Book Description
Koryu Bujutsu is the first new book on the arts of the Japanese samurai to appear in over twenty years. Written by the foremost Western practitioner/writers, these eight essays are based on experiences with authentic Japanese traditions and teachers gained during decades spent living, researching, and training in Japan. Together they offer a fascinating, literate, and insightful view into the classical warrior ways of feudal Japan. Compiled and edited by Diane Skoss (herself licensed in Toda-ha Buko-ryu naginatajutsu, an ancient warrior tradition), the book also contains thirty-three photographs, bibliographical references, a Japanese glossary with kanji, and a detailed index. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Foreword by Major George H. Bristol Preface by Diane Skoss Introduction: Keiko Shokon by Diane Skoss The Koryu Bujutsu Experience by Hunter B. Armstrong The Meaning of Martial Arts Training: A Conversation with Sawada Hanae by Meik Skoss Field Guide to the Classical Japanese Martial Arts by Diane Skoss Marishiten: Buddhist Influences on Combative Behavior by David A. Hall Tenjin Shinyo-ryu Jujutsu by Meik Skoss Kato Takashi: Reflections of the Tatsumi-ryu Headmaster by Liam Keeley Koryu Meets the West by Ellis Amdur Glossary Index ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent & scholarly
Written by some of the leading western experts who studied for years in Japan, this is an excellent introduction to the ancient Koryu or old arts of Japan. The book focuses mainly on the weapons arts using the sword, yari (spear), naginata (halberd), and so on, but jujutsu and the grappling arts also get discussed. Some of these authors were familiar to me from their contributions to martial arts journals like Furyu or the online Electronic Journal of the Martial Arts, like Ellis Amdur. Meik Skoss, the husband of Diane, was part of Draeger's original research team that went to Indonesia that resulted in Draeger's books covering Pentjak-Silat and the other Indonesian bladed arts, so I had high expectations about the quality and depth of the articles, and I wasn't disappointed.

As far as the coverage of the various arts is concerned, one thing that needs to be mentioned, since most people who study a martial art in the U.S. are studying karate or a similar boxing art like TKD or kung-fu, is that there isn't any coverage of that, since karate didn't arrive in Japan from Okinawa until the 1920s, and Japan really had no native tradition of boxing like ancient China, although China had a grappling art similar to jujustu in the art of chin na, and in the north there was Mongolian wrestling. Jujutsu did have atemi-waza, or striking techniques, but it wasn't a separate art and didn't develop to the same extant that it did in China and Okinawa before being introduced into Japan. Why this is I don't know, but I point it out just in case.

I had one other comment about the Hunter Armstrong chapter. He discusses in detail iaido, which he feels has lost the combative aspect, if it ever had it, pointing out that drawing the sword isn't an issue on the battlefield since you'll already be in the ready with your sword drawn, and in the heat of battle, if you have to draw your sword, it's probably too late anyway. Draeger brings this issue up too in his book, and that especially since the end of WWII iaido curriculums have been modified to make them more artistic than combative.

While this may be true, this problem isn't unique to iai or kendo or the other weapons arts. Karate has the same problem too, and so do the other unarmed martial arts. Unless you are willing to put on the heavy contact gear and risk getting your head bashed in, you're not participating in the ultimate combative aspect of the art, either. Although the samurai of previous centuries honed their arts and skills on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels, this isn't medieval Japan anymore, and is no longer practical. So although I would agree with Armstrong that the paired partner practice is certainly more realistic than the solo katas of iai, even that doesn't come very close to the original environment, and I don't see much help for the situation unless people are willing to make pretty radical changes that are unlikely, if only for the liability reasons.

Overall, this is a fine collection of articles about various aspects of the old Japanese martial traditions that are still poorly understood in the west and outside of Japan in general.

Buy this book, then prepare to buy volumes 2 & 3!!
Unless of course you're not interested in reading what some of the western world's foremost non-Japanese practitioners have to say regarding the subject of koryu bujutsu.What struck me most is the vast differences in approach between these arts and the general strip-mall style kung tae karate do type places you frequently see (and I've visited more than a few).This is a fascinating subject and if I have one problem with this book, it's that it serves to wet one's appetite to learn more.One common thread from the different writers seems to be that the koryu bujutsu represent a living history of Japanese culture, as well as embodying a historical form of teaching and finally representing lots of kick-arse martial ryu.Having said that, I think that imaginative types (I'm one!) might be well served to check out Diane Skoss's site www.koryu.com and read more about how involved studying such an art can be.

Well researched & well written
Martial artists with a desire to learn the history of Japanese bugei have appreciated Skoss and her insightful and informative writing for some time now.KORYU BUJUTSU deserves a spot next to Draeger's budo/bujutsu trilogy.

An insightful primer for studying Bujutsu/Budo
I first became interested in studying Bujutsu and its lasting impact on modern martial arts as an exponent of Judo and the short staff (jo).As my interests grew more towards the cultural backgrounds of these arts, I was pointed to the Draeger books and Secrets of the Samurai.Having no prior base of information, these complex and deeply analytical books left me even more confused.What I found in "Koryu Bujutsu" was a way to simplify some of the jargon that was found in the deeper research.It also gave me a bit of insight as to why certain instructors teach the way they do, and that a sensei that constantly points out your mistakes is better than one that just lets you work.To paraphrase a line in the book: Kobudo is not a proper term for these arts, because the term kobudo implies that they are dead arts.Koryu bujutsu tells us that these ancient arts continue to effect the techniques learned in the dojo to this day.

Foundation for Japanese Martial Arts
This is the first book that Diane Skoss has edited on the classical warrior traditions of Japan.This is the first English language general book on Koryu Bujutsu sinceDonn Drager. This book gives us westerner some insights into Japanese arts. This is a good addition to the library ofanyone who studies Japanese Martial Arts or the history of asian Martial Arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Disappointment - expected more
Mr McCarthy has disappointment me in this volume. Perhaps its due to the fact that I have trained in these traditional weapons for many years and under a number of highly knowledgable and wise teachers [Motokatsu Enoue, and more recently under his son Kisho Enoue (Hanshi) as well as a number of others; Mr Okawa (Shihan), Mr Mead (Shihan), Mr Jardine (Shihan) and Mr Masaru Shingai (8 Dan) all of whom are a part of the Yuishinkai & RyuKyu Kobujutsu Association (Yuishinkai & Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinko Kai)].

I think that it would be better to use Mr McCarthy's book as a reference and learn form the people who still practice the forms and kata the way it was done 50 or more years ago. Of course there will be changes in the form and details but then again people are larger and our diets have changed significantly over the last 1/2 century.

I was also concerned with some of his photos where his shoulders seem to be raised - this was always a criticism I received from Inoue Gansho and from Shingai San during my training under their guidance. I was told that it was a particularly Western problem and it needed to be 'practiced out'.

I was also concerned with some of his postures when holding a bo especially the jodan uke posture. Of course photos in a book are always a problem as one tends to have to pose for them and this in itself is not a natural state, in any case. I have done this and suggest that it is very difficult to get it right. One needs a number of experts to be editors to ensure that the photos reflect the right moment.

In the sai kata there are distinct differences in moves and interpretation, not to say that they are wrong but that there are many different ways of performing the move/s and the reason for this varies from kata to kata. Some, as in photo 96 are performed differently, and has been done as a soto uke followed by a wrist strike and then a jodan strike. These are alternatives which photos and books cannot explain as they are linear and sequential but which live teaching can.

However, I think that Mr McCarthy's research and efforts are certainly well intentioned and valuable and at no time should a reading of his work be devalued because of some minor errors. I will continue to refer to this book along with others he has written and find then useful to compare. I will use these as a reference to changes and interpretations of kata and applications. Also his historical notes and records are vital for those who do not speak and read Japanese and Chinese.

The quality of the book is fine but the lack of occasional diagrams to show orientations and movement leave some critical gaps especially when compared with previous volumes (Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate for example).I think that too much was put into this book which is a pity because previous book shave been excellent.

1st book: Not just a translation! 2nd book: good reference!
About 1st book:
Taira Shinken is a well know name in Okinawan Kobudo. His "RyuKyu Kobudo Taikan" stands as a reference on Okinawan Kobudo technique not polluted by modern fashion which is almost always the result of plain ignorance and show-business.
Mr. McCarthy issued this english version of the old master work apparently for the benefit of non-japanese practitioners.

However there are some issues:
1 - He boldly replaced all the pictures of sensei Taira Shinken for pictures of himself and one of his pairs.
Some pictures, mainly the in kon-bo katas show some irregular handling of the weapon (with hands too close to each other) and some indefinite stances which can puzzle some inexperienced practicioners.
2 - He didn't respect the original material.
Every kata in Shinken Taira original work has been somewhat changed! Techniques were added, omited or replaced in all katas! An entire sequence is different in Shushi-no-Kon.

Old katas were made as a global repository of knowledge by old masters in a age of practical life-threatening fighting. The knowledge they contain is unique and irreplaceable. Modern fancy-athletic-acrobatic pseudo-kata cannot compare and never will!
These katas can have some school or local variations which should be respected and considered when looking for a "reference" form. Each new generation should try to respect the old forms keeping in mind that there is no way of reliably testing and improving them in life-threatening situations nowadays as they once were.

Works such as "Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan" should not be altered: they are a personal testimony of a great master and document uniquely an entire epoch and a long martial tradition.

I advise everyone interested seriously in Okinawan Kobudo to buy the recently re-issued japanese version of Taira Shinken work featuring the original (yes! They are still usable!) illustrations (along with Mr. McCarthy's "interpretation" if one doesn't read japanese) in order to get the correct knowledge.

About 2nd book:
The 2nd book of the series is a repository of reference historical documents about traditional Karate featuring precious info about old karate masters and the true spirit of Karate. It's mostly text-based with only 10 b/w pictures but has a lot of "juice" in it. It should find a prominent place in the library of the serious karateka.

Ok but not great
The photographs are done well but at some points not taken at the right time.Slightly hard to follow. I sugest getting Fumio Demuras's books and learn from them. then get this book to try to learn kata from it.Also a video of the kata would not hurt.

Ancient but Not Irrelevant
Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts: Koryu Uchinadi; volume one, ISBN 0-8048-2093-7, and volume two, work well separately but best when taken together. I will review volume two here separately from volume one so that one might make a better decision when it comes to purchasing.

For both the novice and advanced Karate-ka this volume will prove to be an indispensable reference. It contains a brief outline of Karate-do master Kenwa Mabuni's life, details on the influence of Southern Chinese fighting systems (particularly White Crane and Monk Fist styles and their use of Qin Na), and the process which led to the transformation of Karate into a system of Bodo. Of special note in reference to this is the minutes of a meeting featuring Karate-do notables which is reproduced in this volume.

For those practicing Goju-ryu Karate-do take special note of this volume for the text "An Outline of Karate-do" by O'Sensei Chojun Miyagi is contained in full in this volume. Those practicing Kyokushinkai and Isshin-ryu will also find this text of interest. Those in Shotokan-ryu will be surprised to read of the controversy that arose between O'Sensei Funakoshi and controversial Choki Motobu.

If what you want is Okinawan Karate-do technique none surpasses The Essence of Okinawan Karate-do by Shoshin Nagamine, ISBN 0-8048-2110-0 which compliments volume one. If what you are interested in is more specifically the history of Okinawan Karate-do and Kobudo get this book along with Patrick McCarthy's Bubishi: the Bible of Karate, ISBN 0-8048-2015-5.

Karate Weapons
Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts: Koryu Uchinadi; volume one and volume two, ISBN 0-8048-3147-5, work well separately but best when taken together. I will review volume one here separately from volume two so that one might make a better decision when it comes to purchasing.

This volume deals with Kobudo (or the art of Karate weapons), widely considered an advanced topic in Karate-do. As such I would not recommend it to the novice Karate-ka. But I would definitely recommend it to those who wish to get a better grasp of Karate-do-- especially an Okinawan variety, to those looking to a different perspective on Kata, and to those studying Isshin-ryu Karate-do.

For those looking for a different perspective on Kata this volume is for you since it illustrates techniques solely through Kata. Six weapons Kata are described here which is not bad considering that most book an Karate rarely even describe one Kata. As for those studying Isshin-ryu Karate-do, you'll be interested in this book since it features a text written by O'Sensei Shimabuku's teacher Taira Shinken.

This book contains six Kata, as mentioned: three for the Bo and one for Sai, Tuifa (or Tonfa), and Nunchaku each as well as instructions on how to make a Bo. For those looking for an introduction to weapons this is an excellent book. If what you want is Okinawan Karate-do technique none surpasses The Essence of Okinawan Karate-do by Shoshin Nagamine, ISBN 0-8048-2110-0 which compliments this book. If what you are interested in is more specifically the history of Okinawan Karate-do and Kobudo get volume two along with Patrick McCarthy's Bubishi: the Bible of Karate, ISBN 0-8048-2015-5. ... Read more

Book Description
The fierceness of the Japanese warrior and his fighting arts has fascinated Westerners since Europeans first came into contact with Japan more than 450 years ago. Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu is the first comprehensive English-language book on traditional
jujutsu.

Author Serge Mol-working almost exclusively from original Japanese source materials-vividly outlines the history of the close-quarter fighting methods that warriors developed not only to prove themselves on the battlefield and in daily life, but also to the constantly ready to defend their feudal
lords.

A great number of jujutsu styles and techniques-armed and unarmed-have existed over the centuries, and many of the classical weapon schools also instructed in the use of jujutsu. The Classical Fighting Arts of Japan expertly guides readers through the rise and development of many of the major
schools.

The classical martial arts as practiced in the ancient ryuha were deeply interwoven. For this reason, this definitive guide to koryu jujutsu will not only be invaluable to practioners of traditional and modern jujutsu, but will be of great interest to enthusiasts of modern budo such as judo, aikido,
kendo, and iaido.

Mol explores the historical and cultural factors that helped shape jujutsu and the martial arts in general. He offers a detailed look at individual jujutsu ryuha, giving details on the school's history (where possible including illustrations of their founders and photos of ancient manuscripts).

This book is richly illustrated with numerous photographs of rare documents and with many photos of exponents demonstration techniques, many of which have never before been shown outside Japan. In addition to his extensive research in original source material, Mol had regular access in conversation,
over the course of years, to the insights of the grandmasters of several of the most important jujutsu schools that remain active today.

Classical Fighting Arts of Japan will be a welcome addition to the personal collection of every serious student of Japanese martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Serious historical treatment of Koryu Jujutsu
Many are the books available on jujutsu, however few truly shed any light on the real roots of the art and lineages from which they came. Serge Mol does an outstanding job in this.

The book is also put together beautifully by Kodansha and with excellent quality photographs, many of the current headmasters of the traditional jujutsu ryu performing techniques, to give the reader a sampling of what the arts look like.

When Koryu books first started publishing their books there was an endorsement which read something to the effect that the Skosses were continuing the work of Don Draeger. This may be so but Serge Mol's text is much more representative of Draeger's approach; both historical research and new information, gleaned first hand, from personal research in Japan. The Skoss books are really collections of essays by long time Western Koryu practitioners. Mol seeks rather to provide us with a very comprehensive historical text and succeeds brilliantly in this.

Outstanding for study but not so much application
This is one of those books that belongs in every serious martial artists libraries. It is not a "how-to" beginners guide,even though it demonstrates the proper techniques; if you are searching for a guide to martial arts without the dojo this is not for you. However, if you are already practicing martial arts and wish to find every in-depth and quality source of reference to expand your knowledge of the martial arts, their origins, and the spirit that is within them, then this book is top of the line and a must have. This book will intrigue anyone eager to just learn a little more...or maybe alot more, depending on the person. It is VERY high quality with many photos (mostly b&w). It is well written, and very clear in most areas. I would think it to be fairly confusing to the novice, who has little or no in-depth knowledge of Japanese martial arts however, because it traces the lineages of the main Japanese styles to their roots. But that is what this book is about: studying the techniques as they began, and following their evolution. Basically, I find this book to be an outstanding addition to my library, in a class of its own; but once again it is not the "master book of martial arts", but the ideal addition to the ones you may already have of similar subjects. Serge Mol is an outstanding writer and a very qualified authority on the subject.

Not Very Good
To be honest, I bought this book in the United States when it first came out. I read it and my reaction was less than stellar. If I had not been exposed to other far better writings offered up by say, Koryu Books (ie Koryu Bujutsu) I would have thought it was great and would have been satisfied with my purchase and choice of reading material. However, anyone buying this book with serious intentions to study koryu is better off not wasting money.

On the plus side, there are nice pictures and at least it's in English!

Excellent history on Japan's Fighting arts.
In general, the West was introduced to oriental martial arts through Kano's judo, followed by karate. Many literature on karate trace its origins to Okinawa, and from there, to China. So many believe China, with its fabled Shaolin temple(s), to be the origin of most of the oriental martial arts.

This detailed and very well researched book gives a different perspective. It shows that Japan had its own schools of martial arts, virtually independent of foreign influence.

The book lumps these arts under the general term, "jujutsu" -- although it also gives various origins, synonyms and explanations of this word.

The methods in jujutsu were developments of the battlefield of those times. Armor-clad warriors faced each other, first from a distance using bows and arrows, then coming closer to use swords and later, grappling techniques.

As such, the arts included everything that was feasible for those times and battle conditions: use of various weapons, techniques against armor clad opponents, even techniques of tying up captured enemies. All that in addition to what most of the world knows of oriental fighting arts: striking and grappling technics.

Some "revelations" from the book which may surprise many modern day martial artists (like myself):

1. "Kenpo" is not a translation of the Chinese "kung fu" or "chuan fa" as many are made to believe. The term was long used in ancient jujutsu schools in times probably ante-dating known Shaolin temples.

2. "Judo" is not a word originally coined by Jigoro Kano. This term, too, was used long before Kano was even born and was even used in names of certain schools (ryuha).

While each of the above just had a sentence or two in the book, it shows the depth of the research of this book. There are a lot of such "revelations."

The book is, first and foremost, a history book. It shows the development of Japanese fighting arts in the time before the relatively peaceful Meiji period -- the time when techniques really meant life or death to the warrior in the battlefield. The various schools are presented, their origins, developments, notable characteristics, and lineage traced to as near the present as possible.

Martial artists looking for techniques would only be treated to a sampling. The illustrations of techniques were more for clearer understanding of particular schools, or even words, rather than being a "how-to" presentation.

In this regard, the title may be considered deceptive. The "complete"-ness of the book is only as far as history goes, not on technique presentation.

Another "fault" of the title is that it gives the impression that "Koryu Jujutsu" is a particular style or school of jujutsu, when actually, "koryu" simply means classical, or traditional. This is a problem to one who does not know Japanese. But this is an English book and the problem should have been addressed right on the cover, and not several pages later in the Introduction.

Something else about the title: It could give one the impression that it deals with all arts, and this is even reinforced by the subtitle. But the book only deals with the schools it considers jujutsu, and only those that originated before the Meiji period. While this is explained as one reads the book, the title could be misleading.

This enumeration of the problems I had with the title does not decrease the value of the book in any way. It is an excellent book. But the buyer must know what to expect out of it.

More than half of the book (the latter half) is devoted to the origins and lineage of the schools. As such, it would be boring for those not interested in such topics. However, there are some interesting bits of information scattered here and there among the discussion, such as stories about certain masters and students, both mythical and factual. The author even tries to resolve some controversies in certain stories.

The first half of the book is devoted to very revealing historical backgrounds, terminology and definitions, weapons, and presentation of mythical as well as actual origins of schools.

I would have preferred that the author stuck to English terms. In the book, a Japanese term is given with English translation(s) in parenthesis. And then, for the rest of the book, only the Japanese term is used. So you should remember the English meanings of all those terms as you go through the rest of the book.

I would have preferred the opposite: use the English, with the Japanese term(s) in parenthesis. Or better yet, have a glossary for all those terms! (it doesn't)

Overall, the book is an excellent work on the history of jujutsu.

Excellent for scholarly study
I recently used this book heavily in writing a paper on martial arts for a graduate course in the culture of Japan.This book is a gem in the rough when it comes to intelligent books on the subject of martial arts.Although the author is a practitioner of the art, this is not an instructional manual.It is very intelligently written.The author uses a lot of primary sources, as well as his own extensive experiences, to teach the reader a lot about the classical martial arts of Japan.It painted a picture of feudal Japan that is interesting for its violent yet honorable culture and much more complex than what is often painted in other books and media.There was a lot more to the life of the samurai than just the sword and, although they lived to a high moral code, their combat was quite fierce.I think this is a great read for one interested in Japanese culture and history, as well as one interested in martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This was our Aikido textbook for more than 10 years
I trained Tomiki Aikido (now known as Shodokan Aikido)in Sydney, Australia, for almost 14 years; and *this* was the book we all took home as our reference.It covers the basic exercises, balance-breakers, breakfalls and the 17 basic techniques of Tomiki-style Aikido (the Junanahon No Kata). The defences are all learned from an attack with a fist, a (rubber) knife or a grab to the wrist.These techniques cover what you need to know up to 2nd Kyu (Blue Belt) and will be all you need for the first few years at least.The book was written by Dr Lee Ah Loi, who is now... a 7th Dan Black Belt (JAA), and I believe the highest-ranking female in Tomiki Aikido anywhere in the world. She has a dojo in England.. ... Read more

Book Description
From the landmines campaign to the Seattle protests against the WTO to the World Commission on Dams, transnational networks of civil society groups are seizing an ever-greater voice in how governments run countries and how corporations do business. This volume brings together a multinational group of authors to help policymakers, scholars, corporate executives, and activists themselves understand the profound issues raised. How powerful are these networks? Is their current prominence a temporary fluke or a permanent change in the nature of international power? What roles should they play as the world struggles to cope with the new global agenda? This book's six case studies investigate the role of transnational civil society in the global anti-corruption movement, nuclear arms control, dam-building and sustainability, democracy movements, landmines, and human rights. The conclusion draws out lessons learned and argues for a new understanding of the legitimate role of transnational civil society. ... Read more

Book Description
A Magnificent Exchange is an extraordinary story of one American family's remarkable adventure in The Land of the Rising Sun. It's a colorful account of how a mother and her six year old son transitioned, adapted and eventually triumphed in a foreign country.

This mother didn't wait for her ship to come in; she swam out to meet it! So when the opportunity presented itself for her to take her young son and travel to Japan to teach English as a Foreign Language, she let go, said goodbye to all that was comfortable; to all that was familiar, and followed her dream.

A Magnificent Exchange is a testimony to the human spirit and an unforgettable story of an American family's successful assimilation into Japanese society. It's a story of promise and one of hope. It proves that harmony can come from chaos, and courage can come from fear.

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspirational!
Reviewed by Kornelia Longoria for Reader Views (11/06)

Raised in Chicago, Stephanie and her son Christopher were accustomed to the everyday American lifestyle. They lived in quite homogeneous neighborhood, went to American schools and ate typical American food. However, Stephanie, who gained some teaching experience, decided not to settle down in a cozy and comfortable routine and without much hesitation she accepted the offer to move to Japan for a year to teach English as a second language. Within few months she makes all necessary arrangements and with big hopes and even more optimism, she leaves with her son for this one-in-a-lifetime adventure. A "Magnificent Exchange" is a very captivating as well as instructive account of the two following years.

She is welcomed in Japan with incredible warmth and hospitality and really quickly adapts to the new culture. She and her son do experience some culture shock at first. Her son is enrolled in first grade in a Japanese school, and without knowing the language he soon becomes overwhelmed and discouraged. However, they soon overcome the problems to enjoy their very exciting year in Japan.

Stephanie Allen-Adams' book is not only an engrossing memoir but also a great source of information about Japanese lifestyle, customs and even the language. What's more, it is written in a very positive spirit and I found it quite motivating. In fact, I felt like packing my bags and going to Japan myself. I admired the author's sense of adventure and bravery. It's not easy to leave everything and jump on the plane for the unknown, especially with a child.I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Japanese food, customs and even the educational system. At the end of the book, the reader can find a little bonus and a tool to expand the knowledge of Japanese - a few pages of some Japanese vocabulary and phrases as well as pronunciation guide. I think "A Magnificent Exchange" is an excellent tool to help expand the horizons. It also confirms the well known truth that if you really want something, no obstacle can stop you from achieving your goal.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Koryu Aikido
For anybody practicing Shodokan Aikido and in training for their 1st dan, this book is invaluable. The quality of the text and diagrams are only average, but this is the only book that I could find (anywhere) that covers the goshin no kata in detail. There are a few very minor diffrences in the techniques shown to those of Shodokan Aikido but this book is an excellent resource.

$14.95 for a xerox copy with a glossy cover.
The information in the book is good.It covers the advanced Katas of the Tomiki Style of Aikido.The cover was nicely done, but the book itself was horrible.The photos look like the original manuscript was done on a xerox machine. They were grainy with little or no contrast.Gray blobs is more like it. I have one of this authors books on the Basic 17 Hon Kata.It was much better.If you can't find information on the advanced kata anywhere else then bite the bullet and buy this book. But be prepared for a disappointment.It looks like a book quickly done by a college professor to make a few bucks.Kind of what I saw a lot of in my days as an assistant in the Physical Education department of my university.

Keith Patton
Nidan, Fugakukai Aikido

Fair depiction of Tomiki's overview of classical aikido.
This book is by Nobuyoshi Higashi 7d of the Japan Aikido Assn.It includes the San Kata and Yon Kata (3rd and 4th sets of classical forms) created by Kenji Tomiki, as well as some of Higashi's own self-defense forms.The descriptions are rough, and exclude finer points which would lead to proper execution of the techniques.This book would serve as a loose reference for Tomiki practitioners, and might be of histographic interest to others who study Aikido. One interesting point was relating the jo (stick) techniques to their origin as spear techniques, which makes sense out of the formal, thrusting attack. Tomiki's katas are remarkable in their comprehensiveness and depth of principle, and this is the only reference widely available ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Microwave Journal, published by Horizon House Publications, Inc. on December 1, 1990. The length of the article is 2716 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: High efficiency FET microwave detector design. (field effect transistor)
Author: Juan Luglio
Publication: Microwave Journal (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 1990
Publisher: Horizon House Publications, Inc.
Volume: v33Issue: n12Page: p93(5)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
The Handbook of Microwave Technology provides a reference resource for professionals in business and industry as well as science and engineering students. A compact, concise reference, the Volumes contain focused chapters complete with useful formulas, charts, graphs, tables, examples, and diagrams that are clearly explained and easily applicable to practical cases.
Volume I: Components and Devices provides a comprehensive overview of the components and devices used in microwave circuits, including microwave transmission lines, resonators, filters, ferrite devices, solid state devices, transistor oscillators and amplifiers, directional couplers, microstripline components, microwave detectors, mixers, converters and harmonic generators, and microwave solid-state switches, phase shifters and attenuators.
Volume II: Applications discusses consumer, industrial, biomedical, and chemical applications of microwave technology. It also covers microwave instrumentation and measurement, thermodynamics, and applications in navigation, law enforcement, and radio communication.

* of Volume I
* Includes coverage of numerous components and devices used in microwave circuits, including:
* Microwave transmission lines
* Resonators, filters, ferrite devices, solid state devices
* Transistor oscillators and amplifers
* Directional couplers and microstripline components
* Microwave detectors, mixers, converters, and harmonic generators
* Microwave solid-state switches, phase shifters, and attenuators

* Key Features of Volume II
* Discusses consumer, industrial, biomedical, and chemical applications of microwave technology
* Covers microwave instrumentation and measurements
* Includes applications in navigation, law enforcement, and radio communication ... Read more

Book Description
Globalization, deepening interdependence, and the end of the cold war have brought a wide range of new challenges to nations around the world. Concurrently, domestic sociopolitical changes, greater pluralization of society, and changes in national and international markets and economies have produced strains on existing systems of governance. This new environment has opened the way for civil society to play an expanded and more active role, both domestically and internationally.

Chapters examine the nexus between governance and civil society in China, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Korea, Thailand, and the United States. Authors examine the current state of civil society in their country, the challenges facing institutions of governance, the current debate of the need to reform domestic governance, and the evolution of the role of civil society in governance.

Contributors: E. J. Dionne, Brookings Institution; Niraja Gopal Jayal, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Jung Ky-Hyun, Dean, Yonsei University; Suchit Bunbongkarn, Chulalongkorn University; Wang Yizhou, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Jean-Marie Guehenno, August & Debouzy; Gerhard Lehmbruch, Univesity of Konstanz; Miklos Marschall, Transparency International; Shimshon Zelniker, The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. ... Read more