The first in a series on the Japanese fighting arts, this book offers a comprehensive look at bujutsu, Japan's classical systems of martial training which taught the warrior how to gain complete mastery of his weapons and of himself. Bujutsu is the progenitor of judo, kendo, karate and other martial ways known collectively as budo. Evolved amid the warfare of Japan's medieval period, the bujutsu systems prepared the warrior to use his weapons in actual combat, unlike the later budo. Their technical and psychological training prepared him to confront death at any moment while remaining in complete control. This book emphasizes the practical nature of these martial arts. It describes 16 major forms of bujutsu which employ a variety of weapons, from sword, spear, halberd, bow and arrow and hardwood staff, to the less familiar iron bar, sickle and chain and even the iron folding fan. Horsemanship, combat swimming and methods of grappling with and restraining a foe are also covered. Action photographs are complemented by traditional woodblock prints.