Great book
Everyone's been buzzing about Hatsumi sensei's new book, which focuses on ryuha, and it's been worth the wait. Like many other reviewers have posted, it's hardly a training manual, but rather a list of kata. It's a great way of keeping things straight for your personal training notes, but will not be helpful without personal instruction. It's definately meant for someone who's been training ninpo for a while, but don't let that stop you from getting it.

Like the other Kodansha books I've reviewed, fantastic photos and artwork, although some sketchy translations. Overall, a great read.

Save your cash for training
This 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.

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.

This is a Densho
A 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.

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.