Becoming a Ninja Warrior: A Quest to Recover the Secret Legacy of Japan's Most Secret Warriors

by Martin Faulks

The popular modern archetype of the Ninja is a martial arts master in a black suit that uses silent cunning and exotic weapons to assassinate his opponents. But this image comes from films, cartoons, comic books and novels. The Ninja is completely misunderstood in Western society. Join the amazing journey as one man travels the globe in search of the secret art of the Ninja. Discover the mystical trials of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water used by great Ninjutsu masters to teach their students the secrets of the elements. If one man can really walk through flames and over hot coals, face deadly mountain drops without fear, overcome pain to resist the freezing waterfall beating down upon him and face his darkest fears in terrible solitude, maybe then he may earn the title of Ninja! More than just an adventure book, this book teaches you all the skills you need to be a Ninja yourself.

Genres: Martial Arts

192 pages, Hardcover

First published July 10, 2010

Reviews

[Shadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of one Englishman's quest to become superhuman by training as a modern-day ninja. The author trains with thieves, mystics, mountain monks and martial arts warriors around the world, rather like a real-life Bruce Wayne. Faulks' dedication to his path is impressive, as is his appreciation for the esoteric side of his quest.

Faulks describes the Ninja as part thief, part mystic and part warrior. This is reflected in his training under various masters: with the "Norfolk Ninjas" -- two amoral characters who teach him the dark arts of stealth, lockpicking, and infiltration; with Stephen Hayes and his more spiritual approach to Ninjutsu; in Japan under Bujinkan Grand Master Hatsumi and other Japanese martial arts masters; and with the "Yamabushi" mountain monks of Japan.

I enjoyed this book, but Faulks is still no ninja. To experience the essence of the art, he would need to go into a warzone, train with special forces, infiltrate dangerous places and the like. Still, an excellent read for anyone interested in this topic.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a martial journey. Certainly worth reading, even if you think Mr Faulks is a bit of a loon! He is very candid about his experiences on his "ninja quest", and this gives an interesting and very revealing perspective on the art.