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.

The best guide to learning jiu-jitsu ever written in English, this is the most comprehensive study available. It describes the authentic form of judo developed in the late 19th century by Professor Jiguro Kano — not the many imitations often called by this name. Officially recognized by the Japanese government as the preeminent school of jiu-jitsu, the Kano system was the method in which Japanese armed forces and police were trained. The complete system of 160 holds and throws is clearly explained, with 487 photographs and four charts providing further clarification. Pressure points, balance, falling, and every other important aspect receives full and complete treatment. The first section presents 60 "tricks" of combat in strict sequence that prepare for part two, in which readers learn how to apply the advantages of the tricks they've learned. The third section deals with highly scientific tricks of combat, by which an opponent may be incapacitated — and the methods of kuatsu, or resuscitation, by which a fallen opponent may be revived. Martial arts students at every level of experience will find this classic guide a source of valuable information and instruction.

Whether you are a martial arts history aficionado or someone wanting a simple and readable history - THE FOUNDING OF JUJUTSU & JUDO IN AMERICA is for you! This book seeks to provide you an easily accessible, yet highly informative, account of how the Japanese fighting art made its way to the United States and why it has become a permanent part of the American cultural mosaic. This book is made up of two major sections. The first portion is a journey that has you travel with the art from Japan to the United States. Beginning with the first known encounter between an American and the art of jujutsu (jujitsu / jiu-jitsu). You'll journey through the most significant moments and impactful events that shaped the trajectory of the art in America. Some highlights include: The Influence of Jigoro Kano & Kodokan Judo President Theodore Roosevelt & The White House Dojo Japanese Pioneers in the USA: Yamashita, Tomita, Maeda, Miyake, Kawaishi Prizefighting, Circuses, & the United States Military The Impact of World War II & It's Reshaping Jujutsu & Judo And More! In addition to a detailed recounting of the events - the second half of the book features enlightening interviews pertaining to American jujutsu & judo pioneers, including: Jim Bregman - Member of 1st American Olympic Judo Team & Bronze Medalist George Kirby - Prolific Author, Budoshin Jujutsu, & Senior Student of Sanzo "Jack" Seki Robert Hudson - On the Life & Legacy of Seishiro "Henry" Okazaki & Danzan Ryu Robert E. Robert - On of His Teacher - American Jujutsu & Karate Pioneer, Master Paul Arel Ernie Cates - US Marine Corps Judo Champion & Legend of American Jujutsu & Judo

The origins of Asian martial arts in the United States reach back to the Pacific Rim and immigration. This anthology is dedicated to the profoundly significant period—roughly from mid-eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century—in which gifted Japanese taught their brand of jujutsu/judo to small groups that gradually disseminated knowledge of combatives into the American mainstream. In the the first chapter, Geoffrey Wingard provides insightful coverage of the “manly arts” in America as they swept the land along with moving populations. Of course early historical influences came from European groups and their varities of combatives, such as wrestling, boxing, and fencing. Wingard demonstrates that the martial arts are integral to American society and are not ad hoc additions to contemporary popular culture. This background is a prerequisite for understanding the reception of Asian martial arts into American culture. Matt Hlinak analyzes Japanese-American immigration into the American West through the prism of athletics, specifically by examining a series of contests between judoka and wrestlers from 1900 to 1920 in California. These matches appealed to an interest in Japanese culture, a desire to see stereotypes reinforced, and nationalist tendencies during an age of uncertainty. The next two chapters by Joseph Svinth detail the establishment and functioning of two important dojos in the Seattle, Washington, area. In 1923 farmers donated a barn and arranged for Ryoichi Iwakiri (third dan) to teach judo to community youths. Another dojo opened in 1928 under the tutalage of Kurosaka Hiroshi (third dan judo). A colorful history marks these dojos and their practitioners: exhibitions, intraclub tournaments, and war-time influences on practice. Their members helped spread judo throughout the United States. James Webb’s chapter focuses on one of the early prime movers for the growth and establishment of judo in America: Vincent Tamura. He was chosen to represent the United States at the First World Championship of Judo (Tokyo, 1956). He is a descendent of the Taira clan, influential during the end of the Heian period (784–1184) in Japan, and his practice has roots in ancient Heike-ryu jujutsu. Putting academic detail aside, James Behrendt offers a personal account of his early years as a judoka devoted to hard training and competition. He writes “I was extremely fit and strong and I used those natural gifts to eventually defeat the purpose of the judo art. I had discipline but was lacking in spirituality and character.” Polishing judo skills helped build his character in the fashion that Kodokan judo founder Kano Jigaro intended. In these chapters you will find the early hotbeds of jujutsu/judo in America and see how these arts tumbled with European-American “manly arts,” making their own way across the country to form and strengthen judo centers in various states. The authors have utilized their scholarly and practical experience to present a rare view of judo as it traversed the Pacific to enrich American culture. Their writings should clarify the early history of judo in America and bring both practitioners and armchair scholars a deeper appreciation for the art.

Based on a series of interviews that Jigoro Kano gave in his sixties, the book relates his creation and development of Kodokan judo during the period 1882 to 1928.

This book is a must for everyone who is interested in martial arts. It handles a great variety of techniques besides history and philosophy. The technical versatility of Ju-jutsu can be clearly seen in the contents of this book(see preview).With 428 pages and over 1500 photo's it can be classified as a complete all-round book. Edgar Kruyning is a leading authority on what remains of Minoru Mochizuki's teachings today.

“Pioneer” — as a noun is defined as “a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.” As a verb, it means “develop or be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity).” This anthology gives the reader the experience of the explorers who went to foreign lands to discover and learn about a specific field of knowledge and skills:the Asian martial arts.The eight chapters included here share a common root in the pioneers' desire to travel far and wide in search for practical martial arts useful in the street as well as for commando units. The pioneers discussed in this anthology experienced lives submerged in foreign cultures, lives compounded by the difficulties of communicating in foreign languages, changing diets, and often being in hostile living conditions. Their lives are far from the associations we usually associate with martial arts now steeped in pure exercise for health, or tournament competitions. Becoming familiar with of some of the Western pioneers of Asian martial arts bring us back to understand many of the original reasons for learning these combatives. Their lives and experience show us how and why the more serious side of Asian fighting arts remain illusive for most who, in practice, need not confront the lethal aspects of these traditions.