True Path of the Ninja is the first authoritative translation in
English of the Shoninki--the famous 17th-century ninjutsu manual.
Authors Antony Cummins and Yoshie Minami worked closely with Dr.
Nakashima Atsumi, author of the most comprehensive modern Japanese
version of the Shoninki, thus making this English translation the
closest to the original scrolls. The information and insights found in
this translation are invaluable for understanding the skills, techniques
and mentality of the historical shinobi. Whether it involved tips for
surviving in the wild, advice on intelligence-gathering techniques, or
methods for creating chaos in the enemy camp, this ninja book unveils
secrets long lost. Along with its practical applications, this book is
an important guide to the mental discipline that ninjas must have to
ensure success in accomplishing their mission.
True Path of the Ninja covers the following topics:
- What a ninja is and what equipment he needs
- The skills of infiltration and information gathering
- How to disrupt and distract the enemy
- How to be mentally prepared to carry out ninja missions
In addition to the translation of the Shoninki, this book also
includes the first written record of the oral tradition "Defense Against
a Ninja" taught by Otake Risuke, the revered sensei of the legendary
Katori Shinto Ryu school of swordsmanship. Sensei reveals for the first
time these ancient and traditional teachings on how the samurai can
protect himself from the cunning wiles of a ninja.
About this new edition:
This second edition contains a new introduction by the translator and
has been thoroughly updated to reflect developments that shed new light
on the original Japanese text.
