The Ninja of Today: The Art of Intellectual Transformation Book by Masaaki Hatsumi (English Translation)

Originally published in Japanese in 1981, Ima Ninja is now available for the first time in English!

Discover the true essence of the ninja with insights from Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure ryu ninjutsu.

In this captivating work, Dr. Hatsumi reveals that, beyond their reputation as cunning warriors, the ninja's greatest strength lay in their ability to think creatively and unconventionally. Drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and modern challenges, the author demonstrates how adopting a ninja mindset can lead to success and well-being in today's world. Explore the historical methods and techniques of ninjutsu and learn how to enhance your health through natural remedies, movement, and mindfulness techniques.

Chapters:

1 Steal the concept of the ninja
2 Return to wild thinking
3 The shadow of the ninja walking in the modern age
4 Love, the ninja way
5 Ninjutsu in daily life

About the Author:

Born in 1931, Masaaki Hatsumi was drawn to the traditional martial sports of his country. Mastering karate, jüdo and aikido he found these arts to be lacking when facing bigger, stronger or faster opponents and searched for years for an art he could believe in until he was introduced to a master named Toshitsugu Takamat-su. Having mastered several traditional Japanese arts by his teens, Takamatsu had traveled to China and Mongolia in his early adult years, testing and improving his skill in the martial arts he had learned from his teachers until his return to Japan where, in addition to his martial pursuits, Takamatsu also devoted himself to the study of Buddhism and Shinto. Hatsumi was in awe of Takamatsu's skill and know-edge and made frequent trips throughout the 1950s and 60s to train under Taka-matsu. In 1972, Takamatsu sensei passed away and passed the title of soke (grandmaster) in nine schools of fighting arts (including the last two historically traceable ninjutsu traditions) to Hatsumi.

Hatsumi Soke opened the nine traditions - which he called the Bujinkan Dojo (Divine Warrior School) - to the public and the art of ninjutsu was introduced to the world. Hatsumi sensei has been recognized by the Japanese government for his efforts to pass on the traditional martial arts of Japan. There are now hundreds of schools and training groups teaching these arts. In 2020, at the age of 88, Hatsumi sense retired from actively teaching and named successors who will keep the nine ryuha alive.

Don Houle began his martial arts practice in 1986 and first met Hatsumi sensei in 1988 when he was inspired to study the art of ninjutsu as taught in Japan. Don made his first trip to Japan to train with Hatsumi Soke in 1997. In the years since, he has continued to practice and train with Hatsumi sense and senior Bujinkan instructors. Don resides in northern New Jersey with his wife and children.

Language: English

310 pages