Classical Bujutsu (Martial Arts and Ways of Japan)

Outstanding read!!Recommend it to all 🙏

Glad to own this collectors item! very much enjoy researching the history of martial arts. good to understand where we come from and why

Martial Art Classic. Excellent book.

I was enarmored with Donn's previous book that I ve read: "Indonesia". This one stands in a sharp contrast. We see a side of the author that is reserved for those strictly interested in something that he feels he has an entrance to, something that was well deserved, im sure. With that, he implied in the end of the book, that the entrance into the world of koryu isn't opened to just anyone, and Im sure that that's true too, or was true at the time that the book was written.So, i haven't tried to get in at least not in the official way - blood oath and all(i do tai jiquan), but considering the wealth of information available it seems implausable that one shouldn't be able to find his way around in that closed off world of the koryu, especially in a country like USA. It seems like the problem of fakers and wannabees existed even when this book was written and the author warns against those, although he doesn't necessarily tells you HOW to discern the fake from the real. For one, I think using Japanese terminology left and right and wearing fancy robes obviously is not enough. Although, it may not be so obvious, since the problem is growing, which is obvious from the grotesquely imposing number of websites, many of them intice you with their well groomed user interface, graphics, blogs etc. I don't think that and Bujutsu described by the author should be spoken off on the same page.As for the book herself - its pretty comprehensive, although i was waiting for a kind of a breakdown of a few specialized schools into their curriculum and its particularities. Perhaps it was too much of me to expect, but i haven't found that and was somewhat dissapointed. Secondly, I think the pictures could be of a little bit better quality and more vivid - othewise it makes this book overly secretive and impenetrable and I think i want my knowledge for the money. One thing that i found interesting though, is the utmost respect that Donn had for his tradition, and that he tries to instill into his readers, although in perhaps a little bit too dry of a style. For those who are interested in something with more flair and generosity i recommend Maasaki Hatsumi's "Budo".

Great book if you have an interest in the topic. Well worth the money.

In the beginning of the book, one can think we will meet long and profound explanations about how the values and characteristics of the classical warriors in ancient Japan developed... Well, they are not that long, not that profound... I wanted more... BUT... What we have in the book is just great!Maybe I'm so greedy about this matter that I'm thinking the book could go longer, but it is an excellent work! You can't understand the original martial spirit from Japan if you don't read a book like this...In the end, the author shows some details about the main traditional Martial Arts in Japan, but the great point is the focus on the development of the characteristics of the classical warrior through the telling and analysis of the historical period in which they developed. The text is dry, economic, and goes straight to the point, telling especially what is important to understand the spirit behind the facts. After all, it is a classic anyone who loves Martial Arts, especially those Japanese, must read!

This is actually a three book set series by the late Donn F. Draeger. Anyone who is truly a student of the martial arts should have at least read a few of Draeger's numerous books. The great book focuses on Japan's martial tradition and the development of various weapons and combat systems. This text covers the development of bujutsu, bladed weapons and systems such as kenjutsu, iai-jutsu, and naginata-jutsu. Other weapon schools are also covered such as bo-jutsu, jo-jutsu, tetsubo-jutsu, and other auxiliary arts.In conclusion, this book, as well as the other two volumes in the series are a must for the serious martial art student. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Wakizashi-Jutsu Official Manual of Bushi Satori Ryu).

The book in the beginning suggests that we will meet long and profound explanations about how the values and characteristics of the classical warriors in ancient Japan developed... Well, they are not that long, not that profound... I wanted more... BUT... What we have in the book is just great!Maybe I'm so greedy about this matter that I'm thinking the book could go longer, but it is an excellent work! You can't understand the original martial spirit from Japan if you don't read a book like this...In the end, the author shows some details about the main traditional Martial Arts in Japan, but the great point is the focus on the development of the characteristics of the classical warrior through the telling and analysis of the historical period in which they developed. The text is dry, economic, and goes straight to the point, telling especially what is important to understand the spirit behind the facts. After all, it is a classic anyone who loves Martial Arts, especially those Japanese, must read!

Draeger is a must in your library if you are interested in Budo/Bujutsu/Martial Arts. Can't say more than that.

Draeger's work still is probably the single best source for information on the ancient Koryu of Japan. Despite its age now, the fact it has not been bettered is testament enough. The man himself did not just write these books from afar, he went to Japan and actually experienced first hand. Training under the likes of Otake-sensei in Katori Shinto-ryu. I would highly recommend this book, and at least the second volume (classical budo) to any aspiring martial artist

More solid background stuff from Donn Draeger

Première approche sur les anciens arts martiaux du Japon. Indispensable pour tous les chercheurs et adeptes même si ce livre date. Ecrit par un pionnier dans ce domaine, c'est un document de très grande valeur malgré quelques erreurs et lacunes dues à l'époque où il fut écrit.

A classic!