Ninja . . . that single word conjures up images of mystery and power. The ability to move swiftly and silently, to mesmerize one's victim, to strike infallibly, and then to disappear into the night--this is the legend of the ninja. These nearly sorcerous aspects of the ninja, as well as the exotic weapons they use, are the focus of The Mystic Arts of the Ninja. Its author, Shidoshi Stephen K. Hayes, is the sole American to be granted teaching credentials by the 34th grandmaster of the Togokure School of Ninjutsu in Japan. Going beyond the basic conditioning and training techniques of his best-selling Ninjutsu: The Art of the Invisible Warrior, Hayes explains the most sought after secrets of his ninja training: Hypnotism: Saiminjutsu, the ninja's hypnotic powers are described and explained. Sample exercises are provided to help develop your hypnotic powers. Invisibility: Stealth walking and camouflage are discussed. Hayes provides examples of how to move silently across various kinds of terrain and how to blend into your surroundings to become invisible. Weaponry: The Hanbo cane, the sword, and the infamous shuriken throwing stars are ninja trademarks. Hayes fully describes their use in grappling as well as in attacking. More than 400 black-and-white photos are used to illustrate the secrets and techniques that have been used by the ninja to surprise and outwit their foes over the past 800 years. The authenticity of Shidoshi Hayes's instruction is perhaps the most important aspect of this book: no other book represents the true ninja tradition.

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 World Search for the Ninja Unarmed Combat--The Ninja Fists; Fighting Postures; Other Factors Weaponry--Chains and Cords; Sticks and Staffs; Canes with Concealed Weapons; The Ninja Sword; Throwing Blades The Way of Invisibility--Sense Deception; Phantom Steps; Reconnaissance; Blending with the Night; Attacking the Eyes; The Art of Disguise Shadow Warriors--Espionage; Commando Tactics The Realm of the Spirit--Psychological Warfare; The Force of the Killer; The Great Harmony

This book offers self-defense enthusiasts a comprehensive guide to the mysterious and ancient art of the ninja, written by the Western world's foremost authority, Stephen Hayes. Profusely illustrated with more than 580 action photographs and diagrams, this book clearly shows the correct body positions and movements for mastering the ninja method. Techniques such as hitting the ground and rebounding safely, shifting and evading strikes and weapon hits, and applying natural body weapons and handheld tools for combat are covered in detail. The book's physical conditioning program includes training exercises for increasing flexibility and building muscle strength, followed by footwork drills, reaction drills, counter techniques, and combat skills. Of equal importance to this ancient art is the spiritual training. Stephen Hayes provides all movement and meditation tech- niques essential to the ninja combat method. Stephen K. Hayes is the only American ever awarded the title of shidoshi ("teacher" in Japanese) and full teaching credentials in the art of ninjutsu. He has written eight books and numerous articles for Black Belt, Kick, Official Karate, and Ninja. He operates his own dojo ("school") of ninjutsu and spends his time between trips to the Far East, as a teacher, lecturer, and writer. He is the author of Wisdom from the Ninja Village of the Cold Moon and The Mystic Arts of the Ninja (both Contemporary Books).

The author relates the history and significance of the birthplace of Daisuke Nishina, the founder of the Togakure Ryu of ninjutsu, and introduces advanced principles such as enlightened consciousness, secrets of ninja invisibility, the union of body and weapon, and how to direct the power of one’s surroundings.

Master the Japanese martial art of ninjutsu with this illustrated, informative guide. In The Ninja Defense, the classic art of the ninja is updated for maximum effectiveness in modern day situations. Stephen K. Hayes is a Black Belt Hall of Fame member, founder of To-Shin Do, and acknowledged "Father of American Ninjutsu." He has distilled and refined the knowledge he has built studying and teaching ninjutsu for decades into a comprehensive self-defense system that can defuse the worst situations the modern world has to offer. The result is a realistic martial arts training system that includes instruction in techniques and strategies for dealing with: Grappling, Throwing, Choking, and Joint-locking Striking, Kicking, and Punching Stick, Blade, Cord, and Projectile weapons Handling multiple assailants and Surprise attacks Overcoming psychological intimidation or Bullying This ninja book, which includes a bonus DVD, focuses on Hayes' revised take on the classical martial arts styles of Japan's famed shinobi. He provides his readers with all the key ingredients—both physical and mental—to emerge safely from unexpected danger. The chapter on mental discipline will allow readers to feel more confident in whatever situation everyday life brings. The Ninja Defense contains extremely practical techniques that the author honed while serving as a bodyguard for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and fine-tuned through years of teaching. It is the ultimate self-defense book from a true martial art master.

The true warrior-mystic prevails without unsheathing his weapon. He is the master of the bloodless coup. With his mental and physical dexterity, he evades and confuses the enemy into submission. Ashida Kim reveals here the meditation, breathing exercises and Kuji-Kiri hand forms that will enable you to cultivate and direct your Qi, the vital life force, as well as tune into the minds of others. Through mind reading, subtle manipulations, hypnosis, and power of suggestion, you too can become a true mystic-warrior who can control the outcome of every encounter. Revised edition includes Mi Lu Kata, the Dance of Invisibility whereby the Ninja could vanish in an instant and strike the enemy unseen. softcover, 168 pages, photos and illustrations