Secret Weapons of Jujutsu (Tuttle Martial Arts) [Paperback]

Don Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tuttle Martial Arts | Publication Date: June 15, 2002

"A unique book, the best English-language source on the small weapons of Japan."— Kim Taylor, Journal of Japanese Sword Arts

Editorial Reviews

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 1 edition (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804834229
• ISBN-13: 978-0804834223
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #513,204 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

This review is from: Secret Weapons of Jujutsu (Hardcover)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A well-written and researched basic guide to Jujitsu weapons., August 17, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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

The author of this book visited our Jujitsu club many years ago and showed us his Jutte collection. We also practiced a few techniques with this weapon. As a life time student of the martial arts of Judo, Jujitsu, Karate and Kobudo, I found this book very informative and interesting. Granted, the author did not go into great detail on some of these weapons; nevertheless, this is a book for anyone who has an interest in the many weapons that are part of some jujitsu combat systems. The nine chapters cover a lot of educational material on numerous Jujitsu weapons. It is clear the author has done a lot of hard research on this text. It is well-written and easy to understand.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto Jutsu official manual of Bushi Satori Ryu).

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Secret Weapons of Jujutsu, November 13, 2000

By 

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

This review is from: Secret Weapons of Jujutsu (Hardcover)

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.