Secret Traditions of the Shinobi

<b>This illuminating study of martial arts techniques philosophies and lifestyles demystifies one of the most misunderstood figures in Japanese history--the ninja.</b><br> <b> </b><br> <b>A landmark collection of <i>shinobi</i> texts featuring 70 illustrations and 100 poems representing some of the oldest ninjutsu writings in the world </b> <p/> The shinobi or ninja is one of the most widely recognized figures in the world of espionage--and also one of the most misrepresented. What do we really know about the historical shinobi his tactics and his role in medieval Japanese society? In <i>The Secret Traditions of the Shinobi </i> these questions--and many more--are answered. Translated into English for the very first time this widely sought-after collection of historical documents brings to light the secret practices techniques philosophies and lifestyles of the shinobi. <p/> Included are: <p/> - the <b><i>Shinobi Hiden </i>or Secret Ninja Tradition</b> a documentation of techniques commonly attributed to one of the best-known ninja masters Hattori Hanzo;<br> - the <b><i>Koka Ryu Ninjutsu Densho</i></b><i> </i>a small but important work from the Edo period that reveals the realm of ninja magic and spells;<br> - the <b>three shinobi scrolls of the <i>Gunpo Jiyoshu</i></b><i> </i> a manual enthusiastically promoted by Tokugawa Ieyasu the first Tokugawa shogun of Japan;<br> - <b>100 poems written between the 12th and 15th centuries--</b>making them the oldest collection of written ninjutsu information in the world <br> - <b>70 historical black-and-white </b>illustrations depicting ninja tools and weapons. <p/> <i>The Secret Traditions of the Shinobi</i> will enthrall martial artists eager to learn the real skills of the shinobi as well as anyone interested in this exciting period of Japanese history and espionage.