I have avidly enjoyed reading Amdur's writings since shortly after I began the study of martial arts in college. He is a serious, clear-minded author and scholar who avoids bland cliche and grapples earnestly with the evidence available in search of truth. He is both a gifted practitioner of the martial arts and someone who has studied their history and theory in great detail. Not unimportantly, his style is engaging and at times entertaining.
As someone who has never studied koryu, but has studied modern martial arts, this book is fascinating as an overview of some of these venerable traditions. I also appreciate his perspectives on koryu and martial arts generally. This would without question be the first book I would recommend to anyone curious about koryu martial arts.
(And, ironically enough, I fear this comes off as a rather bland review of a very good book. Well, read some of his essays online; if you like them, you'll like this book.)
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ISBN-13:
978-1937439163
ISBN-10:
193743916X
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Exactly what I'd expect from Amdur: serious, thoughtful, and provocative writing about martial arts, their history, their future
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2015Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2020
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Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2008
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Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018
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Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2020
Old School is a collection of historically-minded essays on Japanese martial arts and related topics. After the forewords and author's note, it contains five parts. These essays describe various Japanese martial arts schools or systems, weapons, and traditions. The book concludes with an extensive glossary as well as a bibliography.
As founder of Martial History Team, I am constantly searching for resources that would interest my readers. It did not take me long to become hooked on Sensei Amdur’s material. He is an exceptionally engaging writer. Too often we encounter authors who are technically proficient in whatever art they practice, whether it be of the martial or professional kind, yet they lack the ability to capture the audience’s attention. This is not a problem for Sensei Amdur. He writes in a thoughtful and organized manner, delivering his message without boring the reader.
The material in Old School may not be of universal interest to readers. The audience most likely to resonate with the contents are those practicing or researching Japanese martial traditions. Those who are wedded to preconceived notions of the origins of certain arts may take exception with Sensei Amdur’s explorations. However, I found his analysis and presentation refreshing, with plenty of leads for further research.
I greatly enjoyed reading Old School. Although I took extensive notes, this is likely one of the books I will read again. Depending on my timeframe, it’s possible Sensei Amdur could release another edition! However, given his devotion to writing books on de-escalating dangerous situations, I expect it will be many more years before he returns to Old School. In the mean time, I suggest giving this book, and his other two martial arts-themed tomes, a close look.
If you have any interest whatsoever in Japanese martial arts, this book will captivate you.
By Richard Bejtlich on July 26, 2020
Sensei Ellis Amdur is a prominent trainer in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in verbal de-escalation of aggressive and mentally ill individuals. Sensei Amdur has studied classic Japanese combat arts for fifty years, spending thirteen of these years studying in Japan. He is a recognized expert in classical and modern Japanese martial traditions. I first encountered his work through his contribution to the latest edition of Sensei Patrick McCarthy’s Bubishi, previously reviewed here.By Richard Bejtlich on July 26, 2020
Old School is a collection of historically-minded essays on Japanese martial arts and related topics. After the forewords and author's note, it contains five parts. These essays describe various Japanese martial arts schools or systems, weapons, and traditions. The book concludes with an extensive glossary as well as a bibliography.
As founder of Martial History Team, I am constantly searching for resources that would interest my readers. It did not take me long to become hooked on Sensei Amdur’s material. He is an exceptionally engaging writer. Too often we encounter authors who are technically proficient in whatever art they practice, whether it be of the martial or professional kind, yet they lack the ability to capture the audience’s attention. This is not a problem for Sensei Amdur. He writes in a thoughtful and organized manner, delivering his message without boring the reader.
The material in Old School may not be of universal interest to readers. The audience most likely to resonate with the contents are those practicing or researching Japanese martial traditions. Those who are wedded to preconceived notions of the origins of certain arts may take exception with Sensei Amdur’s explorations. However, I found his analysis and presentation refreshing, with plenty of leads for further research.
I greatly enjoyed reading Old School. Although I took extensive notes, this is likely one of the books I will read again. Depending on my timeframe, it’s possible Sensei Amdur could release another edition! However, given his devotion to writing books on de-escalating dangerous situations, I expect it will be many more years before he returns to Old School. In the mean time, I suggest giving this book, and his other two martial arts-themed tomes, a close look.
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:-)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2018Verified Purchase
Dureisseix Jean Luc
Oeuvre indispensable pour tous les chercheurs.
Reviewed in France on May 23, 2016Verified Purchase
