Product Description
Koryu Bujutsu is the first new book on the arts of the Japanese samurai to appear in over twenty years. Written by the foremost Western practitioner/writers, these eight essays are based on experiences with authentic Japanese traditions and teachers gained during decades spent living, researching, and training in Japan. Together they offer a fascinating, literate, and insightful view into the classical warrior ways of feudal Japan. Compiled and edited by Diane Skoss (herself licensed in Toda-ha Buko-ryu naginatajutsu, an ancient warrior tradition), the book also contains thirty-three photographs, bibliographical references, a Japanese glossary with kanji, and a detailed index.TABLE OF CONTENTS: Foreword by Major George H. BristolPreface by Diane SkossIntroduction: Keiko Shokon by Diane SkossThe Koryu Bujutsu Experience by Hunter B. ArmstrongThe Meaning of Martial Arts Training: A Conversation with Sawada Hanae by Meik SkossField Guide to the Classical Japanese Martial Arts by Diane SkossMarishiten: Buddhist Influences on Combative Behavior by David A. HallTenjin Shinyo-ryu Jujutsu by Meik SkossKato Takashi: Reflections of the Tatsumi-ryu Headmaster by Liam KeeleyKoryu Meets the West by Ellis AmdurGlossaryIndex ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent & scholarly
Written by some of the leading western experts who studied for years in Japan, this is an excellent introduction to the ancient Koryu or old arts of Japan. The book focuses mainly on the weapons arts using the sword, yari (spear), naginata (halberd), and so on, but jujutsu and the grappling arts also get discussed. Some of these authors were familiar to me from their contributions to martial arts journals like Furyu or the online Electronic Journal of the Martial Arts, like Ellis Amdur. Meik Skoss, the husband of Diane, was part of Draeger's original research team that went to Indonesia that resulted in Draeger's books covering Pentjak-Silat and the other Indonesian bladed arts, so I had high expectations about the quality and depth of the articles, and I wasn't disappointed.

As far as the coverage of the various arts is concerned, one thing that needs to be mentioned, since most people who study a martial art in the U.S. are studying karate or a similar boxing art like TKD or kung-fu, is that there isn't any coverage of that, since karate didn't arrive in Japan from Okinawa until the 1920s, and Japan really had no native tradition of boxing like ancient China, although China had a grappling art similar to jujustu in the art of chin na, and in the north there was Mongolian wrestling. Jujutsu did have atemi-waza, or striking techniques, but it wasn't a separate art and didn't develop to the same extant that it did in China and Okinawa before being introduced into Japan. Why this is I don't know, but I point it out just in case.

I had one other comment about the Hunter Armstrong chapter. He discusses in detail iaido, which he feels has lost the combative aspect, if it ever had it, pointing out that drawing the sword isn't an issue on the battlefield since you'll already be in the ready with your sword drawn, and in the heat of battle, if you have to draw your sword, it's probably too late anyway. Draeger brings this issue up too in his book, and that especially since the end of WWII iaido curriculums have been modified to make them more artistic than combative.

While this may be true, this problem isn't unique to iai or kendo or the other weapons arts. Karate has the same problem too, and so do the other unarmed martial arts. Unless you are willing to put on the heavy contact gear and risk getting your head bashed in, you're not participating in the ultimate combative aspect of the art, either. Although the samurai of previous centuries honed their arts and skills on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels, this isn't medieval Japan anymore, and is no longer practical. So although I would agree with Armstrong that the paired partner practice is certainly more realistic than the solo katas of iai, even that doesn't come very close to the original environment, and I don't see much help for the situation unless people are willing to make pretty radical changes that are unlikely, if only for the liability reasons.

Overall, this is a fine collection of articles about various aspects of the old Japanese martial traditions that are still poorly understood in the west and outside of Japan in general.

Buy this book, then prepare to buy volumes 2 & 3!!
Unless of course you're not interested in reading what some of the western world's foremost non-Japanese practitioners have to say regarding the subject of koryu bujutsu.What struck me most is the vast differences in approach between these arts and the general strip-mall style kung tae karate do type places you frequently see (and I've visited more than a few).This is a fascinating subject and if I have one problem with this book, it's that it serves to wet one's appetite to learn more.One common thread from the different writers seems to be that the koryu bujutsu represent a living history of Japanese culture, as well as embodying a historical form of teaching and finally representing lots of kick-arse martial ryu.Having said that, I think that imaginative types (I'm one!) might be well served to check out Diane Skoss's site www.koryu.com and read more about how involved studying such an art can be.

Well researched & well written
Martial artists with a desire to learn the history of Japanese bugei have appreciated Skoss and her insightful and informative writing for some time now.KORYU BUJUTSU deserves a spot next to Draeger's budo/bujutsu trilogy.

An insightful primer for studying Bujutsu/Budo
I first became interested in studying Bujutsu and its lasting impact on modern martial arts as an exponent of Judo and the short staff (jo).As my interests grew more towards the cultural backgrounds of these arts, I was pointed to the Draeger books and Secrets of the Samurai.Having no prior base of information, these complex and deeply analytical books left me even more confused.What I found in "Koryu Bujutsu" was a way to simplify some of the jargon that was found in the deeper research.It also gave me a bit of insight as to why certain instructors teach the way they do, and that a sensei that constantly points out your mistakes is better than one that just lets you work.To paraphrase a line in the book: Kobudo is not a proper term for these arts, because the term kobudo implies that they are dead arts.Koryu bujutsu tells us that these ancient arts continue to effect the techniques learned in the dojo to this day.

Foundation for Japanese Martial Arts
This is the first book that Diane Skoss has edited on the classical warrior traditions of Japan.This is the first English language general book on Koryu Bujutsu sinceDonn Drager. This book gives us westerner some insights into Japanese arts. This is a good addition to the library ofanyone who studies Japanese Martial Arts or the history of asian Martial Arts. ... Read more

Product Description
The fierceness of the Japanese warrior and his fighting arts has fascinated Westerners since Europeans first came into contact with Japan more than 450 years ago. Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu is the first comprehesive English-language book on traditional jujutsu.

Author Serge Mol--working almost exclusively from original Japanese source materials--vividly outlines the history of the close-quarter fighting methods tha twarriors developed not only to prove themselves on the battlefield and in daily life, but also to the constantly ready to defend their feudal lords.

A great number of jujutsu styles and techniques--armed and unarmed--have existed over the centuries, and many of the classical weapon schools also instructed in the use of jujutsu. The Classical Fighting Arts of Japan expertly guides readers through the rise and development of many of the major schools.

The classical martial arts as practiced in the ancient ryuha aere deeply interwoven. For this reason, this definitive guide to koryu jujutsu will not only be invaluable to practioners of traditional and modern jujutsu, but will be of great interest to enthusiasts of modern budo such as judo, aikido, kendo, and iaido.

Mol explores the historical and cultural factors that helped shape jujutsu and the martial arts in general. He offers a detailed look at individual jujutsu ryuha, giving details on the school's history (where possible including illustrations of their founders and photos of ancient manuscripts).

This book is richly illustrated with numerous photopraphs of rare documents and with many photos of exponents demonstration techniques, many of which have never before been shown outside Japan. In addition to his extensive research in original source material, Mol had regular access in conversation, over the course of years, to the insights of the grandmasters of several of the most important jujutsu schools that remain active today.

Classical Fighting Arts of Japan will be a welcome addition to the personal collection of every serious student of Japanese martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

An excellent basic guide to Japan's Jujitsu history. For all serious martial artists.
This book is comprehensive and well-written. It covers an enormous amount of material with clear explanations of the techniques and tactics of Jujitsu.As it points out, Jujitsu is an art that includes falls, throws, locks, holds, chokes and the use of many martial art weapons, which makes it a complete combat art.The techniques shown in this text should not be practiced without a qualified instructor to guide you.However, this is more of a historical study than a "how to do book" on Jujitsu. This fantastic book is organized into eight sections, dealing with the historical factors of Koryu Jujutsu.This short review cannot not do this book justice.This is a book for all serious martial artists who are interested in the historical factors that make up the art of Koryu Jujutsu.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warrior, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

Definitive Guide to Koryu Juijitsu
Serge Mol has presented a truly incredible guide for all practitioners of Jujitsu. Not only does he present a very thorough study of Jujitsu, but he is also able to present it in an innovative and engaging way. Mol is by no means boasting when he titled his book, "A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu," because thats exactly what he accomplishes. All practitioners of Jujitsu, regardless of their particular ryu, will find this book very enjoyable. Trust me, its worth every penny.

Serious historical treatment of Koryu Jujutsu
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.

Outstanding for study but not so much application
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.

Not Very Good
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! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Koryu Aikido
For anybody practicing Shodokan Aikido and in training for their 1st dan, this book is invaluable. The quality of the text and diagrams are only average, but this is the only book that I could find (anywhere) that covers the goshin no kata in detail. There are a few very minor diffrences in the techniques shown to those of Shodokan Aikido but this book is an excellent resource.

$14.95 for a xerox copy with a glossy cover.
The information in the book is good.It covers the advanced Katas of the Tomiki Style of Aikido.The cover was nicely done, but the book itself was horrible.The photos look like the original manuscript was done on a xerox machine. They were grainy with little or no contrast.Gray blobs is more like it. I have one of this authors books on the Basic 17 Hon Kata.It was much better.If you can't find information on the advanced kata anywhere else then bite the bullet and buy this book. But be prepared for a disappointment.It looks like a book quickly done by a college professor to make a few bucks.Kind of what I saw a lot of in my days as an assistant in the Physical Education department of my university.

Keith Patton
Nidan, Fugakukai Aikido

Fair depiction of Tomiki's overview of classical aikido.
This book is by Nobuyoshi Higashi 7d of the Japan Aikido Assn.It includes the San Kata and Yon Kata (3rd and 4th sets of classical forms) created by Kenji Tomiki, as well as some of Higashi's own self-defense forms.The descriptions are rough, and exclude finer points which would lead to proper execution of the techniques.This book would serve as a loose reference for Tomiki practitioners, and might be of histographic interest to others who study Aikido. One interesting point was relating the jo (stick) techniques to their origin as spear techniques, which makes sense out of the formal, thrusting attack. Tomiki's katas are remarkable in their comprehensiveness and depth of principle, and this is the only reference widely available ... Read more

Product Description
A Magnificent Exchange is an extraordinary story of one American family’s remarkable adventure in The Land of the Rising Sun. It’s a colorful account of how a mother and her six year old son transitioned, adapted and eventually triumphed in a foreign country.

This mother didn’t wait for her ship to come in; she swam out to meet it! So when the opportunity presented itself for her to take her young son and travel to Japan to teach English as a Foreign Language, she let go, said goodbye to all that was comfortable; to all that was familiar, and followed her dream.

A Magnificent Exchange is a testimony to the human spirit and an unforgettable story of an American family’s successful assimilation into Japanese society. It’s a story of promise and one of hope. It proves that harmony can come from chaos, and courage can come from fear.

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspirational!
Reviewed by Kornelia Longoria for Reader Views (11/06)

Raised in Chicago, Stephanie and her son Christopher were accustomed to the everyday American lifestyle. They lived in quite homogeneous neighborhood, went to American schools and ate typical American food. However, Stephanie, who gained some teaching experience, decided not to settle down in a cozy and comfortable routine and without much hesitation she accepted the offer to move to Japan for a year to teach English as a second language. Within few months she makes all necessary arrangements and with big hopes and even more optimism, she leaves with her son for this one-in-a-lifetime adventure. A "Magnificent Exchange" is a very captivating as well as instructive account of the two following years.

She is welcomed in Japan with incredible warmth and hospitality and really quickly adapts to the new culture. She and her son do experience some culture shock at first. Her son is enrolled in first grade in a Japanese school, and without knowing the language he soon becomes overwhelmed and discouraged. However, they soon overcome the problems to enjoy their very exciting year in Japan.

Stephanie Allen-Adams' book is not only an engrossing memoir but also a great source of information about Japanese lifestyle, customs and even the language. What's more, it is written in a very positive spirit and I found it quite motivating. In fact, I felt like packing my bags and going to Japan myself. I admired the author's sense of adventure and bravery. It's not easy to leave everything and jump on the plane for the unknown, especially with a child.I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Japanese food, customs and even the educational system. At the end of the book, the reader can find a little bonus and a tool to expand the knowledge of Japanese - a few pages of some Japanese vocabulary and phrases as well as pronunciation guide. I think "A Magnificent Exchange" is an excellent tool to help expand the horizons. It also confirms the well known truth that if you really want something, no obstacle can stop you from achieving your goal.

... Read more

Product Description
Three countries-China, Japan, and the United States-and relations among them are likely to have a disproportionate impact on prospects for peace and prosperity in Asia Pacific in the twenty-firstcentury.

This volume contains essays by six experienced American analysts on different aspects of the trilateral relationship. The issues addressed include Chinese and American views of national security, the influence of Korea and Taiwan in China-Japan-U.S. relations, the U.S.-Japan security agreement and theater missile defense, the implications if China's entry into the World Trade Organization, and the relative risks of intra- and interstate conflict in Asia. An introduction by David M. Lampton situates these issues in the broader context of the trilateral relationship and highlights the importance of sustained dialogue among the three major actors.

Contributors: Amy Celico, United States Department of State; Evan Feigenbaum, Harvard University; Michael Green, Council on Foreign Relations; Gregory May, The Nixon Center; Daniel Rosen, China Online L.L.C.; Scott Snyder, The Asia Foundation. ... Read more

Product Description
Globalization, deepening interdependence, and the end of the cold war have brought a wide range of new challenges to nations around the world. Concurrently, domestic sociopolitical changes, greater pluralization of society, and changes in national and international markets and economies have produced strains on existing systems of governance. This new environment has opened the way for civil society to play an expanded and more active role, both domestically and internationally.

Chapters examine the nexus between governance and civil society in China, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Korea, Thailand, and the United States. Authors examine the current state of civil society in their country, the challenges facing institutions of governance, the current debate of the need to reform domestic governance, and the evolution of the role of civil society in governance.

Contributors: E. J. Dionne, Brookings Institution; Niraja Gopal Jayal, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Jung Ky-Hyun, Dean, Yonsei University; Suchit Bunbongkarn, Chulalongkorn University; Wang Yizhou, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Jean-Marie Guehenno, August & Debouzy; Gerhard Lehmbruch, Univesity of Konstanz; Miklos Marschall, Transparency International; Shimshon Zelniker, The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive survey of microwaves, components, and devices for the junior/senior course on microwaves focuses on microwave circuits and solid-state devices.Coverage of thermionics is included. Flexibility allows professors to assign chapters in any order. End-of-chapter application questions demand that students use mathematical and technical skills, as well as creativity and ingenuity. ... Read more