Path Notes of an American Ninja Master (Paperback)

~ Glenn Morris (Author) "TOGAKURE RYU NINJUTSU was founded by Daisuke Togakure after winding up on the losing side of a revolt against the oppressive Heike regime in Japan..." (more)
Key Phrases: godan test, lesser kan, esoteric yoga, Togakure Ryu, Sun Tzu, Secret Smile (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Using a lively style and the languages of transpersonal psychology, meditation, esoteric magic, and kundalini, Glenn Morris recounts his amazing adventures and hair-raising close calls while training and then practicing as a master of martial arts. Following in the tradition of the legendary Togakure Ryu of Japan, whose fighting techniques and lore inspired the fascination of westerners with Ninja warriors, he offers guidelines on how to tell sham from authenticity, how to keep friends while developing power, how to voyage safely into the inner landscape, and how to deal with dark forces-incarnate and disincarnate. At the same time, he provides exercises, tests, and adventures for the courageous-as well as spiritual and ethical compass.

About the Author

Dr. Morris is an eighth dan shidoshi in Togakure Ryu Bujinkan Ninpo, a martial lineage that has existed unbroken since the eleventh century, a six dan black belt in Nihon Karate Jujutsu, and a master instructor of esoteric meditation. He is vice-president of Pacific Biotech International of Houston, Texas, a research and development company, as well as Dean of General Academics in Eurotechnical Research University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (October 6, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556431570
• ISBN-13: 978-1556431579
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #127,513 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to a deadly and fascinating art, May 14, 2004

By	Lleu Christopher "www.liminalworlds.com" (Hudson Valley, NY) - See all my reviews

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WAIT!!!, January 31, 2003

By	"cunnivore" (Little Rock, AR) - See all my reviews

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!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent starting point for opening your mind- and more!, June 8, 2002

By	Urban Medic - See all my reviews

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!"