Description

Look past the legends and learn about the REAL ninjas of feudal Japan with this entertaining, illustrated ninjutsu guide. Ninjutsu, the least understood of the Japanese martial arts, is an ancient fighting style emphasizing natural movement, responsiveness to adversaries, and absolute practicality. In feudal Japan, ninja were feared for their skill in espionage and, particularly, assassination. Masters of weaponry, stealth, and martial techniques, ninja were credited with supernatural powers because of the near-invincibility of their unique and deadly art. In The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art, Black Belt Hall of Fame member, Stephen K. Hayes, reveals the secrets that lead to the perception of the ninja as warriors of almost sorcerous skill—the art of invisibility, special tools and weapons, and psychological training enabling the ninja to gain advantage in any situation.Chapters include:Perspective—Origin; Organization; Training; At the Height of Power; The Decline; Ninjutsu in the Modern WorldSearch for the NinjaUnarmed Combat—The Ninja Fists; Fighting Postures; Other FactorsWeaponry—Chains and Cords; Sticks and Staffs; Canes with Concealed Weapons; The Ninja Sword; Throwing BladesThe Way of Invisibility—Sense Deception; Phantom Steps; Reconnaissance; Blending with the Night; Attacking the Eyes; The Art of DisguiseShadow Warriors—Espionage; Commando TacticsThe Realm of the Spirit—Psychological Warfare; The Force of the Killer; The Great HarmonyEditorial ReviewsReview”Those trained in the art of ninjutsu are said to be able to run up trees, to cling to the ceiling and to be able to snatch a sword from the hand of a samurai as he attacks. These are not myths; they have a basis in fact, and Hayes has researched their origin.” —Black Belt Magazine”Stephen K. Hayes [is] the acknowledged ‘Father of American Ninjutsu.” —Inside Kung Fu”This book is very interesting and an easy read for anyone wanting to learn a little about the art of Ninjutsu and the ninja way itself. It comes from a story of modern events, and Stephen Hayes does an excellent job as the middleman, acting as the voice of reason stepping into a world of vastly different thinking and rationalizing it for us. I highly recommend this book if you have any interest or intrigue into Ninjas.” —Martial Arts & Action Movies blogFile Size: 7071 KBPrint Length: 158 pagesPublisher: Tuttle Publishing; Reissue edition (December 20, 2011)http://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Their-Secret-Fighting-Art-ebook/…