Free Book Download

I have prepared a vintage self defense book (published 1904) for my readers to download. It's called Jiu-Jitsu Combat Tricks by H. Irving Hancock. The subtitle is Japanese Feats of Attack and Defense in Personal Encounter.

Hancock wrote at least three other books on various aspects Japan's martial tradition. This one focuses strictly on self defense applications.

Here's what I like about this book:

First, his preliminary comments on training are helpful and spot on. I'm not sure about his advice for hardening the edge of the hand, but the method he describes doesn't sound as though it would lead to damage or deformity.

He also devotes considerable space to the efficacy and application of the edge-of-hand blow (judo chop). In addition, he spends several pages giving an explanation of tripping and throwing. These two features make it invaluable, since many books of that period (and today!) focus solely on holds and locks

However, the holds and locks that you'll find in the book round it out into a nice, balanced treatment. The only major drawback to the book is that it does not contain as many pictures as I'd like. The photographs he does have are clear, though, and his explanations of each photo and its related technique is thorough.

I highly recommend that you download, read and practice the contents of Jiu-Jitsu Combat Tricks. You may also give the book away or share the link with as many people as you like (the more the better). I'll explain why tomorrow.

Here's the link:
Jiu-Jitsu Combat Tricks
(When you reach the download page, the download button is at the bottom of the page.)