Step-by-step instructions and over 300 photographs allow the trainee to follow and learn the techniques with ease. The ideal weapon for self-defense is a stick. To find a comprehensive system of techniques using the stick, we must turn to the East, for systems known to the West have fallen into disuse. In this book, the techniques of Kukishin Ryu-an ancient Japanese method-have been updated and adapted for use today. A thorough grounding in the fundamentals dealt with here will enable you to disarm and control any assailant. CONTENTSSection 1: Basic Movements

Looking back almost 1,000 years, the mists of Japan's chaotic past shroud the development of a way of life, an ancient struggle waged against fierce feudal lords who ruled the island nation with swords of steel and a code of death before dishonor. The people of the mountainous regions of what is now Iga prefecture wanted to live in peace, but their lords had other plans-so the people learned the martial arts of self-defense and used their meager farm tools as weapons against the samurai blades of their oppressors. Nine traditions of the ninja arts grew out of this seemingly endless struggle, and legends were told of the supernatural abilities of the ninja fighters. The ninja never gained the kind of power that topples tyrants, but they gained a reputation that made tyrants cautious. And they gained the kind of power that makes the spirit endure and the mind the master of its fate. Told in actual stories of past grandmasters and in dojo lectures on techniques-with photographs, drawings, and paintings-the last surviving grandmaster of the ancient art of ninjutsu, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, presents Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions. In it, he explains why, after more than 900 years, the art of the shadow warriors continues to inspire and serve practitioners from around the world. Dr. Hatsumi's book contains historic ninja scrolls and describes techniques for self-defense, and it debunks tricks that are attributed to the ninja but actually derive more from the circus than the martial arts. Essence of Ninjutsu is a fascinating, authoritative look at the roots of ninjutsu and how it continues to enrich the lives of its practitioners today. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is a bone doctor, artist, and writer, as well as the 34th grandmaster of the nine schools of the ninja arts in Japan. He has toured the United States in recent years to help Americans better understand the ninja and their way of life. His articles have appeared in all of the major martial arts magazines.

The essence of ninjutsu, explored by the world's most famous living ninja grandmaster.In his classic work Masaaki Hatsumi reveals the hidden secrets and truths about this mysterious and fascinating Japanese martial art. He looks at the traditions, training, and techniques, then shows how this knowledge will lead readers to an understanding of two essential principles: that ninjutsu is the very foundation of the martial arts; and that ninjutsu illuminates its true spiritual significance. Now in paperback, the book features detailed demonstration photos, sidebars on many topics related to ninjutsu, and new material by Hatsumi explaining the relevance of ninjutsu in today's world.

Renowned budo (martial arts) and ninja grandmaster Hatsumi explains how Japanese sword fighting embodies the essence of budo and the spirit of the samurai. For centuries, sword masters like Miyamoto Musashi have been revered, and have fascinated and inspired people everywhere. Now, in his definitive work, Masaaki Hatsumi, the world's most famous living budo and ninja grandmaster, shares his vast knowledge of Japanese sword fighting as it's been practiced through the ages: its history, techniques, styles, and core philosophies, along with the deepest secrets of this venerable martial art.

Tiré des textes anciens des maîtres du passé, et de techniques démontrées en dojo (par des photos, dessins, peintures) le dernier grand maître de l’art du ninjutsu encore vivant, Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, présente ce qui est l’essence du ninjutsu : Les Neuf Traditions. Il y explique pourquoi, après plus de 900 ans, l’art des guerriers de l’ombre continue à inspirer et à servir les pratiquants du monde entier. Ce livre de Dr. Hatsumi contient les rouleaux historiques des ninjas et décrit des techniques de self-défense, démystifie des tours qui sont attribués aux ninjas, mais qui proviennent plus de tours de cirque que des arts martiaux. L’Essence du Ninjutsu est un ouvrage qui fait référence en la matière, met en lumière les origines du ninjutsu, expliquant comment cet art contribue à enrichir la vie des pratiquants d’aujourd’hui. Masaaki HATSUMI, né en 1931 au Japon, est le maître de ninjutsu le plus gradé et le plus mondialement connu. Il est le grand-maître et l’héritier (soke) de neuf écoles traditionnelles d’arts martiaux dont trois écoles de ninjutsu. Il est le promoteur du ninjutsu international qu’il a fait sortir de la clandestinité dans les années 1980 par ses efforts d’adaptation à l’esprit occidental et a ouvert à plus de réalisme. Tous les experts occidentaux d’aujourd’hui ont été ses élèves. Son école, le Bujinkan a fusionné l’ensemble de ses connaissances sous le terme de Budô Tai-jutsu, signifiant que son enseignement va bien au-delà du ninjutsu.

Step-by-step instructions and over 300 photographs allow the trainee to follow and learn the techniques with ease. The ideal weapon for self-defense is a stick. To find a comprehensive system of techniques using the stick, we must turn to the East, for systems known to the West have fallen into disuse. In this book, the techniques of Kukishin Ryu-an ancient Japanese method-have been updated and adapted for use today. A thorough grounding in the fundamentals dealt with here will enable you to disarm and control any assailant. CONTENTSSection 1: Basic Movements

Looking back almost 1,000 years, the mists of Japan's chaotic past shroud the development of a way of life, an ancient struggle waged against fierce feudal lords who ruled the island nation with swords of steel and a code of death before dishonor. The people of the mountainous regions of what is now Iga prefecture wanted to live in peace, but their lords had other plans-so the people learned the martial arts of self-defense and used their meager farm tools as weapons against the samurai blades of their oppressors. Nine traditions of the ninja arts grew out of this seemingly endless struggle, and legends were told of the supernatural abilities of the ninja fighters. The ninja never gained the kind of power that topples tyrants, but they gained a reputation that made tyrants cautious. And they gained the kind of power that makes the spirit endure and the mind the master of its fate. Told in actual stories of past grandmasters and in dojo lectures on techniques-with photographs, drawings, and paintings-the last surviving grandmaster of the ancient art of ninjutsu, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, presents Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions. In it, he explains why, after more than 900 years, the art of the shadow warriors continues to inspire and serve practitioners from around the world. Dr. Hatsumi's book contains historic ninja scrolls and describes techniques for self-defense, and it debunks tricks that are attributed to the ninja but actually derive more from the circus than the martial arts. Essence of Ninjutsu is a fascinating, authoritative look at the roots of ninjutsu and how it continues to enrich the lives of its practitioners today. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi is a bone doctor, artist, and writer, as well as the 34th grandmaster of the nine schools of the ninja arts in Japan. He has toured the United States in recent years to help Americans better understand the ninja and their way of life. His articles have appeared in all of the major martial arts magazines.

The essence of ninjutsu, explored by the world's most famous living ninja grandmaster.In his classic work Masaaki Hatsumi reveals the hidden secrets and truths about this mysterious and fascinating Japanese martial art. He looks at the traditions, training, and techniques, then shows how this knowledge will lead readers to an understanding of two essential principles: that ninjutsu is the very foundation of the martial arts; and that ninjutsu illuminates its true spiritual significance. Now in paperback, the book features detailed demonstration photos, sidebars on many topics related to ninjutsu, and new material by Hatsumi explaining the relevance of ninjutsu in today's world.

Renowned budo (martial arts) and ninja grandmaster Hatsumi explains how Japanese sword fighting embodies the essence of budo and the spirit of the samurai. For centuries, sword masters like Miyamoto Musashi have been revered, and have fascinated and inspired people everywhere. Now, in his definitive work, Masaaki Hatsumi, the world's most famous living budo and ninja grandmaster, shares his vast knowledge of Japanese sword fighting as it's been practiced through the ages: its history, techniques, styles, and core philosophies, along with the deepest secrets of this venerable martial art.

Tiré des textes anciens des maîtres du passé, et de techniques démontrées en dojo (par des photos, dessins, peintures) le dernier grand maître de l’art du ninjutsu encore vivant, Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, présente ce qui est l’essence du ninjutsu : Les Neuf Traditions. Il y explique pourquoi, après plus de 900 ans, l’art des guerriers de l’ombre continue à inspirer et à servir les pratiquants du monde entier. Ce livre de Dr. Hatsumi contient les rouleaux historiques des ninjas et décrit des techniques de self-défense, démystifie des tours qui sont attribués aux ninjas, mais qui proviennent plus de tours de cirque que des arts martiaux. L’Essence du Ninjutsu est un ouvrage qui fait référence en la matière, met en lumière les origines du ninjutsu, expliquant comment cet art contribue à enrichir la vie des pratiquants d’aujourd’hui. Masaaki HATSUMI, né en 1931 au Japon, est le maître de ninjutsu le plus gradé et le plus mondialement connu. Il est le grand-maître et l’héritier (soke) de neuf écoles traditionnelles d’arts martiaux dont trois écoles de ninjutsu. Il est le promoteur du ninjutsu international qu’il a fait sortir de la clandestinité dans les années 1980 par ses efforts d’adaptation à l’esprit occidental et a ouvert à plus de réalisme. Tous les experts occidentaux d’aujourd’hui ont été ses élèves. Son école, le Bujinkan a fusionné l’ensemble de ses connaissances sous le terme de Budô Tai-jutsu, signifiant que son enseignement va bien au-delà du ninjutsu.