Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai (Hardcover)

by Masaaki Hatsumi (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai, world-renowned ninja grandmaster and bestselling author Masaaki Hatsumi explains the fundamentals of various unarmed techniques unique to the Japanese martial arts. Known as budo taijutsu, these specialized moves allow the practitioner to evade and receive an attack even from an opponent wielding a sword. Hatsumi covers such topics as Kihon Happo (Eight Basic Movements), Kosshijutsu (Attacks Against Muscles), Koppojutsu (Attacks Against Bones), Jutaijutsu (Flexible Body Arts), Daken Taijutsu (Fist Punching and Striking), Ninpo Taijutsu (Bodily Arts of the Ninja), discussing and demonstrating the many techniques which will enable the fighter to punch, kick and finally lock or control the body of his adversary.

As Hatsumi tells us, the techniques have been secretly passed down from the masters to their students for more than a century, and have become the foundations for a range of other martial arts including judo, karate and aikido. This book will thus enhance the readers understanding of the roots of these various disciplines as well as provide fascinating insights into the spirit of the way of the warrior and the martial arts. Includes over 300 step-by-step photos and rare drawings.

About the Author

MASAAKI HATSUMI was born in 1931. After progressing through various martial arts, he became the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu and eight other martial arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system. Hatsumi has taught thousands of students and given instruction to law enforcement agencies all over the world. He has received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. He is also the author of many books and DVDs on ninjutsu and budo.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (July 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770030592
• ISBN-13: 978-4770030597
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #74,418 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Bujinkan Instructor's Manual, July 16, 2008

By	Justin Raleigh (Pasadena, California USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In my opinion this book is set up like an instructor's reference manual, an advanced version of the Ten Chi Jin Ryaku No Maki, the original shidoshi scrolls. Overall a beautifully mastered book with many great photo's and detailed descriptions of the taijutsu waza from 6 of the 9 schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The book also contains details on ukemi, taihenjutsu, San Shin No Kata and the Kihon Happo. This book will be a prized gem to anyone's Budo Taijutsu reference library.

If you are new to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu this book may be a little confusing, it is really designed for someone that has a very solid foundation of the terminology and taijutsu techniques utilized in the kobudo schools of the Bujinkan. With-out the guidance of a trained instructor the descriptions of the waza may seem useless, especially because there are not any step by step photos. Combine this book with the guidance of a licensed instructor of the Bujinkan.

Soke Hatsumi's secrets are still masterfully hidden with-in the written word.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Another poor translation..., November 1, 2008

By	Hiryu (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

Save your money Bujin-kuns!
I say this unless you can read the original Japanese text in the appendix.
This book is full of errors... both in the form of poor translation & layout. Some techniques have even been misplaced under the wrong sections!

These series of books really do not do Hatsumi-sensei any justice. Either he picked poor translators or they were chosen for him. The English translation reads very unprofessional and sounds like someone who has been in Japan long enough that they can no longer speak or write properly. It is unfortunate that the translators would accept such work that is out of their league.

If you can't read Japanese and are interested in a glimpse of who Hatsumi-sensei is and what he sounds like, try the "Way of the Ninja." Having read all of his books in Japanese, this one sounds most like his original penned words.

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a martial arts book, October 24, 2008

By	Radcliffe Cutshaw (Knoxville, TN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fighting Techniques is a multi-layered book. While sold as a martial arts book, it is also an art book and a book on philosophy.
The martial arts portion consists of the scrolls, both in photographs and translation, of the various schools of martial arts that the author holds. These scrolls at one time were secret and never revealed to the public. The art book is obvious from the photographs and composition. The text, other than the martial arts portion, are the author's philosophy.