Surveys the life of Nathan Hale, a Revolutionary War hero whose service to George Washington as a spy cost him his life.

The late 19th century saw a dynamic growth of contacts between Western countries and the Far East. Along with the increase in travel came a wave of educational opportunities for Americans and Europeans to gain first-hand experience of living in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Likewise, adventurous individuals from the Orient made their way to the West. Scholars, politicians, and business people became experts in their adapted culture. Some learned the native language and became experts in their second culture, often writing and lecturing on a variety of topics, including martial traditions. By the early 20th century a number of Japanese jujutsu and judo instructors were teaching their exotic arts in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. How were these instructors viewed by those in their host countries? What similarities and differences were seen between the Japanese combatives and the local traditions such as Catch-as-Catch-Can, Greco-Roman, and Pancrase wrestling, and styles of boxing? Chapters in this anthology present an excellent overview of the early days when jujutsu and judo took foothold in the USA and Europe, with particular emphasis on England and the influence of The Budokwai in London, which as noted on Wikipedia, is “the oldest Japanese martial arts club in Europe. It was founded in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi and initially offered tuition in jujutsu, kendo, and other Japanese arts. It was the first judo club in Europe.” This anthology offers a historical view of how and why jujutsu and judo became living traditions in the West, and developed over the decades. There are six technical chapters by David Finch, well-known for his knowledge of judo and famed for his professional photography. The last chapter is a fitting finale presenting a comprehensive history and technical description of The Budokwai Kime-no-kata, a judo kata created during the earlier period of the institute. The fourteen chapters in this anthology—most from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts and a few newer writings—also discuss many of the leading practitioners of jujutsu/judo. As these arts adapted and transformed to Western countries, the purpose and modes of practice have also changed. This is important for all to study since knowledge of the past is vital for how these forms of combat and sport will evolve in the future.

Javier Sedano completa con Rozando las estrellas su alegato a favor del modelo de vida naturista y del amor libre en una novela impregnada de misticismo y arrebatadoramente sincera donde el autor desnuda su corazón para descubrir su humilde manera de entender la vida. “Las estrellas recogen la esencia del ser humano, cuando nuestro cuerpo nos abandona una nueva estrella aparece en el firmamento”. La muerte de Alejandro inicia esta última parte de la trilogía en la que el autor nos presenta al Alejandro Ray, primogénito de la tercera generación, que ha heredado de sus abuelos, además de su porte, su respeto por la naturaleza y la lucha por las causas justas. El joven Álex y su pareja Daniel viajarán por todo el mundo descubriendo fascinantes lugares y aprendiendo de las experiencias que les sucedan que desembocarán en la revelación de un gran secreto que pondrá en peligro la vida de Álex y cambiará para siempre el destino de la humanidad. Rozando las estrellas es la novela más íntima y onírica del autor cántabro. En ella refleja la importancia del mundo de los sueños y la energía de la que estamos compuestos. Una novela mágica que te descubrirá que el amor es más fuerte que la razón y llega más allá del mundo que conocemos. Rozando las estrellas cierra la trilogía que Javier Sedano (Torrelavega, Cantabria, 1961) iniciara con Tras las puertas del corazón, novela revelación del 2009, y continuó con Preguntas sin respuesta (2010). Presidente y fundador de la Asociación Naturista de Cantabria, Sedano expone en su trilogía un conmovedor y bello argumento en defensa de la vida naturista y del amor libre.

Vol. 1 includes "Organization number," published Nov. 1917.