Essence of Ninjutsu

Rating:
Summary: 8TH KUP GREEN BELT OF THE JAG BUJUINKAN DOJO, ENGLAND
Review: AN ESSENTIAL READ FOR ALL WHO WISH TO UNDERSTAND THE BUDO OF THE BUJINKAN DOJO. SOKE HATSUMI INCLUDES MANY STORIES WHICH GIVE A DEEP INSIGHT TO WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A NINJA. WARNING: THIS ISN'T A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO NINJUSTSU, IT IS JUST THE DOORWAY. TO BECOME A NINJA ONE MUST HAVE PROPER INSTRUCTION FROM AT LEAST A 5TH DAN INSTRUCTOR.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Another priceless tomb of wisdom from the Grandmaster. I loved the interview with Takamatsu. I do not study ninjutsu other than in books at this point and Dr.Masaaki Hatsumi's books are as good as it gets. He is the MAN.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Reading
Review: Hatsumi gives an excellent insight into the "clandestine" world of ninjutsu. He dispells many of the myths surrounding the philosophies and history associated with ninja. A must read for anyone seriously interested in the arts.

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Hatsumi is a puzling gentilman whose every word should be studied with care.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent source
Review: Hatsumi-soke masterfully explains many of the precepts and philosophies behind ninpo specifically and martial arts in general. Many in the Western World will mistake his confidence for arrogance, but that is because the Oriental mind-set is not understood very easily in the Western world. Hatsumi-soke has earned the title "grandmaster" of the art of ninjutsu, and is therefore entitled to the confidence he displays. But at the same time, you do detect the humility that also accompanies that title in his writings. Truly, this book is a must-read for any who are considering or traveling the path of Bujinkan budo.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent source
Review: Hatsumi-soke masterfully explains many of the precepts and philosophies behind ninpo specifically and martial arts in general. Many in the Western World will mistake his confidence for arrogance, but that is because the Oriental mind-set is not understood very easily in the Western world. Hatsumi-soke has earned the title "grandmaster" of the art of ninjutsu, and is therefore entitled to the confidence he displays. But at the same time, you do detect the humility that also accompanies that title in his writings. Truly, this book is a must-read for any who are considering or traveling the path of Bujinkan budo.

Rating:
Summary: The best book on what ninjutsu really is.
Review: I can understand why someone is disappointed with this book and it's contents. Because it really discloses the essence of japanese ninpo and it is sometimes not what the reader expects. This is not a book about secret ninja techniques. It is mostly tales (some factual, some fiction) of ancient masters, mostly Hatsumi's own teacher Takamatsu Sensei. Each tale portrays the essence of ninpo and by reading all the tales, you will have clear understanding of it. If you don't get it, then you have been too mislead by all the lies about ninjutsu. Open your heart and read with thought. This is not for the illiterate - lots of metaphores are used and it is not an easy book. This will be read over and over during your training years!

Rating:
Summary: You must be a practioner...
Review: In order to have an even vague understanding of this book, you must at least be a warrior of Ninjitsu. The words of the Grandmaster, Maasaki Hatsumi, have many meanings at once. As one progresses in this wonderful art, the book is different every time you read. It has a new meaning and message, and remember, this is only an English translation of the Grandmaster's words! This book illustrates a few of the cosmic differences that this true martial art has compared to almost every other art. As far as humility, the Grandmaster is the master of humility. He is doing all he can just to not ascend from his physical body! I had better stop writing and go read this book again...

Rating:
Summary: You must be a practioner...
Review: In order to have an even vague understanding of this book, you must at least be a warrior of Ninjitsu. The words of the Grandmaster, Maasaki Hatsumi, have many meanings at once. As one progresses in this wonderful art, the book is different every time you read. It has a new meaning and message, and remember, this is only an English translation of the Grandmaster's words! This book illustrates a few of the cosmic differences that this true martial art has compared to almost every other art. As far as humility, the Grandmaster is the master of humility. He is doing all he can just to not ascend from his physical body! I had better stop writing and go read this book again...

Rating:
Summary: re: horrible book
Review: It is easy for all of us to question to the truth or validity of a book when we do not look between the printed lines. I hope that the deep anger that reviewer has boiling inside him is not as easily released on his wife or dog.