Rating: 
Summary: Misleading and inaduquate
Review: All of Stephen Hayes books have left me feeling disgusted and used, this book is no different. Documentation of technique is in aduquate, leaving many gaps and holes. The only Stephen Hayes book worth getting is "the Ninja and their secret art" which has 8 pages (out of 154) that covers very well the silent steping techniques...Mr. Hayes should write pamphlets instead of books.
Rating: 
Summary: It's so good I bought it twice...
Review: Any ninjutsu book written by Stephen K. Hayes is worth purchasing, whether you are a student of ninjutsu or just interested. He does a lot to dispel the ridiculous myths and misconceptions about this art and the background, history and insight he provides is always interesting. I originally purchased this book when it was first released, and it was stolen (shows you how popular it is). I just had to read it again so I bought a replacement copy. It still holds my interest and I'm sure any martial artists with an interest in this art will also enjoy it.
Rating: 
Summary: Insubstantial content pertaining to mystical arts.
Review: Despite the title, this book contains very little information on the mystical dimensions of the ninja tradition. This is not surprising, since the book is written at an introductory level for the 'would-be ninja'. For a far deeper level of insight into the heart of ninpo, read the books by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi (none of which have pretentious titles). This book does however contain entirely valid (albeit limited) information on tai-jutsu and the history of ninjutsu.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy investment
Review: Hayes knows what he is talking about. Though you need a teacher to fully develope your skills, this is a book to lay down the very basics.
Rating: 
Summary: Marketing gimmickry
Review: I found this book to be no more than an accessory to a blatant marketing ripoff. The Togakure 'Ninpo' empire that teaches in America is nothing more than a disneyland style money-making scheme. The book is vague, shallow, and makes do with repetitive new-age themes and weak adapatation of over-rationalized budo concepts. I would recommend that anyone interested in Ninjitsu research into areas other than the Hayes/Bujinkan arena. I think if there is a ninja among them it is Hatsumi, who has single-handedly created a false mirage of ninjitsu for an american appetite, and even pulled it over the eyes of his closest students.
Rating:
Summary: Stephen Hayes IS one of the worlds foremost Ninjutsu Masters
Review: I have never seen such an accurate and well written ninjutsu book in my life. While Doing a report I found more than sufficent information on the background of ancient art of ninjutsu.
Rating: 
Summary: Good and authentic
Review: I have read this book and it is quite good and very informative. I usually don't write reviews on books but I read the review below mine (David B. from Chiba, Japan , July 25, 1999) and I felt the need to say that this book is real. I have read a few of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi's books and he mentions that Hayes was his first foreign student, which means David B. doesn't know what he's talking about. I'd recommend any of Hayes's books and also Masaaki Hatsumi.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent buy for all martial arts practicioners!!!
Review: I've been always a follower of the ninja tradition, but I never could attend to classes in my country because it appears that there are no ninjutsu dojos or literature about the art here. When I bought this book I was surprised of how easy was to follow the directions that Sensei Hayes explains. There are plenty of illustrations that help you to understand how the techniques are performed and some considerations you should take in mind when practicing them. Also, the book is divided in 6 chapters, each one covers a different aspect of the ninjutsu training and how can we implement that knowledge in our daily lives. I also practice Taekwondo and a little bit of Judo and this book helped me to develop better abilities and techniques. Definitely is a must have for any martial arts practicioner.
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!
Review: I've read two books by sensei Hayes, he really knows this art.I'm a proud fan and student of the mystic art ,and sensei Hayes only boosts my loyalty to the art. Thank you Sensei Hayes, James Hilliard
Rating:
Summary: DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
Review: If your looking for a better understand of the Ninja and the ways the Ninja used tricks of the mind in combat then DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK... On the other hand if looking for a book you could use to kill bugs with then by all means buy The Mystic Arts of the Ninja by Stephen Hayes.
If you read the back cover you think this book was going to help you understand the history of the more mystical side of Ninjutsu... Nope. Mr. Hayes devotes more of the book to unclear photos of himself then any really shot at helping the reader in understand the combat arts of the ninja and how they came to be. so not worth $5 let alone 10 or 15.
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