Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai

"Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai offers the reader a chance to see the direct transmissions of techniques from the authors collection of densho scrolls.

It is essentially a compilation of written techniques (kata)from all 6 of the practiced Bujinkan schools, and as such consitutes information that has been "kept aside" for many years. Now it is available to everyone.

Dont get to glamoured by this book though. The techniques are not easy to understand if you have not seen them practiced, and there is a lot of variation in the way they are done (in a class)which could cause confusion. In addition, there is no information given with the movements,such as meaning of the name or principle/ idea of the kata, just a short description of the technique (step back, block, strike etc). It is no beginners guide - many kyu grades i have spoken too did not understand it, because they are at a level where they do not need to yet. It is not a training manual, like so many books out there, and has no pictures that would help one study the movements from home. To get the best from this book you need to be training in a Dojo.

As a collection of unarmed techniques, the missing armed techniques are sorely missed, and makes me wonder if another book of armed movements is forthcomming. I do hope so.

This book is best summed up as an excellent reference manual for the unarmed techniques of the schools of Gyokku Ryu, Koto Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Kukishinden Ryu, Takagiyoshin Ryu and Shinden fudo Ryu, but will be of litle use to inexperienced practicioners.

that being said it is well worth having."
~ Written on 2008-08-24