Samurai or ninja. what would you choose.

[Roy]

Alright let's say your in late 15 century japan and you had a choice between becoming a samurai or a ninja what would you choose. In my opinion I would like to have been a samurai.I would like to hear other peoples thoughts on the subject as well.the reason I would like to be a samurai is because I am fascinated with their courage and honor in peace and in war.

[James]

For the sake of discussion, also include why you would like to be a samurai or a ninja. There are noteworthy differences between modern interpretations of either, especially when things like animé are factored in, and their actual historical counterparts.

[Wo Long]

As James said, I'm sure many will get the wrong idea about ninjas. From what I've gathered about them, they were nothing more than spies who used covert weapons (shurikens, small swords, etc) only when their life or mission was at stake. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

I would be a samurai. Why? Numerous reasons. As samurai evovled, they eventually got this sense that "Run away and live to fight another day" was dishonorable,which is why I love their bold spirit and willingness to die for their lord, for an idea. Not to mention that samurais were originally called Warriors of Horse and Bow (I forget where I heard that) so they'd undoubtedly be excellent horsemen and marksmen. And then bring in swords. Samurai were probably the most accomplished swordsmen ever and used what is, in my opinion, the greatest swords designed ever. Katana's were possibly the most versitile weapon and had all of the strengths and almost none of the weaknesses of other swords (ie: sharp, fast, light, durable, small, etc). Taking into account that samurai trained in Iaido (the practice of respecting a sword, counterattacking from any position at any time, sheathing and unsheathing quickly and efficiently, and more) as well as Kendo (basic sword fighting techniques). All of their skills, ideals, and general outlook on life is truly amazing. I'd become a samurai over a ninja any day.

[Kong Wen]

I'd rather be a ninja. Most of a ninja's skills centred on esionage and being hidden. They were frequently employed as spies, and sometimes as assassins. I would rather be a ninja than a samurai because I'd prefer to avoid combat if at all possible (and only engage in covert combat if necessary). Plus, as fun as it would be to have expert sword training, I think it would be neat to be trained in acrobatics and stealth.

[Mistelten]

Cowboys, specifically ghost cowboys, like in High Plains Drifter. You can paint the town red and control all of the people.
Seriously though, while I respect many of the samurai traditions and their sense of honor, I have a soft spot for the unsung heroes who work in darkness. The traditional role isn't what I admire, but how some are willing to have that dark persona in order to accomplish the mission. You have to appreciate the uses and attitudes of both, and realize that both have many flawed people.

When it comes down to it, I would still rather face my enemy in open, honest combat, with my weapon in hand.

[urbanterrorist]

I could really care less. Most samurais were noble people who lived and died by a strict code. But sometimes they were cold hearted bastards that were merely pawns of their daimyos or lord.

If I had to make a choice I would be a ninja. I can't imagine myself in all that stuffy armor even though it was light compared to European Armor.

Ninjas get to dress in black. Thats a plus.

[Ranbir]

I want to say ninja but if I tell you ninja I fail as a ninja because you know about the ninja.

[Liu Pi]

A difficult choice between the two but being a Ninja just edges in front for me. As noble and admirable as some of the Samurai were and following the code of Bushido is I'd commit seppuku just because my master was an idiot and got himself killed. I like the idea of being a stealthy Ninja carrying out reconnaissance missions. Although I certainly wouldn't rule out being a Samurai.

[Baiko Arashi]

while ninja's are the "cool" guys
I like the samurai's dental plan ... no i believe in honor and ninja's do not have that

[Xiahou Jia]

Ninjas get to dress in black. Thats a plus.

Ninjas never used black "uniform" in special operations. Black colour is quite visible at night and in dark rooms. Ninjas prefered dark colours like grey, but never black.
It is possible that they were dressed in black in non-covert situations like battling enemy alongside their allies (daymo's field armies) in broad daylight for the psychological effect. Still, it was a very unlikely thing to happen cause ninjas were cooperating with regular armies on very few occasions.