Title: Ninja Fighting Techniques
Author: Stephen K. Hayes
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Publish Date: 03/24/2020
Format: Hardback, Jacketed
Pages: 160
Cover Price: $16.99
Content
The subtitle under Stephen K. Hayes’ latest book Ninja Fighting Techniques couldn’t have summed up the entirety of its contents in words more precise: “A modern master’s approach to self-defense and avoiding conflict”.
Simply said, this is a book dedicated to understanding yourself and, by that introspective glimpse, understanding those around you. This is to know the conflicting and complimentary aspects of who you are so that you can better communicate with those around you. These tips apply whether you perceive the person in front of you as your enemy or your ally.
Ninja Fighting Techniques segments into three pieces. The first segment gives you a brief overview of what to expect as you delve deeper into the book. The two chapters that compose it give readers a glimpse into the principles the book founds itself on: being a positive warrior who can protect that which is truly important, the Japanese view on the Classical Elements and their connected differences, and the many ugly faces violence and aggression can take.
The second segment contains chapters for each of the five elements in Japanese philosophy as well as their corresponding tactics. The five classical elements in Japan, known as the Godai, are recognized as Earth (地 Chi), Water (水 Sui), Fire (火 Ka), Wind (風 Fu), and Void (空 Ku).
Author Stephen K. Hayes takes each of these elements and puts them on full display for the reader. The elements show in emotions, tactics and interactions, attitudes, and even postures and movements. The applications of the Godai extend from daily living to a life-or-death struggle.
The third segment is dedicated to the overall protection against violence and human ugliness. While the preceding segments focused on cultivating the ninja mentality and how to utilize it best, the final segment focuses on how to maintain and keep that noble spirit alive.
This is a book on how to live a better, healthier, and safer life by following the principles of Japanese philosophy and ninja ideas.
Pros
Regardless of your martial art background or stylistic preference, you will likely be able to connect to the themes presented. The predominant theme of the book is conflict resolution, be it physical or non-physical (verbal, emotional, spiritual, etc.). The methods presented to handle this conflict are the Five Elements as viewed through the lens of Japanese philosophy. Let’s take a second to backtrack and show why this is a major plus.
Each culture has a representation of the Godai (albeit with some varying cultural flavors mingled in).
Study an Indian martial art such as Kalaripayattu or Silambam and you may recognize these principles as they were integrated into the culture and movements.
Study a Chinese style such as Xing Yi or Hung Gar and you will often hear of Wu Xing, two words/characters that can be interpreted into Five Animals, Five Phases, or Five Elements.
Even ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle wrote of thoughts on Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Aether/Void.
It is only natural for cultures to borrow and adapt from those around them. Look deeply into what you do and what you study and you will likely find a correlation between you and another. Meditate deeply on this.
The fact that this is a major theme within Ninja Fighting Techniques makes the book much more universal and easily adaptable than most. These ideas are already integrated in some way within the system you practice and Hayes is simply showing you where they may be.
When the book delves into defending against a physical assault, numerous images aid in communicating the proper movements. In a review of one of Stephen Hayes’ previous books, I mentioned that the explanations contained occasionally repetitive info that didn’t need to be repeated. This book, however, has markedly improved explanations, providing clarity without unnecessary repetition.
Author Stephen K. Hayes’ uses very heroic language in his writing, explaining concepts boldly and matching them with everyday examples. You can sense a strong sense of justice and purpose in his words, as if rallying troops for a war against violence.
Cons
This is more of a precaution than a negative—prepare for multiple readings. The explanation of the presented ideas can seem deep and heavy upon a first read, however, slow down. You gain depth in knowledge when you take your time and truly devour what he is communicating. Savor each carefully crafted word and mediate on their intentions.
The less-than-two-hundred page read can be finished in a span of days, however, it takes much longer to gather its true depth. Read the book, live your life, then come back and read it again, this time with a ninja mindset.
Conclusion
Author Stephen K. Hayes isn’t your typical ninja.
His newest book, Ninja Fighting Techniques, obliterates the stereotype of a black-clad ninja assassin by presenting a different interpretation: a duty-bound righteous warrior protecting life and health at all times possible.
The book delves into concepts that can be identified and adapted to everything from daily interactions and training in other martial art systems.
In the past, Miyamoto Musashi wrote the classical samurai text that impacted many everyday lives, Book of Five Rings. In this modern age where conflict and violence has evolved, may Stephen K. Hayes’ Ninja Fighting Techniques become the ninja guide to a better life.
5 out of 5 Ninja Stars!
Stephen K. Hayes showcases the ninja in a different light. When you think of the legendary ninja, what ideas pop into your mind? Let us know in the comments below!
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