Customer Reviews

Ninjutsu: The Art of the Invisible Warrior

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of Hayes's first "instructional" books on ninjutsu, and it does a good job teaching the "basics." Hundreds and hundreds of great pictures saturate most of the pages, making it an easy-to-follow guide for beginners. Still, it's hard to learn simply by following Hayes's movements. The reader ought to have some understanding of the fundamentals--ideally through lessons from a certified Bujinkan instructor--before putting this book's techniques to use. Nonetheless, it's a great one to read and to own. Hayes, of course, is more than qualified as an instructor. I own almost all of his literature, and I enjoy reading them over and over as a reminder for the basics. It still feels like I gain something new every time I read one of his books--an excellent complement to ninjutsu classes!

This was the first book I got on ninjutsu when I started studying it 3 years ago. If you are interested or training in ninjutsu this is a must read book! It will first teach you the junan-taiso, which is the conditioning and stretching. Then it will teach you basic taijutsu, which is the unarmed combat of the ninja. It also shows you the kamaes, which are the postures of taijutsu. It is a great book that will show you how to use taijutsu one on one, with great step by step instructions and photos. Also you will get into basic jo-staff, tanto, and sword grips. So if your starting out or interested you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK it is probably one of the best and is the easiest to follow.

This is one of the better books I've bought and read on the art of the ninja and I recommend it to anyone. The basic training drills will help any new student of the art progress. While I somewhat agree with some people that learning from a book is not the best way to learn any martial art, I believe with the right intention anyone can gain good knowledge and even master some techniques through this book and others by this author.

I first read this book over ten years ago at the age of fourteen- just at the beginning of the "Ninjutsu Craze" of the eighties. Some of the text is of dubious value, speaking of some of the more mystical aspects of Ninjutsu. These aspects should I believe, be viewed in one of two ways- either as amusing fluff, not to be taken seriously, or highly dangerous and not to be undertaken without the assistance of a qualified sensei, if one does take it seriously. Other aspects of the text, such as weapons training are very "sexy" and interesting, but are, unfortunately, woefully inadequate. The weapon training portion will teach the novice just enough to be dangerous to himself. The most valueable part of the book is the section on "taijutsu" which involves basic exercises, attack and evasion movements, and some very effective kicks, throws, punches, etc. Since the age of twelve I have been involved in five seperate forms, mostly self-taught, and it is always the basic taijutsu movements "taught" me by Sensei Hayes that I always seem to come back to, usually with no concious thought- thereby speeding up the movment by eliminating a thought process. For this reason, the book is ideal, I beleive for someone looking for basic exercises and self-defense movements that are easy to learn, master, and employ.

This book is a wonderfully helpful guide to some very basic Ninjutsu techniques. It covers mostly basic self-defense, however there are some rather dire moves that you would only use if someone were about to try to kill you. Not sounding too basic now, is it? I loved the Taijutsu section and the historical references. I didn't like the weapons section very much; I think they missed something in refusing to put in the Katana swords and Shuko climbing claws. For these (particularly the Katana) I recommend Mr. Hayes' other book, The Mystic Arts of the Ninja.

An early ninjutsu book by Stephen K Hayes that offer a great insight to training. It starts with some stretching and strengthening lessons, then to basic motions (like angling and flowing) and finally, presents more advanced lessons. Both my wife and I own copies of this book. He's gets loaned out a bit, my sits on the shelf with in fine nearly-new "signed by the author" condition. Good stuff. [...]

best book out there. i got it so i can menuver the fighting style around my disability, and it is clear eand easy to do so. all of his books have something new. not just repeditive crap. he dosnt go into any fancy myth crap. just what you should know. GET THIS BOOK

There has to be something better out there. One thing that I didn't like was the explanation of the guy hidding behind the tree, and once spotted rolls to his right to avoid being shot. Oh those questionable ninji skills. I'd light the forest on fire with semi-automic fire. Took some material, and would leave the rest. A lot of the rest.

this book is great for beginers wanting to learn ninjutsu. its got basic foot movments, work outs, stretches. and covers the first 2 ryu. (they're are 9 and it covers them in good detail.) plenty of pictures to help you learn. just find someone else who wants to learn so you can practice fighting someone.

ok despite my title this is a great book only thing wrong with it is mr hayes doesnt give you the information on what he is showing you exactly but the basic mooves are clear and easy to learn...proll the first book a beginner should own due simly to the fact of the foot work shadows period!!!! he doesnt tell you hges teaching you the kihon happo and other moves but maybe he has reason...he is a very serios dedicated and careful martiAl artist much respect mr hayes!!!!!