The first thing we are going to do before delving into the meaning of the term ninja is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we have to explain that it comes from the Japanese word "ninja", which means spy and that it is the result of the sum of two components of said language:
-The term "nin", which can be translated as "hide", "resist" or "endure".
-The word "ja", which is synonymous with "person."
The notion of ninja is used to name the Japanese fighter who specializes in martial arts . By extension, everything linked to these warriors (such as ninja movies or ninja weapons ) is classified as ninja.
Martial arts encompass numerous fighting techniques that, in ancient times, were used in Eastern countries and which later became sports . Karate , judo , and aikido are examples of martial arts.
Ninjas, therefore, are people who master these disciplines. Although the concept originally referred to wrestlers from Japan , today it is sometimes applied to any individual with said knowledge and skills.
According to historians, the first ninjas were mercenaries trained at a military level to carry out unconventional attacks and war operations. Ninjas, in this framework, carried out multiple tasks, from sabotage to commissioned crimes to espionage tasks.
In addition to using their own body as a weapon through punches and kicks, ninjas used swords , chains and other elements. They even threw explosives and used toxic substances . On the other hand, these combatants used to disguise themselves so as not to be detected by their enemies.
It is also interesting to know that the ninjas were divided into three groups: the Jonin, who were the ones who led the different secret clans; the Chunin, who were responsible for ensuring that the rules of the previous ones were met, and the Genin, who were the ones who executed the orders.
Beyond their specific historical role, ninjas began to be known in the Western world as assassins with multiple skills and abilities, capable of attacking without being detected. Over time , the idea of vigilante ninjas, who fought for noble causes, was also accepted.
"The Ninja Turtles" are an example of how, from fiction, the meaning of ninja was modified. These are turtles who are experts in martial arts and fight villains.
In the 1980s, those unique anthropomorphic turtles were presented, named after important Italian Renaissance artists: Leonardo, in honor of Leonardo da Vinci; Michelanguelo, like Michelangelo; Raphael, in honor of Rafael Sanzio, and Donatello, who takes his name from the sculptor of the same name.
Specifically, it was in 1984 when they became known through a black and white comic that was the work of Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman.
These turtles live in the sewers of New York, their teacher is Splinter, who is an anthropomorphic rat , and they have a journalist as an ally.
Nowadays, these have become protagonists not only of comics but also of cartoon series, video games and even movies.