Customer Reviews

Japan's Ultimate Martial Art: Jujitsu Before 1882 the Classical Japanese Art of Self-Defense

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book has an excellent historical perspective of Japanese jujitsu. Like many other books on martial arts, it can not be used alone to learn actual techniques. However it describes a variety of ancient techniques that are still used today by the Japanese police, including some lesser known methods such as rope tying. Although I understand that the author was probably attempting a specific "historical" look with the somewhat crude drawings, I would have preferred more modern illustrations.

I'm surprised I'm the first person to review this book. This book discusses classical Japanese jiu-jitsu, presenting the history of the art as it can best be reconstructed, along with many illustrations and discussions of the techniques. Just as with the approximately 200-300 schools of swordsmanship that existed between 1000 A.D. and the mid-1800's, when they went into decline (with only about 15 surviving today), there were many styles also of jiu-jitsu, often associated with a particular martial art tradition that included training in the yari (spear), naginata (halberd), the bow, and various other weapons, but most importantly, the sword, as in the famous Kashima-Shinryu style that Karl Friday has capably discussed in his scholarly book, Legacies of the Sword.

Here Craig attempts to do the same thing for jiu-jitsu and I think succeeds very well. Except for articles in various martial arts journals, there is no book accessible to the general reader that deals with this important topic. Overall, a fine book with much valuable information that should be of interest to martial artists with an interest in the old school or koryu Japanese arts.

Craig Sensei has provided the jujitsu community with a look at their roots. An honest, well documented study of the golden age of traditional jujitsu with a brief discussion and illustration of many of the lesser known techniques of jujitsu.

This book is packed with techniques that are quite effective. There is also an interesting pictorial retrospective by the author who studied at the Japanese Police Academy. It is not a book for those looking to self teach themselves a martial art. However, those who are already familiar with some form of grappling martial art such as another form of Jujutsu, will find this book a fine addition to their collection that documents some of the history, philosophy and techniques of this powerful martial art.

This book is informative, and does provide some insights into the history of the grappling arts in Japan. I felt, however, that it did not live up to either the title nor the jacket blurbs. It is a decent book, and worth owning and reading, but I was disappointed that I didn't gain more history and insight.

This book offers a lot in terms of history and technical knowledge. At first glance the drawings were unimpressive but when I got deeper into it, I was very surprised by what this book had to offer. I highly reccomend it.

this book is a very good primer on jujitsu in Japan, before Judo obsoleted much of it. In the years since 1882, Judo has really eliminated the popularity of Jujitsu. If for no other reason, this book is great because it records for all time some of the techniques that might otherwise be forgotten now that sport is more important that combat.
The detailed analysis of Happo No Kuzushi is invaluable, even for Judoka.
I recommend this for any Jujitsuka or Judoka that wants to know more about the non-sporting aspects of their art.
It is now required reading in my Dojo.

I read this a few years ago, and more than once. I am surprised at the criticisms. As always, there is only so much you can learn from a book. If you have a little martial arts experience, I think you can pick up a lot from this book and I recommend it.

I had the pleasure of training with Shihan Craig for just over a year. He has proven to be extremely knowledgeable and highly skilled. This book is reccomended to ALL Martial Artists. Reading through the book is just like attending a series of classes where you learn not just technique but history and a whole lot more.

An excellent primer on Jujitsu, the precursor to Judo. The author outlines the relevant history and insight into Japan and the Samurai and its relationship with the martial art from 1100 A.D. There is alot of technical data, whichs serves as a guide to be used along with a qualified instructor to help any student become a master of Jujitsu. Craig has written an excellent resource for Jujitsu students and individuals interested in practical self defense techniques.