Customer Reviews

Kokushi-Ryu Jujutsu

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is indispensible for practitioners of Kokushi-ryu Jujutsu as they advance through the ranks. Soke (founder) Higashi outlines the history and philosophy of Kokushi-ryu Jujutsu, with a clear explanation of the principles driving his development of the style. The basics of breakfalls (ukemi), stances, strikes, kicks, throws, chokes, joint techniques, and more are clearly illustrated with instructive photographs and precise text.

As with all martial arts texts, this book should not be used without the supervision of a qualified instructor. This is particularly the case with Kokushi-ryu Jujutsu, as most of the techniques require a practice partner in order to safely learn and adequately understand the principles involved. Perhaps more importantly, the guidance and discipline of an approved dojo's environment is one of the crucial aspects of the style; the social values expressed within the dojo are key to the goal of Jujutsu as human education.

I am very impressed with the author's instruction and view of the "human education and method" of Jujutsu. Kokushiryu Jujutsu is a beautiful and very effective martial art. Sensei Higashi has clearly illustrated methods of the same attack in different techniques and movements that everyone can understand and enjoy learning. The techniques shown in the Kokushiryu Jujutsu book are very useful and effective tools, as well as a benefit for healthy physical and mental conditioning.

Jujutsu is the mother of modern Japanese martial arts from which spawned the arts of Aikido, Judo and Karate. Long before the founding of such arts as Aikido, Karate and Judo, Jujutsu was being honed and tested by the Samurai on battlefields of Japan. Its techniques and philosophies make it one of the most effective martial arts ever devised. To this date, it has proven to be nearly unbeatable when tested against other arts. If you are looking for a comprehensive exposition to one of today's modern exponents of this ancient art then Prof. Higashi's book is the comprehensive guide that will reveal to you the secrets of this classical martial arts system.

I found this book to be rehashed Aikido/Judo moves done in the older form appearing to look like the original jujitsu waza. But the arts are not necessarily the original jujitsu combat forms, particularly the ukemi.

It appears that many high ranks in Judo and Aikido are trying to get back into the older arts of jujitsu to round out what may have been missing in their specialty training in current years, but are injecting too many of the modern sport moves in to their own homegrown systems to actually be combat authentic. Simply taking a jujitsu test in judo to become qualified in jujitsu does not seem to work out very well.

The Gracies may just as well written the book, their background is similar to the Authors from the looks of it.