Classical Bujutsu (Martial Arts and Ways of Japan, V. 1.) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Evolved amid the incessant warfare of medieval Japan, bujutsu, or "martial arts," provided the warrior with the technical and psychological training that prepared him to use his weapons in actual combat. Classical Bujutsu emphasizes the intensely practical nature of these martial arts. The author describes sixteen major forms of bujutsu, employing a variety of weapons and techniques.

About the Author

Donn F. Draeger was a U.S. Marine Corps officer and a historian of martial arts disciplines, in which he held a variety of expert ranks and teaching licenses. He was technical director of the magazine Martial Arts International and author of many books on the fighting arts of Asia. He died in 1982.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill (December 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834802333
• ISBN-13: 978-0834802339
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #170,845 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't get the japanese martial spirit without reading it, March 4, 2003

By	"gitirana" (Rio, RJ, Brazil) - See all my reviews

The book in the beginning suggests that we will meet long and profound explanations about how the values and characteristics of the classical warriors in ancient Japan developed... Well, they are not that long, not that profound... I wanted more... BUT... What we have in the book is just great!

Maybe I'm so greedy about this matter that I'm thinking the book could go longer, but it is an excellent work! You can't understand the original martial spirit from Japan if you don't read a book like this...

In the end, the author shows some details about the main traditional Martial Arts in Japan, but the great point is the focus on the development of the characteristics of the classical warrior through the telling and analysis of the historical period in which they developed. The text is dry, economic, and goes straight to the point, telling especially what is important to understand the spirit behind the facts. After all, it is a classic anyone who loves Martial Arts, especially those Japanese, must read!

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST OVERALL BOOK ON JAPANESE ARTS, June 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Bujutsu (The Martial arts and ways of Japan, v. 1) (Hardcover)

The only book that explains the history of japanese warfare so you can see why the martial arts evolved as they did.

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent basic guide to the martial arts of Japan by the late Donn F. Draeger, August 24, 2009

By	Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Chicago, Il) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is actually a three book set series by the late Donn F. Draeger. Anyone who is truly a student of the martial arts should have at least read a few of Draeger's numerous books. The great book focuses on Japan's martial tradition and the development of various weapons and combat systems. This text covers the development of bujutsu, bladed weapons and systems such as kenjutsu, iai-jutsu, and naginata-jutsu. Other weapon schools are also covered such as bo-jutsu, jo-jutsu, tetsubo-jutsu, and other auxiliary arts. In conclusion, this book, as well as the other two volumes in the series are a must for the serious martial art student. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, Yawara Stick Manual, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Never Trust a Politician).