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About Us

Kihon Press was founded by Joe Maurantonio after a decade of writing professionally for a community newspaper, an international magazine, and as an editor for an international newsletter. His experiences include writing, editing, publishing, and extensive layout and design work. These led him to create a small publishing company focusing on the Japanese martial arts. In December 1998, Kihon Press joined the publishing world with the international release of Ninpo: Wisdom for Life by Masaaki Hatsumi. Joe chose the name KIHON (Japanese for “foundation” or “basics”) for the web site and publishing endeavors because it was a good place to begin this adventure.

Books

Introduction

Below is a list of our current books in print including cover art, author, book details and a link to where the book can be purchased.

Ninjutsu Training Manual

Details

By Duncan Stewart
The Bujinkan Tasmania Dojo has released this unique Ninjutsu Training Manual for young adults and adults. The manual has hundreds of amazing full-color photographs of young Bujinkan practitioners sharing their taijutsu. This book is oversized (A4 landscape) and has 156 pages of lessons.

BUY

Available at Lulu: International & USA


 
 

Ninpo: Wisdom for Life

Details

by Masaaki Hatsumi
For many years, this unique book was only available in Japanese. Hatsumi-sensei, headmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninpo and Director of the International Bujinkan Hombu (Noda, Japan), authorized and encouraged this translation which was officially released in the 1999. This amazing book has approximately 188 pages of ninja philosophy for training and living. Copyright 1998. All rights reserved.

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Available at Lulu: US & International


 
 

Kukishin Ryu Sanshaku Bojutsu

Details

by Richard Maloof
This manual contains Sanshaku Bojutsu (hanbo) techniques as handed down from Ishitani to Takamatsu, through Hatsumi Soke to his students. All basic kamae, kihon, Shoden, Chuden, and Okuden forms are demonstrated in this book. Included are a short history of Kukishin ryu and suggested training methods. These lessons were transmitted to the author while he was living in Japan (for 8 years) primarily by Oguri Junichi, as well as Someya Kenichi, Seno Hideo, and Hatsumi Massaki. The book is 98 pgs with highly detailed photos. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

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Available at Lulu: International & USA


 
 

Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu

Details

by Seiko Fujita
The first edition was printed in 1953 and sells for over $300. This English edition includes the original Japanese text. Legend has it that the Shinto Muso Ryu style of Jojutsu was founded after Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi (17th century samurai) lost a duel. After his loss, Katsuyoshi withdrew into seclusion, practicing swordsmanship and performing purification rituals in an effort to perfect his technique. This book, detailing the lessons of his style, is 150 pgs with over 300 detailed illustrations. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

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Available at Amazon:
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU


 
 
 
 

The Ninja Way

Details

by Ilan Gattegno
This unique book shares the early contributions of Doron Navon and the Israel Dojo to bringing Bujinkan Ninjutsu and the warrior spirit outside of Japan. This book tells the story as the author experienced their beginning training in November 1974. Included in these chapters are articles about Hatsumi Soke, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, Doron Navon, the Godan test, Ishizuka Tetsuji, Nagato Toshiro, Teaching the Art, Control through Blinding, and more. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

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Available at Amazon:
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU


 
 

It Takes A Ninja

Details

by Ilan Gattegno
This book offers a key toward better learning. The author was lucky to be close to three amazing teachers who were able to find the elusive obvious and learn the right way to learn. Included in the text are concepts that will help the reader become a better learner and teacher. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

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Available at Amazon:
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU


 
 

Bujinkan Inspired

Anthology by Various Bujinkan Dai Shihan

Edited by Ilan Gattegno & Joe Maurantonio
In this anthology, senior practitioners from all over the globe offer their unique insights into the Bujinkan martial arts. The contributors share stories and explanations about their learning from Hatsumi Soke and the Japanese learning process of Shu Ha Ri. This mind-body training can help the students achieve higher levels of advancement and help our martial art to improve and flourish. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

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Available at Amazon:
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU


 
 
 
 

Takamatsu in China: The Fight

Details

by Igor Dovezenski & Taki Gakovski
This manga illustrates the famous battle between Toshitsugu Takamatsu and Chinese martial arts master, Cho Shiryu. This legendary story has been shared by Hatsumi-soke many times but can now be appreciated in this new visual format. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

BUY

Available at Shinobi Gear:
International & USA


 
 

Takamatsu in China: The Mission

Details

by Igor Dovezenski & Taki Gakovski
The manga series continues with the story of Toshitsugu Takamatsu and the mission in Xilinhot. This adventure has been shared by Hatsumi-soke and several Bujinkan shihan many times but can now be appreciated in this manga visual format. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

BUY

Available at Shinobi Gear:
International & USA.


 
 
 
 

Ninpo: Wisdom for Life
(Limited Edition Hardcover)

Details

by Masaaki Hatsumi
In 2001, we were requested to print a set of 21 limited edition hardcovers. All but five were sold. Those five went missing in our storage unit until recently. As of March 5, 2024, I have two copies. If you are interested in purchasing one of these please contact Joe Maurantonio on Facebook Messenger.

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Contact Joe Maurantonio via Facebook Messanger.


 
 

The Shadow Warrior

Details

by Darryl Caldwell
In the 1980s, the world was awakening to stories of the mysterious ninja, black-clad warriors of Japan. Beyond the hype and media insanity, there were small groups of dedicated martial artists meeting to study the legacy of these shadow warriors. This book, The Shadow Warrior, sheds light on the real art and culture as seen from the eyes of one of its early American practitioners. Surviving bruises, flashing blades, and dizzying shifts in mental outlook, Caldwell emerged as one of the first black belt teachers outside of Japan. His story takes the reader on a wild ride into the modern day ninja dojo. Copyright 1984, 2009. All rights reserved. Not currently available.


 
 
 
 

Kukishin Training Journals
(blank pages for your notes)

Details

by Joe Maurantonio
These blank journals contain the all the kamae and kata listings (Kanji & Romaji) for the corresponding weapons. Great note books for writing down class lessons. Copyright 2023, 2024. All rights reserved.

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Kukishin Ryu Kenjutsu Sojutsu (Amazon):
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU
 
Kukishin Ryu Hanbo Jo Jutte Naginata etc (Amazon):
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU
 
Kukishin Ryu Rokushaku Bojutsu (Amazon):
US • UK • DE • FR • ES • IT • NL • PL • SE • JP • CA • AU


 
 

Renshinkan Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu
(blank pages for your notes)

Details

by Andrew Dendariarena
This shodan training journal is excellent for members of Renshinkan Daito Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu. Listings include rank requirements from Mu Kyu (white belt) to Ikkyu, with blank pages for students to record class lessons, add notes, and draw images. This book works as a great tool to help remember class techniques and improve knowledge and skill retention.

Also included are important quotes Takase Sensei sent us to add and a few short articles to help better understand the Renshinkan.

This book is 122 pages in length and a convenient 6″ x 9” size.Copyright 2023, 2024. All rights reserved.

BUY

Available at Lulu:
International & USA


 
 

Testimonials

The below are honest endorsements of our books and services shared by customers who purchased and reviewed them.

 

Mats Carlsson – Sweden

Ninjutsu Training Manual

My first impressions are it’s great! The book has a comprehensive overview of the Bujinkan fundamentals in a beautiful format with high-quality and educational photos. The layout and structure of it are very clear and to the point. The people I’ve shown the book to confirm that it can serve as an inspiration for youths and adults!
Dean Rostohar – Croatia

Ninpo: Wisdom for Life

Thank You for this book. It is really incredible. Anyway, as you know, we all have small problems in our dojo. Every time I have a problem I take out this book, open it up and picking some random text. I always find an answer to the problem, and Hatsumi soke explains it very well. This is really amazing!
Karl Koch – USA

Kukishin Ryu Sanshaku Bojutsu

These books are high quality and I have all of them on my shelf at both the dojo and home. These are a must. Thanks to Rich Maloof for his work on the Sanshaku Bojutsu book – it will be the basis for our focus on Hanbo next year. Looking forward to more!

 

L. Relf – USA

Shinto Muso Ryu Jojutsu

Enjoyed this translation from another one of Fujita Seiko’s works on martial arts. If you’ve trained in Jojutsu or Jodo, regardless of art, there are many good reference points within this translation. Simple and to the point, but not for beginners wanting to learn from a book and not a qualified instructor.
Amazon Customer – Germany

Takamatsu in China (series)

If you enjoyed the first book then you will enjoy this one! If you missed the first, be sure to go back and get it as well. You’ll enjoy familiar Kamae, movements and history. I can’t wait for more. Thank you for merging two of my favourite arts!
Nick Karapasas – USA

Kukishin Ryu Training Journals

It’s nice to have something with the names of the kata and the kanji in a format that lets me write in my own notes and illustration. If you’re looking for an affordable training journal for about the cost of a completely blank journal… this works very well!

Contact

Please use the contact form below to send questions, reviews or to request bulk order (3 or more copies) discounts. Thank you for your support!


     
     

    Kihon Press
    PO Box 566
    Katonah, New York 10536
    United States of America