Description
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 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 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 This edition also contains a new foreword by Adele Westbrook and numerous previously unpublished illustrations by Oscar Ratti.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… (more)
Library's review
Tkhe Japanese experience in, and contrigution to, the theroy and practice, of individual combat, armed and unarmed, is certainly among the most ancient, sophisticated, and enduring evrer recorded.
The present work is a survey of the major specializations of the martial experience, known
Contents
Ascnowledgments
Preface
Introduction: The Martial Ethos
Definition of Bujutsu and Its Specializations
The Qualification 'Martial' (Bu) and the Exponents of Bujutsu
The Qualification 'Martial ' (Bu) and the Art of War
The Military Tradition in the History of Japan
Origins of Bujutsu
Part I Exponents of Bujutsu: The Bujin
1 The Bushi
The Rise of the Military Class
The Military Structure of Tokugawa Society: The Shogun
The Daimyo
The military REtainer: The Samurai
Education and Status of the Buke
The Samurai Woman
The Masterless Warrior: The Ronin
2 The Heimin
The Farmers
The Militant Clergy
Artisans and Merchants
The Police Forces and the Underworld
3 The Center of Martial Instruction
The Ryu
The Sensei
Part II Oiuter Factors of Bujutsu
Weapons and Techniques
4 Armed Bujutsu
The Armor-Evolution of Japanese Armor; Elements of Japanese Armor
The Major Martial Arts-The Art of Archery; The Art of Spear Fighting; The Art of Swordsmanship; The Art of Military Horsemanship; The Art of Swimming in Armor
The Minor Martial Arts-The Art of the War Fan; The Art of the Staff; The Art of the Jitte
The Collateral Methods of Combat-The Art of the Chain and Other Weapons; Ninjutsu
5 Unarmed Bkujutsu
Specializations, Instruments, and Techniques
The Art of Wrestling
The Military Specializations of Unarmed Bujutsu
The Schools of Jujutsu
The Schools of Aikijutsu
The Arts of Striking
The Art of Kiai
Part III Inner Factors of Bujutsu
The Invisible Range
6 Control and Power
The Foundation
The Concept of the Centre
The Concept of Intrinsic Energy
Applications of Haragei
Haragei in Ancient Specializations of Bujutsu-Kyujutsu; Kenjutsu; Sumo; Jujutsu; Kiaijutsu
Haragei in Modern Derivations of Bujutsu-Judo; Karate; Aikido
The Martial Synthesis
7 Strategic Principles
The Major Strategies
Principles of Application
The Bilateral Principle in Particular
The Attack and the Counterattack
The Defense
8 Morality of Bkujutsu
The Way of the Warrior
The Value of Zen in Bujutsu
Conclusion: The Evolution of Bujutsu
Bibliography
Index