"The warrior traditions of Japan's martial history have long inspired awe and respect throughout the world, drawing generations of devotees and admirers. Few would be able to claim more knowledge and authority on these traditions than Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the most famous Ninja grandmaster alive. In this book he explores the essence of various unarmed techniques unique to the Japanese martial arts, known as Budo Taijutsu. These techniques are highly specialized, drawn from a wealth of hidden teachings from the rich heritage of Japan's various schools." "This is the most comprehensive work by Dr. Hatsumi to date, and will offer the reader a unique insight into some of the lesser known areas of the Japanese martial arts, thus enhancing his understanding of the roots of such arts, as well as enabling him to learn more practical fighting techniques. The author goes beyond mere explanations, and attempts to shine light on the very essence of the spirit of Japanese Budo and Bushido."--BOOK JACKET.

Apply the ancient close-combat secrets of the Samurai to modern warfare with this military martial arts self-defense guide. Today's ground soldier may be required to carry up to 60 lbs. of equipment when on patrol, or in any situation where they might be engaging the enemy. Unfortunately, mobility is sacrificed in the name of protection. In close-proximity combat, the modern soldier is at a decided disadvantage compared to his more nimble opponent -- but this is nothing new in the history of warfare. On the battlefields of medieval Japan, the Samurai faced a similar situation. This created the need to devise a new defense method that you can learn from today. In his self-defense guide Modern Hand to Hand Combat, Isler has blended Samurai techniques with the battlefield combat needs of the modern soldier. This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to effectively deal with life and death situations through movements and principles that still hold true. These principle-driven guidelines make for a variety of self-defense applications and are valuable to everyone from law enforcement officers and security personnel to soldiers and military professionals. With almost 300 illustrations and a detailed instructional DVD, the guidelines set out in this book and DVD set can, and will, significantly enhance the warfighter's ability to survive in combat. Topics covered include: Chapter 1) JOURNEY TO CREATION Chapter 2) LESSONS FROM THE PAST Chapter 3) B.P.C. PHILOSOPHY Chapter 4) FOCUSES OF B.P.C. TRAINING Chapter 5) THE BASICS Chapter 6) UNDERSTANDING DISTANCE Chapter 7) WINNING CONCEPTS Chapter 8) EXHAUSTIVE MEASURES Chapter 9) BATTLEFIELD GROUND COMBAT Chapter 10) TECHNIQUE SET 1 To learn how the martial arts of the Samurai can be useful to those in the military and beyond, Modern Hand to Hand Combat is the most comprehensive guide to blending these two systems for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Secrets of the Samurai is the definitive study of the martial arts of feudal Japan, explaining in detail the weapons, techniques, strategies, and principles of combat that made the Japanese warrior a formidable foe. The work begins with a panoramic survey of the tumultuous early struggles of warlords contending for political ascendancy and then outlines the relentless progression of the military class toward absolute power. In addition to illustrating actual methods of combat, the authors discuss in detail the crucial training necessary to develop a warrior's inner power and to concentrate all his energies into a single force. Secrets of the Samurai is an essential text for anyone with an interest in Japanese combat techniques, weaponry, or military history. This edition also contains a new foreword by Adele Westbrook and numerous previously unpublished illustrations by Oscar Ratti. Chapters include: The Bushi The Heimin The Centers of Martial Instruction Armed Bujutsu Unarmed Bujutsu Control and Power Strategic Principles Morality of Bujutsu

Introduces the 18 traditional Japanese martial arts and provides readers with a deeper understanding of the styles formulated in the samurai era - both those that are little known and those still being taught today.

With extensive, step-by-step photographs and instructions, this jiu-jitsu guide is an effective tool for mastering this ancient martial art. The original Japanese martial art developed by the elite samurai class during Japan's feudal era, Jiu-jitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the precursor of today's ultimate fighting styles, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). For centuries, this method of unarmed self-defense proved so successful in combat that it was kept secret and taught only to a select few. Based on the author's study with instructors at the Tokyo police academy, this martial arts book presents all the traditional techniques of Jujitsu, also known as Jiu-jitsu. These techniques teach you valuable restraining methods that force your opponent to submit without abuse by using pressure points. It shows you tips for search and seizure, and the almost extinct art of Hojojutsu--how to tie people up without using any knots. Japanese Jiu-jitsu: Secret Techniques of Self-Defense addresses and demonstrates the full range of Kaisho Goshin Budo Taiho Jitsu Ryu (Tokyo police self-defense). Learn specific techniques such as: The use of hands Throwing an opponent Attacking vital points with strikes and kicks The use of weapons (like the staff). This fascinating Jiujitsu book, designed as a training manual, also serves as a remarkable illustrated guide to the secret art of Japanese samurai self-defense.

In Unarmed Fighting Techniques of the Samurai, world-renowned ninja grandmaster and bestselling author Masaaki Hatsumi explains the fundamentals of various unarmed techniques unique to the Japanese martial arts. Known as budo taijutsu, these specialized moves allow the practitioner to evade and receive an attack even from an opponent wielding a sword. Hatsumi covers such topics as Kihon Happo (Eight Basic Movements), Kosshijutsu (Attacks Against Muscles), Koppojutsu (Attacks Against Bones), Jutaijutsu (Flexible Body Arts), Daken Taijutsu (Fist Punching and Striking), Ninpo Taijutsu (Bodily Arts of the Ninja), discussing and demonstrating the many techniques which will enable the fighter to punch, kick and finally lock or control the body of his adversary. As Hatsumi tells us, the techniques have been secretly passed down from the masters to their students for more than a century, and have become the foundations for a range of other martial arts including judo, karate and aikido. This book will thus enhance the reader's understanding of the roots of these various disciplines as well as provide fascinating insights into the spirit of the way of the warrior and the martial arts. Includes over 300 step-by-step photos and rare drawings.

The Samurai Sword is the essential illustrated guide to the Japanese way of the sword. Japan's famous samurai warriors were more than just soldiers -- they were adherents to a strict code of honor who respected the deeper, spiritual meaning of the way of the sword. To the samurai, battle was sacred. This indispensable guide to theory and practice respects both the physical and spiritual aspects of martial arts practice with the katana. This sword book features: Beautiful, step-by-step photos and easy-to-understand text Guidance for selecting, maintaining, and using your sword Wisdom about the practical value of meditation Inspirational biographies of some of the greatest samurai swordsmen, men whose words and deeds embodied the true spirit of the samurai warrior Downloadable video Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swordsperson, this book will broaden your practical knowledge with detailed instruction on stances, cuts, guards, forms, and sparring techniques and strategy.