Metsubishi – Using the Ninja Principle of "look away" For modern self defense
One of the problems with learning ninjutsu, whether you train in a dojo or learn through online ninja training programs, is that it can be easy to get caught up in the so-called “classical approach.” This is where the ancient museum pieces become the focus of training, rather than the application of ancient principles and concepts to self defense in today’s modern world.
One of the Ninja’s weapons that tends to remain in this “classical” sense is that of the shadow warrior. Metsubish (also pronounced: metsubushi). Known as “blinding powder,” the material that produces the “smokescreen” effect, the word actually means “sight remover.”
This article offers 5 common items you can use for modern self-defense as substitutes for Ninja’s so-called “blinding powder.” So instead of carrying around a hidden eggshell filled with some ancient concoction, the following are some very common, everyday things that can be used strategically to achieve the same results as the Metsubish was originally designed for include.
1) Accounts. If you wear a beaded bracelet, you could break it and allow the beads to slip off the string and onto your hand. Loose objects, including the rope, can then be thrown at your attacker when he is ready to make his move.
It can be difficult to destroy your own jewelry, especially if it is expensive or has some sentimental value. But, in a self-defense situation, you have to decide, in the moment, if the object that could save your life, has the same value as your life itself.
2) Flash light. While you could use a standard flashlight, I think those little keychain lights are perfect little weapons for this tactic. Can you imagine what it feels like when a sudden bright light hits your attacker’s eyes after they have fully dilated to adjust to the darkness of night? Not only will it shock them, but the trauma to the eyes, now forced to a point, will blind the attacker for more than the several seconds it will take for them to escape to safety or turn around!
3) Snow. Obviously a tactic reserved for a certain time of the year, as well as for those of us who really get snow. But, I wanted to add this to the list to make sure they didn’t ignore soil or such an obvious self-defense aid just because the soil, dirt, and grass I mentioned above were covered.
4) Aerosol spraying. This could be anything from cologne or perfume, to hairspray and even bug spray. In fact, one of the suggestions I give students as a substitute for pepper spray is bug spray, specifically the kind designed to spray wasp and hornet nests.
Using chemical irritants always creates a longer window of opportunity, but also requires more awareness on your part as to the direction of the wind and the direction the nozzle is pointing. The last thing you need to protect yourself from a crazed attacker is shooting yourself in the eye with your own spray.
5) His own hand. In our attempt to master self-defense techniques, tactics, and strategies, we can overlook the simplest things. Instead of simply striking or grabbing with your hands, you can use your hands at various points in a self-defense situation to cover your attacker’s eyes while executing another damaging technique. Sudden blindness will draw their attention to your hand and allow you to effectively do what you want at the moment.
Contrary to popular belief, the idea of Metsubish, “eye-popping”, is not limited to the mix of the same name. In fact, the physical dust itself is just a reflection of the greater concept. Just as there are many ways to affect someone’s ability to see, there are also many objects and methods to achieve this.
The Ninja’s magic does not lie in his weapons and “tricks”. The critical element in Ninja’s art that makes it perfectly suited for modern self-defense is his ability to allow him to adapt to the moment and location in which he finds himself.
