Secrets of the Samurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan

by Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook

History. Secrets of the Samurai is a definitive study of the martial arts of feudal Japan, illustrating in detail the weapons, techniques, strategies, and principles of combat that made the Japanese warrior a supremely effective foe.

Genres: Martial Arts, History, Japan, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Military Fiction, Japanese Literature

483 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Hugh]

A great resource for anyone who needs to learn how to take an enemy's fortress under the cover of darkness.

[Checkman]

I'm not very familiar with Japanese culture or the Samurai. My area is the Roman Empire, but this book is impressive. I've always had a mild interest in the martial arts and Feudal Japan and I suspect this book is a good place to start. The writing is concise, easy to follow and (this was the main reason I bought the book) lavishly illustrated. Instead of leaving it to the reader to try to figure out what the author's are describing the illustrations are there to demonstrate. It's a good read for the beginner. As far as the historical errors referred to by earlier reviewers, I can't comment on. Mainly since the previous reviewers failed to document they errors they were referencing (though there is a lack of footnotes to back up some of the writing), but I digress. It will make a nice addition to any military history collection if only for the illustrations.

[Hilda Ellis-Davidson]

Acceptable as a introductory text to the layman, but riddled with inaccuracies.

[James]

When it came out in the 70s, it was hot stuff. I had a couple of copies that were both "borrowed" over 30 years ago. Jump forward and I can see that it didn't age well, most of the information is available elsewhere in greater detail and without the modern martial art chapters that are more than a bit iffy. Well back to the book sale to return it.

[Mike]

Comprehensive, in the sense a lot of scope is covered and the two authors tried to be encompassing of historical scope and variety of martial systems in Japan, however, these authors seem poorly grounded in Japan's history and make a number of clear errors. Moreover, there are obscure fields such as tessenjutsu (Japanese iron battle fan technique)that need to be explained in greater context, as does the influence of religion and general feudal society in martial arts. You get a wealth of facts hither and a tither but without the proper context to bring it all together. It's what would happen if I myself were to write a survey of the history of, say, banking and finance: I'd be able to do the research probably because I know how to do research and how to appreciate historiography, but I would be hard pressed to tie it all together into an interesting and connected text. This just feels like an overwrought jumble of facts, and also, too few primary Japanese sources are consulted and referenced in contrast to a heavy use of more popular English-language sources.

[Anne Beardsley]

The authors clearly have studied deeply into all aspects of samurai fighting. They're experts.

The illustrations were wonderful, clearly conveying the motions they tried to catch. I was particularly fascinated by the discussions of various types of weapons and the insights into the origins and development of several modern martial arts.

Every once in a while you could clearly see the philosophy pedigree of one of the authors...those were the bits I tended to skip. But overall they did an excellent job at making me rather sorry I had reached the end of their massively thick book.

[Tatsume]

A book for studying rahter than for reading. It's good to read it slowly, in the parts and from time to time, amke a pause and return few pages back. This is really a professional literature, therefore, the reading can be quite challenging. For somebody whol lieks the topic of (japanese) martial arts, this book presents a very interesting reading.

[Amanda]

This was probably the most extensive study of Bushido that I’ve come across. It explains every aspect of the warrior’s life in great detail. While some chapters weren’t really my cup of tea, and they sometimes tended to reference the same authors a few too many times, it provides great insight into the history and culture of Japan as a whole.

[Farhan]

পুরো গবেষণামূলক থিসিস। একাডেমিক ইন্টারেস্ট থাকলে পড়া যায়, সেই সাথে ২-৪টা দাঁত খোয়ানোর আশঙ্কা আছে, এমনই খটমটে ভাষা। বিনোদনের জন্য পড়তে চাইলে ২ পাতা গিয়েই ফেলে দিতে হবে। তবে জাপানিজ বুদো নিয়ে এত ভাল গবেষণামূলক বই মনে হয় কম, সেজন্য ৩ দিতেই হয়।

[Luke]

Suprisingly comprehensive and detailed in many areas, but missing some solid content in others. A very decent introduction into samurai and Japanese warrior culture, but could do with an update.

[Antonio Meridda]

In questo manuale si spiega l'origine, l'evoluzione e la formazione di diverse arti marziali, in particolare quelle dell'estremo oriente. Particolare attenzione sul Giappone.

[Leo]

Much more scholarly than I expected but gives you a very in depth account of the history of Japan, the different arts of bujutsu, and the inner force of the Samurai warriors.

[Robert]

Lots of good information.

[Bertha Alicia]

One of a kind book...

[Aaron]

This book is a heavy read, weighing in at nearly 500 pages. The book is less about "secrets" of the samurai than it is an overall introduction to the samurai warriors and various surrounding topics. This book tries to cover everything: from fighting styles, to religious traditions throughout East Asia, to life styles, to the modern inheritance of the spirit of the samurai (explained in terms of Japanese corporations being organized according to a feudal structure).

The book can be seen as either highly ambitious or preposterous. At first I was impressed with the depth and breadth of the topics covered, assuming the best research and insight into the ways of the samurai. But before long I became suspicious that the information contained was highly derivative from the work of others, and there was no way to sort out what was real and what was embellished, or even fabricated.

I give it three stars because it was an interesting read and had a good amount of information. However, I would think twice before referencing this and putting my word on the line.

[Michael]

Highly informative and as comprehensive as a single book can be, this history of the samurai covers everything from the political situation in Japan during their reign to the curriculum samurais were expected to learn. With pictures depicting each part of the samurai armor, discussions of the poetry composed by the samurai, and also an interesting look at zen archery, this book taught me an incredible amount of knowledge, some of which I can even REMEMBER.

[Davide Borghesi]

Un libro davvero affascinante, ricco di contenuti e nozioni che aprono una finestra dettagliata sul mondo dei samurai e delle loro discipline. Non è una lettura leggera, questo è vero, ma ogni pagina è densa di storia, tecnica e cultura. Mi è piaciuto molto perché riesce a trasmettere non solo il rigore delle arti marziali, ma anche la filosofia e il contesto in cui si sono sviluppate.
Una lettura impegnativa, sì, ma che ripaga chi ha voglia di approfondire davvero.

[Serge Pierro]

A very comprehensive book on the history of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan. Covers all of the armed and unarmed techniques. Illustrated with pen and ink line drawings throughout. Interesting sections include the proper method and order for putting on samurai armor and the various katana techniques. An good book to get an overall feel for the time period and its players.

[Dean Marquis]

Both these authors are experts in there field. Many Things about Budo are included in it that I have been unable to find elsewhere. At the end of it they have included a section on Strategy. In this there is a Section on Bilateral Defense and Bilateral Attack which is more common in Western Society then one might think. Its definitely a book that should by a part of anyone's bookshelf

[Jack Magruder]

This is a fantastic book with really incredible illustrations (by Oscar Ratti)! It combines history, theory and practice of pretty much everything you would want to know about anything related to the martial culture of Feudal Japan. Unbelievable work, actually.

[Chris Campion]

An amazing book that's jammed packed with more info on samurai culture and their endless pursuit of mastering themselves than you can shake a katana at. Awesome illustrations and thorough research. A must own for anyone (including martial artists) interested in this lost way of life.

[David Palmacci]

eh... it lost me a lot of times, and was a little redundant. I should maybe try reading it again if I am stuck in the woods.

[Ryan]

Fascinating study of budo, with excellent illustrations and charts.

[Snowywolfowl]

A great read. Highly recommended for those looking for an overview of the samurai lifestyle during the time of the Shogunate.

[Cadel]

Probably the best book I have ever seen for a general reference book on the martial culture of Feudal Japan.

[Jon]

Great pictures and a great read/look for kids interested in samurai.

[Douglas]

Beautiful and enjoyable book.

[A Blane]

Very thorough survey of Japanese martial arts, both armed and unarmed, in the historical context of Japan's feudal age.

[Bian446]

Very good insight on the history of Japanese martial arts.

[Martin II]

Full of some useful information but sources are severely lacking for details listed in the book.