Ninja Volume 1: Spirit of the Shadow Warrior [Paperback]

Stephen Hayes (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ninja | Publication Date: November 1, 1980

The first installment in Hayes' epic "Ninja" series introduces the reader to the building blocks of ninjutsu: basic postures, the natural elements that correspond with fighting techniques, weapons, and the 'scheme of totality'. The author also teaches meditation exercises to strengthen one's consciousness and decrease reaction time. The seminal book in Hayes' best-selling collection, it provides the reader with the tools to start his path in the Togakure Ryu tradition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications; Reprint edition (November 1, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897500733
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500739
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #756,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hayes does it again!, January 27, 1999

By 

J.B. ([e-mail]) (the Bujinkan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ninja Volume 2: Warrior Ways of Enlightenment (Paperback)

This is another one to own; in fact, all of Hayes's books are. It contains more information on elemental manifestations in fighting (similar to Volume 1), basic taihenjutsu (breakfalls, tumbling, and body movement), real-life combat situations, weapons defenses, and spiritual ponderings about the Kuji-in. Hayes, it should be noted, is now a Tendai priest; and his section on the "mudra" (ninja's mystic hand symbols) IS authentic. But the information he gives is not to be "practiced," per se; one shouldn't expect to "use" the hand symbols after reading the book. It takes a qualified instructor to obtain that kind of knowledge. "Warrior Ways of Enlightenment" was one of my favorites of the 5 books in Hayes's "Ninja" series. Again, it's one to own--you'll cherish it for the duration of your ninjutsu training.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's great!, February 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ninja Volume 1: Spirit of the Shadow Warrior (Paperback)

This book is of incredible value, it teaches the basic stances, meditation, ways of controlling your own feelings to adapt better to the situation and much more. This is yet another excellent book of Shidoshi Hayes. If you want to learn about Ninjutsu, this book is a must.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it over and over!, January 27, 1999

By 

J.B. ([e-mail]) (the Bujinkan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ninja Volume 1: Spirit of the Shadow Warrior (Paperback)

It's somewhat pricey for a relatively thin paperback, but this Hayes book contains very useful knowledge about ninjutsu. If you own Hayes's other (earlier) titles, you may think this is simply "rehash"; but it's really not. "Ninja, Volume 1" contains basic kamae (postures), information about the manifestation of the elements in combat (techniques included), meditation exercises, and a "self-help" section about understanding the self. As always, Hayes's wisdom is only surpassed by his instructor's (Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi). It's a worthy investment if you are willing to spend the money!