Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility (Tuttle Library of Martial Arts) [Paperback]

Donn F. Draeger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1992 | Series: Tuttle Library of Martial Arts

"Ninjutsu", the ancient and secret Japanese art of espionage and assassination, has long fascinated the Western world. Ninja masters were adept in the martial arts and techniques of stealth and concealment. Stripping away the myth and mystery, Donn Draeger reveals the secret tactics, weapons, tricks, and disguises that have earned the ninja a reputation as history's most feared agents.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donn F. Draeger was a Western pioneer in the practice of Japanese martial arts. His works include Judo Training Methods, Judo Formal Techniques and Shaolin Lohan Kung-Fu.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (March 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804815976
• ISBN-13: 978-0804815970
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,026,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars What Ninjas Remember About their Traditions, July 4, 2008

By 

Lisa Shea "medieval swordfighting enthusiast" - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

I ran a feudal Japan newsletter for ten years, and in that time I read many books on ninja. This book is one of the more basic on the topic, covering the general history of the ninja and the rumors about their feats. It does not go into any real detail about what the ninja did, how they did it, or provide documentation for further research into specifics.

First, the basics. Trained spies have been used in Japan for at least 1,500 years, with clans of spies training their acolytes in the remote hills. Various rulers used these spies for legitimate as well as less savory reasons. In a culture which celebrated honor and bushido - the way of the warrior - the ninja were looked down on as dogs and vermin. Still, they had their uses, and were paid well for their work.

Ninja were trained from childhood to have exceptional balance, jumping ability, stamina for long runs, and great body strength. They practiced close listening, to judge how many people were in a room by minute rustles and the sound of exhales. The book goes on to explain a variety of techniques ninja would use to overcome various obstacles they might encounter.

I am less sure about the "ninja costume" laid out. I cannot imagine that all ninja clans collaborated to buy standard ninja costumes from the Ninja Costume Store. I imagine that for a given case the ninja would research the local dress and find something to blend in but that also had secret pockets for his tools and a color to blend in with whatever he was most likely to be near. Yes, it might be a dark outfit for night work - but it could easily be light grey if the task was to go along grey walls. It might be something resembling a monk's robe if for example the ninja was going into a monastery, so that from afar he would be taken for a random monk.

That is how it goes with the book. Some sections seem quite rational and reasonable - but others seem a bit iffy. Since nothing is ever quoted with a source, and there is no bibliography in the back to see where this information came from - you're left with the impression that these are all stories handed down from current martial arts contacts of the author. I have no doubt that these sources really believe the stories they have shared! And I imagine that a portion of them are true. However, a portion is going to be legend or tales mis-remembered or mis-said over the years.

If anything, this means we are reading a list of "What current members of ninja-style fighting groups believe about their traditions" which is interesting. However, for more factual, historical information, I'd go with one of the many other books on this topic.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative research book, not a do-it-yourself., November 6, 2000

By 

Christopher Ferguson "Prior Service" (College Place, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility (Tuttle Library of Martial Arts) (Paperback)

I thought that this book was definitely worth reading. Though the author never does cite any sources, he seems to be farely well read and understands the various concepts involved in the older martial styles that collectively formed "ninjutsu." I agree that he doesn't have any step-by-step guides: "Just do THIS three times a day for only ONE YEAR and you too can be an invincible ninja!" None of that at all. But it is hardly fare to give the book a bad rating because of that. The author's intention was never to teach someone to become a ninja. It was to inform. I actually found this book much more informative than any of Mr. Hayes' books, which are by and large step-by-step. This book includes dozens of historical accounts of ninja accomplishments, as well as chapters on training, weapons, tricks of the trade, lifestyle, superstition, etc. If you are looking for a book ABOUT the ninja, then this one, along with Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi's Ninja: History and Tradition, are the two best. If you are looking for a do-it-yourself book, then grab Stephen K. Hayes 5 volume set....

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Easy-to-Read Introduction to Ninjutsu, November 20, 2005

By 

Michael Chesbro (Rainier, Washington USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility (Tuttle Library of Martial Arts) (Paperback)

Ninja were born and trained in families devoted to the study and practice of ninjutsu as their profession. Secrecy was the foundation upon which all successful ninja defended. Rigid security measures began at the very root of all ninja organizations.

In Ninjutsu The Art of Invisibility, Donn Draeger reveals the secrets and history of the ninja.

In their training the ninja became extremely physically fit. The ninja could cover extremely long distances in a very short time, or walk in absolute silence using ten special walking techniques revealed by Donn Draeger. The ninja trained hard to become a competent woodsman, to have the ability to live off the land.

The ninja developed skills with medicines that made him his own doctor. He could allay and cure the effects of insect bites, poisons, internal disorders and general ailments.

Donn Draeger reveals many of the tools and weapons of the ninja such as the ninja-sword and the shuriken.

Beyond this most people of the day believed the ninja to be sorcerers and magicians with power and mastery over the forces of nature. The occult powers of the ninja were spoken of in quiet whispers... and this gave the ninja even greater power over his enemies.

We read of the ninja's ability to become invisible, and Donn Draeger gives us the ten rules of a ninja's invisibility.

Finally we are presented with stories of ninja missions in fact and in legend.

In Ninjutsu The Art of Invisibility, Donn Draeger has given us a well-written overview of ninjutsu. For the reader who wants an easy-to-read introduction to ninjutsu, this book is highly recommended.