Ninja Volume 2: Warrior Ways of Enlightenment

This book is of incredible value, it teaches the basic stances, meditation, ways of controlling your own feelings to adapt better to the situation and much more. This is yet another excellent book of Shidoshi Hayes. If you want to learn about Ninjutsu, this book is a must.

It's somewhat pricey for a relatively thin paperback, but this Hayes book contains very useful knowledge about ninjutsu. If you own Hayes's other (earlier) titles, you may think this is simply "rehash"; but it's really not. "Ninja, Volume 1" contains basic kamae (postures), information about the manifestation of the elements in combat (techniques included), meditation exercises, and a "self-help" section about understanding the self. As always, Hayes's wisdom is only surpassed by his instructor's (Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi). It's a worthy investment if you are willing to spend the money!

This is another one to own; in fact, all of Hayes's books are. It contains more information on elemental manifestations in fighting (similar to Volume 1), basic taihenjutsu (breakfalls, tumbling, and body movement), real-life combat situations, weapons defenses, and spiritual ponderings about the Kuji-in. Hayes, it should be noted, is now a Tendai priest; and his section on the "mudra" (ninja's mystic hand symbols) IS authentic. But the information he gives is not to be "practiced," per se; one shouldn't expect to "use" the hand symbols after reading the book. It takes a qualified instructor to obtain that kind of knowledge. "Warrior Ways of Enlightenment" was one of my favorites of the 5 books in Hayes's "Ninja" series. Again, it's one to own--you'll cherish it for the duration of your ninjutsu training.

All of Shidoshi Stephen K. Hayes' books should be read and studied many many times by all martial artists, they are priceless.

Anyone interested in the true history of the Ninja and how Ninjutsu exists today should review the books. While it is difficult to cover everything in an art as complex as Ninjutsu, the series will give you a good overview. Forget the movies!