Basic Jujitsu Handbook (Fred Neff's Self-Defense Library)

by James E. Reid and Fred Neff

Text and photographs provide a guide to the basic blocks, punches, kicks, locks, and throws of judo. Includes warm-up exercises. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822511517
• ISBN13: 9780822511519
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Length: 59 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Samurai ideals implicit in Basic Jujitsu Handbook

JuJitsu "the gentle art" is practiced in the twenty-first century in ways that differ substantially from Samurai ideals. The "Basic JuJitsu Handbook" by author Fred Neff introduces the reader to a wholesome traditional approach to JuJitsu, while eliminating those combat oriented tactics that would constitute unreasonable force for use in modern self-protection. I like the fact that the author Master Fred Neff implicitly sends positive messages of the need for values including self-control in the practice of Jujitsu. The Samurai encouraged learning that went beyond just brutal fighting methods. They studied many subjects and became well rounded so as to be better able to cope with their environment. The Samurai sought balance as a person. An interesting applicable qoute is: "The arts of peace and the arts of war are like the two wheels of a cart which, lacking one, will have difficulty in standing." Having read other books by Master Fred Neff such as "Lessons From the Japanese Masters" and "Lessons From the Samurai", before reading the "Basic Jujitsu Handbook" I can see that the "Basic Jujitsu Handbook" acts as the introduction to traditional Japanese Jujitsu that is the foundation for author Fred Neff's "Lessons From The Samurai" and "Lessons From The Japanese Masters." Master Fred Neff's writings clearly show he understands that excessive violence is not the desired way, but rather harmony with nature and other people. Students of traditional jujitsu may be familar with the qoute, "if one will fix his heart in such a way and assist the world and its people, he will have the devotion of men who see and hear him." I like that Master Fred Neff's "Basic Jujitsu Handbook" introduces the basic outline of techniques and tactics needed by a beginning student. This is a must have book for someone who wants to really learn this classic approach to Jujitsu. The Samurai followed the Bushido code (way of the warrior). This code sought to inculcate ideals in the Samurai of having a sense of justice, honesty, courage, contempt for death, sympathy towards all people, politeness, respect for etiquette, sincerity, respect for one's word of honor loyalty and duty to defend honor. These ideals still have relevancy and desirability today. From what I have learned, author Fred Neff, who is a Minnesota lawyer, follows Samurai ideals. Public service by Fred Neff in helping people as a teacher and lawyer in Minnesota is reflected in his receiving many awards for his work. Fred Neff has received awards, such as the City of St. Paul Citizen of The Month Award, a commendation award for Distinguished Service from the Sibley County Attorney's Office, the WCCO Radio Good Neighbor Award, HLS Justice Award, the Lamp of Knowledge Award from the Twin Cities Lawyers Guild and the Presidential Medal of Merit. Jujitsu training should be tempered by a sense of justice, sympathy for the plight of others and a duty to help others so that great martial arts power

Jujitsu Handbook Provides Refeshing Approach

I have been a jujitsu practitioner now for over seven years. Among my favorite books on jujitsu are Fred Neff's Basic Jujitsu Handbook, Lessons From the Samurai and Lessons From the Japanese Masters. All three of his books are excellent. The Basic Jujitsu Handbook is an especially good guide for teaching children how to do jujitsu techniques. It uses a simple to understand teaching approach to the subject. The book provides basic information on body mechanics, stances, blocks, hand techniques, foot techniques, falling, throwing and holding. There are clear photographs along with easy to understand instructions. I tried using the jujitsu handbook to teach my son and found that he really liked to use it. This concise book is not only good for children, but for anyone who wants to learn about jujitsu.