Street Ninja: Ancient Secrets for Today's Mean Streets

Rating:
Summary: Those two stars are for the reviews
Review: I don't plan on buying this book, while I have looked through it at a Borders some time back. However, it should be said that, while the arguments against aren't entirely disuasive, the supporting argumens aren't at all persuasive! Katas are a time honored tradition FOR A REASON; they build muscle memory in coherent patterns that both lead to understanding of how patterns go together and are sometimes useful unmodified in the progress of a real fight. Second, no fighting system that centers around "Nut Crunching" is comprehensive enough to be of any use against a streetwise fighter. Look elsewhere; I certainly will.

Rating:
Summary: Those two stars are for the reviews
Review: I don't plan on buying this book, while I have looked through it at a Borders some time back. However, it should be said that, while the arguments against aren't entirely disuasive, the supporting argumens aren't at all persuasive! Katas are a time honored tradition FOR A REASON; they build muscle memory in coherent patterns that both lead to understanding of how patterns go together and are sometimes useful unmodified in the progress of a real fight. Second, no fighting system that centers around "Nut Crunching" is comprehensive enough to be of any use against a streetwise fighter. Look elsewhere; I certainly will.

Rating:
Summary: A very complete book on self-defense
Review: Most martial arts today focus on forms(katas etc.), respect and teaching good sportsmanship. All of which are nowhere to be found when someone has to fight for real! This book teaches there's no such thing as "dirty fighting" when your life is in danger. It also teaches versatility and how to use your mind as the greatest of tools. It suggests relaxation, visualisation and meditation exercises which is one of the best aspect of the book. A panicked mind will get you killed where a trained and relaxed mind will easily find the attacker's weaknesses and exploit them. Ninjas have a cheesy reputation because of bad movies but they were very down-to-earth and quick to adapt. Their fighting style reflects this. This is a very good book except for the "burning down the local crackhouse" parts. BUY IT!

Rating:
Summary: Common tactics & Common sense for common people!
Review: This book is for everyone who ever has been a victim or feels they are about to be. Dirk Skinner's book is down to earth and very low key which helps readers understand an get right to the point. It spots and defines the streangths and weaknesses in other martial arts with out making ninjutsu seem "almighty". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is just starting out or adept in self-defense tactics and/or martial arts.Truly a fantastic book!

Rating:
Summary: go read a stephen k hayes book instead
Review: This book provides little help in navigating the mean streets of any cities. Why the author took it upon himself to draw the pictures himself is beyond me. This book is cartoony, and pretty much a waste of money. I regret having bought this book, but what can you do? Instead of buying this, get something on a tangible martial art (not karate or tae kwon do), enter that class, and then work on it. But don't buy this book. Please, don't buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Suckered in Again
Review: This book provides little help in navigating the mean streets of any cities. Why the author took it upon himself to draw the pictures himself is beyond me. This book is cartoony, and pretty much a waste of money. I regret having bought this book, but what can you do? Instead of buying this, get something on a tangible martial art (not karate or tae kwon do), enter that class, and then work on it. But don't buy this book. Please, don't buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Nut Cracker
Review: Wow, this book is great. One thing, this book is all about people getting hit in the private area! They show the steps of elbowing the "private parts", kneeing the "private parts", kicking the "private parts", and biting the "private parts." This book is awesome! Everyone should get it, it is the ancient way of fighting. [ The Ancient Art Of Street Ninja ]
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: go read a stephen k hayes book instead
Review: You would be better off reading stephen K hayes 5 book series on the ninja. I got this as a gift when I was in jr. high and even then i knew i had read better. Admittedly there is nothing in the diagrams wrong enough to get you killed but i think the whole "off the highway" concept can only be shown in motion. Otherwise your balance will fail you. And no vigilate stuff this book refers to either.