VLVL (15): Inpo Mode

[Dave Monroe]

"Before long there was a police roadblock, so Takeshi
parked farther downhill while DL switched herself on
Inpo mode and disappeared into the landscape." (VL,
Ch. 15, p. 333)


inpo 
the art of hiding

http://www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/ninja.html#I

Inpo, the art of hiding, is an integral part of the
Ninjitsu system. It simply means that one must take
advantage of every possible object, natural as well as
man made, to conceal oneself. Inpo gave rise to the
legends that the ancient ninja could vanish at will..

Foremost among the precepts of inpo is the admonition
to avoid unnecessary movement. Following are the five
preferred inpo methods:

EARTH METHOD

The best example of this technique is supplied by
Uzura gakure no-jitsu, which suggests hiding like a
quail in small gaps between two larger objects. The
primary consideration here is that one must be able to
completely fill the space between the objects. In this
way, one may escape detection, since an observer will
scan past these as he walks. Of note also is the
technique of hiding under overhanging brush or grass.
Stay low to observe and look around the cover.

AIR METHOD

This refers to hiding like a racoon. It means that one
should climb a tree or other high place and press
oneself against the object so that one seems to be a
part of it. The infamous jewel thieves, Alan Kuhn and
Jack Murphy- who stole the Star of India from a New
York museum- made frequent use of this tactic. They
believed, and rightly so, that people seldom look up.

WATER METHOD

This means to imitate the actions of the fox by
concealing oneself in water. Not only does this aid in
erasing one's trail, but also allows only poor footing
for the pursuing enemy. This method is also extremely
useful when one can spring on an enemy out of the
water for the purpose of drowning him.

FIRE METHOD

This is perhaps the most difficult of the inpo arts.
It refers to the erasing of sound and shadow. Always
move behind a light source to avoid casting a shadow
or silhouette which might betray you. Learn to move
silently. Only practice in the nine steps can develop
this skill.

WOOD METHOD

Pu Neng Mu is the term used to mean "invisibility in
plain sight". When no cover is at hand one must hide
behind nothing. This is accomplished by distorting the
silhouette. It is possible to form the body into many
shapes by means of yogic exercises. In the old days of
ninjitsu, one excellent tactic involved replacing a
scare crow and standing in the center of a ploughed
field. By kneeling and wrapping the arms around the
knees, one assumes a position like a stone or bush.

Numerous other methods exist for concealing one's
presence from the enemy, such as disguises, mingling
with crowds, false identities, and so on. These
alternatives lie in the realm of strategically, rather
than tactical considerations.

Conceal items within common items when ever possible.
i.e. poison filled syringe in a pen.

POSITIONS OF CONCEALMENT

There are six basic positions which may be used to
conceal your presence:

1. ABOVE- A position above the enemy is the first of
these, as mentioned people rarely look up. One may use
this propensity to his advantage. Roof tops are a good
place of concealment as by laying flat observations
can be made, However, avoid silhouetting.

2. BELOW- One can also hide below the enemy when
hiding or observing. Look for crawl spaces, air ducts
or cellars. Remember to replace any grates or trap
doors that may have been in your way. Beware of being
trapped, NEVER move into a space with only one exit.

3. BESIDE- Beside cover is a third method which may be
used. Regardless of the object, keep as low as
possible at all times. Use shadows when ever possible-
conceal yourself within it and assume the same shape.

4. BEHIND- Hiding behind cover is another technique.
In selecting this approach, bear in mind that you must
assume the same shape as the object. Shrubs, hedges,
crates, stacked material, and so on, may be used for
this purpose.

5. INSIDE- Hiding inside is another method of
concealment. The trick is to choose places where a
person is not expected to fit. One must possess great
flexibility and the ability to remain uttery still.
Remember to beware of becoming trapped.

6. INFRONT- Infront of cover is the boldest and most
difficult of all these concealment methods. To
accomplish this, one must select the object of
concealment, position himself directly before it, and
assume its shape. Lower the torso and look directly
ahead without fixing the eyes on any one point. Relax
the body.

In all of these concealment methods, the primary
consideration is no movement. It is of utmost
importance in hiding in plain view. This technique was
a favourite of the ancient ninja, who would position
themselves so, along a path travelled by the enemy,
stepping forward to attack him as he passed. DO NOT
look directly at the enemy as this will cause him to
sense your presence

http://www.totse.com/en/bad_ideas/irresponsible_activities/161683.html


	
		
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