Post by fujicolt on Sept 9, 2011 16:39:35 GMT
Whilst attending the fantasticly fun wedding of Karateka Anna Kiciak to Ju-Jitsu Instructor Mike Lycett, I was honoured to be able to borrow two of Mike's marvellous collection of books - Namely:
Ju Jitsu and Other Methods of Self Defence by Percy Longhurst (published Circa 1900)
and
JuJitsu Complete by Kiyose Nakae , assisted by Charles Yeager (published 1958)
Having had several weeks now to peruse their content I can state without doubt that they have been a Sheer Joy to read for two reasons.
Firstly , they confirm that little is knew and the 'discoveries' of (for example) hidden techniques within Kata so loudly proclaimed by certain individuals is basically nonsense and these techniques are nothing new and in fact where standard practice in the Martial Arts Community over a hundred years ago and way before Funakoshi and others 'invented' Styles such as Shotokan, Wado Ryu and even Goju Ryu.
However, the joy of these books, especially 'Ju Jitsu and Other Methods of Self Defence' is not confined to the abundant techniques and strategies displayed but the long ago abandoned use of the English language used to describe them.
For example: when describing the advantage of studying a Martial System should 'one be faced with a chance encounter' Percy states the following:
'' It will invariably give him an advantage against an opponent, even if the latter be a bigger and stronger chap than himself and will even enable one to succesfully contend against several; for, if one assailant be badly hurt, knocked senseless by a well directed blow on the point of the jaw or thrown hard upon the pavement by a clever stroke the moral effect upon his companions can be immense. This moral effect is a point that must be studied carefully and must not be overlooked.; it is not always the actual damage inflicted which makes the greatest impression; it is the instilling into the minds of ones opponents a disagreeable fear of what you may do to them which is to be reckoned upon.....
...... it will not be difficult for any man to acquire certain easily learnt tricks of which he may make formidable use should occasion require it.'
and then:
when describing an arm lock hold:
'This is in effect a JuJitsu hold and the strongest man would be powerless , if so held, but this trick was indeed well known to those of an athletic disposition - and roughs - long before any englishman had even heard of the Japanese Martial Arts.'
then when describing the gains to be made by MA study Percy advises us that:
One will - 'Acquire the knowledge of which will give a person the power of succesfully defending himself against anyone whom attacks him either for his property or with that wanton Savagery which distinquishes the ruffian of today'
It appears things in 1900 where little different than today Guys and Gals except they had a far more elegant way of describing it back then!
A Joy to read Percy!
and Thanks a Zillion Mike and Anna - I am treating them delicately I PROMISE!
Ju Jitsu and Other Methods of Self Defence by Percy Longhurst (published Circa 1900)
and
JuJitsu Complete by Kiyose Nakae , assisted by Charles Yeager (published 1958)
Having had several weeks now to peruse their content I can state without doubt that they have been a Sheer Joy to read for two reasons.
Firstly , they confirm that little is knew and the 'discoveries' of (for example) hidden techniques within Kata so loudly proclaimed by certain individuals is basically nonsense and these techniques are nothing new and in fact where standard practice in the Martial Arts Community over a hundred years ago and way before Funakoshi and others 'invented' Styles such as Shotokan, Wado Ryu and even Goju Ryu.
However, the joy of these books, especially 'Ju Jitsu and Other Methods of Self Defence' is not confined to the abundant techniques and strategies displayed but the long ago abandoned use of the English language used to describe them.
For example: when describing the advantage of studying a Martial System should 'one be faced with a chance encounter' Percy states the following:
'' It will invariably give him an advantage against an opponent, even if the latter be a bigger and stronger chap than himself and will even enable one to succesfully contend against several; for, if one assailant be badly hurt, knocked senseless by a well directed blow on the point of the jaw or thrown hard upon the pavement by a clever stroke the moral effect upon his companions can be immense. This moral effect is a point that must be studied carefully and must not be overlooked.; it is not always the actual damage inflicted which makes the greatest impression; it is the instilling into the minds of ones opponents a disagreeable fear of what you may do to them which is to be reckoned upon.....
...... it will not be difficult for any man to acquire certain easily learnt tricks of which he may make formidable use should occasion require it.'
and then:
when describing an arm lock hold:
'This is in effect a JuJitsu hold and the strongest man would be powerless , if so held, but this trick was indeed well known to those of an athletic disposition - and roughs - long before any englishman had even heard of the Japanese Martial Arts.'
then when describing the gains to be made by MA study Percy advises us that:
One will - 'Acquire the knowledge of which will give a person the power of succesfully defending himself against anyone whom attacks him either for his property or with that wanton Savagery which distinquishes the ruffian of today'
It appears things in 1900 where little different than today Guys and Gals except they had a far more elegant way of describing it back then!
A Joy to read Percy!
and Thanks a Zillion Mike and Anna - I am treating them delicately I PROMISE!
