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. Bristol Preface by Diane Skoss Introduction: Keiko Shokon by Diane Skoss The Koryu Bujutsu Experience by Hunter B. Armstrong The Meaning of Martial Arts Training: A Conversation with Sawada Hanae by Meik Skoss Field Guide to the Classical Japanese Martial Arts by Diane Skoss Marishiten: Buddhist Influences on Combative Behavior by David A. Hall Tenjin Shinyo-ryu Jujutsu by Meik Skoss Kato Takashi: Reflections of the Tatsumi-ryu Headmaster by Liam Keeley Koryu Meets the West by Ellis Amdur Glossary Index
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
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... more info
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... more info
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... more info
