Budo is the spiritual way of the martial arts that all practitioners must follow if they are to be true martial artists. In this book, Masaaki Hatsumi explores the very essence of Budo, and demonstrates an array of important techniques relating to this essence, explaining how the concept of Budo transcends any one combat technique and is at the core of all the many martial arts developed in Japan.

The author also reveals secret techniques and the hidden principles of the martial arts, and elucidates the words of his master, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, on Budo and life. Including many photos, works of calligraphy, illustrations, and documents on the martial arts and their role in Japanese culture, The Essence of Budo will resonate with practitioners of all martial traditions including judo, Aikido, karatedo, kendo, kenjutsu, jujutsu, and other fighting sports.

In Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai, world-renowned ninja grandmaster and bestselling author Masaaki Hatsumi explains the fundamentals of various unarmed techniques unique to the Japanese martial arts. Known as budo taijutsu, these specialized moves allow the practitioner to evade and receive an attack even from an opponent wielding a sword. Hatsumi covers such topics as Kihon Happo (Eight Basic Movements), Kosshijutsu (Attacks Against Muscles), Koppojutsu (Attacks Against Bones), Jutaijutsu (Flexible Body Arts), Daken Taijutsu (Fist Punching and Striking), Ninpo Taijutsu (Bodily Arts of the Ninja), discussing and demonstrating the many techniques which will enable the fighter to punch, kick and finally lock or control the body of his adversary.

As Hatsumi tells us, the techniques have been secretly passed down from the masters to their students for more than a century, and have become the foundations for a range of other martial arts including judo, karate and aikido. This book will thus enhance the reader’s understanding of the roots of these various disciplines as well as provide fascinating insights into the spirit of the way of the warrior and the martial arts. Includes over 300 step-by-step photos and rare drawings.

The ninja were the true embodiment of budo, the warrior spirit. Rather than using techniques of assassination to protect themselves, ninja relied on their senses, and on an acute awareness of their natural surroundings, In fact, ninja avoided unnecessary conflict, and used weapons such as knives and swords only as a last resort. These are the true techniques of ninjutsu, and the art in which the ninja unrelentingly trained.

In The Complete Ninja: The Secret World Revealed, Masaaki Hatsumi, the world’s most renowned ninja grandmaster and top budo master, creates a companion volume to his bestselling The Way of the Ninja. Like the earlier work, The Complete Ninja features hundreds of historical illustrations, documents, and photos (including many of the author demonstrating techniques) to explore the essence and wisdom of ninjutsu and reveal its hidden truths.

The Complete Ninja will help readers sharpen their perceptions and deepen their understanding of two core principles: that ninjutsu is the very backbone of the martial arts, and that it clarifies their essential spiritual significance. Since budo transcends any one particular martial tradition, all practitioners, whether they study judo, aikido, karate, kendo, kenjutsu, jujutsu, or other combative sports, will find the book fascinating and enlightening.