Essence of Ninjutsu

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Summary: Spiritual Basis for Ninpo Today...
Review: Narrated by Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th generation lineage holder of the Togakure school of ninpo (and holder of 8 other traditional Japanese martial lineages, at least 6 of which have been verified), This book is the closest thing Hatsumi sensei has written to an autobiography. Hatsumi introduces us to his teacher, Takamatsu Sensei. Chapter 2 includes an interview with Takamatsu sensei conducted by Hatsumi, and throughout he discusses his experiences training with his teacher, his love for his teacher, and how he came to understand the ideas Takamatsu imparted to him.

Numerous learning incidents are recounted by Hatsumi, both while training, and also while simply spending time with his teacher. Each chapter includes a traditional story which imparts something of the spirit of ninpo to the reader. Hatsumi Sensei's writings are rife with anecdotes, recollections, historical observations, and cautiously thought out conclusions. Most touching I found to be his visit to Takamatsu Sensei's tomb accompanied by the Sensei's daughter, and the thought she shared with him (page 68).

For those looking for an introduction to ninjutsu, I'd recommend Masaaki Hatsumi's other book, "Ninjutsu: History and Traditions". For the reader prepared to go beyond learning about ninja weapons and general history, this volume "Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions" offers a look at the heart of a kindly man and a profound art.

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Summary: The best book to understand Ninpo
Review: Some people may have said that this book was horrible since they expected to see some 'mumbo jumbo' Ninjutsu techniques performed by the Grandmaster. If that's your reason of purchasing this book then you got the wrong book. This is a book that will give you the true 'Essence of Ninjutsu", the indepth understanding of the art instead of the techniques. In this book, Hatsumi Sensei shares some stories of his teacher, Takamatsu sensei and his training experience with him to explain the real 'Budo' of his art. I really appreciate this book that from which I gained deeper understanding about Ninpo and it is one of the best Hatsumi Sensei's books in my collection.

If you're looking for the book with Ninjutsu techniques and yo're enough loaded with financial resources, I'd suggest you to go for Hayes' Ninja series (5 books) where you should get most of what you want to know about Ninpo techniques or get the Stick Fighting if you love using hanbo. PS: For another good reading of the similar contents, try the translation book, Ninpo:Wisdom for Life by Masaaki Hatsumi

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Summary: Take it or leave it
Review: This book is a kind of collection of stories and views on all sorts of things. Anyone can pick up this book and get something out of it, but they must be careful how they read it. Each time I pick this book up I see more in it. The only reason I keep picking it up is because I enjoy reading it. I hope you enjoy reading it, if you decide to buy it.

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Summary: For any serious ninjutsu practitioner . . .
Review: This book is excellent for a number of reasons--the main one being that it was written by the world's leading authority on ninjutsu, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi. As usual, it dispels and debunks some of the popular myths of the "ninja"; but it also contains some of the Grandmaster's techniques and some interesting Japanese history. Full of neat tricks and tidbits (like how to put a frog to sleep), this book is a "must have" for the serious ninjutsu practitioner. In my opinion, all of Hatsumi's books should be considered required literature for the true Budo warrior.

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Summary: Excellent
Review: This book is full of wonderful stories from the ancient masters. A must for anyone interested in the actual essence of the art.

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Summary: A horrible book.
Review: This book is one of the many books written by the imfamous Maasaki Hatsumi. Personally I find this book to contain little or no information of any importance and the authors inflated ego and constant arrogance quite annoying. Regrettably Maasaki Hatsumi poses as the "difinitive word" on ninjutsu but this book (and most, if not all, of his other books) is too full of anything but arrogance to make any reading of this book worth the time or money. Maasaki Hatsumi may know "ninjutsu" but what he really needs to learn is humility.

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Summary: Great Book!
Review: This book is superior to many of its contemporaries on the subject of ninpo. Many areas are covered, most of which is devoted to the life and adventures of Takamatsu Sensei. The reader learns of his youth, training in the old budo tradition of the Shinden Fudo school, later learning the secrets of ninjutsu and traveling to China to further his studies. There are excellent B/W photos of woodblock prints, as well as several pages devoted to Gyokko style mutodori kata. This is a must-have for any practicioner of ninpo or koryu bujutsu.

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Summary: Read between the lines
Review: This book provides incredible insight for those who can "read between the lines", as Hatsumi Soke puts it in the intro to this book. Especially helpful for students of ninjutsu!

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Summary: Philosophy of..
Review: This doesn't really tell you the essence of ninjutsu. Rather, it promotes the Bujinkans style, and tells about a few tricks, and things from scrolls. It also notes many events of Takamatsu's life, of him fighting off in china, and getting into duels, and perfecting his combat system. On the other hand, real Ninja were working in the millitary intelligence school in Japan while Takamatsu was on his adventures. It's mroe of a fairy tale with weak philosphy, no Ninjutsu. The other reviewers are just promoting their style by writing good reviews.

Basically the title can be considered false advertising IMO.