"This is why I do not like to write books anymore. Having the techniques done to you and experiencing it yourself is the only way to learn it. This stuff cannot be taught. It cannot be understood through mere words. It must be experienced personally. Books are for use after you know the techniques. It is the same for the densho. If you know the technique, and then read the words, it makes sense."
-Masaaki Hatsumi
Learning Materials
Books
Japanese Sword Fighting: Secrets of the Samurai
In this book, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grandmaster in the world, explores the venerable history of Japanese sword fighting, sharing with the reader his reflections on the hidden essence of this revered martial art. He covers a variety of classical techniques including Ninja kenpo, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, as well as two-sword techniques.
ISBN: 4770021984 Pub. Date: March 2006
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
Advanced Stick Fighting
In Advanced Stick Fighting, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grand master in the world, reveals some of the secrets surrounding this revered fighting art. Hatsumi offers the reader thoughtful reflections on bushido, its venerable history, and its role in today's world. He also discusses the origins of bo-jutsu, which he sees as inexorably linked to the evolution of humankind; it is both universal and timeless.
ISBN: 4770029969 Pub. Date: July 2005
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
In this book, he explains the essence, truth, and wisdom of Ninjutsu, an art of a thousand forms and innumerable variations. Through perceptive observations and many detailed pictures, the author reveals the hidden reality behind this mysterious and fascinating martial art.
ISBN: 4770028059 Pub. Date: September 2004
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and Ben Jones
Understand? Good, Play!: Words of Consequence
This wonderful book provides a raw inside look on training in Japan with Hatsumi Soke. Thousands of Hatsumi Soke's quotes from training have been painstakingly recorded, translated and formatted by Ben Cole. This book is an essential resource for understanding the spirit of Budo. (This book also contains some fantastic photos taken by one of our students Ulysses Beato.)
ISBN: 0971084955 Pub. Date: December 2001
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and Ben Cole
Ninpo, Wisdom For Life
ISBN: 0972773800 Pub. Date: March 1997
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and Joe Maurantonio
The Essence of Ninjutsu (The Nine Traditions)
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.
ISBN: 0809247240 Pub. Date: December 1988
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
Grandmaster's Book Of Ninja Training
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi discusses his personal journey through the mysteries of the ancient art of the phantom warrior. His topics cover the nutritional needs of a ninja, the changing physical attributes of the "new" ninja, details on training for the novice as well as the advanced student, and the spiritual aspects of ninja training and how it applies to the modern world.
ISBN: 0809246295 Pub. Date: March 1988
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
Ninjutsu: History and Tradition
ISBN: 0865680272 Pub. Date: January 1982
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Daniel M. Furuya (Editor)
Stick Fighting: Techniques of Self-Defense
ISBN: 0870114751 Pub. Date: September 1981
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Quintin T. Chambers
Knife and Pistol Fighting
Out of Print
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi
Newsletters
Sanmyaku
An important newsletter with articles written by Soke and many of his senior, international students.
Currently out of print, but some back-issuses can still be found
Tetsuzan
Another significant newsletter written prior to Sanmyaku.
Currently out of print, but some back-issuses can still be found
Instructional Videos
Masaaki Hatsumi's Quest Video Series
A series of videos covering everything from the Kihon Happo to specific kata of the individual ryu-ha of the Bujinkan.