Product Description

Fully illustrated with photographs of contemporary demonstrations of jututsu techniques, this is a comprehensive guide to the ancient martial art of jujutsu, which laid the foundations for the development of aikido and judo.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #551452 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Review
.,." well research, very comprehensive, and of exceptional quality."-Prof. Peter McAnalen, Director of the World Demonstration Championships
"[The author] has added a well-written, solidly researched book to a genre flooded with misinformation." - Kevin French, Academia: An Online Magazine and Resource for Academic Librarians
.,." well written, designed, and illustrated. ...will probably remain in print for a very long time." -IHS
"Provides access for the non-Japanese reading audience to a great deal of the information that was previously unavailable." -Brett Denison, Mizukan Dojo
"This book will completely change the way that Westerners perceive and understand the nature of Jujutsu." - Ross Iannocarro, 6th Dan, President, Tai Jujutsu Association

Kevin French, Academia: An Online Magazine and Resource for Academic Librarians
"[The author] has added a well-written, solidly researched book to a genre flooded with misinformation."

IHS
"... well written, designed, and illustrated. ... will probably remain in print for a very long time."

Customer Reviews

An excellent resource, well researched and illustrated.
This is the first English language book to focus exclusively on Japan's Koryu Jujutsu traditions. It follows in the footsteps of the few serious landmark books about Japan's ancient warrior traditions by authors such as Draeger and Skoss. What makes this book different is it covers those traditions which teach primarily close quarter combat and the grappling arts.

The author introduces the roots of jujutsu as found in yoroi kumiuchi or battlefield grappling and goes on to explain how various methods were developed and evolved in different ryu or schools. He then discusses the main lineages and the branches that arose from them. The book is well illustrated throughout with pictures of original scrolls, as well as demonstrations of authentic jujutsu techinques from various ryuha. As most schools were either sogo bugei or comprehensive systems, or included waza against weapons systems, many techniques shown include either defenses against weapons or the use of minor weapons such as daggers or the short sword.

Overall the book is very well researched and to date the most comprehensive work on this fascinating subject. This book is long overdue and is sure to become the definitive guide, and will be of great interest to anyone studying either budo or koryu bujutsu.