Koga Ryu Ninjutsu

The legend of the ninja and their almost mystical skills has been popularized and distorted over the years to the point that it's difficult to separate the facts from the fantasy. In this eye-opening book, author William Durbin fully explains the origins of ninjutsu – how Buddhist monks and rural samurai developed the art of stealth for use in guerrilla warfare and espionage – and shows how the ancient techniques of the lesser-known Koga ryu branch of ninjutsu have survived to this day.

This book is unique in that it explains the interrelation of nimpo, kempo and ninjutsu; reveals the importance of the often overlooked but vital art of karumijutsu; and, for the first time in a book published in English, provides an in-depth look at the bone-breaking art of koppo. It also describes the all-important strategy aspects of ninjutsu in a way that is easily accessible to the modern martial artist.

Durbin clearly demonstrates how the stealth arts provide classical forms of training and excellent combat skills for those who want to learn a full range of traditional fighting techniques. This book is a valuable addition to the library of anyone with an interest in the history and techniques of Japan's most misunderstood martial art.