A translation and reproduction of a Japanese book about Bojutsu. Matsumoto Torata developed this system of Bojutsu (fighting with a staff) in the 1920s. He intended this system to be used in Junior High Schools as well as by people in the community as a method of self-defense. His training methodology likely originated with the Shingyoto Muto Ryu school of martial arts. First time in English.

One of the only English language books on the art of Okinawan staff fighting by a world renowned Master Instructor. This is the perfect tome for all interested in Ryukyu Kobudo, the classical weapons arts of Okinawa.

In the early 1600's, master martial artist Muso Gonnosuke was defeated by Musashi Miyamoto. Humiliated, Muso isolated himself. During this period of time, he conceived the idea of a new form of staff fighting that used a shortened stick four feet in length. The Jo combines the techniques of the spear, sword and the naginata.

Fumio Demura covers stances, striking, blocking, combinations, sparring, and an entire bo kata.

Bo-Jutsu is a martial art of traditional Japanese longstick fighting. This special martial art has its originon the Ryu Kyu Islands of Okinawa. In Kobudo - Bo-Jutsu,the beginner will find a systematic introduction into thebasics of Bo fighting techniques. The advanced studentwill get important insights into training instructions,and ......

Ninjutsu is the most renowned and misunderstood of all martial arts. The long history of ninjutstu is often murky; surrounded by mystery and legend. Here, for the first time, is an in-depth, factual look at the entire art of ninjutsu, including emergence of the ninja warriors and philosophy in feudal Japan; detailed historical events; its context in the development of other schools of martial arts; and the philosophies and exercises of the school today. Based on more than ten years of study and translation of authentic Japanese texts, including many that have never before been translated, this is the most comprehensive and accurate study on the art of ninjutsu ever written outside of Japan. This ninja book includes studies of ninjutsu history, philosophy, wisdom, and presents a wide range of information from authors, historians, chronicles and scrolls in order to foster a deep understanding of this "shadowy" art. For those who train in ninjutsu, for other martial art practitioners, for historians, and for anyone with an interest in Japanese feudal history or Japanese martial arts, The Ninja: Ancient Shadow Warriors of Japan shines a light on this enigmatic subject.

Frog in the Well is a vivid and revealing account of Watanabe Kazan, one of the most important intellectuals of the late Tokugawa period. From his impoverished upbringing to his tragic suicide in exile, Kazan's life and work reflected a turbulent period in Japan's history. He was a famous artist, a Confucian scholar, a student of Western culture, a samurai, and a critic of the shogunate who, nevertheless, felt compelled to kill himself for fear that he had caused his lord anxiety. During this period, a typical Japanese scholar or artist refused to acknowledge the outside world, much like a "frog in the well that knows nothing of the ocean," but Kazan actively sought out Western learning. He appreciated European civilization and bought every scrap of European art that was available in Japan. He became a painter to help his family out of poverty and, by employing the artistic techniques of the West, achieved great success with his realistic and stylistically advanced portraits. Although he remained a nationalist committed to the old ways, Kazan called on the shogunate to learn from the West or risk disaster. He strove to improve the agricultural and economic conditions of his province and reinforce its defenses, but his criticisms and warnings about possible coastal invasions ultimately led to his arrest and exile. Frog in the Well is the first full-length biography of Kazan in English, and, in telling his life's story, renowned scholar Donald Keene paints a fascinating portrait of the social and intellectual milieus of the late Tokugawa period. Richly illustrated with Kazan's paintings, Frog in the Well illuminates a life that is emblematic of the cultural crises affecting Japan in the years before revolution.