CompleteMartialArts.com - The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
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Manufacturer: Kodansha International
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Binding: Hardcover Dewey Decimal Number: 796.815 EAN: 9784770028051 ISBN: 4770028059 Label: Kodansha International Manufacturer: Kodansha International Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 208 Publication Date: 2004-09-15 Publisher: Kodansha International Studio: Kodansha International
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.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques Comment: I read this book in two days after receiving it from Amazon.com! I enjoy the many Taijustu (Body Skills) pictures displayed. In addition, what I found unique about this book is the fact that the authors inserted the concept of Kyojutsu (Truth appearing a Falsehood) visually. For example, some of the pictures were blurry to symbolize a change in the body movement relationship with the opponent.
Lastly, this book created a complete picture of the many oral teachings available on the subject of Budo/Ninpo Taijutsu (Art of Distancing).
Customer Rating: Summary: Involvement is the only way Comment: For those expecting lists of techniques and a 'one-two-three' approach to martial arts, this book will no doubt appear as a disappointment. This is not surprising as I would suggest that this book is directed at those who want to, and are able to, see the larger picture in the martial arts.
Suffice as to say, without a thorough immersion in the principles that Hatsumi-sensei teaches (an immersion based on CONTINUAL and DIRECT practice with Soke himself), then a lot of what is presented in this book, interesting as it may be, will probably appear to be no more than the random musings of an aging martial arts master.
The pictures and text work together in such a way as to provide a natural sense of confusion that is, dare I say, inspiring in it's honesty. Forget the naysayers who deride the lack of 'logic' as this book is quite direct with it's ninja-like glimpses of Soke's art. For better of for worse, this apparent confusion is part and parcel of learning in Hatsumi-sensei's art. Some can perservere with this approach, some cannot.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to all martial artists, especially those who are inspired to learn Soke's Bujinkan art.
Customer Rating: Summary: Best book about Ninjutsu on the market Comment: Masaaki Hatsumi is without a doubt the most advanced master of Ninjutsu alive.
This book tries to give you a better understanding of the ideas behind this art (it cannot be called sport).
It doesn`t teach you real techniques, but no book could ever do that, but will help you to seperate the movie-nonsense from reality and hopefully encourages you to start practicing this wonderful art yourself, as I am doing for years now.
Customer Rating: Summary: Great Book Comment: I've been a practioner in the Bujinkan since 1992. If you study this art then you will understand the movements that you see shown. You'll be able to make the leap and know what is actually going in the pictures. As far as philosphy goes, its the Boss's art. The Boss has been dealing with the negative Hollywood Image for years and this book explains his opinion and his knowledge on the subject of Ninjutsu. No one knows this subject better than him. If you want to believe Hollywood, Turnbell, and all the rest, then go ahead. Or believe what the Boss is talking about. Its really your choice. Customer Rating: Summary: Another great Kodansha publication! Comment: Incredibly crisp photos, tons of information about ninpo taijutsu, impressive jacket, everything you could want. Kodansha publications might cost a little more, but I think they're worth every cent. If you have an interest in ninpo, jujutsu, taijutsu or koryu arts in general, be sure to pick this up.
