The Real American Ninja's journey into Japan and the world of Ninjutsu! / Stephen K. Hayes Interview

[@NorCaLion]

I got his "Art of the invisible Warrior" book when I was 8 years old and I was hooked. Bought it from a place that had real swords, nunchuks....and throwing stars and they had no problem selling to a child, damn I miss the 80s.

[@filco755]

Much respect to you VS and Stephen K .Hayes. The man gets hate ,but he went out and did it, and, still lives it.

[@RebbeYehoshuahLamberti]

Viking samurai when is Asian, normally from USA worshiping white skin..

[@filco755]

@@RebbeYehoshuahLamberti There is a small,war torn country in Europe,that had been fighting and killing each other over religious and racial differences and after the fighting stopped, they erected a statue of Bruce Lee.

[@patrickt8941]

Actually he just made up a shit ton of silly stories, and pushed it. I grew up reading about him and being shocked and amazed of his stories. Thankfully, the innerweb pulled the cover off his bull shit.

[@jamiehead3879]

@@patrickt8941 you have no idea what you’re talking about. Train To Shin Do with him and then form an opinion. PS you’re wrong.

[@MaharlikaAWA]

​@@patrickt8941Steven K. Hayes is a little bit more real than Dux, but that's not saying much.

[@hans-petterlangvik3154]

When Hayes mentioned Shogun.............that, that brings back memories of me watching Shogun every time it was on, ( it was one of my favorites, along with V For Victory ( Marc Singer, Robert Englund ), North And South ( Patrick Swayze ), The Incredible Hulk ( Bill Bixby ), The Amazing Spider-Man ( Nicholas Hammond ), Batman ( Adam West ), Flash Gordon ( Sam J Jones, Max Von Sydow, Timothy Dalton ), and of course, The Green Hornet ( Van Williams, Bruce Lee ).............( so many great memories ).

[@robpelarde4734]

Love your list, I know every single one, lol

[@charlescrook3577]

Dude….you HAD to have been geeking out!

[@mpennn3346]

He chased his dream, i have respect for him!

[@mikeh92467]

It's my privilege to have studied with Master Hayes and to be a part of his American legacy and to make it a part of my life.

[@brockgangell5759]

Unreal I'm getting Blackbelt magazine flashbacks!

[@2ndHandHero]

“He was a kamakazi pilot? He wasn’t a very good one!” Ha! I kept cracking up during this interview!

[@jonzaremba]

This guy was my idol when I was a kid. So cool you got him here! Can't wait for the next installment.

[@HwaRang1970]

I wish I could like this twice! I met him in 2015. Amazing and humble man. Thanks for this!

[@evanbertrand7892]

Master Hayes was one of my martial arts hero's growing up. I was able to train with him when I was 12 years old at a weekend Ninjitsu camp back in 1982. It was the highlight of my childhood. He told a lot of stories about his journey. Some were funny. He was so humble, warm, and kind. His wife was with him. He told us how they met, how he learned the train/rail system in Japan. Which was a funny story. We even went on a late night "raid" on a neighboring camp across the lake. We used all the things he taught us to sneak around their camp without being seen. It was a 12 year old dream come true.

[@dzobie]

I waited my whole life for this very interview lol. I grew up in the 80s reading about Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and Stephen K. Hayes. Big thanks to you both!

[@donnacancilakeating8373]

WOW!! Stephen Hayes, Awesome Guest and Interview. Great Man!! True Gentleman!! I'm Honored to know him and his Beautiful Wife! Great Job Viking Samurai.

[@splatbubble]

omgosh I bought this guy's book when I was like twelve, and read it religiously!!

[@turboterminator7]

Yes The Stephen Hayes interview 🙌

[@jorgedelrio9304]

I have admired Mr. Hayes for years, read many of his articles and some of the books I could get in Argentina. He is the real deal, a true Master

[@aurelienhenryobama5434]

Great interview. Great life story. They should make a movie out of his life. True American Ninja.

[@AccountantProOT]

I actually like his story and how he tells it in a humble manner. This is why I truly appreciate legitimate martial artists. They know they can kick someone's ass but they don't have to be boastful about it, nor embellish themselves with elaborate superhero stories neither. I would like to know more about him. Once again, thank you, David, for another great video.

[@The_Chameleon]

unlike frank dux lol

[@AccountantProOT]

@Dr. Octogon you tell me. Thats a story you can share with us if you like :)

[@RebbeYehoshuahLamberti]

Viking samurai when is Asian, normally from USA worshiping white skin..

[@benw2569]

Wish I could’ve met you, I sure did follow you in the 80’s from magazines , back home in NYC.

[@YourMomKnowsRealMusic]

White skin rules you. Sad.@@RebbeYehoshuahLamberti

[@roninnotasheeplikeyou.2631]

I really admire & respect Master Hayes. He is a very good person. A very skillful martial artist & a fantastic author. Truely one of the positive lights to be found in martial arts.

[@thebigquestion]

Santa just got all ninja! What a super awesome dude. Just the laughter lines say it all. Could listen to him all day.

[@RebbeYehoshuahLamberti]

Viking samurai when is Asian, normally from USA worshiping white skin..

[@t-virusterrance4734]

Hello, Viking Samurai. This is easily one of your best interviews. I enjoyed every second of this, listening to the real American Ninja. TERRANCE OUT

[@VikingSamurai]

Thanks Terrance, posting part 2 very shortly!

[@rayshualothtonne9996]

Shidoshi Hayes has been a major influence in my life. Ive learned a lot from his teachings that ive carried all through my life especially when I was in the Army. Great man. Great teacher.

[@jamiefrisby1914]

Know of Stephen K. Hayes pretty well, since the late 80s, I had all his books back then and read them constantly back when I was practising/studying martial arts all the time

[@VikingSamurai]

Make sure to watch Part 2 of this interview here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYuZdaF4ir1je6M

[@ruddiato]

Damn! Now this is legendary, you outdid yourself in this one 🔥🔥🔥. I remember him from back in high school

[@StreetLethalRacing]

I wish I could have been apart of that conversation. I went to a seminar in Ohio decades and decades ago where Hayes and Hatsumi lectured. Hatsumi displayed a very different art from what we know of today as Taijutsu. From what I understand, he modified it to keep it less kill oriented. This started as a Ronin martial art, outcast Samurai class that modified their Budo to a more stealthy art in order to survive. Jujutsu, from what is believed, sprung from original Ninpo…

[@sentry1204]

I was hoping for this one good job

[@blakehood5531]

Loved this guy growing up also! Back then I'd read about him in BlackBelt Magazine! Great interview 👍

[@firestream93]

I hear ya. I've been reading about Hayes, since the 80's.

[@GunSam]

Loved his books. Used to read some of the competition and they seemed pretty complicated on purpose. Stephen's books were really to the point and practical, as to say it's not all that magical, this is a real and practical art.

[@brockgangell5759]

Agreed with

[@Kthomasritchie]

Mate, ninjutsu is bullshido.

[@varanid9]

@@Kthomasritchie Learned a new word on the 'net, did ya?

[@GunSam]

@@Kthomasritchie regardless of whether it was historically a thing or not, the fact of the matter is that the techniques work. Whether they were invented in medieval Japan, or 120 years ago. Makes no difference.

[@Kthomasritchie]

@@GunSam Work against what? There's no sparring in Ninjutsu. Someone proficient in boxing, muay Thai, or BJJ would destroy any of these charlatans.

[@FilmolovacDule]

Very interesting guest with a unique life story.

[@dominichill1492]

Stephen K. Hayes is the real deal. I have one of his books he put out in 2002. This is such a great interview with Stephen K. Hayes. Also Stephen K is a humble man. I'm looking forward to part 2 of the next interview. Good video Viking Samurai, and salute to you.

[@shadowdancer5330]

One of my heroes right here. Him and Masaaki got me interested in Ninjutsu

[@MATTCOSSIN]

I trained under one of his students years ago. And once got to train with Stephen and his wife Rumiko in Dayton! Both really kind people. Good memories.

[@kriticalhit7432]

🤩One of the Coolest interviews ever! To think, we’re getting this *actual experience* from 50/60 years ago in 2022🙌 #priceless

[@MrRambojz]

I remember checking out one of his books from the library in the 80s and becoming a ninja! It was official once I was able to get my mom to order my ninja suit out of black belt magazine. Back when you had to mail in the catalogue order :D

[@stevenbosworth4305]

Thankyou again David

[@leesamardzija9165]

Wow, what an interesting guy with a great life story. Excellent interview 👍

[@stratdx]

He always seemed so serious, and now he seems so engaging and happy. I like that.

[@seanbarker9272]

What an interesting lifestyle, anyone that keeps the training going for that many years deserves a lot of respect

[@seejesusministries4787]

I LOVE stephen k. Hayes since the 80s. Thank you for hosting him! You do quality all the time, but this especially made me nostalgic. I remember his books, and his covers on Black Belt mags. #80sNinja

[@ugosivocci719]

One of my favourite books is the one S. Hayes wrote about this great adventure in Japan seeking out the real ninjas! Real movie stuff!

[@pablox5408]

This is one the best interviews so far. Very interesting I can't wait to see what comes next.

[@michaelmartinez3893]

Yep. More or less exactly what I was going to post. 👍

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I grew up in Atlanta & when I was young one of my friends wanted martial arts lessons. Somehow he found Stephen Hayes' school. Unfortunately our parents decided not to enroll us. I didn't know it was Stephen's school til a few years ago when I read in an old Black Belt magazine that he'd been in Atlanta & put it all together.

[@turboterminator7]

In You Only Live Twice Sean Connary fights The Rocks Grandad Peter Maivia The High Chief

[@williammyers4636]

I have and will always respect and honor you master Hayes. You, as the first non Asian student allowed to study the art of togagura ninjusu Ryu under grand the grand master gave many of us a realistic goal and we are always in debt to you. Thank you sir

[@Bujinkan]

Thank you so much! 🥷🤝

[@johnvaldez90]

Loved his books. Can't believe you have him on your show! Good job!

[@csnakeification]

Mr & Mrs Hayes are such nice people. I met them at a fall festival in Ohio back in 2003. The advice they gave me really helped me be a become a person. My mother made me forget how to speak korean because i was teaching other kids how to cuss in Korean.

[@markedeloy]

Man I was a HUGE fan of SKH in the 80s. An amazing accomplishment to do what he did. I've always been extremely envious.

[@greenman3265]

Thank God Frank Dux saved his life and taught him everything he knows... lol joking aside Stephen seems so down to earth and real

[@davem.2191]

Such a fascinating man. Great story. Hayes was always one of my heroes.

[@davem.2191]

Can't wait for part 2.

[@phantom5573]

The legend Stephen K. Hayes. I bought his Ninja instruction book in Middle School. He is the real deal. Utmost respect.

[@violinladderman3673]

I don't really care how good Stephen is or is not, but i can definitely appreciate the journey he has been on. I think that's awesome following your dreams like he did and not even speaking the language not much money etc.

[@warrior3214]

Fantastic content mate, I'm around the same age as you and read a tonne of info on Hayes in the 80's and his name was a real blast from the past, fantastic interview. Keep up the incredible work! You know who would be an unreal guest, the original and best movie Ninja Sho Kosugi.

[@kazarenko6300]

What a noble, humble and considerate guy this is. So very interesting, I could listen to him for hours.

[@jasonwright6856]

I fail to see your point. I can only hear him for a few minutes and I want to leave.

[@carnivorousbarbie]

Was waiting for this! Thank you Viking

[@Shogun8888]

Really love the interview. You always bring great guest and great content to your channel.

[@jedironin380]

I'm very thankful that I was able to train with An-Shu Hayes and learned a great deal from him. I'm learning things in this interview that I did not know before, too. Thank you for this series.

[@rodcline5871]

Wonderful interview! I had his big book from Contemporary as a young teen. Totally loved ninjutsu at the time even though I was a judo guy.

[@igiveafit]

He's definitely been a hero of mine since i was a kid. I use to read all his books religiously. I wish there was a to shin do school near me.

[@roninnotasheeplikeyou.2631]

Thank You VS for sharing this interview with us. It's great to see someone of the status of Master Hayes come on & talk life. So very interesting. 🙏🏻

[@jamesfetcho6315]

Lots of Peoples family's wanted their children to grow up as American as they could. All I'm saying VS is Your mother wasn't the only one to do that. This was great. Can't wait till the 2nd part.

[@erichwebb8312]

Thanks for the share ….. FYI you surprised me with this one 😎….. good story and interesting to listen . Waiting for part two , take care …..

[@ghost7524]

Stephen K. Hayes reminds me of my first Japanese karate instructor; He's American. and had a similar look as far as how their faces look and had a similar beard, but my instructor isn't as tall. My instructor taught an American version of Shorin-Ryu at my university campus I started college at; he was also a professor Philosophy. I was really lucky to have been taught by him because my first 2 semesters at the campus was the last 2 semesters of him teaching karate at the university. He stopped teaching karate as he was focusing more on teaching philosophy as he was in the process of writing another book. But he was also close I think to retirement. My instructor was spoke in a similar way and tone of voice like Hayes. My first introduction to Stephen K Hayes was the same as many in my age group...Black Belt magazine. I saw an article in an older issue a cousin of mine had. At the time, it was ironically after I started Tae Kwon Do. After that, I moved from collecting coming books to collecting martial arts magazines starting with Black Belt. Then in the books stores I would go to the martial arts section and I would browse one of Hayes' books...but I never bought one😐. If it was anyone that made me have an interest in wanting to study Ninjutsu, it was Stephen K. Hayes

[@edwinagosto3048]

I respect this man, I have books of Stephen Hayes, good books and very good information in the history and techniques. Very good quality this books. Thank you Master Hayes for share your knowledge. My respect for you.

[@jayceeinvincible]

Definitely one of the GREATEST interviews. Definitely would love to have Mr. Hayes and Antony on your channel 💯

[@WarriorEsoteric]

Fascinating life , it’s amazing and inspiring

[@pistolasnine8389]

It's amazing these kind of people still around. Good job samurai!

[@stevenbosworth4305]

it is a breath of peace and relief hearing from this gentleman,,Mr. Hayes story seems to hold more valid substance than Fank Dux which seemoingly has similar influencing qualities,,Mr. Hayes conveyed truth with honesty,,Thank-you for posting this interview

[@aa11ct9]

What a nice guy to hear

[@thebodybeatdownDiTi]

WOW..this guy is interesting. If we all took more time to just listen to people like this. People that have lived,traveled,etc..Many of us just live life in our little bubbles never really experiencing anything. Then some people just get out there and do it all..Cool

[@Robhamilton197357]

I read his book, Mystic Arts of the Ninja when I was a kid. Now I hold two black belts. Thanks, Mr. Hayes!!

[@nemospodcast6766]

Stephen Hayes is a bad ass. Hopefully my master and I are going to see him in Ohio we live in Detroit so it’s not a far drive.

[@rynoerasmus7869]

Awesome interview!

[@billgober2]

I like how you give these guys an honest chance but at the same time have a tongue in cheek smirk knowing they are full of it. This guy is something.

[@waynewatts8736]

Hi I read about you in karate illustrated when I was in high school in 1984. Good work man! Blessed be.

[@FreedomCompatriots]

Thank you for doing this interview. I've always wanted to know Stephen Hayes's life story. So interesting!

[@VikingSamurai]

Make sure to watch part 2 of my interview with Stephen K. Hayes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYuZdaF4ir1je6M Make sure to watch part 3 of my interview with Stephen K. Hayes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqDZnmaEjNOIj9k See part 4 of my interview with Stephen K. Hayes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqrLgH15dqd3Z80

[@bredmond812]

I think I read all of Stephen Hayes books in high school.

[@thesmartbudgetchannel2940]

Great interview so far with Mr Hayes.

[@01grhornet]

Epic interview. So great to hear more stories from Mr. Hayes about his early adventures in Japan.

[@jesperpetersen636]

I LOVE this video. Stephen and his books was one of the reasons i started studying martial arts. ❤

[@scottharris5261]

As a child I would look through his books I somehow got my hands in at a flea Market. In Iraq I read his books in between my duties. I never thought it'd be possible to do what he did. Thank you for being you.

[@MrFacundo7]

Great interview, Viking 💪 Stephen K. Hayes' life story is truly fascinating. Great guest!!👏👍✌️

[@colinweir3203]

Support and much respect from Australia 🇦🇺 guy's.

[@RedSplinter36]

Legendary!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great stuff!!! Going straight to Part 2 now :)

[@britdakdltls]

Looking forward to the second video. Your videos are very good and just drag you in. Keep up the great work. Makes me wish I kept up studying with Mas Oyama, my instructor was Bob Fabry.

[@NationalistAF]

Stephen K. Hayes 👍👍

[@ninpowarrior]

Such a great interview. Stephen inspired us to flollow his path. Thank you very much

[@audalacosta2771]

Great interview 👍 thanks for keeping the legends alive

[@EnhancedNutrition]

Obi 1 Hayes. I had the ninja books in the 80-90's

[@R.Merkhet]

Thanks for sharing again Hayes Shidoshi. Yours is a story that started with intent and desire pulling you along your way through many fortunate accidents and leaps of faith.

[@turboterminator7]

He is like a real life Shinobi 🥷

[@shanerod9708]

Thank u so much for this interview. Loved reading Hayes’ books and it was great hearing how it all came to b. Can’t wait to hear more of the interview.

[@aetius2277]

Nice ! Iv been going to japan for 20 years . Today pre covid and now post covid i bring my dojo students to our Honbu dojo every year . Man i would love to talk to Shihan Hayes and share experiences . Great video thanks wonderful work !

[@Noneevo]

One More amazing video! Keep it up!

[@james3282]

I had read a couple of Steven K. Hayes books and got great information.

[@violinladderman3673]

I had one of his books i think back in the late 80s or early 90s definitely brings back memories from my chikdhood.

[@wdtripps44]

All the people in the ads section of black belt magazine during the 1990s. Good times.