THE DEFINITIVE BOOK BY A FAMOUS BUDO GRAND MASTER Bushido, the way of the warrior, is deeply bound to the rich history of the martial traditions of Japan, which have drawn generations of devotees, as well as awe and respect worldwide. Of all the martial arts, bo-jutsu, or stick fighting, is one of the least understood and most intriguing, having been largely hidden for centuries. In Advanced Stick Fighting, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grand master in the world, and author of Stick Fighting and The Way of the Ninja, reveals some of the secrets surrounding this revered fighting art. Hatsumi offers the reader thoughtful reflections on bushido, its venerable history, and its role in today's world. He also discusses the origins of bo-jutsu, which he sees as inexorably linked to the evolution of humankind; it is both universal and timeless. While the highly acclaimed and long-selling Stick Fighting dealt mainly with self-defense using short sticks, this book reveals to the reader a number of advanced techniques using medium and long sticks that were originally used by samurai swordsmen and military commanders. Lavish illustrations accompany the explanations and help further demonstrate the graceful, mysterious movements of stick fighting. The original Japanese text is also included in the appendix. This book will be an important addition to the libraries of readers who are seriously interested in pursuing the more advanced applications of stick fighting. It will also deepen readers' understanding of bushido in general, and bring them closer to Hatsumi's personal philosophy-that only through complete devotion to the martial arts as a way of life can self-enlightenment be attained, and that the wisdom gained through this can promote a true and lasting world of peace.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
One of the best Martial Arts Books i have read:
Dr. Hatsumi Sensei brings in a very clear presentation, the ABC of the long stick. But it is not only the photos that are of great value. It is the words that find their place between them, bringing the life wisdom of one of the great leaders of the Martial art world of this era. What is a true martial art, how can we differentiate the fake from the real the illusion from reality. Learning the Bo is essential for improving one's Tai-Jutsu, and for learning other weapons such as Naginata, Yari, and shorter... more info
NOT HIS BEST WORK!:
The value and application of a simple piece of hard wood is unbelievable. Improvised as a club or short-staff for self-defense and combat is exceptional and could help turn the tide of the situation. A man trained to wield a "stick" can destroy the untrained and unarmed opponent in no time. So, any book or manual discussing/teaching authentic stick tactics, techniques and skills is to be part of any true warriors training in combatives. This book teaches some of the needed stick fighting skills that... more info
Into the void:
A most important point in trying to understand this book by Hatsumi-sensei is to pay attention to what goes on in-between the lines (or photographs). If one takes as too direct, the words and pictures presented, then the whole sense of what is being taught will be missed. Of course, this approach does little for those who expect their information to be handed directly to their opinions. I don't think that it is far from the truth to say that this book is really directed to those who are on the same... more info
Advanced Stick Fighting:
Definitely, it is a very good book. Some familiarity with other works of Hatsumi Sensei will help you to appreciate this work more. It also have the original text on japanese at the end of the book.
