Since this site started I’ve collected every instance of knock-offs and rip-offs of the iconic Sho Kosugi jump kick from the Enter the Ninja marketing I can find. Been a while since I’ve dumped them on here though, so here’s a whole bunch. Some of these are probably repeats (in some cases better copies of previous samples), as it’s honestly gotten impossible to keep track…
For starters, here’s the previous entries:
So here’s a new batch, including some you can buy:
Officially licensed Sho Kosugi merchandise is available online through Republic of Ninja. This is the last official usage you’ll see here, although considering the source photo shoot was done on Cannon’s dime for Enter the Ninja, even these are technically un-authorized…
One of the most famous swipes was this late-era cover for Ninja Magazine. The original painting in all its uncluttered glory can be seen in the oversized art book I helped put together with Secret Headquarters. Scant few remain but they are still selling online.
80’s era patch, look up Shinobi Enterprises on Facebook for these and more vintage mail order goods.
From an 80s comic from what was then Yugoslavia. Read more about them here.
Cassette sleeve art.
Early 90s British martial arts mag.
This knife TRIES to force the shape into its handle space but fails…
I’ve always been curious about this image of Sho — was it him knocking himself off, or an early concept version of the famous photo shoot?
Toy butterfly knife from Greece, circa late 80s.
This is a relatively modern bomber jacket (or skate jacket depending on where you’re from) sold by a fashion boutique in Japan or possibly France.
Storm Shadow about to take out a rickety bamboo trellis holding up an f’n space shuttle!
Recently on eBay, this vintage poster for a British circus act.
We covered this Mexican ninja-sploitation classic in this article.
We’re ever on the lookout for more, hit us up with anything we’ve missed over the years. It would seem to be a bottomless pit…
