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The Ninja, The Secret History of Ninjutsu: Ancient Shadow Warriors of Japan Paperback – August 9, 2016

by Kacem Zoughari Ph.D. (Author), Christopher Davy (Foreword)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 142 ratings
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Here, for the first time, is an in-depth, factual look at the entire art of ninjutsu, including the emergence of the ninja warriors and philosophy in feudal Japan; detailed historical events; its context in the development of other schools of martial arts; and the philosophies and exercises of the school today.

Based on more than ten years of study and translation of authentic Japanese texts, including many that have never before been translated, this is the most comprehensive and accurate study of the art of ninjutsu ever written outside of Japan. This ninja book includes studies of ninjutsu history, philosophy, wisdom, and presents a wide range of information from authors, historians, chronicles and scrolls in order to foster a deep understanding of this "shadowy" art.

For those who train in ninjutsu, for other martial art practitioners, for historians, and for anyone with an interest in Japanese feudal history or Japanese martial arts, The Ninja: The Secret History of Ninjutsu shines a light on this enigmatic subject.
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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tuttle Publishing
  4. Publication date
    August 9, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    7.5 x 0.5 x 10 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    4805314044
  7. ISBN-13
    978-4805314043
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dr. Zoughari's visionary work connects old ways with the new, breathing life and new meaning into an often controversial subject in a way that benefits all who will read these pages." --Shihan Christopher Davy, from his Foreword

"His translation of Takamatsu's autobiography, albeit short, was powerful to me...The art shown in the book is beautiful and adds context to the text." --MartialArtsPlanet.com blog

"This insightful book is filled with obscure and documented details about Ninjutsu, as well as Dr. Zoughari's thoughts and fascinating analysis on the subject. The later chapters, of the secrets texts of Ninjutsu were fascinating. For me, understanding how these warriors fit into the Japanese warfare model was an enlightening read. This book is for both history and martial arts lovers alike." --Zohar Laor, Man of la Book blog

About the Author

Kacem Zoughari is a researcher on Japanese studies and holds a Ph.D. in the history of Japanese classical martial arts. Zoughari is an internationally recognized authority on the Japanese martial arts and is also a licensed instructor of Ninjutsu. He conducts seminars in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Shihan Christopher Davy holds a tenth-degree black belt under Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi Soke of Japan. He has been training in the martial arts for over 30 years.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing; Reprint edition (August 9, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4805314044
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4805314043
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.5 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 142 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
142 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and interesting. They describe it as a well-researched and written history text, with poetic descriptions and nuanced writing. Readers appreciate the sensei's unique understanding of the subject matter and his ability to present the ancient world well.

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Knowledge levelReadabilityReading quality
18 customers mention "Knowledge level"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's knowledge level. They find it informative and well-researched, with a unique understanding of the subject matter. The book provides detailed information on the history of Ninjutsu and its origins. It would be an excellent resource for someone doing further research.

"This is an excellent history of Ninjutsu and Japan...." Read more

"...This book provides you with extremely detailed information on the history of Ninjutsu and his years of physical research for factual information...." Read more

"...As the reader discovers, there are more deep and profound concepts to the art and science of ninjitsu...." Read more

"...It is one of the most researched books on the ninja I have come across. The end notes take up almost a quarter of the book...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They describe it as a history text book with a biased opinion. However, they consider it worthwhile for those interested in the subject.

"...Indeed, this work comes across as a dissertation. Dr. Zoughari demonstrates the depth of his scholarship...." Read more

"Reads like a history text book, with a biased opinion." Read more

"...Who knows! That being said, IMHO this is still a worthwhile read for those interested in an academic history of the ninja interspersed..." Read more

"This is certainly the best scholarly researched and written books out there...." Read more

4 customers mention "Reading quality"3 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find the descriptions poetic and well-substantiated, with nuanced information. The history and representation of Soke are also praised.

"...thank you for helping to frame some of the history and representing Soke so well." Read more

"...book is more akin to some of Hatsumi-sensei's writings, with poetic descriptions and stream-of-conciousness musings which will keep the ninja..." Read more

"...There are missing words from sentences, basic grammatical and syntactical errors, and quite a few footnote references which don't match up with the..." Read more

"Message well substantiated and with nuance..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Vincent Albanov
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hattori Hanzō
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent history of Ninjutsu and Japan. Shinobi, Nikki Danjō, Tenjiku Tokubei, Sun Tzu, Grandmaster Toshitsugu Takamatsu (chapter 5), Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and Hattori Hanzō are mentioned. Despite the many legends attributing the development of ninjutsu to ancient mythical gods, the art probably developed between the 10th and 14th century (page 31).
    There is a theory that Japanese pirates could also have contributed to the origin of ninjutsu. It is a historical fact, since antiquity up until the Edo (1603–1867) period, that the Japanese seas were infested with pirates known under the name of kaizoku… It is a solid assumption that the techniques used by Japanese pirates influenced ninjutsu, as well as many other combat styles. This influence was part of the range that affected ninjutsu, helping it to become an evolutionary combat style used for evasion and self-defense (pages 31–32).
    One person found this helpful
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  • Justin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent text book on the History of Ninjutsu
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I have trained many times with Dr. Zoughari and I am always impressed by his skill, dedication and passion for the art and the history of the martial arts. This book provides you with extremely detailed information on the history of Ninjutsu and his years of physical research for factual information. Although he is a student of Soke Hatsumi, I do believe he left much of the politics out of his book and kept the research to factual and documented information only.

    I do agree with the previous reviewer. We should see a second volume that has more focus on the Koga Ryu clans with the same detail and dedication to the Iga clan. I look forward to training with Mr. Zoughari again and hope to see more books in the future.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • James M
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough study of the art and science of ninjitsu.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A thorough and pragmatic view of the great art of ninjitsu. As the reader discovers, there are more deep and profound concepts to the art and science of ninjitsu. This seminal work explors the history of Soke Takamatsu and his introduction to the many arts of the Shinobi-no-Mono. This is a very complete view of the overall aspects of the science and esoteric concepts of the great masters of this great art. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to find the history and science behind one of the most misunderstood of martial arts.
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  • ignorance is bliss
    4.0 out of 5 stars Head and shoulders above the rest
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This book has been in my cart for quite a while.

    It is one of the most researched books on the ninja I have come across. The end notes take up almost a quarter of the book. Indeed, this work comes across as a dissertation. Dr. Zoughari demonstrates the depth of his scholarship.

    The first four chapters are outstanding. He compares the histories of several arts in Japan, into the present day. He addresses some common misconceptions -
    that ninjutsu came from foreigners, that it was solely the practice of the Iga and Koga regions, that it was primarily occupied with assassinations, etc. There is discussion of spiritual matters, yamabushi, warrior monks, weaponry, dress, and the ultimate fate of the ninja clans.

    Dr. Zoughari can speak and read the language, which sets him apart from the author of another frequently read book on the subject. He had access to some privately owned scrolls which have not been touched upon previously, to my knowledge.

    Now for the down side. The last two chapters are in-depth pieces on Takamatsu Toshitsugu and his student, Hatsumi Masaaki. There is some new light shed on Takamatsu's life. I feel, though, that these two chapters are the weakest. There isn't too much material that hasn't been covered elsewhere. The real flaw, in my humble opinion, is that Dr. Zoughari begins speculating on what may have happened.

    The endnotes start to get further and further apart, and the reader drifts away from a solid foundation into the void. I understand that that author was probably given unprecedented access to Dr. Hatsumi's papers, and that Dr. Hatsumi maintains some continuity with the old traditions. Certainly this work does not follow the path of Stephen Hayes in that regard, and Dr. Zoughari deserves kudos for that. But I feel that he has compromised an otherwise profound work with supposition. For this reason I gave it four stars instead of five.

    Otherwise I recommend this book to serious students. I urge you to compare it to other books on this subject, especially those of Anthony Cummins ( a critic of Dr. Zoughari's on Youtube ).
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Review 2
    5.0 out of 5 stars I have studied for 10 years and I feel I ...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I have studied for 10 years and I feel I am just now barley understanding the art of Soke Hatsumi thank you for helping to frame some of the history and representing Soke so well.
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  • Victor
    5.0 out of 5 stars The current source for authentic Ninjutsu information. While fact-finding ...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The current source for authentic Ninjutsu information. While fact-finding for shinobiexchange.com I came across this book and it totally changed my ideas about Ninjutsu in modern and ancient times. After meeting Dr. Zoughari, I understand why this book is so packed with factual info. He holds a PhD in Japanese martial arts studies and teaches at a university in Kyoto.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Goemon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This book was thoroughly researched. The first few chapters are dense with names, dates, and obscure but documented details. It is a little dry at the start, but is well worth the read. Dr. Zhougarhi offers some very keen philosophical insights on the mind and heart of the ninja. I believe this work represents his doctoral dissertation. If you are involved in the art, you may find it a fascinating read.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Pwill
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Reads like a history text book, with a biased opinion.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Filiz Aksu
    5.0 out of 5 stars It was good
    Reviewed in Germany on June 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It was good condution
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  • The Thomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars very nice copy of the book and a good price so
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Arrived within delivery dates, very nice copy of the book and a good price so happy
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  • Axel
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for martial artists, Bujinkan and students of japanese history
    Reviewed in Italy on January 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    It's a surgery work, a different and complete mindset on an argument everyone wants to talk about.
    This is how you talk if you have historic documentation and not misty secrets.
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  • Mark Najda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cool
    Reviewed in Australia on January 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Very nice book
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  • Serge Blais
    5.0 out of 5 stars A classic if there is ever one.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A classic if there is ever one. A nice view from the outside to the inside of the world of the Ninja.
    Report