The Ninja, The Secret History of Ninjutsu: Ancient Shadow Warriors of Japan

This is an excellent history of Ninjutsu and Japan. Shinobi, Nikki Danjō, Tenjiku Tokubei, Sun Tzu, Grandmaster Toshitsugu Takamatsu (chapter 5), Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and Hattori Hanzō are mentioned. Despite the many legends attributing the development of ninjutsu to ancient mythical gods, the art probably developed between the 10th and 14th century (page 31).There is a theory that Japanese pirates could also have contributed to the origin of ninjutsu. It is a historical fact, since antiquity up until the Edo (1603–1867) period, that the Japanese seas were infested with pirates known under the name of kaizoku… It is a solid assumption that the techniques used by Japanese pirates influenced ninjutsu, as well as many other combat styles. This influence was part of the range that affected ninjutsu, helping it to become an evolutionary combat style used for evasion and self-defense (pages 31–32).

A thorough and pragmatic view of the great art of ninjitsu. As the reader discovers, there are more deep and profound concepts to the art and science of ninjitsu. This seminal work explors the history of Soke Takamatsu and his introduction to the many arts of the Shinobi-no-Mono. This is a very complete view of the overall aspects of the science and esoteric concepts of the great masters of this great art. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to find the history and science behind one of the most misunderstood of martial arts.

This book has been in my cart for quite a while.It is one of the most researched books on the ninja I have come across. The end notes take up almost a quarter of the book. Indeed, this work comes across as a dissertation. Dr. Zoughari demonstrates the depth of his scholarship.The first four chapters are outstanding. He compares the histories of several arts in Japan, into the present day. He addresses some common misconceptions -that ninjutsu came from foreigners, that it was solely the practice of the Iga and Koga regions, that it was primarily occupied with assassinations, etc. There is discussion of spiritual matters, yamabushi, warrior monks, weaponry, dress, and the ultimate fate of the ninja clans.Dr. Zoughari can speak and read the language, which sets him apart from the author of another frequently read book on the subject. He had access to some privately owned scrolls which have not been touched upon previously, to my knowledge.Now for the down side. The last two chapters are in-depth pieces on Takamatsu Toshitsugu and his student, Hatsumi Masaaki. There is some new light shed on Takamatsu's life. I feel, though, that these two chapters are the weakest. There isn't too much material that hasn't been covered elsewhere. The real flaw, in my humble opinion, is that Dr. Zoughari begins speculating on what may have happened.The endnotes start to get further and further apart, and the reader drifts away from a solid foundation into the void. I understand that that author was probably given unprecedented access to Dr. Hatsumi's papers, and that Dr. Hatsumi maintains some continuity with the old traditions. Certainly this work does not follow the path of Stephen Hayes in that regard, and Dr. Zoughari deserves kudos for that. But I feel that he has compromised an otherwise profound work with supposition. For this reason I gave it four stars instead of five.Otherwise I recommend this book to serious students. I urge you to compare it to other books on this subject, especially those of Anthony Cummins ( a critic of Dr. Zoughari's on Youtube ).

I have trained many times with Dr. Zoughari and I am always impressed by his skill, dedication and passion for the art and the history of the martial arts. This book provides you with extremely detailed information on the history of Ninjutsu and his years of physical research for factual information. Although he is a student of Soke Hatsumi, I do believe he left much of the politics out of his book and kept the research to factual and documented information only.I do agree with the previous reviewer. We should see a second volume that has more focus on the Koga Ryu clans with the same detail and dedication to the Iga clan. I look forward to training with Mr. Zoughari again and hope to see more books in the future.

The current source for authentic Ninjutsu information. While fact-finding for shinobiexchange.com I came across this book and it totally changed my ideas about Ninjutsu in modern and ancient times. After meeting Dr. Zoughari, I understand why this book is so packed with factual info. He holds a PhD in Japanese martial arts studies and teaches at a university in Kyoto.

This book was thoroughly researched. The first few chapters are dense with names, dates, and obscure but documented details. It is a little dry at the start, but is well worth the read. Dr. Zhougarhi offers some very keen philosophical insights on the mind and heart of the ninja. I believe this work represents his doctoral dissertation. If you are involved in the art, you may find it a fascinating read.

really good book - supposedly new but cover was torn and pages were marked by something like grease

Reads like a history text book, with a biased opinion.

Arrived within delivery dates, very nice copy of the book and a good price so happy

It's a surgery work, a different and complete mindset on an argument everyone wants to talk about.This is how you talk if you have historic documentation and not misty secrets.

Very nice book

A classic if there is ever one. A nice view from the outside to the inside of the world of the Ninja.

El libro ha llegado dentro del plazo acordado en un principio y en perfectas condiciones, tanto en el exterior como en el interior.