Classical Budo: The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan

Description

Modern forms of budo, or martial ways practiced primarily for spiritual development, developed from established combat systems in response to social, political, historical, and philosophical influences that occurred during the Edo Period (1615-1868). In "Classical Budo", legendary martial artist Donn Draeger illuminates the history and evolution of these modern arts, including kendo, judo, kempo, kyudo, iaido, and jujutsu and puts them into historical perspective. The book includes fascinating artwork from classical sources, and archival photos of budo arts masters in action.

Donn F. Draeger was a U.S. Marine Corps officer and a historian of martial arts disciplines, in which he held a variety of expert ranks and teaching licenses. He was technical director of the magazine Martial Arts International and author of many books on the fighting arts of Asia. He died in 1982.