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Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts
Fighting arts are as old as man himself and as varied as his languages. In Asia they developed to a degree of effectiveness probably unsurpassed elsewhere in the world. This book explains the relationships between fighting arts, assesses their strengths and weaknesses, and presents new
material about hitherto unknown fighting methods. Written by two of the best-known and most widely published authorities in the field, it covers fighting methods and techniques found in eleven Asian countries-fighting techniques that range from the artful Chinese tai-chi and Burmese bando to
Japanese jujutsu and the lethal pentjak-silat of Indonesia.
Documentation of these has been supplemented with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes. The reader learns of the daring exploits of the Japanese ninja, of Gama, perhaps the greatest of the great Indian wrestlers, of the Indonesian "trance" fighters-and hundreds of other tales that serve to illustrate
some of the most deadly fighting systems that the world has known.
The volume is illustrated with over two hundred photographs and drawings, many of them depicting combat styles and techniques that have never been seen in the West.
material about hitherto unknown fighting methods. Written by two of the best-known and most widely published authorities in the field, it covers fighting methods and techniques found in eleven Asian countries-fighting techniques that range from the artful Chinese tai-chi and Burmese bando to
Japanese jujutsu and the lethal pentjak-silat of Indonesia.
Documentation of these has been supplemented with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes. The reader learns of the daring exploits of the Japanese ninja, of Gama, perhaps the greatest of the great Indian wrestlers, of the Indonesian "trance" fighters-and hundreds of other tales that serve to illustrate
some of the most deadly fighting systems that the world has known.
The volume is illustrated with over two hundred photographs and drawings, many of them depicting combat styles and techniques that have never been seen in the West.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 1981
139 people want to read
About the author
Donn F. Draeger
45 books15 followersFrom Wikipedia:
Donald 'Donn' Frederick Draeger (April 15, 1922 – October 20, 1982) was an expert practitioner of Asian martial arts, an author of several martial arts books, and a United States Marine. Draeger was widely known and respected in the martial arts community, and was a leading martial arts researcher.
Throughout his life, Draeger was known by his nickname 'Donn.' He held the rank of Captain during peacetime and Major during wartime in the Marine Corps. Draeger's tombstone reflects his peacetime rank of Captain. He spent several decades of his life in the Pacific area and Japan, becoming well acquainted with several classical martial arts of the region. Today, he is probably best known for his martial arts scholarship.
Donald 'Donn' Frederick Draeger (April 15, 1922 – October 20, 1982) was an expert practitioner of Asian martial arts, an author of several martial arts books, and a United States Marine. Draeger was widely known and respected in the martial arts community, and was a leading martial arts researcher.
Throughout his life, Draeger was known by his nickname 'Donn.' He held the rank of Captain during peacetime and Major during wartime in the Marine Corps. Draeger's tombstone reflects his peacetime rank of Captain. He spent several decades of his life in the Pacific area and Japan, becoming well acquainted with several classical martial arts of the region. Today, he is probably best known for his martial arts scholarship.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 10, 2020
Well presented - lot of information
May 13, 2025
This book has a well-deserved reputation for covering the history of martial arts. The emphasis is on martial arts that originated in Japan or Okinawa.
Note that I believe (and follow) the meanings Goodreads gives for what each number of stars means. Therefore, the majority of my ratings are 3 stars ("liked it").
Note that I believe (and follow) the meanings Goodreads gives for what each number of stars means. Therefore, the majority of my ratings are 3 stars ("liked it").
June 16, 2015
Excellent history and graphics on forms, masters, and weapons.
Jutsu - combat. Do - form/practice/mindful (typical loss in intensity and combat effectiveness).
Exceptional book - loved the section on ninjas!
Jutsu - combat. Do - form/practice/mindful (typical loss in intensity and combat effectiveness).
Exceptional book - loved the section on ninjas!
November 2, 2015
This is one of a cluster of classics from the early period of martial arts books. While Smith is greatly appreciated by many for his chatty style, I prefer a more polished authorial voice. All the same, it's a worthwhile read.
December 31, 2010
A near doctoral thesis on the fighting systems of Asia. Must read for the serious martial arts student.
January 15, 2011
Awesome!
Want to read
April 28, 2015recommended by kung fu tai chi class
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews