Masaaki Hatsumi

Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure ryu and founder of the International Bujinkan Hombu Dojo, shares with the reader his insights and philosophy of the martial arts. Originally published in Japanese, this unique book is now available in English for the first time.

Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi was born December 2, 1931 in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Meiji University, Literature Department and later went on to receive his Doctor degree from a medical school located in Yotsuya. He trained for over fifteen years in kobudo, thereafter becoming apprenticed to the late Toshitsugu Takamatsu who lived in Kashiwara, Nara Province.

It was from Toshitsugu Takamatsu that he received the soke-ship of Togakure ryu ninpo, Kukishinden ryu, koppojutsu, kosshijutsu, and other taijutsu traditions. Hatsumi currently resides in Noda, Japan.

Ninpo: Wisdom for Life offers the reader Hatsumi's personal insights regarding physical, mental, and spiritual teachings. As your training in the Bujinkan progresses, these subtle readings will come to take on newer meanings and offer greater wisdom for life.

Any translation issues aside, this English version of Hiden Togakure Ryu Ninpo is a profound and useful text for a student of the Bujinkan arts.

There have been many books in which Hatsumi sensei is interviewed about or writes regarding the martial arts, but in Ninpo: Wisdom for Life, the number of topics discussed is overwhelming! From diet to personal relationships, the Grandmaster reveals his unique thoughts and views on them all. In addition to philosophy, there are many references to and descriptions of techniques and methods of taijutsu and ninpo.

A friend from Japan sent this note to me:

Just wanted to let you know that I have read the Ninpo: Wisdom for Life book by Hatsumi Sensei and found it to be really great! I attempted to translate it for my own personal use several years ago but got no further than the first chapter. It was very heavy going. Having lived in Japan for over 12 years I found it to be useful because of the references Sensei makes to Japanese society. Once again, it is very well done. -Joe Mauranonio

I have owned Ninpo: Wisdom for Life for a few years and think it is one of my favorite ninja books. Having read all of the English books by Masaaki Hatsumi, I can tell you that this book is page after page of martial arts philosophy! It is great to read about the philosophy behind the art of ninjutsu and having it from the source is excellent. When reading the book I feel like I am reading a Densho [traditional scrool]. -Lisa Ann

Dr. Maasaki Hatsumi is a life-long practitioner and teacher of the Ninja arts. 'Ninpo' is a derivative from 'ninjutsu' but means it in a broader sense, like 'martial arts' and 'martial way'.

Dr. Hatsumi is very good at covering many many different facets of life. In that, he is personifying the all-embracing spirit of the martial way, the Ninpo, which he also claims is the way of peace. There is really not much that he doesn't cover in this small but very terse volume. Some of the stuff is easier to understand like a chapter where he gives us an interview with a long time Western practitioner - very insightful. Others may be more obscure and esoteric - like a chapter outlining different sorts of spirits. Also one may not be able to comprehend the Japanese terminology, which is meant for someone who is familiar with the practice. All in all the book is very interesting, and has some rare insights taken directly from the cultural context. For example, the old gamblers' priceless advice to his younger student 'act intimidated, repeat this mantra and be bold'.) Others include a convers. with the photo correspondent who have claimed to see an ancient samurai spirit in one of the photos that he took during one of the Dr.'s demos. This was attributed to the immense power of the sound/will vibration or 'kiai'.

Translation is good, i liked it and sympathize with the translator, who must ve had a heck of a time translating some Japanese mannerisms. All in all, this book is very well worth reading, but be prepared to use some facets of your intelligence that you are not used to using with most of the books that you usually read. -Reader

I am currently training in bujinkan & have done so in to-shin-do also. This is my personal favorite of all the Hatsumi books I have read. I gives you workable insight without having to decode it from Japanese culture or have to pull philosophy from legend like stories. This is fun also, don't get me wrong. But I never found myself lost reading this. Brilliant. -Mr. Hill

Stemming from his martial studies with his now deceased teacher, the author delves into his new found awareness of the world around him through the insights gleaned from his art. Lessons in the martial arts are drawn from a myriad of subjects, from the Japanese bubble economy to his wife's problems with dental pain, from classical piano performances to baseball team management, from school lectures on being passionate about one's dreams to historical examples of his teacher and others and so on.

It is important to note that this book is a book about the martial arts. All of the stories, anecdotes and experiences it contains ought to be seen as lessons into the nature of the feeling of the martial art that the author is famous for. With this in mind, the ability of the author to find within the world around him knowledge directly related to his martial art is very impressive.

Unlike his more recent books, the writing style of this book only begins to play with the creativity that the author is now known for. One gets the feeling that the author is just starting to wake up to his artistic nature. It is not fully revealed in this book but given what we know through his later works, we can clearly see the first steps being taken.

Unfortunately, and this has proven to be a problem with many of the author's English books, the quality of the translation suffers. When compared with the original Japanese version (Hiden Togakure Ryu Ninpo), one can find numerous passages that have been translated to mean the opposite of what was intended. This is quite a serious flaw and while it doesn't affect the whole book, it does force one to pay attention to what is being said.

With this in mind, a critical mind will go a long way towards understanding what is written in this book. Perhaps the best advice is given by the author himself when he suggests that readers 'converse with the book'. In doing so, the value of this 'just-before-coming-of-age-book' will become clear. -Pen Name

Contents

Forward to this edition
Introduction Enlightenment derived from hidden living
Chapter One Philosophy of budo and ninpo
Philosophy of budo
Philsophy of ninjutsu
Key points to finding the gokui
Enduring the knowledge
Do not neglect self-training
Devote yourself to training
Something will be born of enthusiasm
Musha shugyo
To become a student
Religion, faith & budo
Strive to know your rank
A view of budo from blue eyes
Identification of spirits, conquest of ghosts
The world of craziness
The evolution of fighting techniques
The Japanese sword and budo
About kiai
Chapter Two World of budo and ninpo
The Densho lives
From ninpo to ninjutsu
Hojutsu and ninjutsu
Similarity between budo performance and drama scenes
Expert control to revive or kill
Development of balttlefield methods emphasizing regional traits
Nage: Not only from the loins
Train your mental energy
Cut and get cut
Footwork reveals your mind and body
Chapter Three Life of perseverance
People who cannot bear life do not live
Endure using kuji
Make ourself invisible
Get rid of your inferiority complex
Do not forget humanity
Learn lessons through your body
Be indifferent toward gossip
Change rather than progress
Do not desire jewelry
Turn three poisons into three medicines
Live your everyday life with the mind of sutemi
If you drink sake, drink budo sake
Lessons we learn from demonstrations of uke and ori
The motivation of pain
It is important to be immovable
Bunt for the fastball
Nervousness protects against failure
Tengu's nose must be broken
Give hard training to reveal the vulnerable pont
Do not think you were under shigoki
Intentionally become a 'bad person'
The businessman's social structure
Make otonashi no kamae
Attack with shin-gi-tai in harmony
Be a tasteful actor
Give advice instead of getting angry from the heart
Teach people evil in order to keep them from evil
Think by yourself
Running is for winning
Be an expert at something
Become a popular person
Be bold, act timid
No not rush to build a house
Sow good seeds in good rich field
Become a person who can us ma
Disguise yourself using bojutsu
Chapter Four Men and women
The attributes of women and methods of self defense
Look for a spoiuse who understands seppuku
The mistakes of love should be dismissed
Deceive and be deceived
Friendship between men and women
Playing and health
From 7 variations to 7 different colors
Love without restriction
A lie is not a sin in love scenes
Good use of risque humor
Deceiving women, kunoichi ninpo
Learning methods to attract a partner
A method to balance love
No reasoning in relationships
Chapter Five Ninja discussion
The concept of Zen ken ichijo
Purpose of shugyo, purpose of life
On divination and fortune telling
From India to China to Japan
Bushido and art theory
Let's go gently
The camera laughs
Moroku kenpo and goketsu kenpo
Ninja popularity and me
Training will still be fun after the master is gone
If you do not have anything, use the shinobi tool
Do not depend on ESP
Gyokko ryu ten ryaku uchu gassho
Live on a ratio of 7.3
When muddy water turns to clear water
Deceptiveness and truth of staring into the enemy
Creation from madness
Dig the grave deep and wide
Cut off your feelings
Newton and the apple
Boys be proud
A certificate of death
Read a book as if you are conversing with it
Do not forget Yamato Damashii
Musashi's counterpunch
Long live Japanese tradition
Write with a candid but inoffensive style
Contemporary literature as seen by martial artists
Listen to experience!
Do not stop excessive ambition… (más)

Japanese history is replete with great sword masters. Legendary figures such as Koizumi Isenokami, Tsukahara Bokuden, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, and Ito Ittosai have been revered as deities for countless years, forged into the history of Japan's martial arts. But there were also many lesser known samurai who carried the spirit of Bushido, tirelessly devoting themselves to Japan's martial traditions and mastering their many fighting forms. Japan's rich legacy of swordsmanship has been passed on through these generations of samuari, who developed many techniques using the long sword, short sword, and Ninja sword, among others.

In this book, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grandmaster in the world, explores the venerable history of Japanese sword fighting, sharing with the reader his reflections on the hidden essence of this revered martial art. He covers a variety of classical techniques including Ninja kenpo, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, as well as two-sword techniques. Drawing on his deep knowledge, the author demonstrates advanced, practical applications of the art, using the stick, spear, naginata, and kusarigama. More mysterious, secret techniques are also discussed, including those involving armor, and the variety of renowned mutodori (no-sword) forms-the ultimate martial skill of the samurai. Works of caligraphy by famous samurai masters, such as Asari Matashichiro and Yamaoka Tesshu, accompany the descriptons, as well as important historical scrolls and an array of lavish illustrations that help demonstrate the grace and beauty of Japanese sword fighting.

Afer his highly acclaimed works The Way of the Ninja and Advanced Stick Fighting, Masaaki Hatsumi continues to pursue his life's ambition of fostering and spreading Budo thoughout the world, with this definitive book on the art of Japanese sword fighting. With-in his technical descriptions and musings on the history of Bushido, Hatsumi's philosophy of promoting a world of peace and tolerance is ever present, as is his firm belief in the universality of Budo, espoused in his own words:'...if the seed of Japan's Budo is planted anywhere in the world, it will continue grow and flourish.'

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was born in 1931. After progressing through various martial arts, he foiund his life's mentor, takamatsu Toshitsugu, and studied under him for the next fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grand Master of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which he unified into teh Bujinkan system. Dr. Hatsumi has taught thousands of individual students as well as instructing at law enforcement agencies all over the world, and has feceived numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many natinalities. He has also worked as a professinal osteopath, acted in popular television series, produced many books and DVDs on Ninjutsu and Budo, and was for many years vice chairman of the Japan Literary Artists' Club.

Acclaimed samurai of old would while away their elder years writing scrolls to impart their wisdom unto the next generation. These scrolls, a mix of martial arts technique and personal philosophy, would then be the foundation for the various fighting schools. The most famous and acclaimed of these are Musashi Miyamoto's 'The Book of Five Rings' and Tsunetomo Yamamoto's 'Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai.'

Hatsumi Masaaki is determined to continue in this tradition, walking as much as possible in the path of the Sword Saints, the near-mythical warriors of the warring states period. This latest book, 'Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai,' is a blend of martial arts photography and technique, ancient scrolls showing the heritage of this kind of work, warrior philosophies and ruminations on the Japanese language and how one can use it to unlock the fighter's path.

One thing this book is not is a history lesson. Anyone seeking further insight into the authentic samurai would be severely disappointed. Hatsumi's interpretation is not one of facts and dates, of reference books and University lectures. He is more interested in the spiritual and allegorical warrior, one who sharpens his soul so that it is straight and upright like the sword that is his symbol. Those who have read other of Hatsumi's books will know more or less what to expect, but its probably not the best book for a new reader.

What you do get, is heavy doses of how to be a warrior with your entire life, not just in the dojo. An inheritor of shared wisdom, passed down from his master Takamatsu Sensei, Hatsumi seems to want to share this with a wider audience and continue the link. Along with this are some striking photographs, a collection of ancient scrolls and photos of Hatsumi and his partners, wearing impressive sets of full samurai armor, demonstrating fighting techniques with a variety of weaponry.

Much of Hatsumi's wisdom comes from the Japanese language itself. The use of Chinese characters, where each individual character has a different meaning, is heavily tied up with what he has to say. One instance of this is his ruminations on the word shiki, which can alternately be read as 'wisdom,' 'to respect the manner of death,' or 'the importance of determination.' Hatsumi brings these together to mean that a warrior finds wisdom by respecting the manner of death, and through personal determination. While not necessary, those with Japanese language skills will be able to read 'Japanese Sword Fighting' with a much greater depth.

Followers of Hatsumi will definitely find some insight into their sensei in this book, as will those who see martial arts as more of a spiritual path than a fighting technique. Casual readers, or those interested in the historical samurai and their fighting arts, would do best to seek elsewhere. -Zack Davisson

This is the best book yet about Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The main subject as you may have figured out already is about sword fighting.

Soke is wring about true understanding of a real budoka, religion and budo, the real meaning of bugeijuhappan, what is gokui (the secrets), the meaning of kyusho, between densho and kyojitsu, and many many other things.

Many many pictures from old scrolls Tsukahara Bokuden, Yamaoka Tesshu, Saburi-ryu, Kashima shinden kage-ryu, Yagyu shinkage-ryu, Muso itto-ryu, Hokushin-itto-ryu, Oishi shinkage-ryu and many many other old schools. Also many paintings by Takamatsu Sensei.

There is also many techniques explained with pictures and text in both english and japanese names (with kanji). For example the Muto-dori techniques from Gyokko-ryu, many different sword kamae (many new ones I've never seen before), and the Kukishin-ryu sword techniques, and the kodachi techniques.

There is also many pictures and illustrations, for example fighting in yoroi (samurai armor), and nagabakama (the hakama with very long legs).

Also in the appendix the whole book is in its original language which is of course japanese.

If you are into Bujinkan this is the best book published. And Amazon have a good price, I payed 5600 Yen for the book (approximately 56 USD) and I think it is worth every penny. Buy the book!

Relatively little has been written covering Samurai sword fighting techniques: here ninja grandmaster provides both a history of the art of Japanese swordplay, rich in biographical surveys and cultural insight, and a survey of classical techniques used in two-sword fighting. Vintage and modern black and white photos and illustrations pack an account that blends step-by-step how-to photos with calligraphy, description, biographies, and background history. A 'must' for any serious not just about Japanese sword fighting, but Japanese culture and history as a whole. -D. Donovan

I was really looking forward to reading this. Most of the published material coming out of the Bujinkan and Mr. Hatsumi holds little or no interest for me, but this one caught my eye and made me curious. Overall, I have mixed feelings about it and what it has to offer the reader.

After I finished the book, I had the feeling that there was little to do with history or anything having to do with the actual 'bushi' or warrior class of Japan. On the surface it is sprinkled with some very elementary history (which is well done) but at the core it lacks any depth of serious criteria of said history. The sword work is nicely illustrated with clear photographs, accented by the wearing of armor, which looks very nice and authentic. Unfortunately, the techniques seem to be an afterthought, perhaps techniques which were made up entirely for this book or those based on a loose interpretation of existing ryuha, wholly manufactured from the outside in.

But it's not as bad as I make it sound. On the plus side, I found it easily read and to understand. Truth be told it is highly entertaining and even engaging at times. The book is formatted well, in an order which creates a tidy atmosphere in the text. Although I found myself skipping over sections that seemed a little too 'out-there' for my taste, the warp and woof of the book is well done. To me this serves as an excellent introduction to basic history, an 'ice-breaking' which snuffs the popular movie notions of the bushi but at the same time it does not relinquish a fascination with them. The book is excellent reading, despite my surface problems with the content.

Overall, I am not sure what to make of this book, what it is trying to say or why. It was worth reading, but yet I wonder what I can learn from it, if anything; furthermore, I wonder what others can take away from it.

To me it expounds on an 'alternative' or a 'modern' interpretation of a greater philosophy, one which is based on idealism rather than an exploration of history founded in pragmatic fact.
I'd buy it used if you are really curious and new only if you have a collection to add to. -Mekugi

One of the reviewers of this book used the fact that Soke's creative use of the Japanese language was the source of much of his wisdom. For those interested in language then this description would seem sufficient.

I would suggest to the would-be reader however, that Hatsumi-sensei is first and foremost a budoka and the source of his 'wisdom' stems from his martial art. Soke himself has written that it is his understanding of martial arts that allows him to successfully perform other arts. It is encumbent on the reader, certainly for those who are students of the Bujinkan, to see this book from the perspective of the martial arts.

This book is another testament to the persistance and creativity of Hatsumi-sensei. Forever finding the next step, Soke is always able to continue and, in his own words, 'keep going'. This book is a MUST for any student of Hatsumi-sensei's Bujinkan art. -Pen Name

This book is awsome!!! it not only shows you how to do different moves in japenes sword fighting but it also teaches you the background or history of the sword style what the different swords are called and it teaches you at least 5 moves for each different one. All around this was a very good book and i'm glad i found it.-L. Nola

Informatively written by renowned Budo and Ninja grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and ably translated into English by Bruce Appleby and Doug Wilson, Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets Of The Samurai is an in-depth manual about the skill and art of traditional Japanese sword fighting. Black-and-white photographs by Minoru Hirata and Kyuzo Akashi copiously illustrate methods of drawing and resheathing swords, and sword strikes and cuts, while the skillfully translated text delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of swordsmanship as surely as the martial arts and physical aspects. Illustrations of traditional samurai dress and full armor, and an appendix of the original Japanese text round out Masaaki Hatsumi's Japanese Sword Fighting, a truly 'must-have' manual for Japanese swordsmanship enthusiasts. -Midwest Book Review

I have been waiting days for this book, and it finally came today. Honestly, I expected it to have your standard sword exercises and cuts, but it contains stances and techniques that I have never even heard of, while some are familiar to me. Thanks to having a hardwood bokuto (which I also purchased off of this website), I can now incorporate new exercises into my practice. Even though Hatsumi-Sensei is a ninja, he is well-versed in the culture of the samurai and the sword as well. I recommend it to all aspiring swordsmen. -Kyle Van Helsing

This is the best book yet about Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The main subject as you may have figured out already is about sword fighting.

Soke is wring about true understanding of a real budoka, religion and budo, the real meaning of bugeijuhappan, what is gokui (the secrets), the meaning of kyusho, between densho and kyojitsu, and many many other things.

Many many pictures from old scrolls Tsukahara Bokuden, Yamaoka Tesshu, Saburi-ryu, Kashima shinden kage-ryu, Yagyu shinkage-ryu, Muso itto-ryu, Hokushin-itto-ryu, Oishi shinkage-ryu and many many other old schools. Also many paintings by Takamatsu Sensei.

There is also many techniques explained with pictures and text in both english and japanese names (with kanji). For example the Muto-dori techniques from Gyokko-ryu, many different sword kamae (many new ones I've never seen before), and the Kukishin-ryu sword techniques, and the kodachi techniques.

There is also many pictures and illustrations, for example fighting in yoroi (samurai armor), and nagabakama (the hakama with very long legs).

Also in the appendix the whole book is in its original language which is of course japanese.

If you are into Bujinkan this is the best book published. And Amazon have a good price, I payed 5600 Yen for the book (approximately 56 USD) and I think it is worth every penny. Buy the book! -Kabuto

Contents

Preface
In honor of true warriors
Chapter 1 Kenpo in budo
True understanding of real budoka
Divine merit through the peaceful way of the sword
The essence of victory and defeat
Religion and budo
Oneness is infinite
The real meaning of the eighteen fields of martial arts
The restoration of budo
Budo and the arts
What is the gokui?
Transcending common sense-The direction of bushi; Rei; Kukmidachi; Muto dori hiden; Shunu; Shunsoku; Ichigeki; Kaisoku; Koryaku; Iaifuji; Chingan; Fuu; Mutodori; Iai dori do-gaeshi; Knife hidden in a sword handle
chapter 2 The essence of Japanese swordsmanship
The principle of 'pushing and cutting' with the sword
The aesthetics of arms and armor, or the beautification of the soul
The connection between the sword and spear
The meaning of kyusho
The tachi and the way of the warrior-Nuku; Tenchijin no kamae; Tsuki; Kote; Goshinatai; Body in self defence; Happo biken; Tsukikomi; Tsukigake; Kiriage; Kirisage; Kasugaidome; Kochiogaeshi; Shiho giri; Happo giri; Tsuki no wa (full moon); Kenpo of the eternal cycle of birth, death, and re-birth; Yagyu-ryu seigan no kamae; Gedan no kamae
Chapter 3 The practice of budo
Toward the true gokui
Large, small, the heart, technique, and body
Master and student
Between densho and kyojitsu
Budo of tomorrow-Katchu tachi; Katchu kenpo; Tachi uchi; Clothes worn while in teh palace or in the castle; Shishiuchi; Juji ken (crossed sword) Master Takamatsu Toshitsugu sensei, happo biken
Appendix Original Japanese text… (más)

The definitive book by a famus budo grand master

Bushido, the way of the warrior, is deeply bound to the rich history of the martial traditions of Japan, which have drawn generations of devotees, as well as awe and respect worldwide. Of all the martial arts, bo-jutsu, or stick fighting, is one of the least understood and most intriguing, having been largely hidden for centuries.

In Advanced Stick Fighting, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grand master in the world, and author of Stick Fighting and The Way of the Ninja, reveals some of the secrets surrounding this revered fighting art. Hatsumi offers the reader thoughtful reflections on bushido, its venerable history, and its role in today's world. He also discusses the origins of bo-jutsu, which he sees as inexorably linked to the evolution of humankind; it is both universal and timeless.

While the highly acclaimed and long-selling Stick Flighting dealt mainly with self-defense using short sticks, this book reveals to the reader a number of advanced techniques using medium and long sticks that were originally used by samurai swordsmen and military commanders. Lavish illustrations accompany the exlanations and help further demonstrate the graceful, mysterious movements of stick fightng. The original Japanese text is also included in the appendix.

This book wil be an important addition to the libraries of readers' understanding of bushido in general, and bring them closer to Hatsumi's personal philosophy-that only through complete devotion to the martial arts as a way of life can self-enlightenment be attained, and that the wisdom gained through this can promote a true and lasting world of peace.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was born in 1931. After progressing through varioius martial arts, he found his life's mentor, Takamatau Toshitsugu, and studied under him for the next fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grand Master of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system. Dr. Hatsumi has taught thousands of individual students as well as instruction at law enforcement agencies all over the world, and has received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. He has also worked as a professional osteopath, acted in popular television series, is the author of many books and DVDs on Ninjitsu and Budo, and was for many years Chairman of the International department of the Japan Literary Artists' Club.

Contents

Chapter 1 The essence of budo is in bo-jutsu
Bujutsu and budo-Before using the word 'bushido'; Know natural posture; Musha shugyo; A weapon called the bo; What is bo-jutsu?; The varieties of bo-jutsu; The history of bo-jutsu; History of the kukishin-ryu bo-jutsu
Chapter 2 he practice of bo-jutsu
The divine tune of the breathing bo-The quality of the bo (bo etiquette); Kishin kyuho no kamae (Jodan no kamae; chudan no kamai; Gedanno kamae; Ichimonji no kamae; Hira ichimonji no kamae; Ihen no kamae; Seigan no kamae; Ten chi jin no kamae; Heito no kamae)
Kihon gata-Shira kihon gata (Ukemi; Ashi barai; Shihio bofuri gata; Men uchibarai gata)
Keiko sabaki kata-Methods of training in stick fighting; Gokyo gokai ihen sabaki gata (Goho; Ura goho; Sashiai; Funabari; Tsuru no issoku; Ri iissoku; Suso otoshi; Ura suso otoshi; Ippn sugi; Taki otoshi; Koku; Kasa no uchi; Tachi otoshi; Harai; Kote tsuki; Mukozume; Keriage; Gekiryu; Tsukeiri; Gorin kudaki; Tenchijin; Maehiro; Ryo kote; Uranami; Tama gaeshi; Kumite)
Jo-jitsu-Sticks are not just about wood-Jumonji; Roppo; Kyuho; Hiryu; Tsukeiri; Udekake; Kote gaeshi; Tachi otoshi
Bo Nuke-Kubinuke I & II; Nage bo
Bo-jutsu of Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei… (más)

Looking back almost 1,000 years, the mists of Japan's chaotic past shroud the development of a way of life, an ancient struggle waged against fierce feudal lords who ruled the island nations with swords of steel and a code of death before dishonor. The people of the mountainous regions of what is now Iga prefecture wanted to live in peace, but their lords had other plans-so the people learned the martial arts of self-defense and used their meager farm tools as weapons against the samurai blades of their oppressors.

Nine traditions of the ninja arts grew out of this seeingly endless struggle, and legends were told of the supernatural abilities of the ninja fighters. The ninja naver gained the kind of power that topples tyrants, but they gained a reputation that made tyrants cautious. And they gained the kind of power that makes the spirit endure and the mind the master of its fate.

Told in actual stories of past grandmasters and in dojo lectures on techniques-with photographs, drawings, and paintings-the last surviving grandmaster of the ancient art of ninjutsu, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, presents Essence of Nnjutsu: the Nine Traditions. In it, he explains why, after more than 900 years, the art of the shadow warriors continues to inspire and serve practitioners from around the world. Dr. Hatsumi's book contains historic ninja scrolls and describes techniques for self-defense, and it debunks tricks that are attributed to the ninja but actually derive more from the circus than the martial arts. Essence of Nnjutsu is a fascinating, authoritative look at the roots of ninjitsu and how it continues to enrich the lives of its practitioners today.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is a bone doctor, artist, and writer, as well as the 34th grandmaster of the nine schools of the ninja arts in Japan. He has toured the United States in recent years to help Americans better understand the ninja and their way of life. His articles have appeared in all of the major martial arts magazines.

Contents

Introduction
Tsujigiri
1 Yamagomori and shutsuzan-The story of Sasuke Sarutobi
2 A talk with Takamatsu Sensei-Kotora and Kanzaki
3 Genjutsu and yojutsu-The sumo wrestlers
4 Ninpo through camera eyes-Takamatsu in China
5 Message from the winds-Ri Hotei
6 Ninjutsu and the martial arts-Yonindori
7 Taijutsu: Form and spirit-Tenchosetsu
8 The rules of the ninja-Yo gyokko
9 Ancient legend-Modern spirit-Cho Buren
10 Kamurozan-Rashi and the mendicant
11 Ninjutsu without tricks
12 The child's mind
Brief history of the ninja
Index… (más)