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Summary: Wow. The best book I've read in a long, long time.
Review: Glenn J Morris has the skill of writing from his own heart, directly to the heart of the reader. Strategy, humour, philosophy, psychology, education, mysticism, spirituality and so much more, this book has got everything. It even discusses different aspects of ninjutsu. When I read the title of this book I thought 'Oh, what a wank' and put it back on the shelf. But before I left the store I picked it up another 4 times before I finally went with my gut. So I bought it and it opened my eyes to so much more than just ninjutsu. It changed my perspective on life itself. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Summary: Excelent...Excellent...Excellent.
Review: Great book. As with all his books, a good look into real ninjutsu/Budo Taijutsu, good internal information and observations, and a good look into the Bujinkan orgainization. His books are my favorites to give people to help them see connections between the Chinese and Japanese arts.
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Summary: This Book Changed My Life
Review: Highly entertaining, enlightening, revealing, insiteful and intellegent work of art!! I loved it.
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Summary: Not what you'd expect
Review: I admit I was skeptical about an 'American Ninja Master' but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Dr. Morris delves into the spiritual side of the Martial Arts and takes the reader through a charming and disarming walk through the spirit world. You will find no Dim Mak methods here, instead you will be introduced to the psycholgical and spiritual aspects of Ninjutsu.Very Highly recommended.
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Summary: An excellent starting point for opening your mind- and more!
Review: I first read "Path Notes" quite a few years ago, and I never tire of re-reading it. Morris' insights on chi kung, meditation, ninjutsu, and indeed, martial arts in general are fun, refreshing, and his reading lists and suggestions give more than a few things to make you go hmmmmmmmmm... Many books I have glanced through, read, and put down are filled with the usual esoteric mumbo jumbo that give vague descriptions of what happens if you do "X." In some instances, particularly in beginners-level meditation, Morris' descriptions might even fit in that category... but that's because that was the stage he was in- that was his perspective on the subject. He details also his reactions to his experiences- on a physical, mental, and spiritual level- and gives inklings on what to expect, but also makes clear through his writings these are HIS experiences. Your mileage may vary. His attitude towards martial arts- ninjutsu, et al- is one of a hobbyist. Someone who shows up, plays around, keeps coming back, and has fun... and also learns a ton in the process. This book- as well as his other two books- has a wealth of information, and points the way to a library full of more information... IF you know how to look and read between the lines. Morris is one hell of a "coyote teacher!"
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Summary: Review of Path Notes of an American Ninja Master
Review: I found this book difficult to read. This is most probably due to the fact that ninja "stuff" does not really interest me. However, there were certain chapters, such as the chapter on reading auras and the chapter on meditation techniques, that were very interesting. I think Glenn Morris' main purpose in his book is to tell people what is out there, and then try and get them to really discover it for themselves by attempting the different meditations and techniques he describes in the book. He even comes out and states that people should not believe things just because they are written down or told to them; they should try things out for themselves, and then decide what to believe. I think this book is best suited for a person who is into the martial arts or someone who is interested in trying new things to learn more about themself.
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Summary: Review of Path Notes of an American Ninja Master
Review: I found this book difficult to read. This is most probably due to the fact that ninja "stuff" does not really interest me. However, there were certain chapters, such as the chapter on reading auras and the chapter on meditation techniques, that were very interesting. I think Glenn Morris' main purpose in his book is to tell people what is out there, and then try and get them to really discover it for themselves by attempting the different meditations and techniques he describes in the book. He even comes out and states that people should not believe things just because they are written down or told to them; they should try things out for themselves, and then decide what to believe. I think this book is best suited for a person who is into the martial arts or someone who is interested in trying new things to learn more about themself.
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Summary: Not what I expected...
Review: I thought this book shared many interesting ideas. However, some were either too far over my head, or I just didn't believe. I'm a pretty open minded person and I still had a hard time swallowing some of the things mensioned in this book, but for the most part it is very interesting, and provokes a lot of thought.
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Summary: About "Path Notes"
Review: In Path Notes of an AMerican Ninja Master, Glenn Morris offers a lot of insight into his personal experiences in pursuing the martial arts as his "hobby." This light hearted take on a life long search for enlightenment comes from a candid personality, who, with a background in psychology, is ultimately a strong believer in the world of healers. He writes on topics ranging from massage and aura study, to shamans and meditation. He excplores the differences and similarities in gender issues. He even goes into such new age topics as dream interpretation. My main criticism is that for a book titled "Path Notes of an American Ninja Master" it seems awfully pretentious. We actually learn more about this so called Master's personal interests. Including his sex life. The tone of the book is a fun one though. It's an easy read and I enjoyed the little tidbits of information interspersed throughout, like learning that monkeys enjoy getting trashed just as much as most college students (not all) do. Overall, I'd recommend this book mostly if you want to learn a little about yourself, and have a few laughs. Not necessarily if you want to become a ninja.
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Summary: Good introduction to a deadly and fascinating art
Review: Like the martial art he discusses, Glenn Morris has a kind of sneaky and indirect way of imparting information. After reading Pathnotes of an American Ninja Master for the second time, I came to appreciate the many valuable anecdotes, techniques and references it contains. I say sneaky not only because ninjas are known for their stealth, but because this book could easily be dismissed as another popularized, watered-down Westernization of a traditional way. While it is written in a casual and popular style, if you pay attention you will find that Pathnotes is not at all superficial and is constructed to point the reader towards certain doors; if you wish to pass through these doors, you will have to do a lot of work and studying beyond this (or any) book. Morris at times comes across as boastful, often listing his many titles and accomplishments. Paradoxically, while he calls himself a Master, he also insists many times that he is a mere "hobbyist" when it comes to the martial arts. The book may frustrate anyone looking for a step-by-step manual on how to learn ninjutsu; such a book would almost inevitably be a failure, as the very nature of this elusive art is nonlinear. Morris also conveys the fact that this book, like any book, can only be a starting point; you can't learn any martial art or spiritual tradition solely from a book. Morris delves into the many common points the ninja tradition shares with Taoism, chi gung and yoga; he places a lot of importance on awakening the kundalini energy. Since ninja have entered the popular imagination, mainly through TV and movies, it has become difficult to separate the real from the fake and merely commercial. This is compounded by the very nature of the ninja, for whom hiding and misdirection are primary strategies. It is similar in some ways to studying the Western esoteric tradition, where the ever-present thief god Hermes often makes it difficult to see the line that divides truth from lies. Although I am certainly no expert and not able to judge Morris' credentials, I think Pathnotes is an honest contribution to the field. This conclusion is based on the stress he places on following your own inner guidance and the recommendation to widely study a variety of teachings. One of the distinguishing traits of ninja is that they ultimately follow an inner path rather than any outer authority. It is also a very entertaining book for anyone interested in the martial arts and Eastern religions.
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