Stephen Hayes Books & DVDs

About

Stephen K. Hayes is a renowned martial artist, author, and teacher, best known for popularizing the ancient Japanese art of ninjutsu in the West. Born in 1949 in Ohio, Hayes traveled to Japan in the 1970s to train directly under Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu. He became one of the first non-Japanese individuals to be formally recognized as a teacher of ninjutsu. Hayes is credited with introducing Hatsumi's teachings to a global audience and played a significant role in shaping the perception of ninjutsu as a practical and philosophical martial art rather than mere folklore or fantasy. He founded the "To-Shin Do" system, a modern adaptation of ninjutsu designed for personal safety and self-development, blending traditional techniques with contemporary defense strategies. In addition to his martial arts contributions, Hayes is a prolific author, having written numerous books and produced many DVDs on ninjutsu, self-protection, and Eastern philosophy. His work continues to influence martial artists and self-defense practitioners worldwide.