NINJA TRUTHS AND MYTHS! Unmasking The Men In Black While Separating Fact From Fiction. Ninjas are often portrayed in modern culture as cold-blooded assassins, garbed in black, who, armed with Samurai swords, throwing stars and nun-chucks, appear out of nowhere in the shadows of night to sever the heads of their chosen victims without mercy. They are even said to possess magical powers to include invisibility and walking on water, along with exhibiting such superb physical skills that they could easily rank world class in Olympic events such as gymnastics and track and field. You even hear tongue-in-cheek statements in film such as "Only a Ninja can kill another Ninja!". That kind of hoopla might be fine for entertaining the younger audiences who love their super hero comic books, video games and Teenage Ninja Turtle flicks. But what about the adult crowd (like the author) who prefers a good dose of historical accuracy in their movies, books, etc. After all, you have probably heard the saying that "truth is stranger than fiction." The author became fascinated with ninjas back in the decade of the 1980's when the Ninja craze in America had reached its peak. Ever since then I have set about consuming every book, article, and documentary I could feast my eyes upon. What I discovered about Ninjas was actually quite surprising. Their reputation has been highly dramatized by misconception and the popular media. Sure, it may be more exciting to portray them as sword-slinging roof-hopping executioners with mystical powers. But let's get real! Now I'd like to share with you what I've learned. Here is the summation of all that research. And yes, I have found that truth truly is stranger than fiction.