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Product Description
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.
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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
16 reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
New Bujinkan Instructor's Manual
17 July 2008
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
In my opinion this book is set up like an instructor's reference manual, an advanced version of the Ten Chi Jin Ryaku No Maki, the original shidoshi scrolls. Overall a beautifully mastered book with many great photo's and detailed descriptions of the taijutsu waza from 6 of the 9 schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The book also contains details on ukemi, taihenjutsu, San Shin No Kata and the Kihon Happo. This book will be a prized gem to anyone's Budo Taijutsu reference library.
If you are new to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu this book may be a little confusing, it is really designed for someone that has a very solid foundation of the terminology and taijutsu techniques utilized in the kobudo schools of the Bujinkan. With-out the guidance of a trained instructor the descriptions of the waza may seem useless, especially because there are not any step by step photos. Combine this book with the guidance of a licensed instructor of the Bujinkan.
Soke Hatsumi's secrets are still masterfully hidden with-in the written word.
If you are new to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu this book may be a little confusing, it is really designed for someone that has a very solid foundation of the terminology and taijutsu techniques utilized in the kobudo schools of the Bujinkan. With-out the guidance of a trained instructor the descriptions of the waza may seem useless, especially because there are not any step by step photos. Combine this book with the guidance of a licensed instructor of the Bujinkan.
Soke Hatsumi's secrets are still masterfully hidden with-in the written word.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Another poor translation...
1 Nov 2008
Format:Hardcover
Save your money Bujin-kuns!
I say this unless you can read the original Japanese text in the appendix.
This book is full of errors... both in the form of poor translation & layout. Some techniques have even been misplaced under the wrong sections!
These series of books really do not do Hatsumi-sensei any justice. Either he picked poor translators or they were chosen for him. The English translation reads very unprofessional and sounds like someone who has been in Japan long enough that they can no longer speak or write properly. It is unfortunate that the translators would accept such work that is out of their league.
If you can't read Japanese and are interested in a glimpse of who Hatsumi-sensei is and what he sounds like, try the "Way of the Ninja." Having read all of his books in Japanese, this one sounds most like his original penned words.
I say this unless you can read the original Japanese text in the appendix.
This book is full of errors... both in the form of poor translation & layout. Some techniques have even been misplaced under the wrong sections!
These series of books really do not do Hatsumi-sensei any justice. Either he picked poor translators or they were chosen for him. The English translation reads very unprofessional and sounds like someone who has been in Japan long enough that they can no longer speak or write properly. It is unfortunate that the translators would accept such work that is out of their league.
If you can't read Japanese and are interested in a glimpse of who Hatsumi-sensei is and what he sounds like, try the "Way of the Ninja." Having read all of his books in Japanese, this one sounds most like his original penned words.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
This is a Densho
8 Aug 2008
Format:Hardcover
A Densho is a japanese scroll detailing the techniques of a ryu (school) of martial arts. As such, this book has a lot of words and pictures but without the knowledge and training to put it all together, it probably won't make any sense to you. Bujinkan members will appreciate this book. Don't expect it to be a how to type of book, it's more of a list of techniques for each of the 9 ryus with a basic description and several pictures and anecdotes from Soke Hatsumi. That said, I love this book, there are so many little things about it that keep me thinking late at night like why did he put a picture by Salvador Dali on page 38. Excellent Book! I bought two copies so I can ruin one reading it over and over and keep one on the shelf.
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