Jujutsu Books

Have to say that this book really opened my eyes into understanding the reality of violence and how our perceptions of violence directs the methods of how we teach the martial arts. I am a third degree black belt in Shorin Ryu karate and have been involved in the martial arts for over 15 years.

I think as an instructor in the martial arts, we don't typically work hard enough in explaining to our students what to expect in a real life situation basically due to the fact that most of us have never had that experience. The information obtained in this book is a "must-have" for all students and instructors in the martial arts who wish to understand violence and how to maybe adjust our way of teaching/learning self-defense.

There are all sorts of violence in the "real world" and I highly recommend this book if you want to gain greater insights on how to survive if you should ever have the need to use the self defense you have been taught.

I have to say that without a doubt that "Meditations on Violence" is well worth the print. It is a book that has been needed to be put in the civil world to reveal the realities of violence as compared to our notions of violence that we perceive through media and martial arts "practice".

This book, written by Sgt. Rory Miller, a corrections officer, CERT team member, and rescue missions volunteer helped me to come to a better understanding of the world and myself, as well as some of the doubts that I had about both.

As a newly appointed corrections officer myself, I found some of his stories in the prison environment both affirming and comical, but seriously straight to the point and honest. I liked that.

The book is broken down into 7 chapters dealing with the complexitites of the strategic matrix in self defense and what is tries to be and what it really is, how to think in training in regards to violence, the types of violence and possible situations, description of different predators, training the "four" basic truths and for reality, some ideas on making you defense work regardless of "system", and how to deal with the aftermath of such horrendous violence.

For those with an open mind and have the experience of "being there" this is a valuable book. For others it will give you the mindset and mental skills to hopefully come out on top. The author makes no pretentions or promises. He simply offers his perception of the world and offers a piece of the pie to help make the work a bit less chaotic.

Thanks for such a wonderful book Sgt. Rory Miller!!!!!

As a 30 year veteran of three different styles of martial arts I wish this book had been written when I embarked on the journey towards my first black belt. This book is so thought out and calls BS on a lot of the conventional teachings out there that could get your killed out on the street.
When I thought back to the fights I've had (or muggings I managed to evade back when I was a kid in New York) everything that Sgt. Rory Miller talks about is spot on from the four basic truths of violent assault to what occurs to your body (and fighting skill) when the adrenaline hits your body, and much, much more.
If you're serious about self defense and your martial arts then you must own this book!

Having completed my second full read of Meditations on Violence, I am amazed at the depth and breadth of information provided herein. In gritty detail, the author breaks down violence into manageable chunks. Most of us will never see the same kind of combat with which Sgt. Miller deals on a regular basis, but here he provides us a look into that world, and the lessons we can learn from it. The name of the book is a slight misnomer... as Sgt. Miller points out early on, violence is huge subject. This book would be more accurately titled 'Meditations on Criminal Violence'. Nonetheless, given that criminal violence is the type most of us are likely to experience, the misnomer can be forgiven easily.

Both the martial arts practitioner and the person who has never set foot on the mat will be well served by reading this book. I have asked my wife to read through it now, as the sections on the 'predator' mindset and the patterns of 'prey' are so enlightening, I feel they should be required reading in high school health classes. As a father of 2 daughters, and as a husband, I am grateful to Sgt. Miller for laying out these patterns for me to see and help my loved ones avoid.

The work is solid from beginning to end, though there are some more philisophical leanings in the last few pages which seem a tad out of place for a book so grounded in reality. Nevertheless, they don't interfere with the overall outstanding quality of the work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the nature of criminal violence, whether for professional reasons, or personal ones.

(This review based on a retail copy of the book provided by the publisher.)

"Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence" is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best books on self-protection ever written. I really enjoy books that cut through the crap and give useful (i.e. potentially life-saving) advice in a down to earth and accessible way. Rory has a great writing style and the hard-won information he presents is imparted in way that is very easy to digest. The student in the martial arts can run in to the problem of being given dangerous misinformation by people with no idea of what a real situation involves. There are also those who understand the realties of violence, but are unable to communicate it effectively. Sergeant Rory Miller is one of the rare, and much needed, instructors / authors who has both "been there" and is also able to effectively communicate what the unforgiving world of real violence truly demands. To get to the point, this in an outstanding book that all martial artist need to read.

What becomes abundantly clear as one reads through this bok is that H.E. Davey writes from experience. He has practised several of the "ways" to a very high level, and he is able to write about his experiences in a readable, almost conversational manner. He sees quite deeply into the heart of Japanese culture, taking the reader along a path of understanding and discovery as he presents the key concepts of that tradition. In addition to the text, the marginal reminders and definitions of the key concepts reinforce what one has already encountered in the text, and serve as a glossary of important terms. Davey provides exercizes to try at home, as well. All in all, this is a first-rate book -- helpful, accessible, accurate, and often profound.

H.E. Davey excels at communicating an approach for the Westerner to Japanese concepts of universality, aesthetics, and human spirituality. Written in a very accessible form, this book is an excellent introduction to those topics for the beginner; as well as being a great reference book for those already practicing any form of meditation, martial art, or fine art. Full of concrete descriptions of ideas and relationships that often go mute in Western culture. Read it over and over!

This book is unique in that it gives Westerners a comprehensive insight into Japanese arts and ways. Not many are able to capture something so inangible as Japanese aesthics as well as Davey. A great read.

Davey provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the principles and aesthetic qualities that characterize the Japanese arts. Ideal for Westerners interested in Japanese arts, particularly those who have practiced an art for some time and are looking to go beyond merely practicing the form and delve into the spiritual dimensions embodied in these arts. Highly recommended.

H.E. Davey excels at communicating an approach for the Westerner to Japanese concepts of universality, aesthetics, and human spirituality. Written in a very accessible form, this book is an excellent introduction to those topics for the beginner; as well as being a great reference book for those already practicing any form of meditation, martial art, or fine art. Full of concrete descriptions of ideas and relationships that often go mute in Western culture. Read it over and over!

No other book written on the Wado Ryu System compares to this work. Very few books have been written on the system, and those that have are not very well done. To be fair to the other writers on this subject, most were not professional writers as Cody is, or for that matter, even native English speakers.

Cody's book is HUGE compared to other texts. Its 388 pages are laid out in a very space-economical manner. Otsuka and Ogami's books waste a lot of space and their number of pages do not accurately convey how little information is comparatively in them. Both of those books are great and every Wado student needs to read them, but they just don't go into the detail that Cody does.

All the other books on this karate system give one or two sentence explanations of kata moves, whereas Sensei Cody generally writes a paragraph or more, carefully noting compass-point direction of movement, precise description of technique and Japanese terminology.

This book includes the most in-depth history of the system I have ever seen recorded and discusses the philosophy of "The Way of Peace" and of the martial arts in general as only a philosopher like Cody can.

The book includes many Jujutsu techniques and a few "flow drills" to teach sensitivity (something the system lacks good training techniques for). These drills come from Cody's exposure to Filipino Martial Arts.

The book's shortcomings (as some will see them) are the use of stances that are higher than most Wado teachers use. Cody notes that his exposure to jujutsu and weapon systems caused him to elevate kata stance. He explains that he often teaches the kata with much deeper stances to new students. I agree with his reasoning, but I think most Wado students would have liked to see the illustrations of the deeper (shotokan influenced) stances that they are accustomed to.

The book does not cover any of the two-man forms of the Wado System, but given the size of the book, their inclusion would have probably made the book too big and too expensive to purchase. I hope Cody covers these forms in a later book.

This book is essential to the library of anyone who wants to study the history, philosophy and Kata of the Wado Ryu system.

There are very few books on the Wado Ryu system available and there is simply no other Wado Ryu book available that has the information that this book has. Cody explains each form with great detail, describing the proper ways to face and turn. Each photograph is also easy to read and understand. Cody also deeply explains the history of the Wado Ryu system and discusses the philosophy behind it. This book is a must have for any Martial Artist who wishes to study Wado Ryu.

No other book written on the Wado Ryu System compares to this work. Very few books have been written on the system, and those that have are not very well done. To be fair to the other writers on this subject, most were not professional writers as Cody is, or for that matter, even native English speakers.

Cody's book is HUGE compared to other texts. Its 388 pages are laid out in a very space-economical manner. Otsuka and Ogami's books waste a lot of space and their number of pages do not accurately convey how little information is comparatively in them. Both of those books are great and every Wado student needs to read them, but they just don't go into the detail that Cody does.

All the other books on this karate system give one or two sentence explanations of kata moves, whereas Sensei Cody generally writes a paragraph or more, carefully noting compass-point direction of movement, precise description of technique and Japanese terminology.

This book includes the most in-depth history of the system I have ever seen recorded and discusses the philosophy of "The Way of Peace" and of the martial arts in general as only a philosopher like Cody can.

The book includes many Jujutsu techniques and a few "flow drills" to teach sensitivity (something the system lacks good training techniques for). These drills come from Cody's exposure to Filipino Martial Arts.

The book's shortcomings (as some will see them) are the use of stances that are higher than most Wado teachers use. Cody notes that his exposure to jujutsu and weapon systems caused him to elevate kata stance. He explains that he often teaches the kata with much deeper stances to new students. I agree with his reasoning, but I think most Wado students would have liked to see the illustrations of the deeper (shotokan influenced) stances that they are accustomed to.

The book does not cover any of the two-man forms of the Wado System, but given the size of the book, their inclusion would have probably made the book too big and too expensive to purchase. I hope Cody covers these forms in a later book.

This book is essential to the library of anyone who wants to study the history, philosophy and Kata of the Wado Ryu system.

Miyama-ryu Jujutsu is a self defense system which combines combat jujutsu with judo, aikido and karate. It was created for combat in the streets of the Bronx using traditional techniques handed down by Japan's Samurai class. This book illustrates the basic techniques in an easy to follow manner, explains the history of the system, and lets you know how to contact a qualified Miyama-ryu instructer. An excellent addition to a martial arts or combat library.

H.E. Davey, in "The Japanese Way of the Artist," both describes the various "Ways" of the artist, and deftly identifies how these arts transform one who diligently practices them. This anthology of three previous works makes available the broad strokes, as well as the practical details, of the Japanese arts. Davey's writing is highly accessible and remarkably accurate and insightful. This is an important source for understanding the Japanese and their artistic "Ways".

Now I have pictures of most of the brown belttecniques from Miyama I need to improve my practice in the dojo. It's just easier to perform every technique since I had seen the pictures and read the explanations for every move. Thank you Shihan D'Arcy.

The information contained in the text is an outstanding overview of principles that are used in not only Jujitsu, but all martial arts. A must for the true martial artist.

I saw one of the reviews on this page that gave the book one star because he said it looked more like karate than jujutsu...which tells me right there that this person (the reviewer) has no clue what real jujutsu is all about. Because of Brazilian JJ and mixed-martial arts too maybe folks today think Jujutsu is all about rolling around on the floor; but a study of the traditional ryu shows that atemi-waza (striking) and keri-waza (kicking) were ALWAYS significant parts of the art. How much of an idiot would a samurai (the originators of the art) have been if they did matwork on the battlefield? For them it was all hit, move, hit, kill, move.

Shihan Maberry's fine book, ULTIMATE JUJUTSU, captures this very well, and perhaps for the first time in a book not written by a Japanese. Also, it includes some of the techniques I had to be be in jujutsu for 20 years to learn.

Overall: five golden stars from this jujutsuka. Osu!

I didn't see much traditional jujitsu, mostly karate stuff with a little judo tossed in.

I don't know what some of those other guys were talking about, this is by no means a karate book. It tells the history if Jujitsu, how the basic principles work, and shows a lot of the basic and advanced techniques. It's not a strict how-to book (you need a class for that), but it's great as a how-to-understand how-to book, if you get what I mean.

This is a different kind of martial arts book. It goes for the brain rather than the fist. Instead of a how-to book, it's a book on how the art itself works, from the core. Very nice.

I recently used this book heavily in writing a paper on martial arts for a graduate course in the culture of Japan. This book is a gem in the rough when it comes to intelligent books on the subject of martial arts. Although the author is a practitioner of the art, this is not an instructional manual. It is very intelligently written. The author uses a lot of primary sources, as well as his own extensive experiences, to teach the reader a lot about the classical martial arts of Japan. It painted a picture of feudal Japan that is interesting for its violent yet honorable culture and much more complex than what is often painted in other books and media. There was a lot more to the life of the samurai than just the sword and, although they lived to a high moral code, their combat was quite fierce. I think this is a great read for one interested in Japanese culture and history, as well as one interested in martial arts.

Many are the books available on jujutsu, however few truly shed any light on the real roots of the art and lineages from which they came. Serge Mol does an outstanding job in this.

The book is also put together beautifully by Kodansha and with excellent quality photographs, many of the current headmasters of the traditional jujutsu ryu performing techniques, to give the reader a sampling of what the arts look like.

When Koryu books first started publishing their books there was an endorsement which read something to the effect that the Skosses were continuing the work of Don Draeger. This may be so but Serge Mol's text is much more representative of Draeger's approach; both historical research and new information, gleaned first hand, from personal research in Japan. The Skoss books are really collections of essays by long time Western Koryu practitioners. Mol seeks rather to provide us with a very comprehensive historical text and succeeds brilliantly in this.

This is one of those books that belongs in every serious martial artists libraries. It is not a "how-to" beginners guide,even though it demonstrates the proper techniques; if you are searching for a guide to martial arts without the dojo this is not for you. However, if you are already practicing martial arts and wish to find every in-depth and quality source of reference to expand your knowledge of the martial arts, their origins, and the spirit that is within them, then this book is top of the line and a must have. This book will intrigue anyone eager to just learn a little more...or maybe alot more, depending on the person. It is VERY high quality with many photos (mostly b&w). It is well written, and very clear in most areas. I would think it to be fairly confusing to the novice, who has little or no in-depth knowledge of Japanese martial arts however, because it traces the lineages of the main Japanese styles to their roots. But that is what this book is about: studying the techniques as they began, and following their evolution. Basically, I find this book to be an outstanding addition to my library, in a class of its own; but once again it is not the "master book of martial arts", but the ideal addition to the ones you may already have of similar subjects. Serge Mol is an outstanding writer and a very qualified authority on the subject.

To be honest, I bought this book in the United States when it first came out. I read it and my reaction was less than stellar. If I had not been exposed to other far better writings offered up by say, Koryu Books (ie Koryu Bujutsu) I would have thought it was great and would have been satisfied with my purchase and choice of reading material. However, anyone buying this book with serious intentions to study koryu is better off not wasting money.

On the plus side, there are nice pictures and at least it's in English!

In general, the West was introduced to oriental martial arts through Kano's judo, followed by karate. Many literature on karate trace its origins to Okinawa, and from there, to China. So many believe China, with its fabled Shaolin temple(s), to be the origin of most of the oriental martial arts.

This detailed and very well researched book gives a different perspective. It shows that Japan had its own schools of martial arts, virtually independent of foreign influence.

The book lumps these arts under the general term, "jujutsu" -- although it also gives various origins, synonyms and explanations of this word.

The methods in jujutsu were developments of the battlefield of those times. Armor-clad warriors faced each other, first from a distance using bows and arrows, then coming closer to use swords and later, grappling techniques.

As such, the arts included everything that was feasible for those times and battle conditions: use of various weapons, techniques against armor clad opponents, even techniques of tying up captured enemies. All that in addition to what most of the world knows of oriental fighting arts: striking and grappling technics.

Some "revelations" from the book which may surprise many modern day martial artists (like myself):

1. "Kenpo" is not a translation of the Chinese "kung fu" or "chuan fa" as many are made to believe. The term was long used in ancient jujutsu schools in times probably ante-dating known Shaolin temples.

2. "Judo" is not a word originally coined by Jigoro Kano. This term, too, was used long before Kano was even born and was even used in names of certain schools (ryuha).

While each of the above just had a sentence or two in the book, it shows the depth of the research of this book. There are a lot of such "revelations."

The book is, first and foremost, a history book. It shows the development of Japanese fighting arts in the time before the relatively peaceful Meiji period -- the time when techniques really meant life or death to the warrior in the battlefield. The various schools are presented, their origins, developments, notable characteristics, and lineage traced to as near the present as possible.

Martial artists looking for techniques would only be treated to a sampling. The illustrations of techniques were more for clearer understanding of particular schools, or even words, rather than being a "how-to" presentation.

In this regard, the title may be considered deceptive. The "complete"-ness of the book is only as far as history goes, not on technique presentation.

Another "fault" of the title is that it gives the impression that "Koryu Jujutsu" is a particular style or school of jujutsu, when actually, "koryu" simply means classical, or traditional. This is a problem to one who does not know Japanese. But this is an English book and the problem should have been addressed right on the cover, and not several pages later in the Introduction.

Something else about the title: It could give one the impression that it deals with all arts, and this is even reinforced by the subtitle. But the book only deals with the schools it considers jujutsu, and only those that originated before the Meiji period. While this is explained as one reads the book, the title could be misleading.

This enumeration of the problems I had with the title does not decrease the value of the book in any way. It is an excellent book. But the buyer must know what to expect out of it.

More than half of the book (the latter half) is devoted to the origins and lineage of the schools. As such, it would be boring for those not interested in such topics. However, there are some interesting bits of information scattered here and there among the discussion, such as stories about certain masters and students, both mythical and factual. The author even tries to resolve some controversies in certain stories.

The first half of the book is devoted to very revealing historical backgrounds, terminology and definitions, weapons, and presentation of mythical as well as actual origins of schools.

I would have preferred that the author stuck to English terms. In the book, a Japanese term is given with English translation(s) in parenthesis. And then, for the rest of the book, only the Japanese term is used. So you should remember the English meanings of all those terms as you go through the rest of the book.

I would have preferred the opposite: use the English, with the Japanese term(s) in parenthesis. Or better yet, have a glossary for all those terms! (it doesn't)

Overall, the book is an excellent work on the history of jujutsu.

First of all, I don't practice Aiki-jujutsu, but I have ten years of experience in Aikido, which is derived from it, so I think that my viewpoint on this book can be sufficiently objective.

This book describes the historical origins of this style, clearing up many of the myths and misconceptions about budo in general, ju-jutsu, Aikiju-jutsu, Aikido and their respective relationships.

After the historical presentation you get a part devoted to explaining aiki, the use of body and mind in Aikijujutsu, and finally a technical section which first explains in great detail a fairly small number of techniques then presents a larger sequence of diverse techniques without explaining them.

All in all I found this book informative, balanced and well focused. Even if the title could make you think that this is one of those "learn XXX in YYY lessons from me, the self-appointed grand-master of ZZZ style" I found that the author has certainly done his homework, I liked most of his explanation of many points which may be useful in my own Aikido practice.

I'd like to stress that this is not a "technical" book, and you should not buy it for learning techniques (even those which are explained in detail will at bes give you an idea of the principles of this art, not any real knowledge of how to perform them). This is ok for me, because I believe that martial arts are learned by doing, and books are a very poor substitute for actual practice with a good teacher.

On the other hand, if you ever need to teach, or even just explain what aikido and its related styles are about, I think this book fits the bill nicely. I also liked that the author does not try to "sell" its particular style as the ultimate combative (or philosophical, or health-promoting) system. He obviously likes AikiJuJutsu and believes in it, but does not get overboard with it.

All in all, a good read if you want to learn more about the ideas and principles behind this family of martial arts.

Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu is an uncommon martial arts book. It is distinctive for several reasons:

1. It treats the Japanese martial arts and aikijujutsu as actual arts and not merely some sort of physical mayhem.

2. It discusses the history, theory, philosophy and techniques of aikijujutsu and Japanese martial arts in a well-written, intelligent and even scholarly way.

3. It actually offers more in its descriptions of martial techniques than the all too typical, "Now I move my right foot forward . . ." sort of explanation. The author provides extremely detailed and clear descriptions of how to perform the large number of techniques depicted in this book. Far too many martial arts books only describe what is obviously taking place in the photos, which is just that-obvious. H. E. Davey explains points that are essential for success and still not immediately apparent by looking at the pictures. This book contains one of the most thorough series technical instructions of any martial arts book I've read.

4. It presents the seemingly esoteric concept of "aiki" in a manner that is clearly explained, pragmatic and yet still containing a deep spiritual dimension. Aikido practitioners would be well served by taking a look at this book. One of the best descriptions of what aiki is and how to use it that I've found.

Way too many martial arts books tend to be superficial, poorly written and concerned with mostly how to pound someone into the pavement. Unfortunately since they are so lacking in content, scholarship and intelligence they frequently fail in that regard too.

This book is far removed from the average mediocre judo, aikido, etc. books out there. Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu is a rare find in the world of martial arts manuals.

I enjoyed Mr. Daveys book immensely. This book also helped me greatly in my understanding of Aiki-Jiujitsu. The topics were presented well and the pictures were easy to follow. The only thing I wish is that Mr. Davey writes another book like this with additional insights and techniques. This is another book that I will not sell!!

"Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu" is a significant contribution to martial arts literature. Very little accurate information is available on traditional Aiki-jujutsu in Japan, let alone here in the United States. Much of what gets passed off as Aiki-jujutsu is frequently Aikido with atemi-waza (striking techniques) added, or a blending of modern Jujutsu with Aikido. Neither of which accurately represents true traditional Aiki-jujutsu.

Davey sensei has spent the majority of his adult life studying, training, and researching traditional Aiki-jujutsu-and other Japanese cultural arts. This effort is very evident in this text.

The book is presented in three sections, starting with a historical overview of Japanese martial arts in general, and Aiki-jujutsu specifically. Davey sensei presents the historical information in a very unique way; empathizing the key figure sin the evolution of the style along with the resources and references that support the information presented.

The second section presents a detailed explanation of the key principles that differentiate traditional Aiki-jujutsu systems, with specific focus on Saigo-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Of the hundreds of books and articles in print today, this section provides one of the best presentations and explanations on the concept of Aiki that I have ever read. Davey sensei presents the material in a very realistic and tangible fashion, without losing the reader in deluge of meta-physical or quasi-religious verbiage.

The final section of the book presents a set of techniques from the Saigo-ryu system of Aiki-jujutsu. Davey sensei approaches this section with a very traditional flavor. The first chapter in this section presents a very small set of techniques, but provides very detailed explanations for them, providing the reader with a good understanding of the characteristics and distinguishing features of Aiki-jujutsu. The following (and final) chapter presents many additional techniques, but with only superficial explanations. This approach is very common in Japanese cultural arts, where a student will be taught the first kata or set of techniques within a system and will stand a significant portion of time training and understanding the basic movements and underlying principles of the techniques-establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the curriculum. By establishing this foundation, it is not necessary to go into as much detail for the subsequent techniques.

The overall layout of the book is very professional and the included photographs are clear and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in traditional Aiki-jujutsu, Jujutsu, or Japanese cultural arts in general.

"Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu" is a significant contribution to martial arts literature. Very little accurate information is available on traditional Aiki-jujutsu in Japan, let alone here in the United States. Much of what gets passed off as Aiki-jujutsu is frequently Aikido with atemi-waza (striking techniques) added, or a blending of modern Jujutsu with Aikido. Neither of which accurately represents true traditional Aiki-jujutsu.

Davey sensei has spent the majority of his adult life studying, training, and researching traditional Aiki-jujutsu-and other Japanese cultural arts. This effort is very evident in this text.

The book is presented in three sections, starting with a historical overview of Japanese martial arts in general, and Aiki-jujutsu specifically. Davey sensei presents the historical information in a very unique way; empathizing the key figure sin the evolution of the style along with the resources and references that support the information presented.

The second section presents a detailed explanation of the key principles that differentiate traditional Aiki-jujutsu systems, with specific focus on Saigo-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Of the hundreds of books and articles in print today, this section provides one of the best presentations and explanations on the concept of Aiki that I have ever read. Davey sensei presents the material in a very realistic and tangible fashion, without losing the reader in deluge of meta-physical or quasi-religious verbiage.

The final section of the book presents a set of techniques from the Saigo-ryu system of Aiki-jujutsu. Davey sensei approaches this section with a very traditional flavor. The first chapter in this section presents a very small set of techniques, but provides very detailed explanations for them, providing the reader with a good understanding of the characteristics and distinguishing features of Aiki-jujutsu. The following (and final) chapter presents many additional techniques, but with only superficial explanations. This approach is very common in Japanese cultural arts, where a student will be taught the first kata or set of techniques within a system and will stand a significant portion of time training and understanding the basic movements and underlying principles of the techniques-establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the curriculum. By establishing this foundation, it is not necessary to go into as much detail for the subsequent techniques.

The overall layout of the book is very professional and the included photographs are clear and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in traditional Aiki-jujutsu, Jujutsu, or Japanese cultural arts in general.

When I buy martial arts books I'm expecting b.s. about how their stuff is better than other stuff and here's how you can be just as godlike. Barlow surprised me by not saying jujitsu is better, just different and how you have to bust your hump to be good at any of them.

I liked the history and philosophy and got a kick out of what to expect in the dojo.

I've been playing Judo for a few years now and this book really explained the different mindsets between do & jutsu. My only complaint & the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was a couple of the photos didn't have enough detail to clearly see the technique. The text explained everything pretty good but I still prefer illustrations. A minor complaint but I never give anything 5 stars anyway.

I liked the combination of history, philosophy and techniques. He got a little preachy near the end but I think it's a good book.

Having a love for martial arts, I have studied Chinese forms of martial arts for six years. In that time I have read copious amounts of martial arts literature to further my studies. Many of them were unrealistic in their claims to make a person invincible in five easy steps or trapped in the theoretical. Mark Barlow provides a wonderful view of Jujitsu as an art form that will take time to learn and master, gives realistic views of Jujitsu as a sport or a self defense system, and shares with the reader history, basic techniques, and what to look for in different teachers.

This book will be an excellent addition to anyone who is interested in expanding their Martial Atrs literature.