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Koryu, literally 'old flow from the past,' refers to Japanese
martial traditions that predate the sweeping cultural changes that
followed the Meiji Restoration of 1868. They generally have a very
different character and tone from modern martial arts, such as
kendo, judo or aikido which followed. More than the study of
antique weapons, self-defense or a form of athletics, these martial
traditions are a cultural legacy and a window to another time and
place. In the first edition of Old School, Ellis Amdur, a renowned
martial arts researcher, and himself an instructor in two different
surviving koryu, gave readers a rare glimpse into feudal Japanese
warrior arts, both as they were in the past and as they live on
today. Nearly a decade later, he returns to the subject in this
new, greatly expanded edition, bringing readers inside the dojos of
a number ancient schools, providing details analysis of the
evolution and morphology of uniquely Japanese weaponry, addressing
the myth and reality of Japan's naginata-wielding warrior women,
and discussing the modern relevance of the blood oaths, magical
ritual and mysticism that often permeate the koryu. Finally, he
looks at the challenge of preservation and transmission, especially
as more and more practitioners of the koryu exist outside of Japan
itself. Writing with a combination of the initiate's passion for
his subject, and the scientist's rigorous search for the truth,
Amdur asks critically: do the ancient traditions still meet the
objectives of their founders? Are they successfully passing their
ancient legacy down to the next generation? Over a third larger
than the first edition and filled with new artwork and photography,
Old School: Japanese Martial Traditions Expanded Edition will be an
invaluable addition to the library of old readers and new alike.
125 b&w illustrations, photographs and drawings.
If you are a long-time martial artist, you have likely been either
the recipient, the victim - or both - of the "wise old master"
phenomenon, whereby budo students reverentially enfold their
teachers as martial, moral and mystical juggernauts sans reproach,
in which case, this book will make you clench your fists and laugh
out loud, often while reading the same sentence. Iconoclastic,
rebellious, yet fiercely holding to some of the most traditional
values of Japanese martial culture, Amdur brought something new to
martial arts writing - a startling honesty about the flaws, not
only within martial arts culture, but also within its
practitioners, often using himself as an exemplar of the latter.
Originally published in 2000, and now fully revised, with eight new
chapters, new artwork and photography, Dueling with O Sensei,
Revised and Expanded Edition will be an invaluable addition to the
library of old readers and new alike.
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