classical philosophy self-defense introduction

books:

The Way of Kendo and Kenjitsu: Soul of the Samurai

8 reviews
Darrell Max Craig

YMAA Publication Center, 2004

Enjoyable read
Mr. Craig has again written another fine book and I can recommend it as a enjoyable read. It maintains the traditional Craig writing style that integrates authentic personal stories, but written around completely new information and insight into one of the more mysterious of the martial arts - kendo. This book is as good as, and in many ways much better, than Mr. Craig's previous books. If you ...

The Heart of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of the Art of the Sword

13 reviews
Darrell Max Craig

Shambhala, 2002

Beautiful Book
This interesting text about kendo is also available in hardback (or at least was, at one time). So be sure to read the reviews of the same material under the separate hardback listing. The stories are inspiring, the text helpful. This is the most beautiful book I've ever seen devoted to a martial art.

Mugai Ryu: The Classical Japanese Art of Drawing the Sword

9 reviews
Darrell Max Craig

YMAA Publication Center, 2003

1st review not true, great book indeed!
I lived in Houston, Texas at one time. I was never a student of Mr. Craig's, but having in an interest in the martial arts, this is how I came to know about Darrell Craig's dojo and his books. He is well know and respected in not only the Houston martial arts and law enforcement communities, but he is well known (and quite credible) in the writing and television communities too. He is well ...

IAI: The Art Of Drawing The Sword

16 reviews
Darrell Max Craig

Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1991

Craig's best book
Well laid out and informative. Unlike other reviewers I really liked the illustrations. They are simple, but easy to understand and more than adequate to reinforce the commentary. This fascinating book covers everything from understanding the terminology to selecting and purchasing a sword, to caring for your weapon, to etiquette, to technique. It even shows how to fold your uniform. I especially ...

Japan's Ultimate Martial Art: Jujitsu Before 1882 the Classical Japanese Art of Self-Defense

17 reviews
Darrell Max Craig

Tuttle Publishing, 1995

Excellent history and discussion
I'm surprised I'm the first person to review this book. This book discusses classical Japanese jiu-jitsu, presenting the history of the art as it can best be reconstructed, along with many illustrations and discussions of the techniques. Just as with the approximately 200-300 schools of swordsmanship that existed between 1000 A.D. and the mid-1800's, when they went into decline (with only about ...