Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan (Tuttle Specials)

I purchased this book on reccomendation from my Sensei. I am currently studying for my first Dan Black Belt in Jujitsu and on asking my Sensei where I could find out more information about the art I am studying, where it comes from, why we study certian Kata's and the traditional nature of Jujitsu, he pointed me in this book's direction. It is relativley easy to read. Having no knowledge of Martial Arts may be a hinderance to some readers, but being familiar with Japanese terms already, I find it very easy to read. I haven't as yet got to the end as I am taking my time and making lots of notes for my own study purposes, but so far it's very useful. The structures of Feudal Japan are very easy to learn about as the authors write in such a way that makes quite a complicated process very easy to read. There are lots of pictures and diagrams which bring armoury and weapons to life. I am very impressed so far and its helping me enormously in my eneadvour to learn more about where, why and how we have the version of Martial arts in Britian that we have today. Highly reccomended.

My son loved this gift. The illustrations are fabulous as is the writing. A real gem of a find

this book is not only excellently written and well thought out,but very educational as well-a must for those who love Samurai history.

This book is essentially what it says in the introduction - an overview of the history and techniques of bushido. Many reviewers criticise particular aspects of the book - I believe a little unfairly. Yes, it has a emphasis towards Aikido but then it is written by two Aikido adepts . Also it is not accurate in every minutae - but then show me a text that covers this much ground that is. It is a general introduction not a history of every school of bu-jitsu.For any student who wants to know how the samurai were - what they were about - how they lived - how they were influenced by society, history and religion this is the book for you. It debunks a lot of the myth and the false thinking that characterises a lot of 'samurai ideology'. It dares to look beyond the veneer of the samurai and Japanese society at that time. It is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the tradition of bushido.

Borrowed this book from a fellow sensei; read it, then re-read it, then tried to get it. It's taken me the best part of a year to locate it. Although our Japanese reviewer says that it is "shaky" regarding some of the Aikido facts, it is without doubt, an excellent book for martial artists to study - yes, study - not just read. The very essence of Budo, and the samurai way of life is shown. Read, learn and inwardly digest - then pass it on!

This is an great book which is a pleasure to read! The condition is first class.

The book is good, but the print font is so small that it is a strain on the eyes to read for any longer period than 10 minutes.

Un espectacular llibre sobre molts aspectes dels Samuráis! S’ha de tenir en compte que està en anglès. Cal destacar les increïbles il·lustracions d’Oscar Ratti (també al llibre ‘La esfera dinámica’). Molt bona compra!

nicht einfache kost aber sehr interessant wenn man sich für diese Thematik begeistert.

No complaints