A Collection of Curious Jujutsu Manuals

This is a fun little collection of Jujutsu manuals and resuscitation techniques. IN our modern era we are subjected to mediocre tomes that contain 1,001 techniques... Old school Jujutsu was simple in comparison, and much more natural, organic, and informal. Old Jujutsu manuals often reflect this in their simplicity. But old school jujutsu was infinitely more effective than modern "ultra-combat-jujutsu" that is foisted on the public today. The translator sometimes misses the obvious due to his expectations of hidden secrets... but sometimes the most effective techniques is simply to grab the enemy, and pull straight down... Meditate on the instructions and images, with an eye towards natural movement and simplicity, and all will become clear. This book is definitely worth the price. :)

Once again, Eric Shahan delivers a terrific translation of Japanese martial arts history, that without his effort, would most likely have been lost in time. The translation of these documents are not only thought provoking to read, but also important for those dedicated to learning the roots of classical jujutsu, the koryu bujutsu and the many different skills that were studied aside from the combatives. The reader will enjoy the many interesting stories as well. Well worth it for those into the topic, you won't be disappointed.

The title is true to form. The translated works are fascinating curiosity pieces full of older ways of thinking and naming. The translations are well done, and the translator's commentary is very helpful; particularly with issues or possible confusion regarding the translations themselves, such as with the inability to properly determine was the "samurai bone" actually was given the lack of historical documentation and the age of the work.

Another great translation from Eric Shihan. We need more of these types of book. We need to keep the knowledge these book have, and make them where they are available to everybody.

I have been practicing judo for over 50 years and now prefer historical texts over technical, while enjoyed this book I do feel the casual reader would get much from it.