Hatsumi Yoshiaki (Masaaki) and Takamatsu Toshitsugu are reported to have worked as technical consultants on the first and possibly second movies. Because of their involvement with authentic ninjutsu, much of the ninja technology that appears in the films is historically accurate. The fight sequences are fairly realistic and certainly reflect what we know of taijutsu (unarmed fighting) today. The characters’ use of familiar kamae (stances), weapons and techniques is rather interesting. After the second movie, things become a bit more, shall we say, dramatic and certainly a bit less realistic but they are still great fun! Anyone involved in the study of ninpo will find these movies pretty exciting. Especially as the fight sequences in the first two movies which, because of Takamatsu sensei and Hatsumi sensei’s involvement, bear a striking resemblance to Bujinkan taijutsu.
Interested readers can find more information about ninjutsu and Hatsumi sensei’s current teachings on the web.
