Product Description

Bushidô, 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, bô-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 Budô 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 bushidô, its venerable history, and its role in today's world. He also discusses the origins of bô-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 bushidô 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #139169 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Review

"Advanced Stick Fighting is a wonderful book that gives insight into one of the lesser known martial arts of Ninjutsu." -BookLoons Reviews
"Hatsumi offers the reader thoughtful reflections on bushido, its venerable history and its role in today's world. He also discussed the origins of bo-jutsu, which he sees as inexorably lined to the evolution of human-kind; it is both universal and timeless." -Rafu Shimpo
"Lavish illustrations accompany the explanations and help further demonstrate the graceful, mysterious movements of stick fighting." -www.ninjutsu.com (Online)

From the Publisher
THE DEFINITIVE BOOK BY A FAMOUS BUDO GRAND MASTER

About the Author
Dr. MASAAKI HATSUMI was born in 1931. After progressing through various martial arts, he found his life's mentor, Takamatsu Toshitsugu, and studied under him for the next fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grand Master of Togakure-ryû Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system. Dr. Hatsumi has taught thousands of individual students as well as instructing at law enforcement agencies all over the world, and has received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. He has also worked as a professional osteopath, acted in a popular television series, is the author of many books and DVDs on Ninjutsu and Budô, and was for many years Chairman of the International Department of the Japan Literary Artists' Club.

Customer Reviews

more ura, less omote
I know that many dislike this book for its highly stylized content. Some say, "Lots of fluff not much stuff." If one was to be utilitarian about it, then this book is really a waste of cash. But then again, it depends upon what you are expecting. It certainly is not a text on stick or pole fighting for a novice. I guess in some ways it may not even be a text on stick fighting! The applications and photos require insight into the inner meaning of things, with little being obvious. I must say that had I not seen Hatsumi actually move, and also practiced martial arts for some time, I would have been clueless. This book for me was less instructional than it was in giving a certain feeling. Again, another one of Hatsumi's teaching methods that can be confusing. He certainly is not teaching to the lower levels. If you are looking for a Hatsumi book that is more user-friendly, check out his classic "Stick Fighting" coauthored with Quasten.


Enjoy!

Highly Recommended
In less that one year, we get a second amazing book by Hatsumi Sensei. While focusing on stick fighting with ROKUSHAKU BO (six ft long staff) and JO (5 ft walking staff) this book also offers the reader insight into current lessons the ninja grandmaster is teaching in Japan. The photographs illustrate the text though showing flow and direction. Once again, I am very impressed by the photography. This book is both a useful text for students and a work of art for the collector. A fine addition to your ninjutsu library.

fun to read, difficult to understand.
i think this book is a metaphor of what Sensei Hatsumi wishes to teach in genenral. his books are chaotic, hard to understand and have to be read twice (or more) to be understood.

this book features magnificient pictures, a lot of explanations about the historical context and some technique descriptions.

I would tend to recommend this book to advanced martial artists, as the title suggests, but i have to admit that the pictures can be a good introduction to beginners to spark their imaginations.

Read between the lines on this one, re-read it a few times, and weigh it against your own martial arts background. always seek a qualified instructor to practice these techniques properly and safely.