Book Review: Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions, Expanded Edition

Title: Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions, Expanded Edition

Author: Ellis Amdur

Publisher: Freelance Academy Press

Publication Date: October 30, 2014

Format: Paperback

Pages: 396 pages, 7 in x 10 in

Cover Price: $39.95

ISBN: 978-1937439163

Content

Sensei Ellis Amdur is a prominent trainer in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in verbal de-escalation of aggressive and mentally ill individuals. Sensei Amdur has studied classic Japanese combat arts for fifty years, spending thirteen of these years studying in Japan. He is a recognized expert in classical and modern Japanese martial traditions. I first encountered his work through his contribution to the latest edition of Sensei Patrick McCarthy’s Bubishi, previously reviewed here.

Old School is a collection of historically-minded essays on Japanese martial arts and related topics. After the forewords and author’s note, it contains five parts. These essays describe various Japanese martial arts schools or systems, weapons, and traditions. The book concludes with an extensive glossary as well as a bibliography.

Pros

As founder of Martial History Team, I am constantly searching for resources that would interest my readers. It did not take me long to become hooked on Sensei Amdur’s material. He is an exceptionally engaging writer. Too often we encounter authors who are technically proficient in whatever art they practice, whether it be of the martial or professional kind, yet they lack the ability to capture the audience’s attention. This is not a problem for Sensei Amdur. He writes in a thoughtful and organized manner, delivering his message without boring the reader. 

Cons

The material in Old School may not be of universal interest to readers. The audience most likely to resonate with the contents are those practicing or researching Japanese martial traditions. Those who are wedded to preconceived notions of the origins of certain arts may take exception with Sensei Amdur’s explorations. However, I found his analysis and presentation refreshing, with plenty of leads for further research. 

Conclusion

I give this book 5 out of 5 ninja stars.

I greatly enjoyed reading Old School. Although I took extensive notes, this is likely one of the books I will read again. Depending on my timeframe, it’s possible Sensei Amdur could release another edition! However, given his devotion to writing books on de-escalating dangerous situations, I expect it will be many more years before he returns to Old School. In the mean time, I suggest giving this book, and his other two martial arts-themed tomes, a close look. 

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Richard Bejtlich

Richard took his first martial arts classes in judo, karate, boxing, and combatives as a cadet at the US Air Force Academy in 1990, and continued practicing several styles until 2001. He resumed training in 2016 by practicing within the Krav Maga Global system, earning Graduate 1 rank. Richard now studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Team Pedro Sauer. Richard is married and has two daughters, and as a cybersecurity professional he helps organizations find and remove computer hackers. Richard is co-author, with Anna Wonsley, of the book Reach Your Goal: Stretching and Mobility Exercises for Fitness, Personal Training, and Martial Arts.

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