The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Ben Jones (Translator) "What made you choose this book?..." (more)
Key Phrases: martial ways, Ninpb Taijutsu, Ninpo Taijutsu, Ninpó Taijutsu (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book itself is a kin do 'secret document' with many hidden teachings in the from of metaphors or explanations that contain obscure meanings. ...This is no oversight. Hatsumi intentionally did this as a way to get the reader to ponder the techniques more deeply. Almost like a Zen koan." -Journal of Asian Martial Arts
"Through perceptive observations and many detailed pictures, Dr. Hatsumi reveals the hidden reality behind this mysterious and fascinating martial art. The Way of the Ninja will help widen readers' perceptions and deepen their understanding of two essential principles. One is that Ninjutsu is the very back bone of the martial arts; the other, that Ninjutsu reveals their true spiritual significance. -Cultral News
"...no stunts: They're the real thing!" -Asian Week

Product Description

A Ninja was someone whose very existence expressed the spirit of Budo. He would protect himself with techniques not of assassination but rather of sensation and an acute awareness of his natural surroundings. He would avoid unnecessary conflict, and even if armed with a blade, would find a way to win without staining it. These are the true techniques of Ninjutsu, and the art in which Ninja persistently trained.

Ninja exercised endurance throughout their secretive lives in order to protect their families, their clans, and their country. Their harsh training endowed them with a tough but pliant spirit, and martial skills suitable for coping with any situation, together with a sense of awareness that had universal application.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Ph. D, is the most famous Ninja grandmaster in the world today. In this book, he explains the essence, truth, and wisdom of Ninjutsu, an art of a thousand forms and innumerable variations. Through perceptive observations and many detailed pictures, the author reveals the hidden reality behind this mysterious and fascinating martial art. The Way of the Ninja will help widen readers’ perceptions and deepen their understanding of two essential principles. One is that Ninjutsu is the very backbone of the martial arts; the other, that Ninjutsu reveals their true spiritual significance.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (September 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770028059
• ISBN-13: 978-4770028051
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,528 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, January 5, 2005

By	Mark from Seattle (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Maasaki Hatsumi is definitely the real thing (unlike Ashida Kim) and this book doesn't disappoint. It is informative and enjoyable to read. You won't be able to train or learn techniques from the book (for that, find a good instructor) but you will come away with an understanding of what Ninjitsu is and was.

Hatsumi's book is more philosphical and spiritual, focusing on the essence of this historical art. If you're looking for something on combative techniques and/or other "real-world" things, I'd recommend other books and videos on Amazon or www.navysealteams.com.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book..., June 8, 2006

By	S. T. Slavik "Student" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are three reasons to read this book:
- The Philosophy
- The History
- The Techniques

In terms of the first two, this is a great book. There are a lot of great insights into budo, aspects of shinobi, and even in being. The history, along with images of the equipment worn and used and their explanations are probably the best I've found in any book.

Now, that said, and where this book lacks, is in the techniques. Don't misunderstand, the techniques themselves are fantastic... That is, if you learn them from a qualified instructor. If not, you won't be able to make out the moves at all. Images are often blurry and very often are out of order.

All in all, this is a great book on the teachings of the Bujinkan. While I can't personally vouch for the truth in relation to the classical ninja, I am personally willing to accept that, seeing as how Dr. Hatsumi is Soke of Togakure-ryu and eight other systems, he has authority behind his words.

For the record, I study ninjutsu under a Bujinkan certified instructor, so that may colour my opinions a bit.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First of Three Important Books by Hatsumi Sensei, September 5, 2005

By	Danny Fletcher (Noda, Japan) - See all my reviews

This book is the first in a series of three important books by Hatsumi Sensei. The first two have been written and released within the last five years, the third one will be released soon.
1. The Way of the Ninja
2. Advanced Stickfighting
3. Japanese Kenjutsu
I might be wrong about the title of the third book as it has not been released, but that is the subject. These books are filled with amazing photographs and some pretty high-level concepts in the text.
These books contain secret techniques that a non-Bujinkan student may have trouble deciphering.
In any event, there is much truth and wisdom written in between the lines and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Honestly, there really aren't any other authors that are worth reading when it comes to this subject. If you want to study real ninjutsu, start with these books.