Jujitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art

I purchased this book because I began training in Budoshin at a local dojo. I also train in Gracie/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Jeet Kun Do. My past training includes in person instruction in Judo, Muay Thai, and a hybrid mixed martial art. I have also observed Kempo Karate, Shotokan Karate, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, and Aikido, and have had the opportunity to spar against black belt practitioners (or the equivalent) of several of these arts. So, I have a solid foundation with which to evaluate this book.This book is about Budoshin jujitsu, which is an American martial art founded in the 1960s by George Kirby (the author of the book). He trained for a couple of years under an instructor (Seki) whose account of training under the founder of Judo (Kano) is disputed, with some thinking the facts show that Kirby's instructor (Seki) misled about his lineage. Kirby is cognizant of this and designates an entire chapter in this revised book to attempting to prop up Seki's original account. This was ineffective in my opinion, because the gist of the defense is that Seki COULD have went to Japan, and while in Japan MAYBE he did learn directly from the Kano (the founder of Judo). In other words, it's just speculation. But, as others have pointed out, the Kodokan shows no record of Seki training there, and Kano was no longer actively teaching at the Kodokan at the time Seki claimed to have trained with him. This fact is important, because there are flaws in how many of the techniques are executed in this book by Kirby. And, if his instructor never actually learned the techniques properly, that could explain why Kirby incorporated those flaws.I break the techniques in this book down into these categories:- Seemingly effective- Seemingly effective, but BJJ has a more effective and efficient defense technique- Not effective/realistic and could be dangerous if used as self defense- Down right mall ninja stuffThe majority of the techniques fall into the not effective/realistic category. For example, the punch defense techniques are predicated on an attacker whose punch initiates from a half hearted attempt at some form of a Karate "chambered from the hip" type strike, but where the strike is strangely diagonal and is not retracted by the attacker. I suppose if you defend against a child that attempted to learn Karate from a book then these techniques would come in handy. But, if you go against a realistic attacker, even one with no training in a striking art, these techniques will get you injured. I have never seen anyone punch like this outside of the pages of this book. Keep in mind, this is but one example of the techniques in the not effective category.Of the techniques that could be effective, and for which there does not seem to be a more effective technique in BJJ, I count three. I will play around with these and may incorporate them.There are roughly eight techniques that fall into the could be effective category, but there are more effective and efficient techniques in BJJ. I will not incorporate these, as there is simply no need to.The rest of the techniques fall into the mall ninja category and are good for nothing more than a laugh. Did you know that you can apparently just touch an attacker's neck with one finger and he will go flying backwards as if in some kung fu flick? Why techniques like these would be included in a book claiming to be about realistic self defense is beyond me.All in all, I did learn three new techniques, so that I suppose was worth the buck I paid for the book (used). Many of the other techniques might get you killed.On a side note, my instructors don't incorporate the techniques from this book into their teaching of Budoshin. I have read the figure 4 book by Kirby and one of his "advanced" books, and they incorporate some of those. All in all, they have incorporated techniques from small circle jujitsu, aikido, judo, bjj, hapkido, and some of the other techniques from Budoshin that are not covered in this book. Their assessment of these "older" Budoshin techniques featured in this book was the same as mine: either the techniques are not realistic or there are more effective techniques. When your life is on the line, you want the most effective, realistic technique.So far, I do like Kirby's figure 4 book. And, if you are interested in learning more about Budoshin I would recommend checking out that text.

Kirby's "Jiujitsu Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art" is all about "basic". So, is Kirby's "Basic Techniques. . . " so elemental that it would not appeal to the more practiced self-defense practitioner? Well, no. But, as the title implies, the information contained in the book is meant more for the less skilled devotee of jiujitsu. Kirby includes information about breakfalls, pressure points, simple (but not worthless) holds, locks, and throws as well as a short explanation of some of the technical principals (the "science" of jiujitsu) that underlie the mechanics of jiujitsu. In addition, Kirby lays out his teaching philosophy and the requirements necessary to advance from one belt degree to another in the Budoshin school of jiujitsu of which Kirby played a large part in establishing. Again, Kirby's book is well-titled and meant more for the beginner who wishes to fill in the gaps with some primary, but still interesting, supplemental information related to the fundamentals of jiujitsu that may not be stressed at the dojo as one focuses on the physical aspects of learning jujitsu as a white belt.

I'm a black belt in Taekwondo and have been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past couple months. During this time I've become very interested in it's background. Jiu-Jitsu came from Judo, which itself came from Japanese Jujitsu, or simply put, Jujitsu.If you look around the Kindle store, there are hardly any decent books dedicated to Jujitsu. There are hundreds about Jiu-Jitsu, but only a handful on it's parent art. And that's why this book seemed great. The author seemed well respected and knowledgeable, and the sample read was very interesting. So I bought the book.I really wanted to like it. It's virtually the only book that doesn't look like it was put together by someone with a passing knowledge of the art. But as I read more of it, I realized it was an extremely mediocre effort.The introduction text is very interesting, but lasts about as long as the sample does. The techniques do contain effective elements to them, but the pictures are tiny, and some of the techniques are flat out laughable, requiring ludicrous flips and scenarios to execute. Some flat out don't work, I even tried practicing them with my dad.As such, I can't honestly recommend this book to someone who is either pursuing Jujitsu, or would like a good resource on it, as it fails on both counts.

A book so nice I bought it twice. After i thought I lost the book durring a move, I went and ordered it again. Author dose a great job of breaking down the moves and more importantly illistrates the philosophy of movement! How to get psychics and anatomy on your side. Great for Japanese Ju-jitsu guys as well as anyone that wants to expand there knowledge of a wonderful martial art.

Shows a good picture of what old Jujitsu is. I took Jujitsu classes as a kid, but all styles are different. It'san okay book, i gotta say. Interesting.

Maybe not as factual as it might be but a good story and very well written. Has been published several times. Original books worth too much to read! Looks at Judokas from a little different light.

Awesome item, fast shipping!!!

Loved the book. Great resource for those interested in martial arts. The step by step for various moves help a great deal in understanding the techniques.

The material was well put together with excellent detail! I would highly recommend it to any martial artist who is looking to expand there knowledge!