<DIV>Often translated as "the art of remaining unseen," Ninjutsu has a long history, and is probably the most renowned and misunderstood of all martial arts. Still an active school, Ninjutsu continues to thrive today, and the idea of the ninja as a black-clad "super spy," combat master and secrecy expert continues to hold power over the imagination<br><br>Despite its popularity, the history of Ninjutsu is still murky, its origins surrounded by mystery and legend. But for the first time, <i>The Ninja: Ancient Shadow Warriors of Japan</i> furnishes an in-depth, factual look at the entire art of Ninjutsu, including the emergence of the Ninja warriors and philosophy in feudal Japan; detailed historical events; its context in the development of other schools of martial arts; and the philosophies and exercises of the school today.</div>