Product Description

Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai explores the essence of various unarmed techniques unique to the Japanese martial arts, known as budo taijutsu. The techniques are highly specialized, and allow the practitioner to evade and receive an attack even from an opponent wielding a sword, enabling them to punch, kick and finally to lock or control the body of their opponent. Among the various techniques introduced are Kihon Happo (Eight Basic Movements), Kosshijutsu (Attacks against Muscles), Koppojutsu (Attacks against Bones), Jutaijutsu (Flexible Body Arts), Daken Taijutsu (Fist Punching and Striking), Ninpo Taijutsu (Bodily Arts of the Ninja). These renowned techniques have been secretly inherited through the various lineages of masters for more than a century. They became the basis of a range of other martial arts, including judo, karate and aikido and this book will thus enhance the reader's understanding of the roots of such martial arts, as well as enabling them to learn more practical fighting techniques. It also shines light on the essence of the spirit of Japanese budo and bushido, and includes many photographs of the techniques as well as rare drawings and previously hidden scrolls.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #194553 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

About the Author
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was born in 1931. After progressing through various martial arts, he found his mentor, Takamatsu Toshitsugu, and eventually became the 34th Grand Master of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system. Dr. Hatsumi has taught thousands of students and law enforcement agencies worldwide and has received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders. He has also been a professional osteopath, acted in a popular TV series, and is the author of many books and DVDs on Ninjutsu and Budo.

Customer Reviews

Densho Revealed!
Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai offers the reader a chance to see the direct transmissions of techniques from the authors collection of densho scrolls.

It is essentially a compilation of written techniques (kata)from all 6 of the practiced Bujinkan schools, and as such consitutes information that has been "kept aside" for many years. Now it is available to everyone.

Dont get to glamoured by this book though. The techniques are not easy to understand if you have not seen them practiced, and there is a lot of variation in the way they are done (in a class)which could cause confusion. In addition, there is no information given with the movements,such as meaning of the name or principle/ idea of the kata, just a short description of the technique (step back, block, strike etc). It is no beginners guide - many kyu grades i have spoken too did not understand it, because they are at a level where they do not need to yet. It is not a training manual, like so many books out there, and has no pictures that would help one study the movements from home. To get the best from this book you need to be training in a Dojo.

As a collection of unarmed techniques, the missing armed techniques are sorely missed, and makes me wonder if another book of armed movements is forthcomming. I do hope so.

This book is best summed up as an excellent reference manual for the unarmed techniques of the schools of Gyokku Ryu, Koto Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Kukishinden Ryu, Takagiyoshin Ryu and Shinden fudo Ryu, but will be of litle use to inexperienced practicioners.

that being said it is well worth having.

Pass on your wisdom sensei
A must for all those who have studdied the samurai /ninja arts.Esoteric writing containing all sorts of knowledge.Aimed at perhaps medium or higher graded student's.