Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility the Art of Invisibility

This little book cannnot compare to the late Draeger's other excellent text books on the Japanese martial arts. Nevertheless, if you are seeking some very basic information on the art of Ninjutsu, this book can be of some value. It covers a brief history of the art, the training and basic skills required of the Ninja, operating techniques, tools and weapons of the Ninja. Though it is not completely accurate in some areas, for the most part, the information is valid and interesting. In conclusion, this is a book for anyone interested in learning something about Ninjutsu. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

Ninja were born and trained in families devoted to the study and practice of ninjutsu as their profession. Secrecy was the foundation upon which all successful ninja defended. Rigid security measures began at the very root of all ninja organizations. In Ninjutsu The Art of Invisibility, Donn Draeger reveals the secrets and history of the ninja. In their training the ninja became extremely physically fit. The ninja could cover extremely long distances in a very short time, or walk in absolute silence using ten special walking techniques revealed by Donn Draeger. The ninja trained hard to become a competent woodsman, to have the ability to live off the land. The ninja developed skills with medicines that made him his own doctor. He could allay and cure the effects of insect bites, poisons, internal disorders and general ailments. Donn Draeger reveals many of the tools and weapons of the ninja such as the ninja-sword and the shuriken. Beyond this most people of the day believed the ninja to be sorcerers and magicians with power and mastery over the forces of nature. The occult powers of the ninja were spoken of in quiet whispers... and this gave the ninja even greater power over his enemies. We read of the ninja's ability to become invisible, and Donn Draeger gives us the ten rules of a ninja's invisibility. Finally we are presented with stories of ninja missions in fact and in legend. In Ninjutsu The Art of Invisibility, Donn Draeger has given us a well-written overview of ninjutsu. For the reader who wants an easy-to-read introduction to ninjutsu, this book is highly recommended.

I thought that this book was definitely worth reading. Though the author never does cite any sources, he seems to be farely well read and understands the various concepts involved in the older martial styles that collectively formed "ninjutsu." I agree that he doesn't have any step-by-step guides: "Just do THIS three times a day for only ONE YEAR and you too can be an invincible ninja!" None of that at all. But it is hardly fare to give the book a bad rating because of that. The author's intention was never to teach someone to become a ninja. It was to inform. I actually found this book much more informative than any of Mr. Hayes' books, which are by and large step-by-step. This book includes dozens of historical accounts of ninja accomplishments, as well as chapters on training, weapons, tricks of the trade, lifestyle, superstition, etc. If you are looking for a book ABOUT the ninja, then this one, along with Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi's Ninja: History and Tradition, are the two best. If you are looking for a do-it-yourself book, then grab Stephen K. Hayes 5 volume set....

If you look for "Ninjitsu in 7 easy lessons", look in your yellow pages, I am sure there will be someone happy to help you.

This book is filled with the most interesting aspects of ninjutsu. It answers the questions most people have on the art and it is written brilliantly.