The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques

The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
by Masaaki Hatsumi

The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
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Book Summary Information

Author: Masaaki Hatsumi
Translator: Ben Jones
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2004-09-15
ISBN: 4770028059
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Kodansha International
Product features:

Book Reviews of The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques

Book Review: Great philosophy and history, not much detail of techniques
Summary: 3 Stars

This book is a great introduction to the ninja way of life and thinking. However, as others have said, many of the pictures are blurry, and the sequences of techniques aren't described in significant enough detail. I still found the book a good read, but I really don't consider any of the techniques worth trying to learn, since they are just not explained in enough detail. In any technique, there are various requirements of body structure that must be upheld for the technique to be done properly, and if no teacher is present for the specific technique, it must be explained in great detail to be learnt properly.

However, if you want to get a philosophical look at ninjutsu, it is definitely a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed it overall. I decided to give it only 3 stars though, because the name "Secret Techniques" is part of the title, and I honestly feel the author could have done a better job covering such techniques if techniques was part of the title of the book. Not to say you should judge a book by its cover, but the title should have sounded more philosophical.

Summary of The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques

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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