Chōhō – Espionage & Intelligence By Sensei Liam Musiak

From the Bugei Jūhappan — the 18 recognised skills of the ninja — one of the most underrated yet powerful disciplines is Chōhō (Espionage & Intelligence). Out of these 18, I have developed knowledge and skill in 11, and Chōhō has become a natural extension of both my martial arts training and my criminology background. It is the skill of gathering information, reading environments, and using awareness to gain the upper hand before conflict even begins.

What is Chōhō?

Chōhō is not “spying” in the cinematic sense — it is tactical intelligence work. It includes:

• Observation – recognising small details that others miss.

• Information Gathering – building an understanding of threats, risks, and patterns.

• Reading Environments – spotting exits, cover, and potential dangers.

• Behaviour Analysis – identifying hostile intent before it becomes action.

  
  

Why It Still Matters Today

In self-defence, awareness is everything. The fight you avoid is the one you win. Chōhō teaches students to read situations in everyday life — noticing the person following too closely, the unusual behaviour at a bar, or the shifting atmosphere before a confrontation.

It is also key in criminology: studying offenders like serial killers requires intelligence gathering, recognising patterns, and understanding behaviour. That analytical skill feeds directly back into my martial arts, strengthening the ability to predict, adapt, and survive.

Connection to Karate & My Training

Karate teaches situational awareness, but Chōhō pushes it further. My drills — such as the 10-Minute Observer Test and the Court of Conflict — are built around these principles. Students learn to see what others don’t, to remain calm under uncertainty, and to act based on informed judgement rather than panic.

Conclusion – The Fight Before the Fight

Chōhō proves that combat doesn’t begin with fists — it begins with awareness. By mastering observation, intelligence, and tactical reading of people and environments, you control danger before it controls you.

As one of my 11 studied skills within the Bugei Jūhappan, Chōhō strengthens not just how I fight, but how I think. And in truth, survival always starts with the mind.