Secret Weapons of Jujutsu (Hardcover)

by Don Cunningham (Author) "The Japanese sword, admired for its artistic value as well as for its practical merits, is often considered an emblem of the samurai's power and..." (more)
Key Phrases: iron truncheon, unarmed fighting styles, tai sabaki, Edo Period, Secret Weapons of Jujutsu, Oda Nobunaga (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Japanese sword is much admired for its artistic value as well as for its practical merits. An emblem of the samurai's power and skill, it was venerated by the bushi, or warrior class. The sword was the "the soul of a samurai," and swordsmanship was essential for survival on the battlefield.

During the relative peace of the Tokugawa Era, though, the sword was often considered unsuitable or was even unavailable for use in certain situations. Furthermore, non-samurai townsmen, including feudal era police assistants, were prohibited from carrying swords. Both samurai and townsmen frequently had to rely on alternative non-lethal weapons for personal defense, including the creative use of many common, everyday objects.

"Secret Weapons of Jujutsu" is the first book to appear in English that offers a detailed introduction to exotic defensive weapons like the tessen and jutte as well as other hibuki, or "concealed weapons." Topics include the history and development of such weapons, as well as the philosophical and practical reasons for employing non-lethal alternatives.

The tessen, literally meaning "iron fan," was either an actual folding fan with metal ribs or a non-folding solid bar made of either iron or wood and shaped like a folded fan. The tessen was considered a symbol of authority as well as a common self-defense weapon for extraordinary situations.

The jutte was an iron truncheon carried by feudal era police officers and their non-samurai assistants. Edo Period police developed many weapons and techniques against criminal violators, who were usually armed and frequently desperate. Essentially a defensive or restraining weapon, the jutte was popular because it could parry the slash of a razor-sharp sword and disarm an assailant without serious injury.

"Secret Weapons of Jujutsu" provides an introduction to the defensive techniques of tetsushaku-jutsu, or the use of a one shaku long metal or wood weapon to disarm or disable an attacker. Techniques illustrated are from several different Japanese martial art traditions which incorporate aspects of tetsushaku-jutsu. "Secret Weapons of Jujutsu" will be a valuable learning tool and resource for all classical Japanese martial arts practitioners.

From the Author
Don Cunningham holds advanced ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo, including a second dan license from the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo. A frequent contributor to many martial arts publications, Mr. Cunningham has studied and written about Japanese modern and traditional martial arts for more than thirty years.

Mr. Cunningham has practiced judo and competed in many different countries, including Japan. His tournament records include many state and regional awards. In addition, he has studied koryu bujutsu styles with various teachers during his frequent visits to Japan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Budo Kai Ltd; 1 edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970280807
• ISBN-13: 978-0970280800
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,446,029 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An outsider's look at Japan, January 27, 2003

By A Customer

I'm afraid this book disappointed me. Far from being a comprehensive work on Japanese weapons, the weapons covered are extremely limited. Cunningham seems to have only covered weapons contained in 'the author's personal collection'. There's a few lines about this and that, but no detail at all about anything.

I found this book very much an 'outsider's' look at Japan, giving small pieces of information on Japanese history and culture. As a long-time resident of Japan and martial arts practitioner, however, I found the book rather shallow and lacking insider's insight. I had trouble understanding why some of the sections, such as the recounting of the well-known story of the 47 Ronin had anything to do with 'secret weapons of jujutsu'. Some of the illustrations also puzzled me, not seeming relevant to the text.

My conclusion; If you know nothing about Japan and its martial history, maybe it's an interesting read. If you know a little already, there's nothing new here.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Secret Weapons of Jujutsu, November 14, 2000

By	W. Sakai "grtfshrmn" (Chino Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was looking for a book that has information on the Tessen, Iron Fan. I found the information on the fan as well as all the other weapons well covered. Each with a historical background, description on how the weapons were used and good black and white pictures. I enjoyed the book. And found it a good reference.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Japanese Weapons Book, July 10, 2004

By	George Kirby (Santa Clarita, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Secret Weapons of Jujutsu (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

In his first book, Don Cunningham places considerable emphasis on the history and use of the jutte. It has lots of great pix of various jutte & other related weapons. This is an essential book for your library if you're into weapons.