Togakure Ryu Mokuton no Jutsu

The Art of Wood Evasion (Mokuton no Jutsu)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for using trees, bushes, and vegetation for concealment, attack, infiltration, and escape. Mokuton requires the shinobi to take into account the sun and shadows as well as the contrast between light and darkness. Mokuton can be combined with other evasion methods. For instance, a shinobi could carry a small animal with him and if he were being pursued, hide in a hollow tree. If the enemy drew near to inspect or probe the log, he would then release the bird (Kinton), mouse (Jyuton), or snake (Chuton). The creature coming out of the hollow would convince the pursuers it was the only thing in the cavity. Gathering dead leaves into a pile or using a dry grassy field, the shinobi could light them on fire (Katon) and head in the opposite direction before pursuers arrive. Throwing a rock against the branches of far off trees so that the echo draws the enemy is an example of Mokuton and Konton.

Camouflage Method (Gisou no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for using the surrounding vegetation to conceal themselves. This would require a thorough study of plants and trees and the areas in which they grow. The shinobi no mono would tie a chord (tatsuki) or the chord from his scabbard (sageo) around his body and shoulders. Next, the ninja would insert undergrowth, leaves, branches, etc. vertically into the chord. The vegetation would cover both the front and back of the shinobi's body in order to completely break up the line of the shoulders and help conceal the face. The type of vegetation the shinobi used would depend on what was available in that particular location. Once the shinobi moved to a spot with different vegetation, he would exchange the new vegetation for the old. This method has similar concepts to the gillie suit used by modern military. So as not to be suspicious, the shinobi would not use insert a wide variety of vegetation at once. The camouflage had to look natural. This was an important skill for infiltration and escape.

Crouch and Hide Method (Uzura Gakure no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for attacking while using the Camouflage Method (Gisou no Ho). After camouflaging himself, the shinobi would position himself as close as possible to the outer edge of high, thick grass, undergrowth, etc. This would have to be an area where an enemy was likely to pass by, for instance on the side of a path. Once the enemy drew near enough, the shinobi would surprise the enemy and cut him down. All of this had to be done silently and with good distancing kept in mind. If the enemy was not close enough, or if the shinobi made too much noise, the enemy would have time to react.

Sight Remover Method (Mestubushi no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for using vegetation to destroy an opponent's sight. The shinobi would use a tree branch, flexible piece of bamboo, or thorn branch that was roughly four feet long. The limb would have to be flexible. Holding the branch in his left hand, the shinobi would conceal the branch behind his leg so that the end is trailing on the ground. The flexibility of the branch would allow it to bend onto the ground which would keep the branches profile smaller and less noticeable. Preferably, this long, thin branch would be concealed without the opponent noticing.The shinobi would hold his katana in the other hand such as in Heaven and Earth Stance (Tenchi no Kamae) or a single-handed Correct Eye Stance (Seigan no Kamae). As the enemy approached, the shinobi would hold the sword out in front of him and use it to draw the opponent's attention to the katana. When the opponent was near enough that his katana could almost touch the tip of the shinobi's sword, the shinobi would swing the branch with a whip like motion into the opponent's eyes. As the branch hits or the opponent tries to evade, the shinobi would finish the enemy off with a sword technique and escape.

Decptive Tree Evasion Method (Gihen Mokuton no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for deceiving an enemy about his location. One method was for the shinobi to shake a tree branch so that he could attack or escape. This could be done with a sickle-spear (Kamayari) or a rope tied to a tree branch. The shinobi could also tie one end of a rope to a branch and the other end to a wild animal. Commotion caused by the wild animal would likely draw the enemy's attention. One trick used with this method was for the shinobi to set up his jacket in a tree to look like a person.

Deceptive Falling Tree Method (Toboku Gihen no Ho)

These are methods that the Togakure Ryu shinobi had for crushing an enemy logs or bamboo. This also included techniques for using falling logs as a distraction in order to attack, infiltrate, or escape from an enemy. The shinobi needed to first find a location overlooking or with a higher vantage point than a path or area his enemy was likely to cross. The shinobi would lean large bamboo poles or logs against a tree or several trees. When the enemy walked along parallel to the logs, the shinobi would push the logs onto the enemy and crush him. The shinobi could also tie logs to a roof, a ledge, or a high bank with a rope. The shinobi could then merely cut the rope and allow the logs to tumble down. This method would not necessarily kill the enemy, but the injury and shock could be enough for the shinobi to finish him off or escape.

 

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