My name is Kenneth Smith, writing a review under my girlfriend's account.
I am an amateur shurikenjutsu practitioner and enthusiast that has been throwing blades for six years now.
I have found this book full of insights and detailed information which have
helped me to improve my form and technique. More importantly--through reading
this book, I have acquired a deeper understanding of the true mindset: the ZanShin
of shurikenjutsu.The author, Mr. Daniel Fletcher, is a personal student of
Yasuyuki Otsuka sensai: Soke of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu. Otsuka sensai is
well known as the worlds' authority on shurikenjutsu and is featured throughout
the book. He personally demonstrates in a step by step format the methods
for throwing Meifu Shinkage Ryu, Chishin Ryu, Shirai Ryu, Tsugawa Ryu and Negishi Ryu
shuriken. As well as the method for throwing Jujiken (shaken or "wheel blade").
Mr. Daniel Fletcher, having a background in the Bujinkan, also demonstrates the
proper method for throwing Togakure Ryu senban in the horizontal ("Teppan nage")
and overhand vertical throw. Mr. Fletcher also reveals the very secretive technique for throwing
matsubagata of the Iga Ryu, as well as describing the method of throwing traditional kunai.
Hand to hand combat principles and forms with shuriken ("shoken-jutsu") and shuriken and
arrow avoidance skills ("yadone") are also covered. There are many more martial treasures to
be discovered within this book, but if that was not enough, the dvd edition comes with footage
of Mr. Fletcher demonstrating many of the Meifu Shinkage Ryu forms and techniques along with rare
footage of Otsuka sensai in action. This book is an absolute MUST for anyone interested in the
AUTHENTIC art of shurikenjutsu.