KUKISHINDEN RYU HANBOJUTSU
September 28th, 2009 Posted in Knowledge Base
STICK FIGHTING - Techniques of Self Defence
by Masaaki Hatsumi & Quintin Chambers
This is the first widely-available book by Hatsumi that concentrates purely on taijutsu mechanics expressed in bojutsu - now followed by a sequel book. There are a few others, but their coverage is nothing as compared to this book and they are either out of print, in Japanese and/or unavailable over here.
The book covers more than 50 battlefield techniques of Kukishin Ryu -The 9 Demon Gods School - of which Hatsumi is the 28th Grandmaster.
The Kukishin techniques shown are those organised by and have come down via Takamatsu Sensei.
Beginning with sabaki-fundementals of movement it then covers 8 aspects of bojutsu from defensive moves to immobilisations. This includes bo, jo, hanbo and tessen techniques (different sizes of stick or staff) and henka (variations) of techniques.
This book is published by Kodansha International. For those in the know, this is as huge ‘guarantee’ of quality as any other - I’ve only ever seen them publish the very best amongst the best of titles.
For Bujinkan practioners there are familiar techniques of Take Ori, Oni Kudaki, Ganseki Otoshi , etc. Whilst fully exploring the unique characteristics of the bo, the universality of taijutsu means that this book will also apply to empty-hand.
It is presented in a format worthy of a Japanese artist. Fine illustrations are added to the very clear photos of the younger Grandmaster’s demonstration. Much attention has been also paid to clear, uncluttered layout that flows with the description. Often the double page spread is used to full effect with the images moving across between the pages.
Overall this book is ideal for practioners of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu looking for a practical book, for anyone interested in traditional Japanese martial arts or for anyone interested in stick and staff fighting from any or no tradition.
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