<p>Donn Draeger was the most influential martial artist/scholar of the 20th century. His more than twenty books and long list of accomplishments support this argument. For this reason, we are publishing this anthology of articles that focus on this outstanding person. Although short in length, this book is rich in content covering the inspiring life and contributions of a leading pioneer in the Asian martial traditions. The author of the first chapter, Robert W. Smith, was a close confidant of Draeger during his career. With Draeger, Smith co-authored the classic Asian Fighting Arts (later renamed as Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts). Smith was in a unique position to provide details about Draeger’s character, academic and martial skills. Donn Draeger wrote two letters to Smith (dated September 2, 1969 and June 29, 1981) that gave insight into Miyamoto Musashi. Smith was writing a book review and asked Draeger for his opinion on the historical swordsman. With the help of Joseph Svinth, Smith merged and edited these letters. This contains Draeger’s response in his typically ebullient tone of correspondence with Smith. Donn Draeger can easily be considered as the “father of Asian martial arts research” in the West since he conducted pioneering research in the field and was one of the highest ranking black belts in a number of Japanese combative arts. As a scholar, he became involved in a Japanese research society for martial arts, and built upon it. Author Hugh Davey writes on the founding and influence of the International Hoplology Society Draeger founded. Draeger shaped the lives of several generations of martial artists. It was unknown to most that he had died in a Wisconsin hospital following medical treatments for natural sicknesses and perhaps for poisoning. In the last chapter, Dr. Friman tells of his discovery of Donn Draeger’s gravesite. Finding his grave in 1998 brought proper respects from friends, including Kaminoda Tsunemori, master of jo and sword. Scholars of combative traditions and martial arts practioners—especially those participating in the Japanese arts—will benefit greatly by reading this short anthology. Draeger’s life is inspiring to both the scholar and practitioner.</p>

Draeger: Pioneering Leader in Asian Martial Traditions

Sports & Outdoors

Draeger, Donn F.

Smith M.A., Robert W.

Davey, Hugh E.

Friman Ph.D., H. Richard

Individual Sports

Via Media Publishing Company

The practice of judo katas has changed over time as a result of perceived purpose. The chapters in this anthology were written by seven authorities in judo history and practice. Their writings clarify the purpose of kata and thus its mode of practice and their place in competition. In 1926, a contest occurred in which thirty-seven of the finest judoka in Japan competed before the Emperor Hirohito. The first chapter by Robert W. Smith details the techniques utilized by each master and also compares their skills with today's judo practitioners. The next two chapters by Dr. Llyr Jones and Biron Ebell deal with the transmutation of judo over the decades. Both authors give ample support that the original guidelines have evolved into competitive sport resulting in a substantial decline in the number of adults practicing judo. Where does kata stand in judo practice today? Dr. Lance Gatling reports on The First Kodokan Judo International Competition (2007). He outlines the background of the competition, the competitors, the motivations for this competition, the historical development of judo katas, and their importance to the correct study of judo. Dr. Llyr Jones’ next chapter has two objectives: to explain the purpose of kata in judo, and to critically evaluate the concept of kata championships. To achieve these objectives, Jones offers personal comments, observations from rare Japanese source material, as well as insight into the thinking of world-renowned judo experts. Linda Yiannakis provides two insightful chapters. Her first chapter presents a conceptual framework for examining principles of judo throwing techniques. The principles are classified as primarily structural, operational, or contextual in nature. In her second chapter, she points out that martial artists are acutely aware of the need to develop a sense of timing for the best possible moment to apply techniques in free play or contest. This chapter examines some critical features of patterns and rhythms in a variety of contexts and provides a few basic exercises for the development of awareness and use of rhythm, patterns, and timing in judo. Jones, Savage, and Gatling present an in-depth study into Kodokan Goshin-jutsu—a Kodokan judo exercise formally established in 1956 to teach the principles and techniques of self-defense against unarmed and armed attacks, and to meet modern lifestyle needs. Their chapter reviews the place of Goshin-jutsu among the Kodokan katas, and then summarizes the history its creation. A description of the exercise’s structure and technical contents follows, along with an in-depth explanation of its principles and associated teaching and learning challenges. This also includes a review of the most reliable learning texts in Japanese, English and selected other Western languages. Kodokan Goshin-jutsu’s performance aspects are considered next. An objective assessment of its practical self-defense effectiveness follows, before finally conclusions are drawn. The short final chapter by Dr. Jones is on Kodokan judo’s Nage-no-kata (forms of throwing) and Katame-no-kata (forms of control). Their study helps facilitate the development of free practice (randori) skills. Many look at judo studies as including three dimensions: free-practice, competition, and forms. Kata practice is vital to the other two. If you are involved with judo, this anthology will deepen your purpose and inspiring your practice.

Judo Kata: Practice, Competition, Purpose

Jones Ph.D., Llyr

Ebell M.A., Biron

Gatling M.A., Lance

Hanon Ph.D., Michael

Yiannakis M.S., Linda

Savage M.S., Martin

<p>If you are interested in practicing a martial art for health, this anthology is highly practical for this purpose. The content will inspire readers to adapt ways to enrich their martial art practice to reach a higher standard of health. Whenever considering health, one’s diet should be a priority. The chapter by Roberto Nurchis shows how the kind of foods ingested have a negative or a positive influence on martial performance. General conditioning exercise are illustrated in Oga-Baldwin’s chapter. These exercise are in line with traditional qigong/stretching exercises. Netherton and Durstine’s chapter addresses the sports-medicine views of the physiology of warm-up exercises. The authors examine changes in blood flow and body temperature and the impact of these changes on muscle tissue as an individual goes through the warm-up process. Porta and McCabe show a number of supplementary weight training practices derived from Miyagi Chojun in Okinawa. These exercises are designed to strengthen bodies and maintain overall flexibility to properly perform the techniques. Julio Anta looks to ancient Shaolin Temple physical conditioning traditions for inspiration. His chapter introduces iron ring and hard qigong exercises that are based on fundamental principles also found in modern training methods, such as weightlifting. The chapters by Smith, Bradley, and Mancuso all deal with a variety of breathing techniques necessary for energy and stamina. Some breathing methods are definitely more appropriate for the fighting arts, while other methods are more applicable as adjuncts to various physical and mental disciplines. While Bradley looks to a particular Korean system and Mancuso has a focus on Chinese practices, Smith utilizes an in depth multi-cultural approach. Niiler’s chapter concerns the potential for leg injuries from jumping kicks. He uses examples of Chinese wushu flying kicks, but the scientific information and advice he provides will benefit anyone who practices jumping maneuvers. Last but not least are two very valuable chapters by Allen Pittman, one chapter dealing with the legs and the other with the trunk. The cross-cultural and scientific points of view he presents are extremely insightful. They are not only conducive for superb body conditioning, but will certainly lead to improved combative technique. Pittman’s chapters along with the other authors are useful and effective for modern practitioners of martial arts.</p>

Conditioning for Martial Art Practice: Nutrition, Exercise, Energy, Strength, Flexibility

Porta, John

Pittman C.H.M., Allen

Netherton M.S., Bret

Durstine Ph.D., Larry

McCabe B.A., Jack

Niiler M.S., Timothy

Mancuso, Ted

Nurchis, Roberto

Bradley L.Ac., Sean

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Judo Master Reference: An Anthology

Reference

Bowen, Richard

Callan Ph.D., Michael

Svinth M.A., Joseph

Webb M.A., James

Jones Ph.D., Llyr C.

Gatling Ph.D., W. Lance

Savage B.Ed., Martin P.

Encyclopedias & Subject Guides

Via Media Publishing

Some Western Pioneers in Asian Martial Arts: An Anthology

History

Pittman, Allen

DeMarco M.A., Michael

Noble, Graham

Mason M.A., Russ

Brown B.S., Steven C.

Barlow Ph.D., Jeffrey

Day B.A., Morgan

Asia

Independently published

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