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The Mystic Arts of the Ninja by Stephen Hayes

Ninja . . . that single word conjures up images of mystery and power. The ability to move swiftly and silently, to mesmerize one's victim, to strike infallibly, and then to disappear into the night--this is the legend of the ninja. These nearly sorcerous aspects of the ninja, as well as the exotic weapons they use, are the focus of The Mystic Arts of the Ninja. Its author, Shidoshi Stephen K. Hayes, is the sole American to be granted teaching credentials by the 34th grandmaster of the Togokure School of Ninjutsu in Japan. Going beyond the basic conditioning and training techniques of his best-selling Ninjutsu: The Art of the Invisible Warrior, Hayes explains the most sought after secrets of his ninja training:
  • Hypnotism: Saiminjutsu, the ninja's hypnotic powers are described and explained. Sample exercises are provided to help develop your hypnotic powers.
  • Invisibility: Stealth walking and camouflage are discussed. Hayes provides examples of how to move silently across various kinds of terrain and how to blend into your surroundings to become invisible.
  • Weaponry: The Hanbo cane, the sword, and the infamous shuriken throwing stars are ninja trademarks. Hayes fully describes their use in grappling as well as in attacking.
More than 400 black-and-white photos are used to illustrate the secrets and techniques that have been used by the ninja to surprise and outwit their foes over the past 800 years. The authenticity of Shidoshi Hayes's instruction is perhaps the most important aspect of this book: no other book represents the true ninja tradition.
 
PDF | 162 pages | 29.2 Mb | English
  

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The Art of Aikido by Kisshomaru Ueshiba

Principles and Essential Techniques

Aikido is a modern Budo founded by Morihei Ueshiba after he had mastered many traditional Japanese martial arts and engaged in profound spiritual training. Morihei maintained, "In true Budo, there is no enemy. True Budo is the function of love. A martial art solely concerned with winning and losing is not true Budo. Victory is to thoroughly rid the mind of contention and conflict within ourselves."
This book was composed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Morihei’s son and successor as the Second Aikido Doshu (the person who embodies the spirit of Aikido as inherited from the founder and is its living symbol). Morihei himself taught Aikido in archaic, esoteric language, and limited his instruction to a select few. In order to introduce Aikido to the rest of the world, his son simplified its philosophy and arranged the techniques so that it would be possible for any serious trainee to practice this martial art. Aikido is now practiced in eighty-five foreign countries—a testament to Kisshomaru's achievement. The Aikido ideal of "refining one’s mind and body to foster a spirit of harmony" has obviously struck a common chord among the peoples of the world.
This book is a compilation of Kisshomaru’s writings on Aikido. It will provide the reader with deep insight into both the spiritual and technical dimensions of Aikido, and explain its central features—ki energy, breathing methods, posture, among others. The book is detailed with many dynamic photos, depicting the author, and his son Moriteru (present Doshu, and the author of The Aikido Master Course), carrying out the techniques. It is a work that all Aikido practitioners, from beginner to master, will want to acquire.

 English | 178 Pages | PDF | 8.69 Mb

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