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Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions
This is the first edition, (since radically revised in an Expanded version) of Ellis Amdur's essays on koryu, the classic martial traditions of Japan. In this privately published volume, Amdur collected a number of essays originally published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts and Furyu, and added a few new pieces (most notably " Blood Vows in Japanese Martial Traditions"). Old School is a perfect companion to Amdur's two other books, Dueling with O-sensei, and Hidden in Plain Sight, as well as providing vital background context for his novel, The Girl with the Face of the Moon, and co-written graphic novel, Cimarronin. As usual, Amdur challenges us with his insights in this must-read collection on the Japanese martial traditions.
- GenresMartial ArtsHistory
275 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Amdur
65 books46 followersEllis Amdur balances two careers, that as a crisis intervention specialist, through his company, Edgework and as a 50+ year practitioner of traditional Japanese martial arts. His writing meets right in the middle.
Among his non-fiction works are thirteen profession-specific books on verbal de-escalation of aggression, two books for hostage negotiators, two on the art of tactical communication with hostile individuals, one on the art of psychotherapy, and has edited a book by Evelyn & Shelley Amdur on the former's career as a hospice social worker.
He has written and published three books on martial arts, the iconoclastic Dueling with Osensei: Old School, a work on classical martial traditions and Hidden in Plain Sight, on esoteric knowledge within various martial traditions.
In fiction, he is a co-author of the graphic novel, Cimmaronin, and the author of two novels, The Girl with the Face of the Moon, and Lost Boy. His third novel, Little Bird & the Tiger, set in Meiji Japan, is due for release in 2023.
His books are considered unique in that he uses his own experiences, often hair-raising or outrageous, as illustrations of the principles about which he writes, but it is also backed by solid research, and boots-on-the-ground experience.
Among his non-fiction works are thirteen profession-specific books on verbal de-escalation of aggression, two books for hostage negotiators, two on the art of tactical communication with hostile individuals, one on the art of psychotherapy, and has edited a book by Evelyn & Shelley Amdur on the former's career as a hospice social worker.
He has written and published three books on martial arts, the iconoclastic Dueling with Osensei: Old School, a work on classical martial traditions and Hidden in Plain Sight, on esoteric knowledge within various martial traditions.
In fiction, he is a co-author of the graphic novel, Cimmaronin, and the author of two novels, The Girl with the Face of the Moon, and Lost Boy. His third novel, Little Bird & the Tiger, set in Meiji Japan, is due for release in 2023.
His books are considered unique in that he uses his own experiences, often hair-raising or outrageous, as illustrations of the principles about which he writes, but it is also backed by solid research, and boots-on-the-ground experience.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 14, 2015
'Old School' is a remarkable book in several ways. I highly recommend it to both experienced martial artists and anyone interested in the history, historical setting, current status, and future challenges of koryû, ancient Japanese martial arts.
Ellis Amdur is a noted, legitimate Japanese martial artist and historian with some thought provoking and fun to read books. While noted as a second edition, 'Old School' contains enough new material to support greatly expanded history and analysis. In fact, the two editions should be considered very different books. (The first is also remarkable; self-published, it is considered a classic among koryû aficionados and now sells used, when available, for $150 and up.)
I appreciate Ellis' style; he writes his history in a straightforward fashion but speculates with enough flair and romanticism to see his true love and engagement with the arts. His well-informed and well-written speculation is both welcome and entertaining. Far too many martial artists 'history' writers, both popular and obscure, fail to differentiate their facts from embellishment or even fabrication, to the great detriment of the published histories and the factual education of interested. (I include a number of popular writers supported by large publishing houses, as serious research discloses their books' many flaws.)
His presentation of the many dimensions of koryû history is enlightening. The amount of detail in the ryûha histories can be daunting, showing tremendous research, but the push and pull of history requires the context of culture, politics, philosophy, and Japan to understand. And he provides that, too.
But even if one can correctly learn the mechanics of wielding ancient, obscure weapons in choreographed or mock combat, what precisely is the point? The book spans the ancient history of koryû to today, when modern Japanese life makes koryû life at once more accessible, with koryû that would not even practice in public in ages past now providing demonstrations for TV, selling pre-recorded instructional videos and websites, yet in many ways they are less accessible than ever because of the self sacrifice, time commitment, and strictly hierarchical, often hereditary leadership required to remain true to form. And makes a strong case for the allure of the practice and discipline even in this day.
Pros:
• great glossary, near worth the price by itself
• use of macrons for Japanese, making it easier to pronounce (e.g., jûdô, jûjutsu): good for students of Japanese
• introduction of Japanese characters: great for learners and scholars
• great documentation
• introduction to a great range of topics, including:
- numerous weapons development history
- Japanese hardwoods suitable for weapons
- development of modern budô (inc. jûdô, kendô, aikidô)
- the notion of swords as sidearms, not a main weapon of war
- solid, well-informed analysis of the issues that koryû face today and in the future: maintaining relevance and combat efficiency, and the growing attractive overseas versus declining interest in Japan
- great illustrations, photos, etc, with valuable explanations
Cons:
• very minor editing errors and inconsistencies
• somewhat confusing layout (note: acknowledged as such in the intro)
• no index, which would be helpful for researchers (but does print key names in bold print, making them easy to find)
Interesting:
• an introductory analysis of the esoteric influences on koryû, including Shintô, Taoism, Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism, Mikkyô (esoteric Buddhism), Shugendô, and the role of the keppan, the traditional blood oath of the initiate
• the role of martial arts qualification stipends in speeding the degeneration of certain koryû
Some of the material covers womens' roles, and in some ways their descriptions framed the complex contradictions of koryû: petite, immaculately turned out, precisely polite ladies that can launch a slash with a three foot razor blade to open your femoral artery and then your throat, ready die without hesitation if they lose.
Or, perhaps more importantly, ready to live without hesitation if they win.
Lance Gatling
Japanese Academy of Martial Arts
Budô History Researcher
Ellis Amdur is a noted, legitimate Japanese martial artist and historian with some thought provoking and fun to read books. While noted as a second edition, 'Old School' contains enough new material to support greatly expanded history and analysis. In fact, the two editions should be considered very different books. (The first is also remarkable; self-published, it is considered a classic among koryû aficionados and now sells used, when available, for $150 and up.)
I appreciate Ellis' style; he writes his history in a straightforward fashion but speculates with enough flair and romanticism to see his true love and engagement with the arts. His well-informed and well-written speculation is both welcome and entertaining. Far too many martial artists 'history' writers, both popular and obscure, fail to differentiate their facts from embellishment or even fabrication, to the great detriment of the published histories and the factual education of interested. (I include a number of popular writers supported by large publishing houses, as serious research discloses their books' many flaws.)
His presentation of the many dimensions of koryû history is enlightening. The amount of detail in the ryûha histories can be daunting, showing tremendous research, but the push and pull of history requires the context of culture, politics, philosophy, and Japan to understand. And he provides that, too.
But even if one can correctly learn the mechanics of wielding ancient, obscure weapons in choreographed or mock combat, what precisely is the point? The book spans the ancient history of koryû to today, when modern Japanese life makes koryû life at once more accessible, with koryû that would not even practice in public in ages past now providing demonstrations for TV, selling pre-recorded instructional videos and websites, yet in many ways they are less accessible than ever because of the self sacrifice, time commitment, and strictly hierarchical, often hereditary leadership required to remain true to form. And makes a strong case for the allure of the practice and discipline even in this day.
Pros:
• great glossary, near worth the price by itself
• use of macrons for Japanese, making it easier to pronounce (e.g., jûdô, jûjutsu): good for students of Japanese
• introduction of Japanese characters: great for learners and scholars
• great documentation
• introduction to a great range of topics, including:
- numerous weapons development history
- Japanese hardwoods suitable for weapons
- development of modern budô (inc. jûdô, kendô, aikidô)
- the notion of swords as sidearms, not a main weapon of war
- solid, well-informed analysis of the issues that koryû face today and in the future: maintaining relevance and combat efficiency, and the growing attractive overseas versus declining interest in Japan
- great illustrations, photos, etc, with valuable explanations
Cons:
• very minor editing errors and inconsistencies
• somewhat confusing layout (note: acknowledged as such in the intro)
• no index, which would be helpful for researchers (but does print key names in bold print, making them easy to find)
Interesting:
• an introductory analysis of the esoteric influences on koryû, including Shintô, Taoism, Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism, Mikkyô (esoteric Buddhism), Shugendô, and the role of the keppan, the traditional blood oath of the initiate
• the role of martial arts qualification stipends in speeding the degeneration of certain koryû
Some of the material covers womens' roles, and in some ways their descriptions framed the complex contradictions of koryû: petite, immaculately turned out, precisely polite ladies that can launch a slash with a three foot razor blade to open your femoral artery and then your throat, ready die without hesitation if they lose.
Or, perhaps more importantly, ready to live without hesitation if they win.
Lance Gatling
Japanese Academy of Martial Arts
Budô History Researcher
February 16, 2017
Dear Goodreads - Sometimes we read the first edition of a book and then we read the second edition of the book and we'd like to be able to keep those items separate.
I read the first edition in 2011 (or that's what my last read-date tells me) - paperback, borrowed.
I read the second edition in 2017 - kindle, bought.
I think I got a lot more out of the second reading. I don't have a copy of the 1st edition to readily compare with, so I can't tell how much is improvements in the book and how much is improvement in my understanding.
I read the first edition in 2011 (or that's what my last read-date tells me) - paperback, borrowed.
I read the second edition in 2017 - kindle, bought.
I think I got a lot more out of the second reading. I don't have a copy of the 1st edition to readily compare with, so I can't tell how much is improvements in the book and how much is improvement in my understanding.
February 17, 2023
I was lent this book after asking too many questions on the ethics and requirements of knowledge transmission within koryu and martial arts generally. It didn't answer my questions.
What it did do was something I appreciate far more. It gave me a firmer base for me to push off into further inquiry. It showed me different logic paths and angles to view questions I already had. It showed how other people, how teachers of koryu, delt with these questions and their reasoning. It explained the differences in secrecy, loyalty and relationships between the student and their teacher.
I'm still very new to the martial arts world and I'm grateful that this was one of the first books I read pertaining to transmission and the survival and relevance of the ryu in modern times (and a Western setting).
This is a book I cited heavily and plan to return to often. I loved this book and my practice is all the better for it.
What it did do was something I appreciate far more. It gave me a firmer base for me to push off into further inquiry. It showed me different logic paths and angles to view questions I already had. It showed how other people, how teachers of koryu, delt with these questions and their reasoning. It explained the differences in secrecy, loyalty and relationships between the student and their teacher.
I'm still very new to the martial arts world and I'm grateful that this was one of the first books I read pertaining to transmission and the survival and relevance of the ryu in modern times (and a Western setting).
This is a book I cited heavily and plan to return to often. I loved this book and my practice is all the better for it.
July 11, 2017
“Old School” is a collection of essays concerning a wide variety of elements that make up the classical Japanese martial arts. Ranging from specific looks into a select number of traditions to analysis of weapon development and usage. “Old School” provides access to detailed and often difficult to access areas of knowledge within the classical Japanese martial traditions.
Mr. Amdur has experience in two classical traditions as well as a variety of more modern arts. This has provided the technical know-how, experience and connections with other schools to both render educated opinions himself and receive vetting from senior practitioners of the traditions he writes about.
Willing to ask hard questions, he challenges preconceived notions concerning gender, dogma and the relevancy of tradition in the modern world. Anyone with an interest in the martial arts of Japan be they classical or modern (which are still in many ways derived from and linked to the past) will find much value in these essays.
You will be hard-pressed to find an author more detail-oriented, historically accurate and with writing free from worship of the mythological in the martial arts literary world.
Mr. Amdur has experience in two classical traditions as well as a variety of more modern arts. This has provided the technical know-how, experience and connections with other schools to both render educated opinions himself and receive vetting from senior practitioners of the traditions he writes about.
Willing to ask hard questions, he challenges preconceived notions concerning gender, dogma and the relevancy of tradition in the modern world. Anyone with an interest in the martial arts of Japan be they classical or modern (which are still in many ways derived from and linked to the past) will find much value in these essays.
You will be hard-pressed to find an author more detail-oriented, historically accurate and with writing free from worship of the mythological in the martial arts literary world.
January 27, 2022
Not a book I would read front to back in a day. It is neccessary to take it for what it is, a source of perspective, clarification and knowledge. Just like a teacher or a senior is required to guide you safely in koryū and esoteric practice, and as a junior student myself, I feel this book deserves to be discussed with someone more senior and experienced.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It sparked a lot of questions and a bird eye's view of parts of what I am doing daily, something I try to integrate into myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It sparked a lot of questions and a bird eye's view of parts of what I am doing daily, something I try to integrate into myself.
February 5, 2022
It took me a while to get used to author's writing style, but after while I started to greatly enjoy the book. There's a lot of research behind this book and that would have been enough to make it good. The addition of the author's personal reflections on many of the topics made it very good.
I had more to say, but the reviewer Christian already said it in better words.
I had more to say, but the reviewer Christian already said it in better words.
August 8, 2017
Possibly the best book I have read on classical Japanese martial arts. If you're interested in the history of martial arts, this is a must read.
May 11, 2015
Having read Ellis Amdur's "Hidden in Plain Sight", one of my favorite books on O Sensei's elusive power, I was looking forward to reading the new edition of Old School. I have corresponded with Ellis Amdur over the years and met him in person, and was impressed by his knowledge, his willingness to answer questions and dedication to martial arts.
I enjoyed reading about the history of various Japanese martial arts, the different Ryu, the weapons used, and the history of Araki Ryu and Toda-Ha Buko Tyu, the author's primary arts. It is an excellent overview of the various Koryu especially for a neophyte like me, and the continuing evolution of these traditional arts in the modern world. I personally enjoyed the story of Miyamato Musashi and the usefulness of traditional kata practice in Satsuma rebellion with respect to Jigen Ryu.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially if one is interested in traditional martial arts. This book is a masterpiece and deserves to be in any serious martial artist's bookshelves.
Vivek
I enjoyed reading about the history of various Japanese martial arts, the different Ryu, the weapons used, and the history of Araki Ryu and Toda-Ha Buko Tyu, the author's primary arts. It is an excellent overview of the various Koryu especially for a neophyte like me, and the continuing evolution of these traditional arts in the modern world. I personally enjoyed the story of Miyamato Musashi and the usefulness of traditional kata practice in Satsuma rebellion with respect to Jigen Ryu.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially if one is interested in traditional martial arts. This book is a masterpiece and deserves to be in any serious martial artist's bookshelves.
Vivek
April 2, 2017
One of the definitive books in classical Japanese martial arts. Not only very well researched, but also very pleasant to read as the author goes beyond historical facts and offers his insights from decades of training in Koryu. I absolutely loved chapters 3 (Higo koryu) and 9 (Women warriors of Japan).
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews