THE DEFINITIVE BOOK BY A FAMOUS BUDO GRAND MASTER Bushido, the way of
the warrior, is deeply bound to the rich history of the martial
traditions of Japan, which have drawn generations of devotees, as well
as awe and respect worldwide. Of all the Martial Arts, bo-jutsu, or
stick fighting, is one of the least understood and most intriguing,
having been largely hidden for centuries. In Advanced Stick Fighting,
Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grand master in the
world, and author of Stick Fighting and The Way of the Ninja, reveals
some of the secrets surrounding this revered fighting art. Hatsumi
offers the reader thoughtful reflections on bushido, its venerable
history, and its role in today's world. He also discusses the origins of
bo-jutsu, which he sees as inexorably linked to the evolution of
humankind; it is both universal and timeless. While the highly acclaimed
and long-selling Stick Fighting dealt mainly with self-defense using
short sticks, this book reveals to the reader a number of advanced
techniques using medium and long sticks that were originally used by
samurai swordsmen and military commanders. Lavish illustrations
accompany the explanations and help further demonstrate the graceful,
mysterious movements of stick fighting. The original Japanese text is
also included in the appendix. This book will be an important addition
to the libraries of readers who are seriously interested in pursuing the
more advanced applications of stick fighting. It will also deepen
readers' understanding of bushido in general, and bring them closer to
Hatsumi's personal philosophy-that only through complete devotion to the
Martial Arts as a way of life can self-enlightenment be attained, and
that the wisdom gained through this can promote a true and lasting world
of peace. |