Books are a source of knowledge, ideas and inspiration for any modern warrior. So, when it comes down to this year, how many books have you actually read?

Not many? How about listening to someone else read books to you?

How do two FREE audiobooks sound?

Here’s a list of 24 books for modern warriors — people into martial arts, parkour, obstacle course racing, fitness, and body language psychology. Pick two for free and listen to them while driving, before bed or while at work.

Two Audio Books for FREE? What’s the Catch?

For a limited time, Amazon’s Audible is giving away two audiobooks for free.

You simply need to sign up for Audible’s 30-day FREE trial.

If that doesn’t work, click on “Claim this Audible book for FREE!” for your selected books below. It works for me.

That is all.

Within 30 days, if you think that audiobooks are not for you, cancel the free trial.

Also, there is no pressure to pick two books in one go. Get one first and pick the second one for free at a later date.

So, here are 24 different books for you. 

About the Ninja

The Bansenshukai – The Book of Ninja (Translated)

Unleash the power of the legendary ninja with “The Bansenshukai.” This historical text from the 1600s is the ultimate exploration into the art of the ninja, now available as an audiobook for the first time. Immerse yourself in the rich history of these legendary warriors and discover ancient wisdom and techniques, gathered by Fujibayashi back in 1676.

This book has been translated into English.

Narration length: 9 hours and 17 minutes.

About Samurai & Bushido – For Martial Artists

Intrigued by books that were written by actual samurai and ancient scholars in Japan? Here are three that will open your eyes – or ears – to the way of the samurai.

The Book of Five Rings (by Miyamoto Musashi)

The Book of Five Rings was written by Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), who was a legendary swordsman and samurai in Japan. His book has been regarded as on par with Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. It talks about various ways to defeat an opponent on the battlefield and records his thoughts on swordplay and spirituality.

The book has been translated into English.

Narration length: 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai (by Yamamoto Tsunetomo)

Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai was also written by a samurai – Yamamoto Tsunetomo – but in the 18th century. The book’s central theme is about living and dying courageously. And it gives an insight into the mind of a samurai warrior and his bushido code.

The book has been translated into English.

Narration length: 5 hours and 7 minutes.

Training the Samurai Mind: A Bushido Sourcebook

Training the Samurai Mind: A Bushido Sourcebook gives an inside look into the samurai’s world.

Through translated texts on bushido from warriors and scholars between the 15th and 19th century, the book reveals the standards, martial training and strategy of the samurai. It also discusses the role of Eastern religions in influencing samurai ideals.

Narration length: 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Martial Arts Icons & Founders – For Martial Artists

Looking for some martial arts philosophy and inspiration? These audible books, when read to you, will make an impact.

The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee to Better Understand the World around You and Achieve a Rewarding Life (by John Little)

John Little is uniquely placed to talk about Bruce Lee because he was the only person to be allowed access to all of Lee’s notes and diagrams after his death. This book talks about how Bruce Lee lived his life and shows you how to live by his philosophy.

Narration length: 7 hours and 7 minutes.

The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido (by Morihei Ueshiba)

The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido was written by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. In a time that Japan was growing militaristic, O-sensei was a pacifist.

This book talks about the nonviolent means of resolving conflicts. Aside from martial training, the philosophy is equally applicable to relationships and society.

Narration length: 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Autumn Lightning: The Education of an American Samurai (by Dave Lowry)

A coming-of-age story (autobiography) that captures the wonder of martial arts that every practising martial artist once had. Dave Lowry began his martial arts journey in 1968 by studying Yagyū Shinkage-ryū kenjutsu in Japan. And there is no doubt, that his experiences as an apprentice of the samurai arts prompted the reflections contained within.

Narration length: 6 hours and 32 minutes.

Parkour & Obstacle Courses – For Ninja Fitness

Love to move through obstacles like a ninja?

Parkour: The Complete Guide to Parkour and Freerunning for Beginners (by Jason Jones)

This book introduces beginners to parkour and its history. It also distinguishes the discipline of free running from parkour. Included within are techniques for safety, landing, jumps, vaults and conditioning. Since this is an audiobook, it might be more useful for people who learn better with audio aid.

Narration length: 1 hour and 6 minutes.

The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance (by Steven Kotler)

Not strictly a parkour book, but an exploration of ultimate human performance through extreme athletes – adventure sports, big mountain snowboarders and more. It discusses the science and art of “flow”, an optimal state of consciousness when people perform their best. And this, is no doubt, something that many traceurs in parkour and free running have experienced first-hand.

I’d argue that even martial artists who spar would be interested in what Steven Kotler has to say about this mysterious effect.

Narration length: 9 hours and 23 minutes.

Spartan Fit!: 30 Days. Transform Your Mind. Transform Your Body. Commit to Grit. (by Joe DeSena)

Spartan Fit! is a book by Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan Race. His book includes the following:

• A 30-day workout and diet plan to prepare for the Spartan Sprint
• Full-body callisthenics workouts (no equipment needed)

This training guide will talk about how to build your body on one race to next. Like the previous book, he includes inspiring stories of Spartan Race participants.

Narration length: 8 hours and 53 minutes.

Endurance & Mindfulness – For Fitness Enthusiasts

Primal Endurance: Escape Chronic Cardio and Carbohydrate Dependency, and Become a Fat-Burning Beast! (by Mark Sisson)

Primal Endurance is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventions of endurance training, for which the approach is too stressful and ineffective. Mark Sisson talks also about how cardio, which is the common means of endurance training, causes the body to be dependent on carbohydrates. What’s proposed is how one can increase fat metabolism through a holistic approach to exercise (high-intensity training) and eating.

Narration length: 12 hours and 8 minutes.

Meditative Fitness: The Art and Practice of the Workout (by Clark Hamilton Depue)

This book combines fitness and meditation, and shows how meditative fitness practice benefits you in terms of positivity and enlightenment. It talks about breaking barriers and elevating your performance. The author, Clark Hamilton Depue, also tells his personal story of how this practice transformed his life.

Narration length: 8 hours and 53 minutes.

Sleep & Attitude – For General Wellness

Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success (by Shawn Stevenson)

Sleep is often the most neglected of our basic needs. It helps the body with regeneration, productivity, and well-being (avoiding the onset of depression).

That’s what Shawn Stevenson learnt only after a degenerative bone disease robbed him of his dreams of being a pro athlete. He managed to recover with proper sleep and nutrition.

His insights will no doubt change the minds of chronic sleep-deprived zombies. And his 14-Day sleep makeover provides actionable steps to make it happen.

Narration length: 6 hours and 36 minutes.

Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet (by Jesse Itzler)

Never one to be satisfied with the status quo, Jesse Itzler has a history of being bold and crazy. This time around he is crazy enough to live with a Navy SEAL for 31 days. He wanted to be pushed out of his comfort zone, and he was indeed. This book hilariously demonstrates the importance of challenging one’s comfort zone.

Narration length: 5 hours and 18 minutes.

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living (by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman)

Ancient Stoics from Greece have inspired many of the greatest minds today. And their philosophy holds the key to living a better existence. This book offers daily Stoic insights and exercises that will help you find peace, knowledge and foster perseverance in life.

Narration length: 10 hours and 9 minutes.

For Survivalists & Preppers

100 Deadly Skills: Survival Edition: The SEAL Operative’s Guide to Surviving in the Wild and Being Prepared for Any Disaster (by Clint Emerson)

This is an essential guide for modern-day survival in both the wild and disaster. Written by a retired Navy SEAL, this book contains 100 skills relevant to civilians. It contains critical life-saving knowledge to help you stay safe in an emergency.

Narration length: 4 hours and 47 minutes.

SHTF Prepping: 100+ Amazing Tips, Tricks, Hacks & DIY Prepper Projects, Along with 77 Items You Need in Your STHF Stockpile Now! (by Kevin Moore)

When shit hits the fan, would you know what to do?

This book reveals the skills you need to master and the tools to keep on you always. It goes into detail on basic food and water survival, creating a bug-out bag, numerous tips and tricks to prepare your family for disaster and even contains an urban guide to prepping.

Narration length: 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Reading People for Suspicion & Deception – For Body Language Enthusiasts

Find Out Anything from Anyone, Anytime: Secrets of Calculated Questioning from a Veteran Interrogator (by James Pyle & Maryann Karinch)

Rather than an audiobook on lie detection, this helps you develop the skill of asking the right questions. From there, you learn to distil fact from gossip.

The takeaway here is that conversation is far more effective as an interrogation method than aggressive questioning.

Narration length: 4 hours and 22 minutes.

What Every BODY Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People (by Joe Navarro)

This body language audiobook teaches you how to identify suspicious and dangerous behaviour. It also goes into detail about how to establish trust and authority.

If you only take away one thing from this book, it is that the face is the least reliable indicator of honesty.

Narration length: 7 hours and 24 minutes.

Spy the Lie: Former CIA Officers Teach You How to Detect Deception (by Philip Houston, Michael Floyd & Susan Carnicero, with Don Tennant)

This book is written by three former CIA officers, whose experience includes interviewing CIA assets and employees. Within, they share the previously secret method of asking questions that will encourage people to tell the truth.

Ordinary applications for this knowledge include hiring a new employee, dating someone new or speaking to your child about drugs.

Narration length: 4 hours and 52 minutes.

Leadership, Charisma & Influence

The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over (by Jack Schafer, with Marvin Karlins)

This book is not only about reading people, but it discusses how you can influence how others perceive you. Ultimately, the goal is to turn strangers into friends.

Written by a former FBI agent who specialised in behavioural analysis and recruiting spies, learns various techniques to take control of your communication and relationships with others.

Narration length: 7 hours and 40 minutes.

The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help – or Hurt – How You Lead (by Carol Kinsey Goman)

The Silent Language of Leaders is a guide to using body language for leadership. Inside, Carol Kinsey Goman talks about personal space, posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact. And it emphasises how these factors can be used to motivate, inspire and lead others.

Narration length: 6 hours.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (by Robert B. Cialdini)

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion goes into the art and science of persuasion, and gives specific examples. Through evidence-based rigorous research, Dr Robert B. Cialdini talks about what motivates people to change their behaviour.

Learn his six principles to become a skilled persuader. AND guard yourself against the very same tactics!

Narration length: 10 hours and 6 minutes.

How to Win Friends & Influence People (by Dale Carnegie)

Yet another classic, How to Win Friends & Influence People has been published for half a century and updated. Many famous people have used it to achieve great success in their personal lives and careers.

Here is what it covers:

• Basic techniques to handle people
• Ways to be likeable
• Ways to persuade people to your perspective
• How to change people (without arousing resentment)

Narration length: 7 hours and 19 minutes.

Concluding Thoughts

So, having “someone” read to you two books this holiday season sounds awesome. I’m just going to kick back on my couch lazily and listen.

You should consider doing so too. Claim your Audible books above.

The post 24 Audiobooks for Modern Ninja & Samurai (for FREE!) appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

The term ‘functional training’ has been thrown around lately in the fitness community. This is a contrast from 10 years ago when bodybuilding was still an obsession.

The reason for this shift is, perhaps, due to the rising popularity of Ninja Warrior, Spartan Race and CrossFit. Parkour and stunt videos going viral could also play a part in this trend.

This means that people are now training for other reasons than “to look good naked”.

They want impressive yet functional athletic skills. And to function better in everyday life.

The Problem with Fitness for Aesthetics

Although there’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance, you shouldn’t make aesthetics your sole purpose of training.

What do you think happens after you get your ideal body?

Two things. You maintain your physique. Or seek even more.

Maintain Physique

Most people get bored with simply maintaining their physique. So, they lose the drive and eventually stop.

It’s hard to train when there is no visible reward for training.

Seek More

As for people who want more (and are too afraid to lose their physique) – they risk getting body-image issues.

When you relentlessly pursue the perfect body, be it to look bigger or thinner, you are bound to damage your self-esteem.

Functional Training vs Aesthetics?

To conclude, training for function is more rewarding than simply training to look good.

Don’t worry. You’ll still look good with functional training. The only difference is your focus on what matters more.

What is Functional Fitness Training?

Functional fitness is all about training your body to perform common daily tasks better. It’s about being fit for your daily life.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…

What if my daily life involves only work with no time for exercise?

What if the most strenuous thing I do is to lift my laptop? Does that mean I’m already functionally fit?

Yes… You are fit enough for a sedentary life.

But, if you are truly happy with such a life, you wouldn’t be a reader of Way Of Ninja!

Read on…

Functional Fitness and Modern Ninja Training

Chances are, you already have a vision of how you want your modern ninja life to be.

Train towards that vision! After all, functional fitness should cater to your needs, purpose and vision.

Way Of Ninja is all about training in skills that are inspired by the ninja. These physical skills include obstacle traversing and self-defense.

Here are activities that trains you in those ninja skills.

Where Do You Begin? – Calisthenics Training

So, how do you ideally start training for those skills?

What gives you an ideal head start for parkour, obstacle course racing and martial arts?

Answer: Calisthenics training, also known as bodyweight training.

What is Calisthenics?

First off, what exactly is calisthenics?

In simple terms, calisthenics is a variety of physical exercises performed with no added weight or resistance. The resistance comes from your own bodyweight.

This means no additional equipment is used, except bars (pull up bars). This is why it’s also known as bodyweight training.

Calisthenics training however, is far from a new concept. It has been performed for literally thousands of years. Between 400 and 600 B.C, Spartan warriors would train using bodyweight exercises.

Common Calisthenics Exercises

• Push ups
• Dips
• Pull ups
• Burpees
• Sprints
• Lunges
• Squats
• Leg raises
• Crunches

Which is Better – Calisthenics or Weights?

As a reader of Way Of Ninja, you obviously (intend to) train in one of these:

• Parkour/Free running
• Martial arts
• Rock climbing/Bouldering
• Obstacle course races

You need to be able to understand your body mechanics and support your bodyweight effectively for these activities. So, calisthenics training is ideal.

But, how about weight training?

Weight training works your primary muscle group in isolation, and neglects the surrounding muscles. This is true even for compound movements.

Of course, this means quicker results with weight training, if you only want to look good physically. But for functional activities, isolation is a problem.

Training your primary muscles in isolation creates imbalances. When this becomes a habit, you will find it less easy to learn certain moves in martial arts and parkour.

So, even though weights can be used to supplement bodyweight training, I do not think they are necessary in the beginning.

The Body Basic Training Program
(School of Calisthenics)

Master pull-ups, dips, squats, and more. It’s all about movement, strength, and play.

This is one of the stronger video programs by the School of Calisthenics.

Start Training

Why Choose Calisthenics for Modern Ninja Activities?

Here are specific reasons why bodyweight training is better for modern ninja activities.

1 – Strength, Fine Muscle Control & Balance

First, bodyweight training builds strength, balance and fine muscle control. These attributes help you comfortably lift and hold your body in various positions and are useful in:

• Martial Arts
• Parkour
• Obstacle Course Races
• Rock Climbing
• Street Workout

2 – Awareness & Coordination

Second, bodyweight training helps you understand body mechanics. It trains you to engage the correct muscle groups, at the right time. It also trains you to be intuitively aware of your limbs’ position.

This makes you more effective at coordination.

• Parkour – Coordinating wall pass techniques with muscle ups to climb high walls
• Martial arts – Coordinating various muscle groups in an instant to kick or punch effectively
• Rock climbing – Intuitively knowing where each limb is, so that you can move your foot to footholds without looking

3 – Using Muscles as a Group (not isolating to primary muscles)

Third, when you train with your body weight, you learn to use your surrounding muscles, and not just rely on your primary muscle group.

• Rock climbing – Less likely to injure yourself
• Obstacle traversing – Less likely to tire out as you are relying on surrounding muscles

4 – Explosive Power and Strength

Next, calisthenics exercises that trains your fast-twitch muscles will help you develop explosive power.

• Martial arts – To generate powerful kicks and punches
• Parkour – To generate powerful jumps to gain height for wall passes

5 – Grip Strength

Also, grip power is something that can be effectively strengthened with bodyweight training, namely pull ups.

• Martial arts – Better grip to grapple and throw opponents
• Obstacle courses – Extended grip strength when switching to different climbs
• Rock climbing – Stronger grip power to hang on with one arm when needed

6 – Wall of Protective Muscle

Finally, training your muscles as a group, helps build a wall of protective muscle to withstand impact.

• Martial arts – Helps you withstand punches and kicks to the core
• Parkour – Helps you withstand roll impact with bicep

Getting Started with Calisthenics Training

No matter what ninja activity you choose later, bodyweight training is a great way to start. To repeat, it helps you learn quicker by helping you understand your body’s mechanics. And it builds your strength and fine muscle control with no imbalances.

Here are a few useful resources and training programs.

The Body Basic Training Program
(School of Calisthenics)

Master pull-ups, dips, squats, and more. It’s all about movement, strength, and play.

This is my top recommended calisthenics program by the School of Calisthenics.

Start Training

Convict Conditioning
(Ebook)

I have used Convict Conditioning’s training program for my own training. It simplifies bodyweight training into six exercises to target each area of the body.

The many progression levels make it suitable for people of all levels. And the ease of tweaking each session to even as little as 10 minutes, makes it suitable for busy people.

Find out more

Complete Calisthenics
(Book)

This book is an “encyclopedia” of calisthenics training. It discusses warm up, flexibility and mobility drills. It also mentions common injuries from poor training.

Most importantly, it contains a nearly exhaustive list of bodyweight exercises and variations, all of which have photo instructions.

This is a must-have if you want a full understanding of calisthenics.

Find out more

The post How Calisthenics Speeds Up Your Progress in Parkour & More appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

How to be a ninja in real life? You’ve always wanted to move and fight like a ninja. But never thought it was possible because…

What’s more… you’ve even ruled out joining professions that are modern versions of what the ninja did… the army, special forces, and espionage.

What now? How do you still become a modern ninja?

Becoming a Modern Ninja – 3 Guidelines

1. Look beyond old manuals

While historical ninja manuals teach valuable lessons, we need to adapt them. Some techniques are bound only to the feudal period and are obsolete today.

For example, the Shoninki talks about reading a person’s character based on the number of teeth he has.

How practical do you think counting teeth is? Wouldn’t it be better to refer to body language (and behavioural psychology)?

Likewise, when you need to be stealthy in the woods and avoid disturbing wildlife, would you construct a flaming uchitake? Why not use a glow stick instead?

That’s why sticking to historical sources for the sake of tradition isn’t practical. Instead, include sources from modern disciplines to make your way of ninja better!

Note: If your goal is to experiment with ninja techniques as used centuries ago, then go ahead.

2. Keep it lawful, practical and realistic

Sure… sneaking around undetected while using fire (gunpowder) as a distraction might have been the modus operandi of the shinobi. But such skills serve no practical purpose for us regular folk. In fact, they might be a security threat.

Opt for warrior hacks that have uses in your regular life, and can be used against probable threats.

3. Be true to what you want

You don’t have to join a “ninjutsu” school to be a modern ninja. Go ahead and train in a variety of disciplines. Go for what appeals to you.

Be honest. These are some reasons you want to become a modern ninja – and it has much to do with pop culture than history.

You want:

• Skills that seem to surpass human limits. (functional strength; movement agility; ability to fight)
• The confidence and control (to influence the people you talk to)
• To be aware of your surroundings, and know what to do in a threatening situation
• To learn the mysterious techniques and philosophy of the ninja, and be immersed in an exotic secret warrior culture

So, work on the attributes you wish to have.

Become the best ninja version of yourself, and train the mind, body and knowledge.

Have a Mission & Purpose That’s Grounded in Reality

So, how to be a ninja? First, know your mission and purpose.

Modern way of the ninja

Mission: To be your best ninja-self in mindset, physical ability and knowledge.

Purpose: To have confidence and abilities to deal with any situation – regular life and threats.

Examples of situations (from threatening to mundane):

• Know what to do if you get abducted
• Avoid getting scammed when traveling
• “Disappear” when approached by people you dislike
• Interpret behavioural cues during a conversation
• Appear confident during an interview

Sources of knowledge:

• People with expertise, experience and/or knowledge
• Modern tactics and techniques
• Historical tactics and techniques (of samurai, ninja and other warriors)

So, moving on to training in the mind, body and useful hacks for the street-smart modern ninja…

Physical Training (How to Be a Ninja?)

Physical training helps you gain strength, stamina, obstacle movement and self-defense skills.

These skills give you the confidence to handle threats. For example: to escape group confrontations, and defend yourself and others.

Functional Strength, Obstacles & Movement

Traverse obstacles, run, climb and lift heavy objects. Muscular strength is not the priority. Fine-muscle control, endurance and movement technique is.

Examples: Parkour, street workout and rock climbing.

26 Army Fitness Tests from Countries Around the World

How to Overcome 13 Common Obstacles on Race Day? – Obstacle Course Training

4 Proven Ways to Train & Do More Pullups Easily (Training Guide)

How Calisthenics Speeds Up Your Progress in Parkour & More

5 Calisthenics Exercises You Need, To Get Started On Your Own

How do you keep fit when struggling at university? [Training Advice]

Martial Arts and Self-defense

Being able to defend yourself and your loved ones, builds your confidence. Thus, martial art training and de-escalation tactics will be useful to you.

Whatever art you choose, it has to fit your physiology, personality and psychology. For instance, if you have knee problems, avoid martial arts that involve kicking or seiza.

52 Japanese Martial Arts Related to the Historical Ninja

How Long Does It Take to Get a Black Belt (or Truly Master Martial Arts)?

18-Year Old “Samurai” Martial Artist – Jack Sharp [Interview Case Study]

How Long Does it Take to Learn a Martial Art? – Beginner Proficiency

Middle-aged Karate Mom – Joelle White [Case Study Interview]

Japanese Martial Arts Before & After 1868 — “Old Style” vs Modern

Mental Training (How to Be a Ninja?)

Mental ninja training can be broken down into:

• your own mindset and self-development,
• influencing another person (with psychology hacks)

Psychology, behaviour and body language (External)

Understanding another person helps you have better relationships, and influence others. It also enhances your ability to see disguised threatening behaviour.

The key is to read a person’s behaviour and match your response.

For example, in a hostile situation, victims tend to smile as a submissive cue. But this can trigger violence in an attacker; smiling can be mistaken as mocking.

Likewise, understanding a person’s way of thinking can help you turn an enemy into a friend.

How to be a Confident Modern Ninja with Comfort Zone Challenges?

Dealing with Anxiety in Martial Arts and Sports as a Slow Learner (Part 1)

Will Posing like a Superhero Boost Your Confidence? – 2 Minute Hack

Suddenly Blind for Two Minutes and No One Noticed Her Panic

Know-How & Street Smarts (How to Be a Ninja?)

Warrior know-hows are simple tips and tricks for random scenarios (you may encounter). It also covers survival, urban stealth and street smarts.

What Should You Do If Someone Abducts You with a Gun? [Scenario]

Attempted Kidnap with a Gun Scenario [Joan’s Response]

5 Safety Tips for Walking Alone at Night (from Bruce Lee)

Cross-Training

Already experienced in an activity? Awesome!

Try other activities that can complement your current training. This helps you can develop a diverse set of skills.

Of course, there’s no need to master everything. Due to time constraints, commit to one activity. Then, pursue the basics of other activities you’re interested in. If that activity is for you, get in deeper.

For example, if you do bouldering, consider getting basic self-defense skills; if you do Karate, try some beginner Parkour moves.

The idea is to be the best ninja-version of yourself (with consideration to your limits).

Traveling to Train

How does traveling the world to train (and connecting with peers) sound? How does going to the source of your martial art, movement form, or calisthenics group sound?

Everyone ultimately seeks a sense of connection and freedom. Being a ninja adventurer is going to be exciting!

So you want to be a ninja adventurer?

6 Things You Should Do Before Becoming a Ninja Adventurer

5 Reasons Why You Should Train at the Birthplace of Muay Thai [Travel]

The 6 Types of Muay Thai Gyms in Thailand – what’s best for you?

Musashi Clan Ninja Experience in Japan – Edo Period Onmitsu

Khongsittha Muay Thai in Bangkok – Experience & Review

Osaka Castle & Historical Samurai Battles – Japan Travel

Samurai Museum in Tokyo – One of the best experiences! [Travel Report]

Finding Hattori Hanzo’s Grave in Tokyo – Iga Ninja Legend

History, Facts, Folklore & Inspiration

One of the reasons you want to become a ninja is their history itself. You can learn about the old warriors, their tactics and tools. And even, their folklore…

Ninja Exhibition backed by University Research and Science – Tokyo

The Shocking Truth About Ninja Martial Arts (from historical documents)

What is the Proper Way to Wear a Samurai Sword – Blade Up or Down?

True Path Of The Ninja: The Definitive Translation Of The Shoninki

Were Shuriken (Ninja Throwing Stars) Used To Kill?

Takeaway – How to Be a Ninja in Real Life?

So, how to be a ninja?

Train in both obstacle movement, and fighting skills. Focus on practical hacks for regular life, and be prepared for conflicts.

By training physically and mentally, you’ll become your best ninja-self!

The post How To Be a Ninja in Real Life? Modern Warrior Guide appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Why are you obsessed with becoming a ninja?

For generations, the ninja have captured the imaginations of people around the world. But a lot of what we love about these warriors is distorted by folktales and pop culture.

Nevertheless, here are eleven valid reasons why many of you have thought about becoming a ninja.

1. Spies with exotic ancient secrets

Admit it! Hollywood spies are cool.  But ninja are way cooler, maybe because of their ancient secret training that seem more formidable and exotic.

2. Human ability – no need for gadgets

The emphasis on human ability – rather than gadgets – makes the ninja all the more impressive.

What could be more awesome than warriors that rely on pure human ability for their missions? Using their wits, strength and techniques, the ninja seldom carried gadgets that would raise suspicion on their identity.

3. Superhuman senses and abilities

Becoming a ninja means pushing human limits on awareness and physical abilities. Scaling a castle wall? Running impossibly long distances without stopping? Detecting presence in the dark?

4. Supernatural ninja magic

The ninja were rumoured to use supernatural abilities during unavoidable battle: summoning storms or fire, reading a person’s mind and disappearing at the blink of an eye. You want to be able to do that, don’t you?

That said, supernatural abilities are nothing more than illusion, proper timing and extensive knowledge on things like gun powder, human psychology and predicting storms.

5. Art of stealth and invisibility

Being invisible and knowing how to get around undetected would be an impressive skill to have, wouldn’t it?

6. Formidable fighting abilities

Ninja – according to Hollywood – are formidable fighters who can use unconventional tactics to take on multiple attackers. Pretty cool…

7. Mysterious, Confident, Calm and Influential

Becoming a ninja is like being James Bond while gathering intel. Who doesn’t want to be mysterious, confident, calm-and-collected, and charming?

8. Jack of all trades – master of many

Unlike other historical warriors, ninja were not limited to combat. You want to be a master at many skills – martial arts, behavioural psychology, climbing, conversation, foreign languages and more.

9. Perseverance against all odds

There is nothing more life-changing than watching someone persevering despite having the odds of success against them. You admire the ninja’s motto of patient perseverance.

10. Superhero to the weak and oppressed

You want to become a ninja because they fought to protect the weak from the oppressive authorities. Though this is a pop culture myth, it feels good to be able to be a superhero to people who get picked on.

11. Anyone can be a ninja

Behind that mysterious mask is an average person who can do the extraordinary. You want to be that person.

What do you think?

Do you agree with the list here? Did I miss anything out? Leave a comment to let me know.

And here’s how to be a modern ninja in real life.

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