Ninja Traditions: Hattori Hanzo's Shinobi Hiden and Other Scrolls

This illuminating study of martial arts techniques, philosophies, and lifestyles demystifies one of the most misunderstood figures in Japanese history—the ninja. The Secret Traditions of the Shinobi, a landmark collection of shinobi texts featuring 70 illustrations and 100 poems representing some of the oldest ninjutsu writings in the world, answers many questions about the historical shinobi, his tactics, and his role in medieval Japanese society.

Translated into English for the very first time, this widely sought-after collection of historical documents brings to light the secret practices, techniques, philosophies, and lifestyles of the shinobi. Included are the Shinobi Hiden, or "Secret Ninja Tradition", a documentation of techniques commonly attributed to one of the best-known ninja masters, Hattori Hanzo; the Koka Ryu Ninjutsu Densho, a small but important work from the Edo period that reveals the realm of ninja magic and spells; and the three shinobi scrolls of the Gunpo Jiyoshu, a manual enthusiastically promoted by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun of Japan.

Additionally, the collection features 100 poems written between the 12th and 15th centuries, making them the oldest collection of written ninjutsu information in the world, as well as 70 historical black-and-white illustrations depicting ninja tools and weapons.

The shinobi, or ninja, is one of the most widely recognized figures in the world of espionage—and also one of the most misrepresented. This study seeks to demystify the ninja, shedding light on his true nature, skills, and role in medieval Japanese society.

The Secret Traditions of the Shinobi 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. Through this comprehensive collection of historical documents and illustrations, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the ninja, his practices, and his place in the larger context of Japanese culture and warfare.

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