Modern Bujutsu and Budo (v. 3): The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan (The martial arts & ways of Japan)

Donn Draeger (1922-1982) was a practicing martial artist and author. He wrote extensively about the martial arts of Asia, and travelled widely around the world in search of genuine martial knowledge. This the 3rd of three volumes focusing exclusively upon the Japanese arts, the series is comprised of:a) Classical Bujutsu : Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan - Vol I.b) Classical Budo: Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan - Vol II.c) Modern Bujutsu & Budo: Martial Arts And Ways Of Japan - Vol III.The paperback (1996) edition consists of 190 numbered pages and is separated into an Author's Preface, 2 sections and an Epilogue:1) Author's Preface.2) The Historical Background - The Emergence of Modern Japan, The Road to War.3) The Modern Disciplines - Batto Jutsu, Kendo, Aikido, Kendo, Karate, Nippon Shorenji Kempo, etc.4) Epilogue.This book traces the evolution of Japanese martial arts from a set of routines designed to exclusively despatch an opponent, to an art form designed to kill the ego within, and elevate the practitioner to a new level of spiritual development. This change in emphasis has been due to Japan's defeat in WWII, and its subsequent adoption of a pacifist constitution. However, taken as a whole, this series covers all Japanese arts, both old and new, as many old styles still exist today, albeit well hidden behind the modern trends. It is also important to understand that spiritual development has always served as a part of martial training in Japan, but that in the modern times, it has become particularly emphasised. A very good and reliable study of an often difficult subject.