The 2nd version is better yeah, I was gonna suggest that he look more towards the characters, to our right (---> that way lol) He looks like he's facing unnaturally towards us instead of his opponent. Honestly his stance is kinda awkward too I feel, I would have him with his other leg bent it would look more like a classic ninja stance. 180* flipped, as it is it looks like he is about to fall over almost haha. Looks very good though. =)
We are born, live, die and then do the same thing over again.