The Distinctive Paths of Iga and Koga Ninja Schools: A Comparative Overview

The Iga and Koga ninja schools, both prominent in Japan's ninja history, had distinct characteristics and specializations.

Key Differences
.1Combat Skills:Iga Ninja: Renowned for their expertise in swordsmanship and close-quarters combat. They were particularly skilled in siege warfare, which included tactics like night attacks and ambushes.
2.Koga Ninja: Specialized in the use of long weapons such as spears (sōjutsu) and staves (bōjutsu). They also excelled in medicine, often utilizing their knowledge for espionage and sabotage.

Tactical Approaches
1.Iga-ryū: Focused on intelligence gathering, infiltration, and direct combat strategies. Their training emphasized concealment and escape techniques, making them effective spies during conflicts.
2.Koga-ryū: Emphasized stealth and deception, often masking their true numbers and capabilities. This school was adept at unconventional warfare tactics.

Historical Rivalry:Both schools had a long-standing rivalry, competing over whose traditions were older and more effective.

This competition spurred advancements in their respective skills.These differences contributed to the unique legacies of both ninja schools within Japanese history.