Customer Reviews

Tanto: Japanese Knives and Knife Fighting

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This book is divided into 3 distinct parts: Part 1 addresses the history of the tanto (various types, sword & tanto construction, metalurgy, tradition, etc.), and was -- by far -- the best part of the book. Part 2 shows photos of dozens of tantos that were available for sale during the 80s -- both custom and commercial, with a brief commentary on many. Part 3 discusses how to fight with a tanto.

The knifefighting section was divided in 2 sections. The first purports to be traditional tantojutsu. There are about a dozen "scenarios" (long sword vs tanto, short sword vs tanto, and tanto vs tanto), but in every single one, both opponents face each other whist kneeling on a tatami mat! Furthermore, the techniques were rather advanced, thus impractical for most. The second showed "modern" techniques from a variety of systems (Kali, Hwrang-do, ninjitsu, etc.). While a few examples had merit, most appeared to be fight choreography intended for Hollywood action-adventure films. A lot of reliance on complex moves and joint locks. Two different instructors even showed their secret techniques for forcing the bad guy to stab himself with his own knife! It seemed like the various instructors where more concerned with trying to "outperform" one another by showing off their alleged mastery of the fighting (performing?) arts, rather than attempting to convey anything of value to a reader who truly wanted to learn. It would surely impress the ignorant, though.

The first part of this book was outstanding. Even the second part was better that I'd expected. But as for the "instructional" value of this book, I'd strongly advise you to look elsewhere.

This book is written in the light hearted style that was so common in the 1980's. If you are looking for a dry matter of fact text on Tanto and other Japanese blades then this is not the book for you.

On the other hand, if (like me) your steel was tempered in the 80's and that southern Californian light hearted approach (Dude! I mean, Dude!) does not turn you off...

This is the best "Short Course" on Japanese blades, Tanto in particular, that has ever been written.

In a single afternoon you can learn enough about Japanese blades and Tanto to hold you own in a conversation on the subject. This is the "Short Course", not an in depth study of any single aspect of the subject.

The section on the Americanization of the Tanto in the 80's is quite interesting.

The section on Tanto use for defence and combat is much better than others have claimed. It, once again, is the "Short Course". Study the images and the techniques they show and you can gain much ground in your understanding of Tanto use for defensive purposes.

If you read and re-read this book, cover to cover, you will have read some material that is largely lost in the modern cookie cutter era and is normally only available to adepts and masters.

Once again: This is the best "Short Course" on Japanese blades, Tanto in particular, that has ever been written.

Cheers,

Stephen Templar (author: rexGun - Rexgun)

To my knowledge, when I first bought this book many years ago, this was the first book I had ever seen published on Tanto-jutsu. Being interested in Asian knife and sword arts for many years, the only material I could find on Tanto-jutsu at that time was this excellent book and a dragon video on Tanto-jutsu techniques. I found this text very informative as it explained the basic principles of this Japanese knife (dagger) art and its relationship to kenjutsu (Japanese sword art). The Japanese Bushi (Warrior) many times carried a Katana (long sword), a Wakizashi (Medium sword) and a Tanto (Dagger or knife).

In conclusion, if you are interested in Japanese sword and knife arts, this book is an excellent introduction into Tanto-jutsu.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu: Bushi Satori Ryu Official Manua).