Customer Reviews

Path Notes of an American Ninja Master

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Before you consider buying this book, there are a couple of things you should know. First, "Path Notes" is not a book about becoming a ninja. Second, this book does not contain any pictures of "flying" ninjas, "invisible" ninjas, or even pictures of Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope summoning "The Majick Ninjas!" The book isn't about ninjutsu at all, so if you are looking for a training manual, look elsewhere. And if you DO look elsewhere, I would suggest that you stay away from the drivel produced by posers like Haha Lung, Ashida Kim, or Jay Sensei. Instead, look for books authored by actual practicioners like Masaaki Hatsumi, Stephen Hayes, or, if the chinese arts are your preference, try the excellent works of Yang Jwing-Ming.
Ok, now on to what this book really IS about.
This book is about chi.
This book is about chakras.
This book is about enlightenment, and how one man found it.
So, if you don't believe in any of those things, then I can't recommend this book to you. If, however, you haven't made up your mind yet, then this just might be the book to convince you that you're missing out on something. And if you're looking for realistic, down-to-earth information about how to find out what that something is, then this is a wonderful place to start.
I'll be honest with you, when I first picked up this book I was all like "Whoa, man...Ninjas are Cool!" But fortunately I actually read the book and I was impressed to say the least. I had read some books before that had some vague references to chi, and energy, and auras and stuff like that, but it always came across as some amazing mystic skill that only masters had any hope of acquiring. This book is completely different from anything I've read previously. Dr. Morris lays down the facts in a very conversational, easy-to-read way that makes sense of the esoteric qualities of the martial arts accessible to anyone willing to put in a little work and 'keep goiing'.
Dr. Morris starts with the very basics: i.e. Breathing and Posture. He goes into details that others skip over when covering meditation including silencing the mind and how to focus your intent. Later chapters go into specific uses of new energy as well as some very interesting stories about people and instructors he has interacted with. Towards the end of the book, Dr. Morris gets into the spookier "magickal" manifestations of energy and spirituality, but it never comes across as corny or unbelievable. He also has a veritable library of recommended reading for further information, which makes "Path Notes of an American Ninja Master" my personal training manual of choice. If you've been looking for the esoteric in your martial art of choice and have found it lacking, this is a great study guide!

Like the martial art he discusses, Glenn Morris has a kind of sneaky and indirect way of imparting information. After reading Pathnotes of an American Ninja Master for the second time, I came to appreciate the many valuable anecdotes, techniques and references it contains. I say sneaky not only because ninjas are known for their stealth, but because this book could easily be dismissed as another popularized, watered-down Westernization of a traditional way. While it is written in a casual and popular style, if you pay attention you will find that Pathnotes is not at all superficial and is constructed to point the reader towards certain doors; if you wish to pass through these doors, you will have to do a lot of work and studying beyond this (or any) book.

Morris at times comes across as boastful, often listing his many titles and accomplishments. Paradoxically, while he calls himself a Master, he also insists many times that he is a mere "hobbyist" when it comes to the martial arts. The book may frustrate anyone looking for a step-by-step manual on how to learn ninjutsu; such a book would almost inevitably be a failure, as the very nature of this elusive art is nonlinear. Morris also conveys the fact that this book, like any book, can only be a starting point; you can't learn any martial art or spiritual tradition solely from a book. Morris delves into the many common points the ninja tradition shares with Taoism, chi gung and yoga; he places a lot of importance on awakening the kundalini energy. Since ninja have entered the popular imagination, mainly through TV and movies, it has become difficult to separate the real from the fake and merely commercial. This is compounded by the very nature of the ninja, for whom hiding and misdirection are primary strategies. It is similar in some ways to studying the Western esoteric tradition, where the ever-present thief god Hermes often makes it difficult to see the line that divides truth from lies.

Although I am certainly no expert and not able to judge Morris' credentials, I think Pathnotes is an honest contribution to the field. This conclusion is based on the stress he places on following your own inner guidance and the recommendation to widely study a variety of teachings. One of the distinguishing traits of ninja is that they ultimately follow an inner path rather than any outer authority. It is also a very entertaining book for anyone interested in the martial arts and Eastern religions.

I am sorry to report that Glenn Morris, Soke, transitioned into the Void on the 1st of April 2006. It is so like Soke to leave us fools behind wondering "Is this a joke or what?!?" This book, Glenn Soke's first on Martial Arts is one of the five or so I would take to a desert island with me for the rest of my life.

But I must warn you, strange things happen around this book, as they did around Glenn. Path Notes found me one day in early April 95 in NYC as I was browsing the small English language section of a large Japanese bookstore while waiting for a friend. It tumbled off an overhead shelf and hit me on the head. I try to be on the lookout for messages from the Universe and I must tell you, rarely are they quite so obvious---of course I bought the book! At around 9pm that night after all the day's Art of Dying Conference functions were over, I collapsed into bed thinking to myself, "I'm too tired to read, and I have to get up early, but let me read just one page..." at 3:45am, book in one hand and holding my eyelids open with the other, I finished it to the great relief of my roommate who had been frequently awakened by my uncontrollable guffawing! (It's a wonder she let me live!)

Rarely have I been so overjoyed by a book! As soon as I got home from the conference, I wrote my first letter to any author. Soke called me upon receiving my fawning praise and we became instant friends. He was already my Teacher from the first moment the book hit my head!

A word to the women-folk, this book is dripping with testosterone. Not the obnoxious "Me Tarzan, you Jane!" kind, but rather the irrepressible "Hold my beer, watch THIS!" kind, and the empowering "Come on in, the water's fine" kind moderated by a bit of "Do try this at home, but be prepared to duck!"

Now here's the real warning and heed this carefully: This book, delightfully humorous, entertaining, slightly unbelievable and deeply insightful as it is, is really a Grimoire... a map and a testimony to the far reaches of human spiritual potentiality, but in reasonably accessible modern English. Therefore it's dangerous if you do not pay attention and allow for the possibility that it might be recounting a Truth. And Soke is no longer with us here in the Relative Universe to fix it--to fix YOU--if you screw up, so do pay attention if you try anything at home.

All that said, this book is for anyone who has the slightest interest in martial arts, meditation, Japanese culture both modern and ancient, kundalini, body work, transpersonal psychology, Jungian archetypes, mythology both Western and Eastern, alternative medicine especially those arts involving Qi (Chi/Ki) or anything remotely connected to any of those subjects. By the way, the annotated bibliography alone is worth the price of the book if you have any interest in the aforementioned subjects. I also recommend all of Soke's books, but Path Notes is by far the best in my personal opinion. I am so grateful that Glenn left this behind when he left our dimension for what surely must be some incredible ongoing adventures. I miss him now and always.

I first read "Path Notes" quite a few years ago, and I never tire of re-reading it. Morris' insights on chi kung, meditation, ninjutsu, and indeed, martial arts in general are fun, refreshing, and his reading lists and suggestions give more than a few things to make you go hmmmmmmmmm...

Many books I have glanced through, read, and put down are filled with the usual esoteric mumbo jumbo that give vague descriptions of what happens if you do "X." In some instances, particularly in beginners-level meditation, Morris' descriptions might even fit in that category... but that's because that was the stage he was in- that was his perspective on the subject. He details also his reactions to his experiences- on a physical, mental, and spiritual level- and gives inklings on what to expect, but also makes clear through his writings these are HIS experiences. Your mileage may vary.

His attitude towards martial arts- ninjutsu, et al- is one of a hobbyist. Someone who shows up, plays around, keeps coming back, and has fun... and also learns a ton in the process. This book- as well as his other two books- has a wealth of information, and points the way to a library full of more information... IF you know how to look and read between the lines. Morris is one hell of a "coyote teacher!"

Glenn Morris manages to weave a great deal of humor and wisdom into a fascinating autobiographical account of his physical and spiritual enlightenment. I highly reccomend this book to any open minded person who is interested in the supernatural and internal aspects and possibilities of the martial arts.

For those that are not true seekers of the supernatural, this book is still very good. It reads well. Morris has an easy-going way of telling his story, his humor is not lost on anyone, and whether or not you believe him, he tells a story so out of phase with the popular notion of reality that you are sure to love it.

If you are interested in or have allready read this book, then check out:
Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master (Glenn Morris)
The Way of Energy (Master Lam Kam Chuen)

As one of Dr. Morris' students I can personally vouch for this book. I found it shortly after it was published and while I was in the throes of a near-death kundalini awakening. This book introduced me to meditations and concepts that made the process much easier.

Watch for Dr. Morris to teach a seminar near you soon!

After reading this book I was quite perplexed. I didn't know whether to try to comprehend what I had just read of just start reading if over from the beginning again. I feel that perhaps the book was too far advanced for my interest. I found myself reading the same sentence over and over again for two minutes to even attempt to understand what was being stated. I have never experienced anything like this book in my life before, but it was interesting to take the dive into these uncharted waters.
For anyone who is very seriouse and very involved into the martial arts I would highly recommend this book. For any of these people, who want to enlighten their martial arts experience and their life even further they should read this book. It is a book for those who have basic and advanced training and who can understand the topics and techniques discussed in the book. Glenn Morris talks about a wide variety of his experiences and how it has affected him. He is a very knowledgable man in his hobby and has a lot to offer to those who want to go above and beyond. The biggest impression impressed on me while reading it was that you have to be dedicated to it an to constantly practice in order to attain one's enlightenment.

This book opened up a whole world to my eyes. Finally I know what to do to improve myself, the rest is following the path laid out by the author. His discussion on why we act the way we do is excellent. Not only he analyzses these, he also offers the perscription using a mixture of Zen and Chi-Kung meditation. I think his blend is the most workable solution. The whole time I read the book, I had the feeling of someone who stumbled upon a dusty book left in todays China written by a master long dead. But the author is alive and well, as a living proof that enlightment and its physical side effects are not only survivable but also beneficial.

Excellent food for the hungry soul. A complete guide to the aspiring Ninja's and informal tool for the daring few who go beyond this world and into thier own mind and body. Very intelligent and well written. Glenn Morris has a unique ability to write from his very heart and make the reader feel like he has known Glenn for years. I recommend this book to the adventerous souls who enjoy expermenting with the unknown.

Morris's Book took me by suprise. I had to read it for a class tought by a good friend of mine, who studies Ninjutsu as a hobby, and its one of his favorite books. So I said what the hell. Now let me say if I didn't have to read this, I probably would have never picked it up, but the level of enjoymenmt I recieved from the experience was suprising. The level of insight he brings to the reading experience is wonderful. Though his experience with the kundalini is humorus, its amazingly detailed. His notes on what you should not do, are helpful for someone interested in studying the art. He has made me want to learn to read auras and get back into meditation. I whole heartly recomend this book if you interested in the art of Ninjutsu or if you just into esoteric studies in General. His easy to follow and understand instructions to being Chi Gung, other forms of energy work, including reading Auras and mediation are going to ocme in handy. Im looking forward to begin my studies as the opertunity has arisen. Thank you Glenn Morris, for the insight to begin.