. . . the ninja of Japan were trained in eighteen fundamental areas of knowledge covering expertise in both the physical and mental. (7 - 9 are listed below; 10 - 18 will appear in succeeding articles)

• 7. NAGINATAJUTSU (halberd fighting)
  The Japanese halberd was used for cutting and slashing attacks against adversaries at medium range. Togakure ryu ninja were also proficient with the bisen-to, a huge heavy-bladed version of the naginata halberd. Based on a Chinese war tool, the broad-bladed weapon was heavy enough to knock down attackers, smash through armor, and ground the horses of mounted samurai.

• 8. KUSARIGAMA (chain and sickle weapon)
  The Japanese chain and sickle weapon was adopted into the arsenal of the Togakure ryu. A chain, six to nine feet in length and weighted at one end, was attached to the handle of the traditional grain cutting tool. The chain could be used to block or ensnare the enemyÕs attack, and the blade could then be used to finish off the attacker. The kyoketsu-shoge, a weapon similar to the chain and sickle, was favored by the Togakure ryu. The weapon consisted of a short hand-held dagger blade with a secondary blade hooking out from the hilt attached to a fifteen foot long resilient cord usually made from womenÕs or horseÕs hair. A large steel ring was attached to the free end of the cord.

• 9. KAYAKUJUTSU (fire and explosives)
  Ninja were experts in the effective placement, timing, and rigging of explosive devices for demolition and distraction. In later years, the use of black powder and other explosives was supplemented with knowledge of firearms and their strategic applications.

. . . The Wheel of Teaching or DHARMACHAKRA has eight spokes symbolizing the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path. In the center the 3 swirling segments representing the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.