Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-Jujutsu

"Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu" is a significant contribution to martial arts literature. Very little accurate information is available on traditional Aiki-jujutsu in Japan, let alone here in the United States. Much of what gets passed off as Aiki-jujutsu is frequently Aikido with atemi-waza (striking techniques) added, or a blending of modern Jujutsu with Aikido. Neither of which accurately represents true traditional Aiki-jujutsu.Davey sensei has spent the majority of his adult life studying, training, and researching traditional Aiki-jujutsu-and other Japanese cultural arts. This effort is very evident in this text. The book is presented in three sections, starting with a historical overview of Japanese martial arts in general, and Aiki-jujutsu specifically. Davey sensei presents the historical information in a very unique way; empathizing the key figure sin the evolution of the style along with the resources and references that support the information presented. The second section presents a detailed explanation of the key principles that differentiate traditional Aiki-jujutsu systems, with specific focus on Saigo-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Of the hundreds of books and articles in print today, this section provides one of the best presentations and explanations on the concept of Aiki that I have ever read. Davey sensei presents the material in a very realistic and tangible fashion, without losing the reader in deluge of meta-physical or quasi-religious verbiage.The final section of the book presents a set of techniques from the Saigo-ryu system of Aiki-jujutsu. Davey sensei approaches this section with a very traditional flavor. The first chapter in this section presents a very small set of techniques, but provides very detailed explanations for them, providing the reader with a good understanding of the characteristics and distinguishing features of Aiki-jujutsu. The following (and final) chapter presents many additional techniques, but with only superficial explanations. This approach is very common in Japanese cultural arts, where a student will be taught the first kata or set of techniques within a system and will stand a significant portion of time training and understanding the basic movements and underlying principles of the techniques-establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the curriculum. By establishing this foundation, it is not necessary to go into as much detail for the subsequent techniques.The overall layout of the book is very professional and the included photographs are clear and very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in traditional Aiki-jujutsu, Jujutsu, or Japanese cultural arts in general.

I enjoyed Mr. Daveys book immensely. This book also helped me greatly in my understanding of Aiki-Jiujitsu. The topics were presented well and the pictures were easy to follow. The only thing I wish is that Mr. Davey writes another book like this with additional insights and techniques. This is another book that I will not sell!!

Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu is an uncommon martial arts book. It is distinctive for several reasons:1. It treats the Japanese martial arts and aikijujutsu as actual arts and not merely some sort of physical mayhem.2. It discusses the history, theory, philosophy and techniques of aikijujutsu and Japanese martial arts in a well-written, intelligent and even scholarly way.3. It actually offers more in its descriptions of martial techniques than the all too typical, "Now I move my right foot forward . . ." sort of explanation. The author provides extremely detailed and clear descriptions of how to perform the large number of techniques depicted in this book. Far too many martial arts books only describe what is obviously taking place in the photos, which is just that-obvious. H. E. Davey explains points that are essential for success and still not immediately apparent by looking at the pictures. This book contains one of the most thorough series technical instructions of any martial arts book I've read. 4. It presents the seemingly esoteric concept of "aiki" in a manner that is clearly explained, pragmatic and yet still containing a deep spiritual dimension. Aikido practitioners would be well served by taking a look at this book. One of the best descriptions of what aiki is and how to use it that I've found.Way too many martial arts books tend to be superficial, poorly written and concerned with mostly how to pound someone into the pavement. Unfortunately since they are so lacking in content, scholarship and intelligence they frequently fail in that regard too.This book is far removed from the average mediocre judo, aikido, etc. books out there. Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu is a rare find in the world of martial arts manuals.

Review by Nicklaus Suino(Nicklaus Suino holds black belt ranks in several traditional Japanese martial arts, including Nihon Jujutsu, and has written three books for Weatherhill and several articles on budo and budo culture. While living in Japan, he received his 6th-degree black belt in Eishin Ryu Iaido from Fukui Soke, the current Eishin Ryu headmaster. He currently teaches Judo, Jujutsu, Karate and Iaido at the Institute of Traditional Asian Martial Arts.)Legitimate sources for information about traditional martial arts techniques and history are rare. Few exist in English. This new book by accomplished martial artist and historian H.E. Davey, published by Masters Press, will join the list of perhaps two dozen works about the martial arts written in English that are essential reading. It is exemplary in many respects.UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF AIKI-JUJUTSU is written in three parts: Part One is entitled "The mysterious origins and roots of aiki-jujutsu"; Part Two is called "Discovering the hidden powers of the mind, body and aiki"; and Part Three is "The explosive power of aiki-jujutsu techniques." Part one is more than simply historical information on aiki-jujutsu. It is instead an excellent overview of Japanese martial history, likely to be very useful for students of either the martial arts or history. The author's understanding of Japan's evolution is impressive, and he communicates clearly the interdependence of the culture and the martial ways of that country. One particularly welcome aspect of Mr. Davey's writing is that he rigorously documents the sources of his information, a detail that is all too rarely found in martial arts books. His subchapter entitled "Myths and Misconceptions" is also very helpful in presenting information about aiki-jujutsu and dispelling some stereotypes held by martial artists.Part two is divided into three subparts, dealing with mind, body and aiki, respectively. The "mind" section discusses mental aspects of martial arts practice both from the point of view of a layperson (indicating how a positive outlook can improve one's life) and from the point of view of a martial artist, familiar with the concept of ki, or intrinsic energy, and its relationship to technique. The "body" section discusses the important role of relaxation in practice, and how this relaxation may not be the sort most of us are familiar with. Continuous practice, Davey observes, is crucial to teach the body how to move in harmony with the forces of nature. "Aiki" means harmonious energy, although the author's detailed discussion of the concept shows us that there are much deeper ways to understand this word, encompassing such concepts as eye-contact, breathing, distance, balance, and concentration. One of the most interesting aspects of Davey's discussion of aiki is its relationship to strategy in conflict, where he describes how an advanced martial artist can control his opponent's action