This vintage book contains a credentialed and concise guide to Ju-Jitsu, being a simple treatise on the Japanese method of self defense. Written in clear, plain language and full of handy tips and invaluable information, this text will be of considerable utility to those with an interest in learning Ju-Jitsu. It makes for a great addition to collections of allied literature. Although designed for beginners, the intermediary practitioner will also find a wealth of useful information within these pages. The chapters of this book include: Introduction, The Budokwai, Balance, Breakfall, The Art of Falling, First Breakfall, Second Breakfall, Faults to Avoid, In Explanation, Third Breakfall, Fourth Breakfall, Fifth Breakfall, Sixth Breakfall, The Throws, et cetera. We are republishing this antiquarian book now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a new prefatory biography of the author.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

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.