Classical Bujutsu

by Donn F. Draeger

The Japanese martial arts developed during the Middle Ages are described in terms of their historical context, techniques, rituals, and equipment

Genres: Martial Arts, History, Nonfiction, Japan

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

From Wikipedia:

Donald 'Donn' Frederick Draeger (April 15, 1922 – October 20, 1982) was an expert practitioner of Asian martial arts, an author of several martial arts books, and a United States Marine. Draeger was widely known and respected in the martial arts community, and was a leading martial arts researcher.

Throughout his life, Draeger was known by his nickname 'Donn.' He held the rank of Captain during peacetime and Major during wartime in the Marine Corps. Draeger's tombstone reflects his peacetime rank of Captain. He spent several decades of his life in the Pacific area and Japan, becoming well acquainted with several classical martial arts of the region. Today, he is probably best known for his martial arts scholarship.

Reviews

[Gene]

Just finished reading this book. I found it to be interesting and it did clear up a couple of misconceptions I had about certain aspects of the older martial arts and the warrior class that practiced them, but overall I felt like the book didn't really delve very deeply into any number of subjects. It is a good introduction to the older classical "koryu" but in the end I didn't find this book to be particularly informative. Given the authors reputation in the world of Japanese martial arts, I was hoping for more.

[Patrick]

If you want to really understand martial arts and its history you should get Donn Draeger's three books in this series:

Classical Bujutsu : Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan, Vol I., Weatherhill, 1973, 1996
Classical Budo: Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan, Vol II., Weatherhill, 1973, 1996
Modern Bujutsu & Budo: Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan, Vol III., Weatherhill, 1974, 1996

[Steve Scott]

A quick read of not much over 100 pages. I knocked it out in one afternoon. Much of it is white space and photos. The margins are over two inches wide on both sides and top.

Draeger starts each chapter with a martial quote from western authors. Why he does this rather than citing quotes from the ample Japanese literature on the subject is beyond me.

Anyway, this and it’s sequel “Classical Buds” might be useful primers before taking on Westbrook and Ratti’s “Secrets Of The Samurai”, which is an excellent historical work.

Draeger isn’t a great writer insofar as prose. He’s dry.

[Constantinos Nterziotis]

Perfect book from a legend in japanese martial arts. The western world would knew much less without Donn Draeger's contribution, devotion, practical scholarship. I look forward reading the next volumes.

[Kjǫlsigʀ]

A clear and balanced introduction to the chief concepts of the respective practices preceding the modern budo.

[Rich]

Donn Draegers material can be a little dry,but it's essential reading for an accurate historical understanding of the subject.
His text on the kata of Judo is absolutely authoritative.
For anyone interested in the history of martial arts you need Draegers work in your shelves.

[Bob]

The man to read, very knowledgeable.