The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques

by Masaaki Hatsumi, Ben Jones (Translator)

Overview

The essence of ninjutsu, explored by the world's most famous living ninja grandmaster.

In his classic work Masaaki Hatsumi reveals the hidden secrets and truths about this mysterious and fascinating Japanese martial art. He looks at the traditions, training, and techniques, then shows how this knowledge will lead readers to an understanding of two essential principles: that ninjutsu is the very foundation of the martial arts; and that ninjutsu illuminates its true spiritual significance. Now in paperback, the book features detailed demonstration photos, sidebars on many topics related to ninjutsu, and new material by Hatsumi explaining the relevance of ninjutsu in today's world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781568365916
Publisher:	Kodansha USA
Publication date:	03/05/2019
Edition description:	Bilingual
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	674,431
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Born in 1931, Masaaki Hatsumi progressed through various martial arts before meeting his mentor Takamatsu Toshitsugu. He studied with Toshitsugu for fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryū Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which Hatsumi unified into the Bujinkan system. While traveling the world, teaching thousands of individual students as well as law enforcement professionals, he received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. Hatsumi continues to teach and hold workshops on ninjutsu.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Ninjutsu, a Japanese art 15
The way of war is survival 16
Ninja history 18
Ninjutsu diversity 21
Ninja knowledge encompassed all martial ways 21
Ninpô training 22
Essence of a ninja 24
Ninja’s oral traditions 26
Goton no jutsu 28
Budô is only for those whose heart is in the right place 29
Kyojitsu: manipulating perceptions of truth 30

Chapter 2 Ninpô Taijutsu 35
Ninpô Taijutsu 36
The never-ending martial way 38
The secret of winning 40
Kamae and their forms 44
Throws 44
The path to kobudô 46

Chapter 3 Ninja apparel 89
Ninja dress 90
Without the spirit of yûgen there can be no Budô 92

Chapter 4 Ninja training methods 103
Taijutsu and the ninja 104
Methods of training: roppô hokô jutsu, the six ways of walking 106
Anywhere can be a dôjô if the spirit is right 106
The ninja diet 109
Thoughts on thirty-three 110

Chapter 5 Hidden teachings of Ninpô Taijutsu 137
The philosophy of ninjutsu is universal 138
A ninja’s view of the universe 142

Chapter 6 The infinite variety of Ninpô Taijutsu 175
Ninpô taijutsu embodies the vitality of mankind 176
The essence of budô 178

Science should play second fiddle to Ninjutsu 127
Art and the nature of genius 161
Ninja advice on martial artistry 171
Ninja gardeners 195
Transcending good and bad in literary and military arts 203

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher