In the world of martial arts, few names evoke as much intrigue and fascination as Stephen K Hayes.

Renowned for his contributions to popularizing ninjutsu in the West, Hayes's journey from a young boy captivated by the martial prowess of a TV character to becoming a revered martial artist and instructor is nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, Keith Vitali had the privilege of interviewing Hayes on his podcast Sidekicks, delving into the intricacies of his life's work and experiences.

Hayes's introduction to martial arts came through an unexpected source—an episode of the TV show Lassie featuring a Japanese exchange student demonstrating awe-inspiring moves. Entranced by the character's abilities, a six-year-old Hayes found himself drawn into the world of martial arts. This fascination only deepened as he encountered the enigmatic figure of the ninja through literature, particularly in Andrew Adams's book "Ninja: Invisible Assassins."

Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Hayes embarked on a remarkable journey to Japan in the 1970s, determined to learn ninjutsu firsthand. Despite facing language barriers and skepticism from some Japanese practitioners, Hayes found his way to the dojo of Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th grandmaster of Togakure Ryu ninjutsu. Under Hatsumi's tutelage, Hayes underwent rigorous training, enduring grueling sessions of combat and weapon techniques.

Hayes's time in Japan wasn't solely devoted to martial arts; he also found work as a voiceover artist and contributed to productions like the iconic Shogun mini-series. Hayes also collaborated on the script for "Enter The Ninja" in 1980, though he ultimately chose not to be credited due to personal reasons, as revealed in the Sidekicks podcast.

Despite the success of "Enter The Ninja," Hayes was acutely aware of the inaccuracies portrayed in the film, particularly in its depiction of ninja weaponry. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity would become hallmarks of Hayes's approach to ninjutsu.

Throughout the 1980s, Hayes's expertise attracted attention from Hollywood, with plans for a film adaptation of Eric Van Lustbader's "The Ninja" featuring none other than Robert De Niro. Although the project never materialized, Hayes's influence continued to grow, culminating in his induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year in 1985.

Hayes's return to Ohio marked a new chapter in his life, one characterized by a dedication to sharing his knowledge with a broader audience. He authored several influential books on ninjutsu and developed his martial arts system, To Shin Do, which sought to modernize traditional techniques for contemporary self-defense.

Today, in his seventies, Hayes remains as active as ever, conducting seminars and even venturing into the world of filmmaking with projects like "Warrior Island" and "Black Creek." His enduring commitment to the art of ninjutsu and his innovative approach to martial arts instruction ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of practitioners for years to come. In the world of martial arts, Stephen K Hayes is a true legend, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and modern practice.

Keith Vitali speaks to Stephen K Hayes on the Sidekicks Podcast 

Watch part two of the conversation between Keith Vitali and Stephen Hayes.