The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques by Masaaki Hatsumi
|
List Price: Our Price: $18.74 You Save: $16.26 (46%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $13.58 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
Book Review: Good book, Great Photographs
Summary: 5 Stars
There is little I can say about how in awe I am of this books photographs and insights. A meld of Hatsumi sensei's words and actions, its a recommended addition to any ninjutsu library collection.Book Review: An Absolute Must!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a practioner in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu then you absolutely must own this book. Among some of the topics covered are the kihon happo, myths, and more.Book Review: Good book...
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Book Review: First Hatsumi Sensei Book
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my first purchase from Hatsumi Sensei. It was very easy reading and helpful to understand the history. After reading it I put it on my shelf for a couple of weeks and then read it again. I still found different concepts and saw the photos in a different way then the first time. I gave it four stars because it would have been nice to have some color photos inside instead of all of them being black and white.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.