Rating: 
Summary: Started out as intended, but became vague.
Review: It begins as an intereting history of Ninjutsu and discussion of Dr. Hatsumi's master. But after the first chapter, "Essence of Ninjutsu," it degenerates into diagrams depicting various fighting techniques and tools. Since, as it is stated in this book, the physical aspect was only a piece of Ninjutsu, and usually unnecessary, I'm not sure why so much was devoted to it.
Some of the techniques seem interesting, but in the case of Ninjutsu, the pictures are not always helpful. One of the photo descriptions states, "At the instant Dr. Hatsumi's intention to cut is felt, Fumio Manaka dives forward to avoid the grandmaster's <i>shinku giri</i> lateral sword slash."
Basically, this book is composed mostly of pictures and short discussions of fighting (and some stealth) techniques used by ninja. I expected something more whole and verbose from a "history and tradition" book.
Rating: 
Summary: Ninja History and Essence
Review: It is quite true that no martial art can be taught by a book without a teacher, but this book is essential to anyone practicing Ninjutsu. This book by soke Dr.Hatsumi Masaaki describes the basic positions & techniques with black and white photographs and sketches, but most important it has historical information with rich photographical overage for every aspect of ninjutsu (arms, instruments etc). This book is is pure ninjutsu essence and tradition.
Rating: 
Summary: Basic stuff and information!
Review: Really good book for anyone wanting to get in depth information about real ninjutsu. The book will defintly not teach you any techniques you can use but its very informative.
Little bit old book but still good!
A good buy for Ninjutsu students and ninja fans!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books on the ninja available today!
Review: The ninja have never been more well-described! Secrets of the past are artfully delivered page after page. Dr. Masaaki's book has not only actual photographs of almost each and every tool, weapon and stance, but includes a brief history, a bit of ancient techniques and a whole lot of information beyond even that, all packed into under 250 pages! this book is a good reference for any martial artist!
Rating:
Summary: A good introduction to the history of the Iga ninja.
Review: This book covers a lot of history, not a lot of technique. If you're looking for a how-to manual, this probably isn't your book. If your looking for a good guide to ninja lore and weapons, this book has it all! It covers the uses to many ninja tools, covers some training basics and a lot of great information on the many hats of the ninja during history.I would recommend this book as it was the first serious martial-arts guide I ever bought and I was instantly addicted to learning as much as I could. Even though I study a different style, I still refer to this book for information and I've read it cover to cover several times! Pick this one up, you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: A very comprehensive book on the history of Ninjutsu
Review: This book covers just about every facet of the history and traditions within the art of Ninjutsu. The author, the 34th Grand Master of the Togakure Ryu is exceptionally well qualified for such a work and his style and experience in this field is evident from the many photographs within the book's chapters. One could not ask for more and the book complements the other books I have on Ninjutsu, providing valuable background on the origins and techniques of the style
Rating:
Summary: Hatsumi sensei
Review: This book is great, i totally recomend it for the practicing Ninja or studier of japanese martial arts, it covers a wide range of ninjitsu wepons, with real pictures, and demonstrations on how to use them from the grandmaster himself, it covers taijitsu basics, with thourough explinations on each move, as a practiicing ninja i recomend it to others
Rating:
Summary: The Original Introduction Of Ninpo To The World...
Review: This book is highly recommended to all persons just beginning thier study of ninjutsu and to any who wish to learn the true art. NO SPY AND ASASSINATION TECHNIQUES HERE!!! Just excellent information.
Rating:
Summary: Great Overview - Fantastic photos
Review: This book provides a great overview of the ninjutsu tradition. There are plenty of photos. If anything I wished that there was even more text and chapters as it left me wanting more!
Rating:
Summary: Not as valuable as it once was.
Review: This book was written in 1980 and, at the time, it was one of the only sources of reliable information about Ninjutsu. It was written mainly to combat the myths surrounding Ninjas (caused by their portrayal in popular media), but also to stem the claims made by several 'movie Ninjas' that they were actually masters of the art. The book is a declaration, and illustration of proof, that Masaaki Hatsumi is the ONLY surviving Grandmaster of Ninjutsu. At the time of writing Dr Hatsumi's organisation was known as 'Togakure ryu Ninpo Taijutsu'. This book reflects this by focusing upon only one ryu (school) of Ninjutsu- Togakure ryu (whereas there are actually 9 ryu in Dr Hatsumi's current organization- Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu). This doesn't detract from the value or relevancy of this book when studying Ninjutsu's history ... but does make it a simplified and incomplete story. You will need to look elsewhere for a history of the other ryu. This book is NOT a how-to manual for a Ninjutsu student. Although it does contain some invaluable insights about the essence of Ninjutsu, the book has no techniques and little advice on how to improve your form. As suggested by the book's title, it is a reference source about Ninjutsu's history (and over half the book is dedicated to the weapons used by the Ninja). If you want to learn the martial art of Ninjutsu this book will not, nor does it claim to, substitute for tuition by a Bujinkan dojo's instructor (just as you can't learn to drive by reading a history of the automobile, you can't learn the art of Ninjutsu by reading this book). A lot has changed in the world of Ninjutsu since 1980 and other good, reliable sources of information about Ninjutsu (much of it also written by Dr Hatsumi) now exist. This book is accordingly not as valuable as it once was. However, if you know little about Ninjas (other than their incredible mythology) and would like to know the truth, or are looking for an encyclopedia of Ninjutsu weaponry then this is the book for you.
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