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 - Save your cash for trainingThis book will be absolutely USELESS to most, and UNNECESSARY for the rest. Indeed the kata of several schools of the Bujinkan are listed, but the lists are strictly verbal, no photos to help decipher the text. Futhermore, the verbal text is likely meaningless or confusing unless one is already familiar with the kata/lesson being addressed. Regarding the other sections of the book, Hatsumi-sensei tends to write in a rather cryptic way and one will likely have difficulty coaxing much out of the statements unless one is already rather well versed in the context. So, in a nutshell, if one does not already have a strong understanding of the material presented this book will be more of a hinderence than a help. If on the other hand, one is already well versed in the material then one will probably not be looking to a book for answers. And so, unless you are a collector of all things Hatsumi-sensei (the book does have some pretty photos after all), no need to buy this book. Spend your money instead on an extra training session or a daikomyosai video. Rating:  - This book is amazing! You need it.This book is amazing. If you are a member of the Bujinkan or any student of real martial arts, you need this book. You will stare and ponder for hours. Rating: - This is a DenshoA Densho is a japanese scroll detailing the techniques of a ryu (school) of martial arts. As such, this book has a lot of words and pictures but without the knowledge and training to put it all together, it probably won't make any sense to you. Bujinkan members will appreciate this book. Don't expect it to be a how to type of book, it's more of a list of techniques for each of the 9 ryus with a basic description and several pictures and anecdotes from Soke Hatsumi. That said, I love this book, there are so many little things about it that keep me thinking late at night like why did he put a picture by Salvador Dali on page 38. Excellent Book! I bought two copies so I can ruin one reading it over and over and keep one on the shelf. Rating: - A Glimpse at the Magic!If you've ever met Hatsumi Sensei face to face, and even just exchanged a few short words, you can just feel something amazing about the man. This book is a must for anyone's martial arts library. Rating:  - The Importance of Floating in a Shop of CrystalThe anticipation on the various forums for this book has been enormous. A common theme for this anticipation has been the book's capacity as a 'reference manual' for the Bujinkan. Suffice as to say, there is only one reference manual in the Bujinkan and that is Hatsumi-sensei himself. Everything that Hatsumi-sensei says in his books, DVDs and in person goes against the commonly perceived notion of 'reference manuals'. This art, in Hatsumi-sensei's own words, can only be learnt by the heart, directly with a person who has the feeling of Budo. In the Bujinkan, this person is Hatsumi-sensei. In terms of the book itself, despite the efforts of the translators, I feel that large swathes of the English translation fail to capture the beauty of the original Japanese text. The Japanese text included in the book is a work of art and it seems to me that it would take another artist to be able to bring out the sense of Hatsumi-sensei's art. A lot of the text refers to the nature of the individual learning this art and the relationship of such an individual with a master of the art. The photos included in the book, in my opinion, do more to help the reader understand Hatsumi-sensei's teachings than any text ever could. There are some lovely shots of Soke and his teacher Takamatsu-sensei. In terms of budo and art, the spaces inherent in these photos are stunning. On the back cover of this book, there is a quote, "You should not just read the records of Budo and think you have understood it. Budo only has substance in a world of great dignity." If the reader bears this warning in mind, the true value of the book will become evident.
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