Angry White Pyjamas : An Oxford Poet Trains With the Tokyo Riot Police

by Robert Twigger

Only at one point did I suddenly think: What the hell are you doing here? Why don't you just walk away? I banished the thought quickly. I knew I couldn't afford the luxury of such thinking if I was going to stick it out for the whole year.

When Robert Twigger found himself training alongside the Tokyo Riot Police, he realised two things: He'd never been fit and he'd never been tough. In fact, as a student and poet in the relatively cosseted world of Oxford, he had done nothing to uphold the family's military reputation established by his grandfather.

But once he joined Japan's most famous Aikido "dojo", (academy) he came up against all the challenges a life of tough physical action had to throw at him: Sadistic teachers, even more sadistic friends, repetitive training, broken limbs and the ominous "nobbies".

At more than one point throughout the year-long course that would change him from pondering intellectual to "bodyguard" for two elderly Japanese women, Twigger thought of quitting. So what kept him going--his friends in Fuji heights, Chris and Fat Frank? Sara, his Japanese girlfriend? A Zen belief in overcoming the will of the self? It was more to do with sheer grit and determination-- a refusal to be beaten.

Though winner of the William Hill 1998 Sports Book of the Year, this is no ordinary sports book. Intelligent, witty, and downright compelling, the story of a self-confessed "softie" who took on some of the world's toughest and made it through, is one of the best books you will read this year. Peppered with insight into the exclusive Japanese culture and ex-pat life, Twigger's book will make you want to get off your couch and travel to the land of the rising sun straight away-- or at least, once you've finished the book. --Lucie Naylor

Genres: Nonfiction, Martial Arts, Japan, Biography, Travel, Memoir, Sports

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Robert Twigger is a British author who has been described as, 'a 19th Century adventurer trapped in the body of a 21st Century writer'. He attended Oxford University and later spent a year training at Martial Arts with the Tokyo Riot Police. He has won the Newdigate prize for poetry, the Somerset Maugham award for literature and the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.

In 1997, whilst on an expedition in Northern Borneo, he discovered a line of menhirs crossing into Kalimantan. In 1998 He was part of the team that caught the world's longest snake- documented in the Channel 4/National Geographic film and book Big Snake; later he was the leader of the expedition that was the first to cross Western Canada in a birchbark canoe since 1793. Most recently, in 2009-2010, he led an expedition that was the first to cross the 700 km Great Sand Sea of the Egyptian Sahara solely on foot.

He has also written for newspapers and magazines such as The Daily Telegraph, Maxim and Esquire, and has published several poetry collections, including one in 2003, with Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing.

Robert has published Real Men Eat Puffer Fish (2008), a humorous but comprehensive guide to frequently overlooked but not exclusively masculine pastimes, while his latest novel Dr. Ragab's Universal Language, was published to acclaim in July 2009. Robert now lives in Cairo, a move chronicled in his book Lost Oasis. He has lead several desert expeditions with 'The Explorer School'.

Robert has given lectures on the topic of 'Lifeshifting', an approach which emphasises the need to centre one's life around meaning-driven motivation. Drawing on experiences working with indigenous peoples from around the world, he has spoken on 'work tribes' and polymathy. He has also spoken on leadership. Some of these talks have been to companies such as Procter and Gamble, Maersk Shipping, SAB Miller and Oracle computing.

Reviews

[Natasha Mostert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book when I was doing research for my martial arts thriller: THE KEEPER and was immediately blown away but it. If you're at all interested in martial arts, this is a must-read. An Oxford-educated poet joins the Tokyo riot police in their brutal Aikido training. Funny, poignant,fast-paced, this non-fiction book reads like a thriller. Winner of the Somerset Maugham Award.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly entertaining account of one man's experience studying martial arts in Japan.

[Matthew Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best martial arts books I've read. Funny, compelling, would read again.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally had a chance to sit down and re-read this. The first time I'd read it, I'd done some Aikido in college, but it had mostly faded in my memory other than I remember how clearly-out-of-shape I was at the time, and feeling like such a badass whenever I "got" a technique right.

At this point, I've been practicing Aikido for a few years and related to what I was reading about. I could make comparisons to my own experience. I could appreciate the insight into Japanese perspective that Twigger offers, as well as some of what he learned about himself and Aikido. I sussed out more of what I liked about my current practice (Shimbokukai), and what would not appeal to me in Yoshinkan. It made me think about my Aikido, and the blend of what I'm learning with what I want to carry forward in my own practice and philosophy.

I want to re-read and make some notes on a few different things they practiced or teaching techniques, some quotes from the senseis and bits of wisdom. I'm curious about Kancho's book and to learn more about O'Sensei's life. I love that the author used the real names of people, so you can look up Robert Mustard or Chida Sensei and learn about them.

I especially loved this piece of wisdom from one sensei (I need to revisit the text to remind myself who said it - Paul, maybe?) (paraphrased) - he points out there is a triangle of things that work together that are the secret to aikido: Balance, Center, and Confidence. They each feed each other.

Overall really enjoyed it. Bought a copy to lend out to friends at the dojo so I don't have to give mine up.

Edit to add the disclaimer: yeah there's stuff to dislike, locker room stuff, etc. I noticed it, but focused on what I enjoyed.
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Old Review:
He starts out by pointing out the profusion of power lines in Japan. On he continues with a humorous and interesting perspective of a white guy's experience living in Tokyo and taking the Riot Police course.

Very enjoyable for a "fish out of water" theme book.

[Shawn Mcvay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I wanted Falling Hard: A Judo Story to be. Excellent insights and humor.

[Kieren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Well written and entertaining. Much to learn from a martial arts perspective but that's not the point.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading other reviews I was ready for a sexist, racist drone. Far from it. I thought his cultural observations were sound and balanced. I also thought his story of a foreigner deep in the world of budo and bushido rang true, based on my own martial arts experience. I would never sign up for such a course, but I did find myself longing for the dojo while reading about his training. Perhaps to someone without that experience the writing might see overly critical or whiny, as the other reviewers have mentioned, but to me it seemed about right. I feel like Twigger would be someone who I might understand very well if we were to ever meet.

As a newer student of aikido after years of Okinawan karate, I especially appreciated the art being treated as a self defense intended to protect (and to damage, if necessary), rather than a wishy-washy, overly precious philosophy.

[William Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twigger is an absolutely outstanding author. I was given the book six years ago - and since then I've devoured every single word he's written. I could not commend his books more highly.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended to read this book when I started Yoshinkan Aikido last year. Regardless of how interested in aikido you might be, this is an amusing, at times fascinating, depiction of Japanese martial arts culture from the perspective of an outsider. Yoshinkan Aikido is a pretty small world it seems, and some of the characters in this book, although sometimes given a kind of fear/awe-filled celebrity by Twigger, are likely to cross your path if you take up the art. Robert Mustard in particular tours quite a lot and attends seminars internationally.

I have read other reviewers say that the book is boring and repetitive, but I didn't think so. The characters were quite funny (especially Fat Frank); the sports angle was well done - not too much triumph over adversity, or at least it's not cheesy. I suppose as a sports book, triumph over adversity is kind of the point of this: Twigger begins the book describing how he is a soft, unfit, bookish type who wouldn't know what to do in a fight. He then begins training at Yoshinkan style Aikido with his flatmates and they quickly become hooked on it. Twigger decides to enrol on the gruelling 'senshusei' course, and much of the book is concerned with his struggles. (The senshusei course is a one year intensive programme of ascetic aikido training taught to members of the Tokyo Riot Police who already hold black belts in, I think, kendo, Judo or karate. Foreigners train separately.) After tolerating a year of daily humiliations, pain, bloody dogis and toilet cleaning, Twigger finally attains his shodan (black belt).

Even if you're don't care about sports or martial arts, give this a try. You could ignore the stuff about flipfalls and learn something about Japanese culture and poetry. I learned that Japanese food is apparently not very good. I like sushi though.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Twigger writes an entertaining story of his time in Japan not falling into what I would assume to be the all too easy form of technical jargon rather revealing the human side of what it takes to survive such a punishing course.It should be noted that this isn't a book aimed squarely at martial arts enthusiasts I would heartily recommend this book to anyone. It was interesting to read his physcological journey of ups and downs being absolutely honest about his fears and character flaws. A man writing a book such as this would be so easily tempted to right himself into infamy.I myself have never been involved with martial arts nor do I have a burning enthusiasm for it. Never the less even I enjoyed this book. A testament to its broad scope.I recommend this book.

[Goran Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scrawny Oxford poet finds himself adrift in Tokyo and joins the formidable Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo where the Tokyo riot police learn their trade. Soon he finds himself immersed in an intensive course that teaches him about Japanese martial culture the hard way!

Funny, engaging and shocking in places, Angry White Pyjamas is less about Aikido and more about Japan and its culture. It is also widely regarded as the most readable book ever written about martial arts, with real mainstream appeal. Enjoy!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one.

These antiquated styles of training are always worth a read!

[Jennifer Hrabota · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though this was amusing at times, I really grew to dislike the author and all the characters. The mild undertone of sexism didn't have me necessarily hating them, but by the end I found myself cheering when bad things would happen to them and I thought they were all dumb-asses.

I was hoping to be a little more inspired, a little less disappointed. It was interesting, none the less, so I didn't hate it.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great memoir of a year spent learning Aikido in a Tokyo dojo. Lots of interesting rumination on the philosophies of martial arts, the nature of Japanese culture, personal development through physical challenges and the like. Giggles and anecdotes aplenty alongside some real inspirational stuff.

RT has a brilliant sense for characterization, but unfortunately there are just a few too many transient characters that drift through the pages and it's a little bemusing flipping back and forth trying to keep up.

Pretty great in general though, with a real fondness for the subject.

[Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weakly written, misogynist, and more than a little insulting to Japan and its people. Always annoying to find a wastrel Briton who takes it upon himself to go on an adventure to another country, then thinks it worthwhile to write a memoir about their narrow view of a country and its culture. Pepper that with a few complaints about not getting enough female attention while calling working 1 day per week a 'part time job' and you get an disappointing read, to be sure.

[Iveta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Začátek nice, funny chvilky, jinak šíleně ALE ŠÍLENĚ zdlouhavý a nudný fr krejzy

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably wouldn't have picked this up on my own, but my husband studies aikido and borrowed it from his dojo. The book details the 11 months that the author spent studying a specialized form of aikido in Japan. I found the author to be somewhat flip in his attitude towards Japanese and their culture. While there definitely is humor in the book, there is a fair amount of whining as well. The writing is decent, but I was put off by the author's attitude.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed 'Angry White Pyjamas'. It's part martial arts memoir, part meditation on Japanese culture, and part flat-sharing comedy. Twigger could easily have slipped into tedious macho territory, but never does. Instead, the book is alternately hilarious farce and thoughtful commentary on finding your focus and goals in life. A really fun read, albeit one that will probably put you off ever trying aikido.

[Veronique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. I think I found it especially interesting because at the time I read it, I trained in Aikido quite intensely. It was fun to read about people I had met and/or heard about quite a bit.

[Rich Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fairly dull book about a bloke who lives in Japan and decides that he isn't getting beaten up enough.

[Heretic · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely effective way to dissuade one from wanting to learn serious Aikido (a Japanese self defense art from the Samurai). Interesting in several ways, particularly in depicting the masochism required to "fit in" with the macho requirements for the most aggressive form of Aikido. The author later admits the softer form of learning resulted in just as good or better mastery of the art. Its also a good look at the dark side of Japan, something Japanese are not excited to admit to foreign visitors.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wussy English bloke takes Mr T's advice (get some nuts) and joins a martial arts course that trains the Tokyo riot police. This memoir takes us through his development from novice to black belt and describes the joys and hardships of the author becoming a 'real' man. I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would as in between all the description of the Aikido is a sense of the Japanese and English fighting spirit. It's both emotional and amusing and kind of gross in parts as Twigger describes various injuries.

[Calensûl · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a chore to finish this. It was so empty and repetititve and disgusting that I don't know what to say, so let's just give a quick summary:

- Three thirty-something guys with part time jobs in Tokyo think they are kind of pathetic.
- They conclude that they will be less pathetic if they train aikido.
- Quasi-torture training follows.
- The protagonist enrols in an even more torturous course.
- Descriptions of tough people.
- More training.
- Protagonist thinks he is still kind of pathetic and decides to date a girl almost half his age.
- He concludes the course.
- He goes to be a bodyguard of a Japanese woman in Mexico.

There is noting interesting here in terms of literature beauty. As for the aikido, it focuses on the physical parts, and it fails to enlighten us even a bit because it aikido needs to be seen, not read. The spiritual part, which is what makes this sport distinct, is mentioned in passing and always about pain and death rather than channeling your energy.

If you want to know about aikido, go take a class.

Thanks for reading!

[Hertzan Chimera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm learning Shudokan aikido at the moment that originates out of Gozo Shioda's Yoshinkan style via Malasia and Joe Thambu (Australia) and it was about time I "read the Goddamn book".

I didn't necessarily agree with the whiny attitude of Twigger, but that's what these sort of anecdotal culture trips are about - seeing how the other half lives. It was rivetting reading from start to finish - you cared about Twigger's little cabal of misfits.

In summary, a great book worthy of all the plaudits and prizes.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, largely because I used to live in Japan and saw many of my experiences played out before me in this novel. Although I never took martial arts in Japan I can see how the author experiences it through a Japanese mentality and tries to assimilate it into his own way of thinking. I know people who train at the author's dojo, they don't seem too thrilled with the book. Im not sure why, I don't feel that he paints it in a negative light. A good book, to be read by japan lovers.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twigger takes one inside a course in which people train several hours every day for week after week. While it's been a while since I read it, I particularly remember the discussion of suwari gata (seated techniques) which are hell on the knees. Twigger talked about bleeding through one's pants legs until one's body learned to heal from the bottom up rather than scabbing over, as the scabs would constantly be upset.

It's a must read for those interested in martial arts, and in studying abroad. It's not your typical travelogue.

[Alex Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've done or you're dreaming of doing or actually going to do something like the Tokyo Riot Police 'course', then this is a great book. However, if you want good storytelling, insights and character development, then choose another book. After 5 chapters it's the same old thing.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is something more than slightly annoying about an Englishman being critical of the Japanese for bad food and poor dental care. And Robert Twigger spends an inordinate amount of time in his memoir about participating in the famous year-long Yoshinkan aikido senshusei (riot police) course in Tokyo doing this, as well as criticizing just about everybody he mentions in his book, including the people who are supposed to be his friends. No page is complete without Twigger explaining how yet another person is borderline psychotic. All of his aikido instructors are vicious sadists, his fellow students all suffer from various personality disorders, there are seemingly no redeeming qualities about Japanese culture, etc.

Memoirs such as Twiggers which detail the martial arts training of the author generally trace the development of the author's personality and/or martial skills over the course of the narrative. We are spared this tedious bourgeois expectation being treated, instead, to over 300 pages of Twiggers complaints about how hard his training is (apparently no one told him a year long training course designed for riot police would be over the top), how crazy/anti-social/annoying his fellow aikido students are, how every person he meets suffers from some serious personality defect. Everyone in Japan, whether Japanese or foreign, comes in for the author's withering criticism. Everyone except Twigger, that is. I should note, of course, that the only time people exhibit anything close to right thinking or acceptable social behavior is when they compliment Twigger. These incidents are, perhaps understandably, few and far between.

Even at the end of the book, after Twigger has completed the senshusei course he seems incapable of determining what, if anything, he has learned over the course of a year of training.

[Jaakko Mäkelä · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Well, you asked for it"
Take a random brit dude without a strong martial arts background, send him to a really tough martial arts course to one of the worlds most openly racist countries. Makes for a semi-interesting reading.
Doesnt make you like the writer, but does inspire some random chuckles from people who actually know the culture (both martial arts and national).

Made me think of it a bit like the brit version of Kill Arman (send a random tailor to train martial arts with the big boys).

[Thermalsatsuma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an autobiographical tale of the year that the author spent in Japan where he decided to take a stand against the malaise in his life by signing up for the toughest martial arts black belt course available. Whilst the story meanders in places, there are plenty of details of the training process, including some rather unpleasant injuries along the way. Worth reading if you have any interest in martial arts or Japanese culture.