Koryu Bujutsu: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan

Very informative group of essays about classical warrior traditions "koryu". The authors of the essays really sacrificed in order to acquire these techniques and philosophies. Are 16th century Kamakura samurai living among us? Looks like there are and some live in the USA now! The decision to train with any weapon is something that many people choose not to do. The ones that make that choice to be warriors should strive not only for perfecting their techniques but also their characters. Jutsu "technique" and Do "way need to be developed to the highest level. Looks like "koryu" is effective in both. Learn techniques to survive/fight but don't forget to visit the Shrine so that your sword/jo fights for higher principles. Be the Kamakura Samurai who fought for principles "Gojo" and not just because they liked to see blood.Ernie

If you are interested in the Koryu or classical martial arts of Japan, Japanese martial arts, or martial arts in general, then you owe it to yourself to buy this book and benefit from a fantastic introduction to these arts. Not only does it provide the first part of a field guide to these arts, but it also will improve your understanding of the culture and thinking of the martial artists who practice and teach these arts today.

The book is one of only a few (Donn Draeger's works come to mind) works that deal with classical martial traditions of Japan. Hall's essay on Marishiten is worth the price of the book alone!

Most of this information is available easily now on the internet. Worth buying used perhaps. Though not an essential purchase as it might have once been.

A great resource for anyone who is interested in koryu bujutsu.

Well worth the price, and an excellent addition to martial arts lilterature. Should be considered in conjunction with the other two volumes edited by Ms. Skoss.

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 a bit of insight as to why certain instructors teach the way they do, and that a sensei that constantly points out your mistakes is better than one that just lets you work. To paraphrase a line in the book: Kobudo is not a proper term for these arts, because the term kobudo implies that they are dead arts. Koryu bujutsu tells us that these ancient arts continue to effect the techniques learned in the dojo to this day.

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 from the different writers seems to be that the koryu bujutsu represent a living history of Japanese culture, as well as embodying a historical form of teaching and finally representing lots of kick-arse martial ryu. Having said that, I think that imaginative types (I'm one!) might be well served to check out Diane Skoss's site [...] and read more about how involved studying such an art can be.

Book is a collection of essays and information on Koryu Bujutsu. Very informative and exciting read for those interested in Japanese Martial Arts

Un libro imprescindible para entender el koryu, sus orígenes y su desarrollo a través del tiempo. Además trae muchas entrevistas con maestros que cuentan reflexiones y vivencias marciales realmente interesantes que todo artista marcial que se precie debería preguntarse alguna vez durante el camino de aprendizaje.

Vale tutti i soldi spesi. Un sunto delle vecchie scuole giapponesi che rappresenta un'ottima guida sia per i neofiti che per i professionisti. Chi cerca libri tipo "impara il judo in 10 facili lezioni" meglio che guardi altrove

Nos acerca a un mundo poco conocido en occidente fascinante para los amantes del budo, lleno de una panorama enriquecedor.

All you ever wanted to know about koryu in Japan!...