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The Grandmaster's Book of Ninja Training is a translated dialogue between Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and some of his senior non-Japanese students. Ninjutsu was for a majority of its history taught in secret. This resulted in many misunderstandings of the essence of the art as it came into the light of modern times.

The purpose of the Grandmaster's Book of Ninja Training is to dispel some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings that have attached themselves to the ancient art of Ninpo / Ninjutsu.

We read of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi's ideas on grading and rank within ninjutsu, and his thoughts on the idea of learning from books and videos. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi recommends watching his videos and reading his books, but also explains the importance of finding an instructor capable of transmitting the feeling and spirit of the art of ninjutsu.

The dialogue between Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and his students covers many topics. For example Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi speaks to the relationship and role of religions such as Zen, Shugendo, and Mikkyo as they relate to Ninpo / Ninjutsu.

We also read secrets revealed in epigrams, such as Hell gapes beneath the upraised sword... Step In! Heaven is your reward.

We are presented with ideas on the conduct of the practitioner of the art. The true ninja remains ordinary at all times. His skills are not for show or for talk, but for use only at moments when there is a need for defense. He works from balance and therefore strength.

The Grandmaster's Book of Ninja Training is quite short in its number of pages - only about 100, but contains a great deal of insight from the Master of Ninjutsu. This book does not teach the reader physical techniques, rather it gives the reader a glimpse of the essence of Ninpo / Ninjutsu as practiced by the leading practitioner of the art today.

This book spends much of the time with an interview of the Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. There are a few snap shots of some ninjustu training, but nothing worth talking about. I would only recommend this book to add to your already existing collection of ninja books and not be the only one. If you are into obtaining knowledge of ninjustu I would buy Stephen Hayes books on the subject over Hatsumis'. With Hatsumis books you will get history and tradition of the art, but with Hayes books you will get that plus much of the actual applications of the training and techniques.

This book is not a physical instruction manual on the art of Ninjutsu--nor is it fiction. It IS an enjoyable journey into Bujinkan Taijutsu/Ninpo, conducted Japanese students, Doron Navon of Israel, and Charles Daniels and Jack Hoban of the United States. This 100 page book is composed of three chapters. The first is in interview between Doron Navon and Hatsumi, the second between Jack Hoban and Hatsumi, and the third between Charles Daniels and Hatsumi. The value of these interviews lies in the fact that these three men in their experience ask questions most of us won't think about for another 10 years or so...and Grandmaster Hatsumi answers them! Includes pictures of Navon, Hoban, and Daniels as well an scarce pictures of Hatsumi with his ninpo teacher, Takamatsu Sensei.

If you are looking for the essence of ninjutsu as a martial art, this is one of a handful of books which can offer some real insight to what the art is and what it means. Hatsumi discusses subjects which aren't covered in any other books, such as the skill of Akimoto, another student of his teacher, Takematsu (page 54-55). He clarifies many points, including the art he is teaching, saying: "I am, of course, teaching ninjutsu, but...the grades that are awarded all over the world are grades only in ninpo taijutsu". (page 71)

This volume is an excellent companion to the volume authored by Hatsumi and his senior American student, Stephen Hayes which has recently been reprinted, "Ninja Secrets from the Grandmaster", which is also written in an interview format between teacher and student. If you're seeking to grasp what Bujinkan ninpo (taijutsu) is, books by Masaaki Hatsumi and Stephen Hayes are the most direct.