Customer Reviews

Ninja Training Manual: A Treasury of Techniques

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Yukishiro _Sanada_ is the pen name of Toshiro _Obata_, who is a martial arts historian and respected teacher of Yoshinkan Aikido as well as Swordsmanship. Why he used a pen name here, I don't know! (I think it is a play on, or alternate pronounciation of his common name). After all, the author does not claim any great authority or offer a spurious lineage. He presents this book as a demonstration of historical technique and display of unusual weapons which at the date of publication (1986) were rare in the public eye. Moreover his purpose in authoring this work was to debunk many of the questionable publications claiming to concern themselves with ninjutsu. Sanada/Obata writes about the 1980's ninja craze:

"[....]Unfortunately this led at first to a whole spate of publications which were comprised wholly or partly of inaccurate information which has caused a very misleading picture in the public's mind of ninjutsu. In order to set the record straight we have decided to make information available that ahs not been published in the English language beofre, so that our readers can compare the authentic techniques we include here with those included in other less serious or well researched works." (page 1)

Obata writing as Sanada shows the correct technique for throwing shuriken (sometimes called "ninja stars" or darts), and also demonstrates a unique weapon I still haven't seen covered in other modern (including legit!) Ninpo books, something called a Kaginawa, or rope and hook (not grappling hook). Also interesting is a demonstration with sword (which the author suggests was not among favorite ninja weapons). Several techniques are shown unarmed against either armed or unarmed opponents. Techniques using weapons such as Nicho Gama (two kama, or sickles), Manriki Gusari, etc. round out the book. Most of the techniques are based on joint locking or otherwise subding an opponent, there are very few striking techniques.

A decent manual as far as demonstration of techniques, especially as an antidote to some of the rubbish that supposedly portrayed "Ninjers" or "ninjitsu"(sp). As with all publications I've seen from Dragon Books, nice thick paper, detailed photos, easy-to understand layout, and a fair if brief treatment of history. In comparison to many other publications, it is really too bad that these editions are no longer in print! Any of the books by Obata are worth reading, although most of his books printed by Dragon have been looong out of print and are either difficult to find or overpriced for their scarcity.

The history of shinobi is shrouded in mystery. Dragon Books has a reputation for unchallenged historical documentation. Let's put it this way: historical accuracy of other works is usually judged by their publications. Although brief, this books gives the clearest and most accurate historical background of the mountain mystics, wandering spies, and rogue Samurai. The most authoritative work of it's kind.