Customer Reviews

Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

In my opinion this book is set up like an instructor's reference manual, an advanced version of the Ten Chi Jin Ryaku No Maki, the original shidoshi scrolls. Overall a beautifully mastered book with many great photo's and detailed descriptions of the taijutsu waza from 6 of the 9 schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The book also contains details on ukemi, taihenjutsu, San Shin No Kata and the Kihon Happo. This book will be a prized gem to anyone's Budo Taijutsu reference library.

If you are new to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu this book may be a little confusing, it is really designed for someone that has a very solid foundation of the terminology and taijutsu techniques utilized in the kobudo schools of the Bujinkan. With-out the guidance of a trained instructor the descriptions of the waza may seem useless, especially because there are not any step by step photos. Combine this book with the guidance of a licensed instructor of the Bujinkan.

Soke Hatsumi's secrets are still masterfully hidden with-in the written word.

A Densho is a japanese scroll detailing the techniques of a ryu (school) of martial arts. As such, this book has a lot of words and pictures but without the knowledge and training to put it all together, it probably won't make any sense to you. Bujinkan members will appreciate this book. Don't expect it to be a how to type of book, it's more of a list of techniques for each of the 9 ryus with a basic description and several pictures and anecdotes from Soke Hatsumi. That said, I love this book, there are so many little things about it that keep me thinking late at night like why did he put a picture by Salvador Dali on page 38. Excellent Book! I bought two copies so I can ruin one reading it over and over and keep one on the shelf.

Save your money Bujin-kuns!
I say this unless you can read the original Japanese text in the appendix.
This book is full of errors... both in the form of poor translation & layout. Some techniques have even been misplaced under the wrong sections!

These series of books really do not do Hatsumi-sensei any justice. Either he picked poor translators or they were chosen for him. The English translation reads very unprofessional and sounds like someone who has been in Japan long enough that they can no longer speak or write properly. It is unfortunate that the translators would accept such work that is out of their league.

If you can't read Japanese and are interested in a glimpse of who Hatsumi-sensei is and what he sounds like, try the "Way of the Ninja." Having read all of his books in Japanese, this one sounds most like his original penned words.

The translation, Japanese terminology and overall composition of this work is meant for someone with thorough experience in the Bujinkan, certainly in the Dan ranks at the very least. A beginner will not be able to make sense of much that is written. Look forward to referring back to it over time when I am sure more things will make sense to me as I gain experience.

It could do with less of the photos that are merely for aesthetics and presentation rather than technique visualization.

This is an amazing book from the Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi.
I offer it for every buyu or anybody who likes the japanese sword and its world.

Filled with detail that any martial artist will find useful, but especially for the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu practitioner. If you only buy one of Hatsumi Sensei's books, this is the MUST buy!

The first thing to remember is that you can not learn martial arts from a book--period. However, if you want to augment your ninjutsu training with a great reference, this is it. It is not, however for students who are not already familiar with the terminology. Otherwise, many of the scrolls are useless to you. You will never find a complete ninjutsu text. Most, if not all ninjutsu schools adhere to the principle of kuden, or oral transmission from teacher to student. However, this book creates a great framework for you, and a qualified instructor to fill in with personal training.

If you are looking for a book that completely breaks down everything about a technique and literally spoon feeds you, then this is not the book, nor the art for you.

This book is phenomenally written and fairly translated. It isn't the easiest to understand; however, if you have been taught by a shid'shi (5th-9th dan-degree black belt), have been to or seen one of Soke's classes on YouTube, then you know that most of what is taught and said is a veritable puzzle left to be sorted out and understood by the individual student. This book is most helpful when used to review what is learned in class or to study beforehand what your shid'shi will cover. My instructors use this book constantly to both refresh their memories and to study before going to Japan or practicing with their shihan (15th dan).

Fighting Techniques is a multi-layered book. While sold as a martial arts book, it is also an art book and a book on philosophy.
The martial arts portion consists of the scrolls, both in photographs and translation, of the various schools of martial arts that the author holds. These scrolls at one time were secret and never revealed to the public. The art book is obvious from the photographs and composition. The text, other than the martial arts portion, are the author's philosophy.

Everyone's been buzzing about Hatsumi sensei's new book, which focuses on ryuha, and it's been worth the wait. Like many other reviewers have posted, it's hardly a training manual, but rather a list of kata. It's a great way of keeping things straight for your personal training notes, but will not be helpful without personal instruction. It's definately meant for someone who's been training ninpo for a while, but don't let that stop you from getting it.

Like the other Kodansha books I've reviewed, fantastic photos and artwork, although some sketchy translations. Overall, a great read.