PROS

This is an extension to the close-up Ninja Rings routine. Not only is it a tremendous routine, it also solves some of the problems a performer might face with close-up linking rings. On stage, there isn’t much interaction with an audience. However, close-up, participants are more likely to want to examine the rings for a gap. This routine solves this problem in that the routine take a finger ring, links it to a ring. The finger ring then travels from one ring to another. The attention goes to the second ring and finger ring and the gimmicked ring goes in the pocket.

The props are good quality.

CONS

The ring comes with a finger ring, so, unless you can borrow a very similar ring, you will need to perform this effect with the rings supplied, not a borrowed ring. I think this is preferable anyway.

The set includes a gimmicked ring and a ring with a finger ring permanently linked. I think it would have been much better if it also incuded a single ungimmicked ring as well, so you could do additional routines like ring on rope, etc.

This is a routine that will take a significant amount of practice to make it look very good.

VERDICT

Great routine, quality props, and good instruction. Would have been nice if it included an ungimmicked ring.

I remember seeing Shoot Ogawa perform the Ninja Rings shortly after he moved to the US. It was truly breathtaking. By naming this effect “Ninja+,” the creator has a lot to live up to.

I certainly wouldn't call this a better version. It's different. That's all.

But it is good. The one thing I particularly like is that it involves a common object (a finger ring, in case you didn't read the product description). The creator has come up with some very clever, sometimes truly astonishing, moves. He's even taken the time to break them down into various stages of difficulty. Some of the more advanced moves will take you a very long time to master.

I also really enjoyed the instructional DVD. Matthew is very personable and a good teacher. He presents us with a narrative form of teaching where each move is learned, with commentary, and then the moves are put together into routines.

Somewhat of a novelty these days, the DVD starts with giving credit and acknowledging those that have gone before and inspired Matthew's routine.

The props are not bad. The finger ring is obviously very plain, but does come in sizes. I would have liked the “linking” rings to be a bit heavier, but they certainly work.

Oh, and the routines can be done surrounded (assuming you take some basic precautions). This is key for those of you that might want to work this in a walk-around situation.

Finally, there are additional moves and thoughts on melding Ninja+ with other routines you may already do with finger rings, ropes, etc. It would certainly be a piece of cake to add to a ring-and-rope routine.

If this type of thing interests you, I really suggest you check it out.