The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia [Paperback]

Donn F. Draeger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2001

An abundantly illustrated and well-researched work from renowned scholar and martial arts teacher Donn F. Draeger- this classic provides a comprehensive introduction to the sophisticated forms of empty-hand combat and myriad unique weapons which characterize Indonesian fighting styles. Draeger shows how the forms are related to their mainland cousins, provides historical context for their development, and describes the combat methods of Menangkabau warriors, Alefuru headhunters, and the Celates pirates. With over 400 illustrations, this book is an indispensable addition in any martial artist's library.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A profusely illustrated esoteric work."—The Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Donn F. Draeger was one of the world's leading authorities on the weapons and fighting arts of Asia. Licensed and recognized in Japan as a teacher of multiple martial arts, he wrote profusely on the subject. He is the author of Shaolin Lohan Kung-fu, Judo: Formal Techniques, and the six-volume Practical Karate series (available from Tuttle).

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804817162
• ISBN-13: 978-0804817165
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #456,600 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must read this book., November 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia (Paperback)

This book was out of print for years and thankfully it has been reprinted. If you have any interest in SE Asian martial arts this book is essential reading. It is very wordy and does not, by its own admission, cover all of Indonesia, but it is very thorough and covers so much more than just the Tjimande and Harimau based styles that we see in the west. The chapters are by island and are broken up into sections on silat, kuntao and any other odds and ends. There are some wonderful black and white photos. The style is a little dated but there is no other book of its kind in existence.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best, July 21, 2001

By 

rickey l. esteves sr (san francisco, ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia (Paperback)

this is the best book of it's type.this book is the most in-depth book on the Indonesian fighting arts I have seen.it's an excellent source for the armed/un-armed fighting arts of this region,as well as a resource for the history and culture/anthropology of Indonesia.some of the descriptions of the people in this book are rather outdated and ideo-syncratic. there are tons of photos and illustrations in this book.there are also great descriptions of how some of these things are made such as boobie traps,poisons,clubs with fish bone edges,etc. if you are an avid collector,beginning collector(especially),practicioner,or someone with an interest in the country and people of this region this is a must.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Western Work on Indonesian Fighting Arts, September 11, 2007

By 

Bob Orlando - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia (Paperback)

Absolutely Five Stars (don't know why it shows up as 4 out of 5). Donn Draeger's "Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia" is the definitive Western work on Indonesian fighting arts, and is "must" reading for anyone interested in Indonesia's martial history and culture.