymore is because of all the politics and contraversy surrounding the style. I take most rumours and opinions from any of the masters with a grain of salt as I suspect even Soke himself is probably guilty of twisting the truth on Dojo politics.

Just my opinion

[Jin]

A website I highly recommend for more knowledge of samurai and the sengoku era:

http://www.samurai-archives.com/

*side note: Hattori Hanzo is also referenced under the "famous samurai" section, heh.

[Tenshin]

Well I'm sorry you're glad not to train in a style because of it's politics. I go for the teachings, not the politics. It's sad that you judge a style based on the drama within a community. It's like judging a person, based on the people he has problems with. Oh well. I like who I train with and I like Hatsumi's teaching method and that's all that really matters to me.

[Kinjo]

I just dont like the fact nobody takes it seriously as a Martial Art when they find out its about Ninjas

And I've had Japanese people laugh and think im a little crazy I think for saying I trained in Ninjutsu.

I dont really have the time anymore for a complicated style like Ninjutsu anyway, thats sort of another reason I chose to practice Muay Thai instead. I know Muay thai does not have as much depth but its fun, easy, and gets you fit.

If I lived near a decent Bujinkan Dojo I might return to it, and if I found a real Kenjutsu Dojo I would jump at the chance to learn it. Unfortunately my options are iaido, kendo, or Ninjutsu. The closest to real kenjutsu would probably be Bujinkan Ninjutsu but then the Kenjutsu is totally different to Samurai Kenjutsu and its only 1 of many styles taught.

For me the positive and negative of Bujinkan is its diversity
Its really hard to find someone skilled enough in all of the styles to teach you well in One of them. For example I want to focus on Kenjutsu but the instructors I have met seem to jack of all trades masters of none if you get my meaning.

Its not that I dont like Ninpo Kenjutsu, its just that I think in Bujinkan teaching it would take too long to master without focus, as if I was in another school who focused purely on Kenjutsu.

It may be more practical to know how to defend or attack with any or no weapon, but practicality doesn't come into it when your studying sword for the love of it (how many sword fights do we get into in this day and age :P)

anyway
end of rant :P

[Kamakiri]

I have 3 japanese friends on my campus, and they seem to be impressed when I say Taijutsu and Aikido, and one of them is a huge Naruto fan (just as a side note).

As one book put it, I don't try to "play" japanese when I perform martial arts or in public.

I like all styles, and I think the biggest factor in a style comes down to the instructor. Bad teacher = bad class. I went to a Kendo class once where the teacher (white guy to note) was basically whipping the students and just yelling at them. I walked out.

[nobody4422]

It may be more practical to know how to defend or attack with any or no weapon, but practicality doesn't come into it when your studying sword for the love of it (how many sword fights do we get into in this day and age )

If practicality doesnt play a part in it, whats wrong with kendo or iaido? More sport/art than comabt styles but still good experience with a sword. If the instrutors and classes are decent why not try them out.

[Kinjo]

I have tried them out (granted for not long)

But what I really enjoyed in Ninjutsu sword was the combination or sparring/medium to slow sparring/and slow technique training

Iaido as far as I can see is a martial art developed of Katas
I dont enjoy doing katas enough to want to study an entire MA about them :P and being a tall strong westerner my body works against me in iaido.

Kendo looks fun, but It just bugged me that they leave out some of the most practical and useful cuts a swordsman has. If im too totally re-format my head on how to hold and attack with a sword (because kendo postures after learning Ninjutsu postures is like trying to change the way you walk :P)then I would like to at least know I would be very confident in a real battle (this is purely one of my own requirements in learning a martial art)

I think in Japan there is probably many Styles and Schools that currently teach a combination of Kendo/iaido/maybe some akido etc
eg. a complete Kenjutsu system

That is what I would really want to devote my time to learning.
Until I find such a school I will settle for keeping fit and keeping my mind on other things like work/study etc :D

I have 3 japanese friends on my campus, and they seem to be impressed when I say Taijutsu and Aikido, and one of them is a huge Naruto fan (just as a side note)

I notice you told them Taijutsu and Akido though rather than use the term Ninjutsu
I too found myself telling people I used to Train Taijutsu, rather than say Ninjutsu as people would look at me like im nutts and I got sick of it. And ive met a lot of people who are nutts at Ninjutsu class :P

[Tenshin]

Yes well, it is ninjutsu. I'm sure in they didn't run around telling everyone they trained in ninjutsu there. I tell people I practice Budo. But yeah, there are a lot of crappy ninjutsu instructors out there, I'm lucky I found one that meets my needs and shares my interests in development, who also happens to be the youngest instructor in Canada of his rank, and one of the most ninjutsu dedicated people I've ever met. Also, his instructor is the highest ranked in Canada and very highly regarded.

My instructor is no master, but as sensei litterally means, the one who has come before you, I figure, my instructor knows more than me, my instructor trains more often than me, and advances quicker than me, I understand his teaching, and so long as he's ahead of me, and knows things he hasn't taught me, he'll be a worthy instructor.

We do primarily outdoor training, and focus equally on stealth agility and combat. I find training on natural terrain a whole lot better than tatami mats. You don't have those in a real fight.

And as for the "you'll never use a sword in a real situation" comment. Kenjutsu doesn't necessarily mean fighting with a Katana. Anything can be used. A stick, a bat, a machete, anything with the general shape. Knowing unarmed against a sword is important in real life situations, the principals can even be applied to combat against a firearm at close range. In order to know how these techniques work, you must know how to use what you're up against, knowing the enemy.

But this isn't meant to be a lesson, so I'll cut it, before I start rambling even more.

[Jin]

I must agree with what some of you have been saying. Choosing a certain style that follows your ideals/philosophies/interests is the best way in deciding. Who cares what others say or if you feel prosecuted more or less. As long as you are being trained well and you personally know "the truth", all is irrelevant.

[Tenshin]

I've found that some martial arts are better suited for different people. I quit every school i joined within my second ranking until I found my sensei. I was looking for something whole, that suited me and my personality, and bettered every aspect of me. And I found it. Some people just want to know how to fight, some people just want to get in shape, some people just want to have fun, and some people like martial arts with certain characteristics.

[Kinjo]

I actually do miss Ninjutsu training and would return if:
A. There was a Instructor I admired and respected close to me
B. I had more spare time to devote to it

It is a pretty complete system your right about that, but being so complete takes up so much time to cover all the Ryu's

Tenchijin I know what your saying about the Kenjutsu applications without a sword etc.
What I meant was that in a self defense aspect it would probably be more valuable to learn Ninjutsu than a pure Kenjutsu Ryu as Ninjutsu would teach me a lot more about Muto dori (did I spell that right) or alternative weapons, But as I explained my reasons for wanting to learn Kenjutsu are asthetic ones mostly, not for self defense

[Jin]

Perseverance. To be ninja is to persevere, to survive. The true strength of a ninja comes from within. His motivation and determination gives him the ability to endure. Without it, he becomes weak, and a mere hollow shell. Flimsy the foundation has become, often leading to the treacherous path of entropy if not properly attended to. Many a ninja fall off the true path of ninjutsu, but for the ones who do not, they achieve strength and wisdom that none of the fallen could ever possibly attain.

written by Togakure Jin

[nobody4422]

hey jin, why not just make the family thread for now until the family system is revised. That way we can have our own section and members rather than losing or missing out on potential members while we wait.

[Jin]

Yea, the problem is, when creating a family thread right now, you can have up to only 4 character for the name of the family. But I guess I can just call it "Toga"?

[Yukie]

Hate to intrude upon this thread but why not just use the kanji for Togakure (presuming there are some)? Surely that'd be below 4 letters (well maybe not) and you could have your family forum.

[Jin]

^Oh yea, I never thought of that thanks yukie, heh.

[Jin]

Ok, I guess I will make a family forum using hiragana of Togakure soon.


By the way, can I get a reply for all the active people? heh, just curious.

[Kamakiri]

I am still here! I have turned into a lurker. I dunno, I feel odd posting becuase I feel like I never have anything to contribute. I do still read though.

[Jin]

^ heh, I know how you feel. I think the activity on the forums as a whole is in a state of decline.


*side note* I've created a family forum, please check your PMs everybody for the invitation.