<< 1 >>
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Japan's Ultimate Martial Art: Review: An excellent primer on Jujitsu, the precursor to Judo. The author outlines the relevant history and insight into Japan and the Samurai and its relationship with the martial art from 1100 A.D. There is alot of technical data, whichs serves as a guide to be used along with a qualified instructor to help any student become a master of Jujitsu. Craig has written an excellent resource for Jujitsu students and individuals interested in practical self defense techniques.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Comments from a former student Review: I had the pleasure of training with Shihan Craig for just over a year. He has proven to be extremely knowledgeable and highly skilled. This book is reccomended to ALL Martial Artists. Reading through the book is just like attending a series of classes where you learn not just technique but history and a whole lot more.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Excellent history and discussion Review: I'm surprised I'm the first person to review this book. This book discusses classical Japanese jiu-jitsu, presenting the history of the art as it can best be reconstructed, along with many illustrations and discussions of the techniques. Just as with the approximately 200-300 schools of swordsmanship that existed between 1000 A.D. and the mid-1800's, when they went into decline (with only about 15 surviving today), there were many styles also of jiu-jitsu, often associated with a particular martial art tradition that included training in the yari (spear), naginata (halberd), the bow, and various other weapons, but most importantly, the sword, as in the famous Kashima-Shinryu style that Karl Friday has capably discussed in his scholarly book, Legacies of the Sword. Here Craig attempts to do the same thing for jiu-jitsu and I think succeeds very well. Except for articles in various martial arts journals, there is no book accessible to the general reader that deals with this important topic. Overall, a fine book with much valuable information that should be of interest to martial artists with an interest in the old school or koryu Japanese arts.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: A Rare Style of Jiu Jitsu Review: Mr. Craig is an excellent author, and must be an excellent martial artist!!! This book helped me a lot in my aiki-jiujitsu training, and covers his art very well. I would recommend this book as an excellent reference for all aiki stylists, as well as martial artists like myself who enjoy a wide range of styles. Hopefully, Mr. Craig will write another book on this style. If he does, I will be one of the first in line to purchase it.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Very good Review: This book has an excellent historical perspective of Japanese jujitsu. Like many other books on martial arts, it can not be used alone to learn actual techniques. However it describes a variety of ancient techniques that are still used today by the Japanese police, including some lesser known methods such as rope tying. Although I understand that the author was probably attempting a specific "historical" look with the somewhat crude drawings, I would have preferred more modern illustrations.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Very good Review: This book has an excellent historical perspective of Japanese jujitsu. Like many other books on martial arts, it can not be used alone to learn actual techniques. However it describes a variety of ancient techniques that are still used today by the Japanese police, including some lesser known methods such as rope tying. Although I understand that the author was probably attempting a specific "historical" look with the somewhat crude drawings, I would have preferred more modern illustrations.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: are you kidding me Review: This book is not a good self defense book or a good book on jujitsu for that matter. Pictures of techniques are awful and writing and organization are just as bad as the pics. I would recommend a submission fighting book rather than this one.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: A Rare and Valuable Work Review: This book is packed with techniques that are quite effective. There is also an interesting pictorial retrospective by the author who studied at the Japanese Police Academy. It is not a book for those looking to self teach themselves a martial art. However, those who are already familiar with some form of grappling martial art such as another form of Jujutsu, will find this book a fine addition to their collection that documents some of the history, philosophy and techniques of this powerful martial art.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Great book Review: This book offers a good variety of techniques, from a practical standpoint. It is certainly not for beginners who want to learn new techniques. Any experienced martial artist should have this one on the shelf. It's very well written, at times funny and a good instructional book. Only 3500 miles keep me from training with mr Craig !
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: a disapointed buyer Review: This book was full of useful historical and anatomical knowledge, however the application of the techniques was poorly designed. The author could have been more practical and included photographs instead of poorly draw characters. It was extremely difficult to distinguish whether I was performing the technique properly or the author had drawn the picture poorly. However, on a positive note, the history and striking targets listed in the book were excellent. But then again, how could I practice the techniques when I had poor visual aides to assist me.
<< 1 >>
|