Donn F. Draeger (1922–1982)

I studied Iaido for a couple of years, and picked this book up out of interest.

I found it to be a useful reference, but what I most enjoyed were the early chapters on the history of the sword. I loved this extract:

"Although two men may be deadly enemies, they will both smile at each other and neither will fail to perform any of the customary courtesies toward each other. Their conduct in such cases is beyod both belief and understanding; things reach such a pass that when they are the most show more determined to revenge and kill somebody, they show him much affection and familiarity, laughing and joking with him. Seizing their chance when he is completely off his guard, they draw their heavy swords, which are as sharp as razors, and so attack him that generally he is killed by the first or second blow. Then they replace their swords quietly and calmly as if nothing had happened and do not give the slightest indication of passion or anger either by word of mouth or change of expression. And thus they all give the impression of being very mild, patient and well disposed, and it cannot be denied that they are superior to all other peoples in this respect."

Recommended! show less

To anyone studying Iaido, this is a must-have text. The first half of the book provides a detailed history of the Japanese sword and how it evolved from a crude instrument of war to the incredible work of craftsmanship that today is collected as a piece of art. A history of Japan provides a context for the development of Japanese swordsmanship not only as a military tactic, but as a way of life.

While the writing in the first section can be a bit thick at times, bogged down with names and show more dates, it is very thorough and can help the reader form an appreciation for the art of Iaido that goes deeper than the etiquette and katas.

The second half of this book provides an excellent reference to the Kendo Seitei-Gata series of katas for Iaido. Not only is detail given on the execution of the katas, but significant insight is provided into the etiquette of Iaido, from entering the dojo to proper care of a sword to the precise method of bowing. This section of the book is concise and more clearly written than the first, taking on more of an outline form than that of a book. show less

Donn F Draeger demonstrates painstaking research in presenting the history behind the many variations of the martial arts of the Indonesian area. While generally referred to in the West as Penjak-Silat, each regional variation has its own name and heritage. Draeger provides a history of how each style became the main fighting art of its area and how they are related, yet distinctly different. The writing style is very dry, but it is also very informative.

The Weapons and Fighting Arts of show more Indonesia is not a martial artist’s guide to practicing these styles so much as it is a scholarly work on the migration of a common root technique and how it became adapted to different areas. It nonetheless has a place on the martial artists bookshelf. show less

First let it be made clear that this series makes no ridiculous claims. It does not asure you that you can become a karate expert in a matter of weeks, nor does it try to convince you that you can learn to break boards in few easy lessons.

This is the fifth book in the Practical Karate series. Like its predecessors, it is a categorized collection of self-defense situations and recommended karate responses. All methods described are workable responses based on meeting an unarmed, single male show more assailant. It might be of additional interest to women students of karate to study the fundamentals found in boks 1-4, even though these are basically books for male students.

Mastery of the responses in this text will not make the reader invincible in personal encounters, but it will cetrtainly better prepare her should defense of her life or that of others become necessary. But only practice will bring results.

Masatoshi Nakayama, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association, and Donn F. Draeger, a well-known instructor of combative arts, have authored this book to porvide a system of self-defense for the busy individual.

'Here you are girls, just what you've needed-a sure-fire way to ward off the unwanted attention....I am certain that this book well serves its purpose...'-(D.R.)The Japan Times

'(The book) has 118 pages, is amply illustrated, and should at all costs be kept away from the little woman...'-Tookyo Hilton Hotel Magazine

'The authors do not purport to turn out a legion of females Karate experts. They have selected responses for the aveage woman....The authors are generous with advice and warning. They have worked out terse descriptions of the action in each instance so that it can be rapidly grasped.'-The Mainichi Shimbun

'Here then are the correct responses, none of them delicate and none of them really improper....the authors make no attempt to daze their readers with the high-flown technique of top karate experts. The instuction is simple, the picture explicit. The average woman should be able, as a result and after a little practice, to extricate herself from the most delicate of situations or brutal assault.'-The Straits Times (Hong Kong)

Nakayama: We select here several techniques you will be able to master with comparative ease.
Draeger: The few minutes a day you must spend in practice will never be wasted.
-quotes by the authors from Practical Karate: Fundamentals

Contents

Authors' foreword
Preface
Essential points
Chapter 1: Simple hand and wrist seizures
Frontal single arm-single wrist seizure (level ground and elevated poistion); Frontal single arm-cross single wrist seizure; Side single arm-cross single wrist seizure; Rear single arm-single wrist seizure; Rear single arm-cross single wrist seizure; Frontal double arm-single wrist sieizure (level ground and elevated position); Frontal double arm-single wrist seizure (alternate); Frontal double arm-double wrist seizure.
Chapter 2: Partial body seizures
Frontal single sarm shoulder or garment seizuere; Frontal robbery threat; Side hooked arm seizure; Rear garment and arm seizure; Rear choking seizure; Fear arm seizure and mugging.
Chapter 3: Full embrace seizures
Side embrace; Frontal embrace atempt; Frontal embrace (alternate); Embrace against wall; Rear bear hug; Rear around the waist embrace show less