Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) [Hardcover]

Serge Mol (Author)

Book Description

Series: Bushido--The Way of the Warrior | Publication Date: July 15, 2001

The fierceness of the Japanese warrior and his fighting arts has fascinated Westerners since Europeans first came into contact with Japan more than 450 years ago. Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu is the first comprehensive English-language book on traditional jujutsu.

Author Serge Mol-working almost exclusively from original Japanese source materials-vividly outlines the history of the close-quarter fighting methods that warriors developed not only to prove themselves on the battlefield and in daily life, but also to the constantly ready to defend their feudal lords.

A great number of jujutsu styles and techniques-armed and unarmed-have existed over the centuries, and many of the classical weapon schools also instructed in the use of jujutsu. The Classical Fighting Arts of Japan expertly guides readers through the rise and development of many of the major schools.

The classical martial arts as practiced in the ancient ryuha were deeply interwoven. For this reason, this definitive guide to koryu jujutsu will not only be invaluable to practioners of traditional and modern jujutsu, but will be of great interest to enthusiasts of modern budo such as judo, aikido, kendo, and iaido.

Mol explores the historical and cultural factors that helped shape jujutsu and the martial arts in general. He offers a detailed look at individual jujutsu ryuha, giving details on the school's history (where possible including illustrations of their founders and photos of ancient manuscripts).

This book is richly illustrated with numerous photographs of rare documents and with many photos of exponents demonstration techniques, many of which have never before been shown outside Japan. In addition to his extensive research in original source material, Mol had regular access in conversation, over the course of years, to the insights of the grandmasters of several of the most important jujutsu schools that remain active today.

Classical Fighting Arts of Japan will be a welcome addition to the personal collection of every serious student of Japanese martial arts.

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher

An Online Interview with the Author

Could you tell us a little about your background?

"As far as my background in martial arts is concerned, I started my training when I was 9 years old. I started with jujutsu, and later on became more and more interested in other samurai martial arts. Because in classical jujutsu there are a lot of techniques against opponents armed with swords, I felt the need to learn to use the sword. I was fascinated by iaijutsu and kenjutsu, which were almost impossible to train in outside of Japan, so when I was sixteen I took up kendo, followed two years later by iaido and also jodo. I continued to practice these arts, until I went to Japan.

"After graduating in accountancy (fiscal law, and banking and finance), and a very brief and boring career as an accountant, I decided in 1993 that it was time for me to go to Japan and deepen my knowledge of the classical martial arts. I became a student of grandmaster Tanaka Fumon (grandmaster of Enshin Ryu, Minaki Den Kukishin Ryu and Tenshin Hyoho Soden Kukamishin Ryu) and studied a variety of classical martial arts, including jujutsu, iaijutsu, kenjutsu, suemonogiri, bojutsu, hanbojutsu, sojutsu, naginatajutsu, and kakushibukijutsu, to mention the most important ones. Later I also became a student of grandmaster Nakashima Atsumi (grandmaster of Katayama Hoki Ryu Jujutsu, and also inheritor of Tenjin Myoshin Ryu). My teachers not only introduced me to their own respective ryuha, but gradually also allowed me to study other schools as well. Presently I hold the rank of menkyo kaiden in Enshin Ryu Iai, Suemonogiri and Kenpo, and that of menkyo in Katayama Hoki Ryu Jujutsu.

"Before I came to Japan I had already started the groundwork for a book on the history and development of classical jujutsu. Once in Japan, I threw away all my notes and started again from scratch. This time I decided to use mostly Japanese source material, and I spent years collecting, translating, and interpreting old documents and scrolls of various martial arts schools. Presently I live in my home country, but also spend a great deal of time in Japan to continue both my training and research."

What motivated you to write this book? / What got you started?

"I have always been fascinated by the various Japanese martial arts, and in particular jujutsu. In addition to studying its techniques I also find it very important to know, the history and philosophy of one's art, and its relation to other martial arts. When I started working on my book, the literature available on the subject in any of the major Western languages was usually very superficial and full of misconceptions; I was not able to quench my thirst for knowledge with it. Some of the better books were written by people who had actually trained in Japan for a number of years, but there was no book that focused solely on Jujutsu. That made me decide to throw away my old notes, and get the information in Japan myself, and write my own book based on Japanese sources.

"While I was working on my book in Japan I was also confronted with the fact that so many of the country's traditional arts (not only martial arts) were in danger of disappearing, if they had not already disappeared. This was also acknowledged by several of the martial arts grandmasters I had the honor of working with. Not withstanding the fact that it is very difficult to make contact with the grandmaster of a martial art tradition, I was moved by the trust they put in me, a non-Japanese, once they understood my motives, to record and thus preserve their art. The trust and friendship I received from these teachers strengthened my determination to bring this project to a good end."

Could you tell us a little about the contents of the book?

"Although there are various chapters, the book can be divided into two main sections. In the first section I give an overview of the elements that played a role in the development of jujutsu in general, and discuss characteristics of the art. In addition I explore the relation of jujutsu to other martial arts, and give an outline of the various martial art traditions (the bugei ryuha).

"The second part can be seen as a mini-encyclopedia that can be consulted for further information on a certain school. In this part I focus on history and development of an extended selection of individual jujutsu styles. For better comprehension the schools are not listed alphabetically, but within a logical framework.

"I prefer to see the book mainly as a work on the history of jujutsu. However due to the great number of illustrations it will no doubt also be of interest to enthusiasts of jujutsu technique."

What do you see as the centerpiece of the book? / Why is the book important?

"The book is important because it is the only one of its kind in any major Western language. It focusesto a large extent on the history of jujutsu in general, but also gives detailed information on an extensive number of individual jujutsu schools.

"It is based almost completely on original Japanese source material, and includes numerous pictures of rare authentic manuscripts of various martial arts schools. In addition it includes photographs showing practitioners demonstrating techniques, many of which have never been seen outside Japan."

What did you yourself learn from writing the book?

"In order to get a better understanding of classical martial arts I actually lived in Japan, in Kyoto, one of the oldest cities of the country, for several years, actively practicing a number of classical martial arts. Living in another country, experiencing its culture and being able to approach its history on its own terms, were unique learning experiences.

"Furthermore I learned to apply martial arts philosophy to successfully finishing a big project, such as publishing this book. I came to understand the importance of being able to know when to keep "fudoshin" (an unmovable heart or mind), and when to use "jushin" (the adaptable heart or mind). To put it in easier words, I learned when to ignore any comments and remain focused on my target, but I also came to understand that sometimes it is useful to keep an open mind, and listen to other people.

"While one should be proud of the ryuha one was allowed to join, it is also essential to have respect for other styles. Having researched them thoroughly, I have a deep respect for the various jujutsu/bujutsu styles, regardless of their origin."

What would you like readers to take away with them after reading this book?

"I hope readers get a better understanding of what exactly jujutsu is, and also learn to appreciate it not only for its technical merits, but also for its historical and cultural value. It is important that classical jujutsu, and in a wider sense classical martial arts in general, are seen not as a sport, but as living traditions that are part of Japan's cultural heritage."

What people or books were influential in the writing of your book? "I felt it was necessary to base my research upon original Japanese source material. To write a work of this scale, however, it was important to use the widest possible selection of source material and not just one or two books. In fact I have consulted a great variety of works, ranging from new Japanese works on the subject of martial arts to Meiji-period books, and even authentic Edo-period manuscripts of martial arts schools.

"I'm also indebted to these grandmasters of martial arts schools, that have generously shared their thoughts with me. I'm particularly grateful to my own teachers, grandmasters Tanaka Fumon and Nakashima Atsumi, both representing different jujutsu styles, for allowing me to explore such a wide spectrum of jujutsu styles, the understanding of which in turn helped me when writing about other schools."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA; 1st edition (July 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770026196
• ISBN-13: 978-4770026194
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,835,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history on Japan's Fighting arts., March 13, 2004

By 

Gerardo S. Esguerra (Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) (Hardcover)

In general, the West was introduced to oriental martial arts through Kano's judo, followed by karate. Many literature on karate trace its origins to Okinawa, and from there, to China. So many believe China, with its fabled Shaolin temple(s), to be the origin of most of the oriental martial arts.

This detailed and very well researched book gives a different perspective. It shows that Japan had its own schools of martial arts, virtually independent of foreign influence.

The book lumps these arts under the general term, "jujutsu" -- although it also gives various origins, synonyms and explanations of this word.

The methods in jujutsu were developments of the battlefield of those times. Armor-clad warriors faced each other, first from a distance using bows and arrows, then coming closer to use swords and later, grappling techniques.

As such, the arts included everything that was feasible for those times and battle conditions: use of various weapons, techniques against armor clad opponents, even techniques of tying up captured enemies. All that in addition to what most of the world knows of oriental fighting arts: striking and grappling technics.

Some "revelations" from the book which may surprise many modern day martial artists (like myself):

1. "Kenpo" is not a translation of the Chinese "kung fu" or "chuan fa" as many are made to believe. The term was long used in ancient jujutsu schools in times probably ante-dating known Shaolin temples.

2. "Judo" is not a word originally coined by Jigoro Kano. This term, too, was used long before Kano was even born and was even used in names of certain schools (ryuha).

While each of the above just had a sentence or two in the book, it shows the depth of the research of this book. There are a lot of such "revelations."

The book is, first and foremost, a history book. It shows the development of Japanese fighting arts in the time before the relatively peaceful Meiji period -- the time when techniques really meant life or death to the warrior in the battlefield. The various schools are presented, their origins, developments, notable characteristics, and lineage traced to as near the present as possible.

Martial artists looking for techniques would only be treated to a sampling. The illustrations of techniques were more for clearer understanding of particular schools, or even words, rather than being a "how-to" presentation.

In this regard, the title may be considered deceptive. The "complete"-ness of the book is only as far as history goes, not on technique presentation.

Another "fault" of the title is that it gives the impression that "Koryu Jujutsu" is a particular style or school of jujutsu, when actually, "koryu" simply means classical, or traditional. This is a problem to one who does not know Japanese. But this is an English book and the problem should have been addressed right on the cover, and not several pages later in the Introduction.

Something else about the title: It could give one the impression that it deals with all arts, and this is even reinforced by the subtitle. But the book only deals with the schools it considers jujutsu, and only those that originated before the Meiji period. While this is explained as one reads the book, the title could be misleading.

This enumeration of the problems I had with the title does not decrease the value of the book in any way. It is an excellent book. But the buyer must know what to expect out of it.

More than half of the book (the latter half) is devoted to the origins and lineage of the schools. As such, it would be boring for those not interested in such topics. However, there are some interesting bits of information scattered here and there among the discussion, such as stories about certain masters and students, both mythical and factual. The author even tries to resolve some controversies in certain stories.

The first half of the book is devoted to very revealing historical backgrounds, terminology and definitions, weapons, and presentation of mythical as well as actual origins of schools.

I would have preferred that the author stuck to English terms. In the book, a Japanese term is given with English translation(s) in parenthesis. And then, for the rest of the book, only the Japanese term is used. So you should remember the English meanings of all those terms as you go through the rest of the book.

I would have preferred the opposite: use the English, with the Japanese term(s) in parenthesis. Or better yet, have a glossary for all those terms! (it doesn't)

Overall, the book is an excellent work on the history of jujutsu.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious historical treatment of Koryu Jujutsu, January 3, 2006

By 

Toronto_Matt (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) (Hardcover)

Many are the books available on jujutsu, however few truly shed any light on the real roots of the art and lineages from which they came. Serge Mol does an outstanding job in this.

The book is also put together beautifully by Kodansha and with excellent quality photographs, many of the current headmasters of the traditional jujutsu ryu performing techniques, to give the reader a sampling of what the arts look like.

When Koryu books first started publishing their books there was an endorsement which read something to the effect that the Skosses were continuing the work of Don Draeger. This may be so but Serge Mol's text is much more representative of Draeger's approach; both historical research and new information, gleaned first hand, from personal research in Japan. The Skoss books are really collections of essays by long time Western Koryu practitioners. Mol seeks rather to provide us with a very comprehensive historical text and succeeds brilliantly in this.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding for study but not so much application, November 9, 2004

By 

Lyle "L3" (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) (Hardcover)

This is one of those books that belongs in every serious martial artists libraries. It is not a "how-to" beginners guide,even though it demonstrates the proper techniques; if you are searching for a guide to martial arts without the dojo this is not for you. However, if you are already practicing martial arts and wish to find every in-depth and quality source of reference to expand your knowledge of the martial arts, their origins, and the spirit that is within them, then this book is top of the line and a must have. This book will intrigue anyone eager to just learn a little more...or maybe alot more, depending on the person. It is VERY high quality with many photos (mostly b&w). It is well written, and very clear in most areas. I would think it to be fairly confusing to the novice, who has little or no in-depth knowledge of Japanese martial arts however, because it traces the lineages of the main Japanese styles to their roots. But that is what this book is about: studying the techniques as they began, and following their evolution. Basically, I find this book to be an outstanding addition to my library, in a class of its own; but once again it is not the "master book of martial arts", but the ideal addition to the ones you may already have of similar subjects. Serge Mol is an outstanding writer and a very qualified authority on the subject.