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Rating: 
Summary: Documentary and training tips
Review: Like most of what Hatsumi teaches, this dvd represents a combination of traditional and modern martial applications. I would say that this taikai is actually more geared to the traditional side, not that there isn't a cross-over application to modern situations.
I would heartily agree with everything the other reviewers have said about the training session. Unlike Hatsumi's Quest series, this taikai has poorer sound quality and lighting. Even so, the translation is actually the best possible (Ben Jones is amazing) and helps make up for what is otherwise lacking in on the produciton end. The camera work is well done.
As for the claim that this is the best dvd, not hardly. Nearly all of the other Quest-produced taikais are much much better.
I would also say that if you are intersted in ninjutsu or bujinkan or Hatsumi, then you should do yourself a favor and check out Systema, a Russian system that is gaining more critical attention in recent years that also follows the same themes of the Bujinkan approach (lack of formality and emphasis on natural responeses and multiple attacks).
My one criticism of bujinkan in general is that they do not know how to deleiver power, and thus do not know how to receive power. This is not true of everyone in the style. Who would tell Nagato or Hatsumi that they can't deal with a real situation? Of course they can. But in general, it is easy to see that the lagre, typically Japanese, stances are not practical for jissen gata, real life fighting. I am all for cooperative training, a hallmark Bujinkan practice, but falling onto one another or sloppily punching and hanging you kicks out doesn't help much if that is all you do. Of course not all of them do this, but the bujinkan members that I have trained with were both 4th degrees, one of whom couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag and is now a godan. Again, not all bujinakn is this way. Stephen Hayes, one of Hatsumi's top students, has noted this and adjusted his teaching to be more practical. One can only wish that Hatsumi's students, especially the American ones, would do likewise. Do you ever see Hatsumi or Nagato use such positions? Not often.
THis is not to say that Bujinkan isn't a great organization or that they are weak. I have great respect for them. I only mean to point this out for potential students. So if you have a bujinkan friend, give them a makiwara in a small room. More power with smaller, balanced stances.
Please check out the Quest dvds and videos of Hatsumi. They are fantastic! But also check out Vladimir Vasiliev for a pleasant surprise.
Rating:
Summary: A little piece of history...
Review: This DVD is a great value & I am glad I made the purchase.You don't find too many training videos at this quality and at such a resonable price. The video has no fluff. It is all quality training footage. Which to me is important when choosing training aids. It is always great to see Hatsumi Sensei in action. His movement & martial skill is impressive as always. Everything he does appears effortless & his years of training shine through on this DVD. The 2003 U.S. Tai Kai was particularly special because it was the last Tai Kai being done outside of Japan. So for me, it is like having a little piece of martial arts history. I have to say, Great job! to those who put this DVD together to chronicle the event. For those of us that weren't able to be there in person we now have the next best thing. Thanks again!
Rating:
Summary: A little piece of history...
Review: This DVD is a great value & I am glad I made the purchase. You don't find too many training videos at this quality and at such a resonable price. The video has no fluff. It is all quality training footage. Which to me is important when choosing training aids. It is always great to see Hatsumi Sensei in action. His movement & martial skill is impressive as always. Everything he does appears effortless & his years of training shine through on this DVD. The 2003 U.S. Tai Kai was particularly special because it was the last Tai Kai being done outside of Japan. So for me, it is like having a little piece of martial arts history. I have to say, Great job! to those who put this DVD together to chronicle the event. For those of us that weren't able to be there in person we now have the next best thing. Thanks again!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Martial Arts DVD I've Ever Seen
Review: This terrific three-DVD set chronicles the last training event taught by ninja Grandmaster Hatsumi Masaaki outside Japan. For twenty-one years, Hatsumi-sensei has traveled around the world to teach the nine Japanese martial arts traditions he inherited from his teacher, Takamatsu Toshitsugu. In August, 2003, Hatsumi-sensei came to the U.S. for three days and amazed the participants with his knowledge and skill. Like it says in the product description, Hatsumi-sensei doesn't just show techniques; he gets to the essence and principles of the movement, offering unlimited freedom in dealing with any situation. His understanding of martial arts really comes through on this DVD, providing endless hours of viewing. One attacker not enough? How about watching Hatsumi-sensei toss around multiple attackers half his age as if they weren't even there? Still not enough for you? Okay, lets add a variety of weapons such as shuriken (throwing stars), daisho (long and short swords), kyoketsu shoge (sickle and chain), and yari (spear), and watch as he effortlessly controls his opponents. Most importantly, Hatsumi-sensei doesn't teach in a stiff and stern manner. His approachable and charismatic demeanor really comes through, and makes it not only fun to watch but much easier to understand what it is that he's teaching. I highly recommend this DVD set. Anyone interested in martial arts can benefit from the information, and those seeking the true essence of the warrior way will not find a better source!
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