Path Notes of an American Ninja Master

I purchased this book in April of 2007 (about one year after Morris' death) after suspecting that it was not an ordinary text on the topic. I started reading it on a flight from Philadelphia to Chicago and was pleasantly captivated by the content.Having read numerous stale and boring books on every aspect of "Eastern martial arts" I knew that I had struck gold. Here it was, a book that actually addressed the spiritual aspect of the craft. Few martial arts authors have done this before. It was a great experience.Morris takes the reader on a journey of spiritual insight that is rich with his learnings, philosophies, and experiences. A little unique with perhaps a pinch of embellishment? Maybe. But that is what makes it a great book! Morris describes his training, and meditation exercises as he worked toward enlightenment; Taoist mysticism and shamanism; Kundalini: what it really feels like to merge with the void; seeing and feeling the aura; dreams and healing: nonmarital applications of intense sexual energy; and more. In short, I loved it.Morris tells the reader that: "This book will teach you how to disappear, speak with spirits, channel archetypes, improve your sex life, get along with gods, and be your enemy's worst nightmare--all while working on your own lovable self." He was right.If you want to read an autobiography of one man's spiritual awakening through the use of Eastern martial, holistic, and meditative arts then this book is for you. Like you no doubt will, I saw a little of myself in Glenn Morris.This book inspired me to learn more about the nature of Kundalini. I was similarly inspired to go on to another book of his, "Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master," but that is another review.  Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master This book should not be regarded as a "Bible" on the subject, interpreted as rock solid advice for every incident and/or occasion, or taken literally in every respect & aspect, but should be viewed as a guide to build you into the person who YOU want to be (within the parameters of this discipline of course).Neat and unique, I rate it at five stars. Ports and Happy Havens

I am sorry to report that Glenn Morris, Soke, transitioned into the Void on the 1st of April 2006. It is so like Soke to leave us fools behind wondering "Is this a joke or what?!?" This book, Glenn Soke's first on Martial Arts is one of the five or so I would take to a desert island with me for the rest of my life.But I must warn you, strange things happen around this book, as they did around Glenn. Path Notes found me one day in early April 95 in NYC as I was browsing the small English language section of a large Japanese bookstore while waiting for a friend. It tumbled off an overhead shelf and hit me on the head. I try to be on the lookout for messages from the Universe and I must tell you, rarely are they quite so obvious---of course I bought the book! At around 9pm that night after all the day's Art of Dying Conference functions were over, I collapsed into bed thinking to myself, "I'm too tired to read, and I have to get up early, but let me read just one page..." at 3:45am, book in one hand and holding my eyelids open with the other, I finished it to the great relief of my roommate who had been frequently awakened by my uncontrollable guffawing! (It's a wonder she let me live!)Rarely have I been so overjoyed by a book! As soon as I got home from the conference, I wrote my first letter to any author. Soke called me upon receiving my fawning praise and we became instant friends. He was already my Teacher from the first moment the book hit my head!A word to the women-folk, this book is dripping with testosterone. Not the obnoxious "Me Tarzan, you Jane!" kind, but rather the irrepressible "Hold my beer, watch THIS!" kind, and the empowering "Come on in, the water's fine" kind moderated by a bit of "Do try this at home, but be prepared to duck!"Now here's the real warning and heed this carefully: This book, delightfully humorous, entertaining, slightly unbelievable and deeply insightful as it is, is really a Grimoire... a map and a testimony to the far reaches of human spiritual potentiality, but in reasonably accessible modern English. Therefore it's dangerous if you do not pay attention and allow for the possibility that it might be recounting a Truth. And Soke is no longer with us here in the Relative Universe to fix it--to fix YOU--if you screw up, so do pay attention if you try anything at home.All that said, this book is for anyone who has the slightest interest in martial arts, meditation, Japanese culture both modern and ancient, kundalini, body work, transpersonal psychology, Jungian archetypes, mythology both Western and Eastern, alternative medicine especially those arts involving Qi (Chi/Ki) or anything remotely connected to any of those subjects. By the way, the annotated bibliography alone is worth the price of the book if you have any interest in the aforementioned subjects. I also recommend all of Soke's books, but Path Notes is by far the best in my personal opinion. I am so grateful that Glenn left this behind when he left our dimension for what surely must be some incredible ongoing adventures. I miss him now and always.

I am a martial artist with over 30 years experience (none in ninjutsu, Bujinkan or otherwise). When I first read this book I gave it two stars - that was a few years ago. I thought, "who is the guy with the huge ego writing this disjointed nonsense?" But I've recently been led to re-read the book and have given it five stars. Why?Well, first is that the collection of information here is not to be found in any other one source. I too think that the ultimate goal for martial arts is spiritual development (since we're all going to die someday). The author writes with startling candor about topics that many masters just never speak about.Certainly he is opinionated, has deep respect for Hatsumi-san, and has drunk the proverbial Bujinkan Kool-aid. Reading past that, the information is very good.This is not an instruction manual for those looking to pick up some ninja techniques, but is to be real like looking for tracks in the wilderness. There are landmarks to be found here, warnings of dangers, and encouragement to find the rest of the picture.Who knows why I couldn't read it before - perhaps I just wasn't ready. I've gotten a lot from a second reading as my path has intersected that of the late Dr. Morris.

Lovely book. It's main strength is that it's human and fun. Certainly not a technical (read 'boring') how-to guide but rather the faults, foibles and slightly cynical view of a very ordinary person. Read this in dribs and drabs when the mood strikes (after you've read it in one sitting!) and take it as inspiration and hope.

What people can do with their Mind/Body made me think of what can be achieved by anyone

One and only.But depends on what 'Path' you are...

A very interesting book, one to re-read over the years.

fantastic spiritual read full of adventure of a different kind, I had it previously but someone pinched it, worth a read.