The definitive book by a famus budo grand master

Bushido, the way of the warrior, is deeply bound to the rich history of the martial traditions of Japan, which have drawn generations of devotees, as well as awe and respect worldwide. Of all the martial arts, bo-jutsu, or stick fighting, is one of the least understood and most intriguing, having been largely hidden for centuries.

In Advanced Stick Fighting, Masaaki Hatsumi, the most renowned Budo and Ninja grand master in the world, and author of Stick Fighting and The Way of the Ninja, reveals some of the secrets surrounding this revered fighting art. Hatsumi offers the reader thoughtful reflections on bushido, its venerable history, and its role in today's world. He also discusses the origins of bo-jutsu, which he sees as inexorably linked to the evolution of humankind; it is both universal and timeless.

While the highly acclaimed and long-selling Stick Flighting dealt mainly with self-defense using short sticks, this book reveals to the reader a number of advanced techniques using medium and long sticks that were originally used by samurai swordsmen and military commanders. Lavish illustrations accompany the exlanations and help further demonstrate the graceful, mysterious movements of stick fightng. The original Japanese text is also included in the appendix.

This book wil be an important addition to the libraries of readers' understanding of bushido in general, and bring them closer to Hatsumi's personal philosophy-that only through complete devotion to the martial arts as a way of life can self-enlightenment be attained, and that the wisdom gained through this can promote a true and lasting world of peace.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was born in 1931. After progressing through varioius martial arts, he found his life's mentor, Takamatau Toshitsugu, and studied under him for the next fifteen years, becoming the 34th Grand Master of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu and eight other arts, which he unified into the Bujinkan system. Dr. Hatsumi has taught thousands of individual students as well as instruction at law enforcement agencies all over the world, and has received numerous accolades from politicians and spiritual leaders of many nationalities. He has also worked as a professional osteopath, acted in popular television series, is the author of many books and DVDs on Ninjitsu and Budo, and was for many years Chairman of the International department of the Japan Literary Artists' Club.

Contents

Chapter 1 The essence of budo is in bo-jutsu
Bujutsu and budo-Before using the word 'bushido'; Know natural posture; Musha shugyo; A weapon called the bo; What is bo-jutsu?; The varieties of bo-jutsu; The history of bo-jutsu; History of the kukishin-ryu bo-jutsu
Chapter 2 he practice of bo-jutsu
The divine tune of the breathing bo-The quality of the bo (bo etiquette); Kishin kyuho no kamae (Jodan no kamae; chudan no kamai; Gedanno kamae; Ichimonji no kamae; Hira ichimonji no kamae; Ihen no kamae; Seigan no kamae; Ten chi jin no kamae; Heito no kamae)
Kihon gata-Shira kihon gata (Ukemi; Ashi barai; Shihio bofuri gata; Men uchibarai gata)
Keiko sabaki kata-Methods of training in stick fighting; Gokyo gokai ihen sabaki gata (Goho; Ura goho; Sashiai; Funabari; Tsuru no issoku; Ri iissoku; Suso otoshi; Ura suso otoshi; Ippn sugi; Taki otoshi; Koku; Kasa no uchi; Tachi otoshi; Harai; Kote tsuki; Mukozume; Keriage; Gekiryu; Tsukeiri; Gorin kudaki; Tenchijin; Maehiro; Ryo kote; Uranami; Tama gaeshi; Kumite)
Jo-jitsu-Sticks are not just about wood-Jumonji; Roppo; Kyuho; Hiryu; Tsukeiri; Udekake; Kote gaeshi; Tachi otoshi
Bo Nuke-Kubinuke I & II; Nage bo
Bo-jutsu of Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei