Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts

Description

David A. Hall, one of today’s leading experts on Japanese combative culture, combines hands-on experience in all kinds of martial traditions with an academic and spiritual background to produce this landmark work. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts is an exhaustive, impeccably researched reference offering information about everything there is to know on the subject, from “adauchi” (a vendetta) to “zanshin” (state of focused vigilance before, throughout, and after executing a technique or combative form).

The volume opens with several sections to help in making the usage of the Encyclopedia as efficient and effective as conceivable: Abbreviations, Quick Guide to Weapons and Systems, Historical Eras, guides to the Entries and Lineage Charts, and A Note on the Japanese Language and Communication Style. The Encyclopedia itself, which runs for more than 625 pages and contains around 4,000 entries arranged alphabetically with bilingual entry headings and concise definitions, covers all aspects of the numerous martial arts that have developed in Japan.

Following the main portion of the work are several Appendices (Traditional East Asian Numbering Systems and Ancient Period Military Organization), in addition to a Selected Bibliography, and Character Indices (General, Chinese, English, and Sanskrit) containing around 6,000 terms.

With its vast wealth of information and practical organization, The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts is sure to grow to be the essential reference for the beginning martial artist, in addition to for the advanced student who wants a deeper understanding of the subject. Additionally, the book is perfect for scholars and researchers, who will appreciate the access to material prior to now unavailable in English; and for reference libraries and Asian studies and language departments.