Bushid?, 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,
b?-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 bud?
and ninja grandmaster 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
bushid?, its venerable history, and its role in today's world. He also
discusses the origins of b?-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 bushid? 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.
