Classical Bujutsu- Volume 1

This is actually a three book set series by the late Donn F. Draeger. Anyone who is truly a student of the martial arts should have at least read a few of Draeger's numerous books. The great book focuses on Japan's martial tradition and the development of various weapons and combat systems. This text covers the development of bujutsu, bladed weapons and systems such as kenjutsu, iai-jutsu, and naginata-jutsu. Other weapon schools are also covered such as bo-jutsu, jo-jutsu, tetsubo-jutsu, and other auxiliary arts. In conclusion, this book, as well as the other two volumes in the series are a must for the serious martial art student. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, Yawara Stick Manual, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Never Trust a Politician).

The book in the beginning suggests that we will meet long and profound explanations about how the values and characteristics of the classical warriors in ancient Japan developed... Well, they are not that long, not that profound... I wanted more... BUT... What we have in the book is just great! Maybe I'm so greedy about this matter that I'm thinking the book could go longer, but it is an excellent work! You can't understand the original martial spirit from Japan if you don't read a book like this... In the end, the author shows some details about the main traditional Martial Arts in Japan, but the great point is the focus on the development of the characteristics of the classical warrior through the telling and analysis of the historical period in which they developed. The text is dry, economic, and goes straight to the point, telling especially what is important to understand the spirit behind the facts. After all, it is a classic anyone who loves Martial Arts, especially those Japanese, must read!

The only book that explains the history of japanese warfare so you can see why the martial arts evolved as they did.