Jujutsu and Judo in the West

Jujutsu and Judo in the West
Author: Michael DeMarco
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Total Pages: 175
Release: 2018-04-24
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1717030157

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 Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu (Judo)

The Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu (Judo)
Author: H. Irving Hancock
Publisher: Courier Dover Publications
Total Pages: 545
Release: 2016-01-16
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 0486443434

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.

The Way of Judo

The Way of Judo
Author: John Stevens
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2013-08-13
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 0834829010

A martial arts biography of the legendary founder of judo, Jigoro Kano, and the colorful coterie of disciples who wanted to carry on his legacy Kodokan judo, one of the most well-known martial arts in the world today, was originated by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a martial artist and career educator who developed the art after studying several types of jujutsu, sumo, and Western wrestling. Openness and refinement were hallmarks of his personal and professional style, and he relentlessly searched for the best way to practice, teach, and perform techniques. This biography shows how Kano saw judo as a vehicle not just for self-defense, but for physical, spiritual, and moral development as well. His teachings clearly emphasize his ideal of judo as a way of self-cultivation that leads to physical health, ethical behavior, and ultimately a better society. Kano was a tireless activist who promoted the practical application of judo’s principles in all realms of life—in one’s personal behavior, for education, in work, for economic benefit, and in both the local and international political arenas. Kano’s students were a colorful, sometimes notorious bunch, and this book reveals how several went on to become famous—or infamous—in their own right. They include a prime minister of Japan, the leader of the Communist party in China, a famous novelist, a spy, high-level military leaders, and a media mogul, among many others.

Mind Over Muscle

Mind Over Muscle
Author: 嘉納治五郎
Publisher: Kodansha International
Total Pages: 172
Release: 2005-11-21
Genre: Literary Collections
ISBN: 9784770030153

This book is a collection of the life's work and essential teachings of Jigoro Kano, who founded Kodokan Judo in Tokyo in 1882. Kodokan Judo was for Kano the culmination of a lifelong devotion to the jujutsu of the past, which he reorganized along educational lines while taking great care to retain its classical traditions. In doing so, he opened the path from jutsu (skill) to do (way), and broadened the horizons of knowledge until he reached the point at which he began to advocate seiryoku zenyo (maximum efficiency) and jita kyoei (mutual prosperity), which represent the universality and ideal of human existence, and are the core values of judo.

Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kano

Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kano
Author: Brian N. Watson
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2014-04-24
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1425163491

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.

Some Western Pioneers in Asian Martial Arts: An Anthology

Some Western Pioneers in Asian Martial Arts: An Anthology
Author: Michael DeMarco
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Total Pages: 223
Release: 2020-11-02
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN:

“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.

Mastering Judo

Mastering Judo
Author: Masao Takahashi
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2005-05-03
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1492582654

Fully grasping the martial art of judo entails learning and appreciating its history, culture, principles, techniques, and tactics. Mastering Judo contains information on these facets of the art and more through the teaching of the renowned Takahashi family. With over 200 years of combined experience and a total of 31 black belts among them, the six members of the family contributing to this book offer a wealth of firsthand judo instruction. Leading the way is father Masao, an 8th-dan black belt who has trained two generations of international judo champions. Mother June is both a judo instructor and historian who has published a book detailing the origins of the art. Siblings Al, Phil, Ray, and Tina are all accomplished judo instructors, coaches, or competitors. Blending the rich tradition with modern techniques and tactics, the Takahashis ensure that Mastering Judo will appeal to all participants seeking a deeper knowledge and improved performance in the art and sport. From time-honored skill sets to the most current training for competition, this comprehensive resource spans all generations and interests of judo enthusiasts.