In Taiho-Jutsu: Law and Order in the Age of the Samurai, author and judo second-dan Don Cunningham provides a fascinating introduction to the civil society of Edo-period (1603-1867) Japan--particularly the role played by the well-known warrior class, the samurai. Cunningham shows that the samurai were not, as commonly portrayed, always all-powerful mediators ruling the chonin through the power of their swords. During this period the samurai became a part of the complex system of Japanese law enforcement. Made up of samurai as well as machi-bugyo-sho (town magistrates), yoriki ("assistant" samurai), doshin (samurai patrol officers), komono (assistants), goyokiki (part-time police assistants) and okappiki (informants and spies)--this intricate structure mirrored the Japanese society of the day. Taiho-Jutsu offers a detailed look at the weapons these law enforcement officers used--including the jutte (iron truncheon), tesson (iron fan), yori-bo (wooden staff), sodegarami (sleeve entangler), sasumata (spear fork), and torinawa (arresting ropes)--as well as a fascinating illustrated look at the techniques used to apprehend criminals. From kamae (stances) to parrying and striking and throwing techniques, these explanations demonstrate the practical techniques in Edo-period Japan.

Taiho Jutsu is the martial art of arrest, originally adopted by Japanese police forces. It is a very different system from all other martial arts, since the practitioner not only aims for his own safety, but also has to arrest his assailant. The original techniques of Taiho Jutsu are based on traditional Japanese martial arts schools, and were used for public order purposes after the unification of Japan in the 17th century, at the beginning of the feudal era. Centuries later, after the end of the Second World War, the changed social consciousness and modernization of the country led the Japanese police forces to standardize their own system with techniques suitable for a modern personal defense. The Taiho Jutsu is constantly evolving. For this reason, in Europe and America, it is used by police forces, security workers and private citizens.

Steven J. Kaplan is the Dean of the Graduate Theological Institute in Margate, Florida. A State classifi ed Chaplain, holding a doctorate in psychology, he is additionally an ordained rabbi who has taught both Jewish studies and psychology at the college and university levels. Dr. Kaplan has been engaged in pastoral psychotherapy for thirty-fi ve years.

Drawing on the vast body of styles practiced around the world, including ancient and obscure styles from every continent on the planet, The Way of the Warrior is an indispensable, one-stop reference work for anyone interested in the martial-arts canon.

Gunji Taiho Jutsu can loosely translate in Japanese into Military Body Control/Arresting Technique. In a way Gunji Taiho Jutsu, is the new era for taiho jutsu techniques as it is a progressive way to teach Military or Law Enforcement personnel many of the traditional and contemporary jujutsu techniques of control and arrest while at the same time keeping mindful of secondary weapon systems during training and complementing all of the current and evolving Military Combatives programs in place for the different branches of the Military. This is edition 1 of the Gunji Taiho Jutsu manual.

With extensive, step-by-step photographs and instructions, this jiu-jitsu guide is an effective tool for mastering this ancient martial art. The original Japanese martial art developed by the elite samurai class during Japan's feudal era, Jiu-jitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the precursor of today's ultimate fighting styles, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). For centuries, this method of unarmed self-defense proved so successful in combat that it was kept secret and taught only to a select few. Based on the author's study with instructors at the Tokyo police academy, this martial arts book presents all the traditional techniques of Jujitsu, also known as Jiu-jitsu. These techniques teach you valuable restraining methods that force your opponent to submit without abuse by using pressure points. It shows you tips for search and seizure, and the almost extinct art of Hojojutsu--how to tie people up without using any knots. Japanese Jiu-jitsu: Secret Techniques of Self-Defense addresses and demonstrates the full range of Kaisho Goshin Budo Taiho Jitsu Ryu (Tokyo police self-defense). Learn specific techniques such as: The use of hands Throwing an opponent Attacking vital points with strikes and kicks The use of weapons (like the staff). This fascinating Jiujitsu book, designed as a training manual, also serves as a remarkable illustrated guide to the secret art of Japanese samurai self-defense.

Secret Weapons of Jujutsu is the first jujutsu book in English that deals with the full array of small hand weapons used by the Japanese samurai and constabulary. This martial arts manual includes a history of the weapons and discussions of hibuki (concealed weapons), improvised weapons, and traditional battlefield weapons such as: kansashi (a long, pointed metal hairpin worn by men and women) kokai and kudzuka (small utility knives) shoku (fire ax) shakuhachi (a bamboo flute -- a particular favorite of monks) yawara (short wooden rod) manriki-gusari (weighted chain) suntetsu (short iron bar) lessen (iron war fan). Secret Weapons of Jujutsu discusses the weapons and demonstrates their use, in a series of clear, easy to follow photographs. Also included are historical photographs, as well as reproductions of paintings and line drawings, of these weapons and their bearers.

"A unique book, the best English-language source on the small weapons of Japan."-- Kim Taylor, Journal of Japanese Sword Arts

This book provides a history of the Japanese martial art of ju jitsu as well as details on the different styles. Detailed step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs help readers learn the positions and fundamental techniques to properly throw, pin, and joint-lock their opponents. As the book progresses, the moves become more and more complex. Formal exercises encourage students to practice what they have learned, keep track of personal progress, and improve their mastery of the discipline. The book also includes a glossary, a further reading section with books and websites, and an index.

"The Bosome Book" (Vade Mecum) by the alchemist George Ripley is a classic alchemic text "Containing his philosophical accurtations in the makeing the philosophers mercury and elixirs".