Essence of Ninjutsu

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

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.

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!

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.