Product Description

Ninja . . . that single word conjures up images of mystery and power. The ability to move swiftly and silently, to mesmerize one's victim, to strike infallibly, and then to disappear into the night--this is the legend of the ninja. These nearly sorcerous aspects of the ninja, as well as the exotic weapons they use, are the focus of The Mystic Arts of the Ninja. Its author, Shidoshi Stephen K. Hayes, is the sole American to be granted teaching credentials by the 34th grandmaster of the Togokure School of Ninjutsu in Japan. Going beyond the basic conditioning and training techniques of his best-selling Ninjutsu: The Art of the Invisible Warrior, Hayes explains the most sought after secrets of his ninja training:

• Hypnotism: Saiminjutsu, the ninja's hypnotic powers are described and explained. Sample exercises are provided to help develop your hypnotic powers.
• Invisibility: Stealth walking and camouflage are discussed. Hayes provides examples of how to move silently across various kinds of terrain and how to blend into your surroundings to become invisible.
• Weaponry: The Hanbo cane, the sword, and the infamous shuriken throwing stars are ninja trademarks. Hayes fully describes their use in grappling as well as in attacking.
  More than 400 black-and-white photos are used to illustrate the secrets and techniques that have been used by the ninja to surprise and outwit their foes over the past 800 years. The authenticity of Shidoshi Hayes's instruction is perhaps the most important aspect of this book: no other book represents the true ninja tradition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44650 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

BUY IT!
now, i was one who sought a book that would teach me as much as possible about how to become a ninja, and im aware that it is a skill that cannot be learned from a book alone, but, this book contained SO much information, i owe it to the author to praise this book. not only did this book contain pages and pages of moves using bare hands, sticks, and swords, it also covered all other aspects of ninjutsu, such as stealth walking, throwing shurikens, climbing ropes, walls, under stairs, walkways, etc.. it also had info on the culture itself, how to break a fall, tumbling, ... i just cant tell you how pleased i am with this book. it had much more than i was looking for. go out and buy it now!! its the BIBLE of ninjutsu, and believe me, you won't regret it.

Too much technique, not enough background.
This book gives a fair amount of information on techniques to do with stealth, subtle movement, meditation and so on as well as giving background on ninja history. However where this is very interesting, far too much of the book is taken up with illustrated stick, sword and taijitsu techniques. Although there is nothing wrong with these or how they are shown, it is pretty much impossible to learn them from a book and there are so many techniques in Ninjitsu generally that the only way you are going to be able to pick them up is to find a reputable dojo and work your way up the grades. If you are already doing this then the value of the book is really in the stuff you don't get to learn in the training hall; the history and background of the art, the ways of moving stealthily over terrain and some of the philosophy that underlies the style. Although this is covered within this book I would have rather seen it dominant, rather than the physical techniques.

Stephen Hayes IS one of the worlds foremost Ninjutsu Masters
I have never seen such an accurate and well written ninjutsu book in my life. While Doing a report I found more than sufficent information on the background of ancient art of ninjutsu.