True Path of the Ninja: The Definitive Translation of the Shoninki (The Authentic Ninja Training Manual)

This new 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.

True Path of the Ninja is the first authoritative translation in English of the Shoninki-the famous seventeenth century Ninja training manual. 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 Ninja. Whether it’s information about surviving in the wild, advice on intelligence-gathering techniques or methods for creating chaos in the enemy camp, True Path of the Ninja unveils secrets long lost. Along with its practical applications, this book is an important guide to the mental discipline that a Ninja must have to ensure success in accomplishing their mission.

If you’re like me you’ve seen a lot of movies and they hype up ninja history and dilute the reality. This book will help bring your vision back to reality in a guide which gets the imagination flowing. It also has some solid concepts which can be processed and applied to many things including combat and life itself. Read it for the entertainment and interest in history but be open to expanding upon some simple life concepts that the ninja applied to their work. It’s well worth the read if you’re a fan of ninjas and Japanese culture. -Wade McMaster, Martial Arts + Action Movies