Ninpo: Wisdom for Life

In the 1980s, I met Hatsumi-sensei for the first time and found out that he had several books written in Japanese. Being an avid reader, I asked one of the Japanese-shihan about them. In a short while I was working on a translation of the first chapter of one book.

Eventually I began a project to translate one whole book from beginning to end. It was a challenge, but with Hatsumi-sensei‘s approval, updates and encouragement Ninpo: Wisdom for Life was published.

“Musha Shugyo [warrior errantry] was to go beyond the bounds of simple training. You must stretch beyond your personal limitations.” — Masaaki Hatsumi

Way of the Ninja

The Way of the Ninja was released in 2004 and it was a instant hit. During a phone conversation with the publisher’s representative I was informed the first edition sold out so fast that it was totally unexpected. It had been well publicized, anticipated and received. The Japanese text was placed as an appendix in the second or third edition.

“One never knows when a fight might start.That is why in budo one keeps prepared, so that should a fight arise, one can settle it as quickly as possible. In a dangerous situation, you act swiftly, without any hesitation. That is the secret of winning.” –Masaaki Hatsumi

The Read Ahead

When I first joined the Bujinkan, there were precious few books on authentic ninjutsu. Those of us training at the time would read, discuss and reread them. There were notes to be taken and sections to memorize.

Today, there are many good books to be found. Most of them are by Hatsumi-sensei with a few by teachers from all over the world.

I’ve decided my next few articles will be quotes from some of my favorite Bujinkan related books.

BNYD twitter feed

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http://twitter.com/bnyd

Dojo Rules of Conflict

1. Distance or “Run away.”

2. Guard or “A good face is worth protecting.”

3. Strategy or “Strategy is everything and Everything is strategy.”