History

**Medelwr** · 02-19-2009, 22:58

Hi, brand new to this forum and also new to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a reputable author who has written books on the history of the shinobi and background on the "dead" ryu-ha like Koga Ryu (I understand that the last Soke of Koga Ryu died along with his main students in a car accident).

Along with any history books, which authors on taijutsu are believable and which aren't (not really after an author bashing thread but I wouldn't mind knowing why they are and aren't favored).

Thank you.

**Gerard** · 02-20-2009, 14:49

If you can wait until December you can get "The Ninja" from Tuttle books by Dr. Kacem Zoughari who is considered to be an authority on the subject.

Should be worth the wait.

Gerard

**Don Roley** · 02-20-2009, 18:50

Originally Posted by Medelwr

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a reputable author who has written books on the history of the shinobi and background on the "dead" ryu-ha like Koga Ryu (I understand that the last Soke of Koga Ryu died along with his main students in a car accident).

I have a book out on ninjutsu history, but it is geared for kids. However, I do have an article on Koga ryu history on line.

http://www.muzosa.com/articles/46-history

If you want to know about the Koga, you should start there since it is free.

And the last grandmaster did not die in a car accident. He died due to liver damage- 'cause he drank a lot. There is a book out on him by Phillip Hevener. You can find it on Amazon, or ask your local bookseller to order it. I have it and say that it is informative.

**Medelwr** · 02-20-2009, 21:20

Oh, thanks. I guess I got my facts wrong, I read somewhere that it was a car accident. Sorry for the false info.

**Don Roley** · 02-21-2009, 01:00

Originally Posted by Medelwr

Oh, thanks. I guess I got my facts wrong, I read somewhere that it was a car accident. Sorry for the false info.

Actually, that is what is commonly said about him on the internet.

You might note that in my article, I mentioned that he died "suddenly". That is a relative term. When I wrote it, I meant it to mean that since he did not have anyone training in Koga ryu when he found out how sick he was, he lacked the time to find and train them before he died. Since then I have found at least two folks that have contacted me to say that that they were indeed students (or students of students) who were suddenly cut off by his death in the crash- hence no documentation. Of course, I knew they were lying and did not waste my time with them.

Since then, the fact that he died due to liver trouble has been made public. So if I were to rewrite the article today I would go ahead and make things clear.

So don't feel bad about not knowing. It is a common misconception.

**Medelwr** · 02-21-2009, 12:08

I just came across this book at amazon:

A Story of Life, Fate, and Finding the Lost Art of Koka Ninjutsu in Japan.

I read the description and it basically sounds like they discredit any ninjutsu other then what this Banke Shinobinoden clan teaches. Is this even credible? There is no mention of a Masaaki Hatsumi or heads of the Jinekan or Genbukan.

It says that there are still two living ninjutsu masters: a Yasushi Kiyomoto and a Jinichi Kawakami.

This book doesn't really sound like it has any real substance other than a lot of garbage. Am I just barking at nothing or am I just not knowledgable enough about this subject to be judging?

**EWBell** · 02-21-2009, 12:53

Not even close to being credible. Jinichi Kawakami, there's a red flag right there.

**Medelwr** · 02-21-2009, 12:56

Awesome, thanks. Who is this Jinichi Kawakami? Just want to know why he's a red flag. Is he a big fraud?

**Don Roley** · 02-21-2009, 18:18

Originally Posted by Medelwr

Who is this Jinichi Kawakami? Just want to know why he's a red flag. Is he a big fraud?

You might want to read This blog on spotting frauds.

The main point is that if you are responsible for proving claims that happened to you. You may not know anything about your teacher's teacher, but you should be able to prove you yourself had a teacher. The higher ranked you are, the more this is true.

So if someone in modern day Japan (which has damn good records and keeps good tabs on people) claims to have been made a soke of a historical art and then refuses to even prove the teacher that he claims entrusted him with the art ever existed, you get some pretty big red flags.

**EWBell** · 02-21-2009, 18:38

I enjoyed reading your blog Mr. Roley. You have some excellent points in your writing.

**Don Roley** · 02-21-2009, 18:54

Originally Posted by EWBell

I enjoyed reading your blog Mr. Roley. You have some excellent points in your writing.

Thank you for your kind words.

I think the points in it should be listened to especially when dealing with ninjutsu. Anyone who claims to be teaching an art that won't provide proof of having a teacher should be avoided. I think we get that more in ninjutsu than any other art. People just tend to buy the whole "I can't tell you because it is secret" excuse when dealing with an art known for its secrecy.

The thing is, if you can find it on the internet or the phone book, its no longer a secret! And while there might have been reasons to keep your status as an active ninja a secret back in the 17th century, there is no need for a student of the art in the 21st to do so.

Sorry, minor rant.

**Threeboy** · 02-21-2009, 19:20

Originally Posted by Medelwr

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a reputable author who has written books on the history of the shinobi and background on the "dead" ryu-ha like Koga Ryu (I understand that the last Soke of Koga Ryu died along with his main students in a car accident).

Originally Posted by Gerard

If you can wait until December you can get "The Ninja" from Tuttle books by Dr. Kacem Zoughari who is considered to be an authority on the subject.

Dr. Kacem Zoughari will be in Vancouver in May 2009