Jiu-Jitsu and Other Methods of Self-Defence

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ercy Longhurst wrote, as you may already know, the finishing chapter to the book "The Text-Book of Ju-Jutsu" by S. K. Uyenishi (read more by clicking here). You may also read more Longhurst's own version of this book by clicking here.

It has been noted elsewhere that Percy Longhurst was an English wrestler (most probably a "catch-wrestler", that is: freestyle). He became acquainted with Yukio Tani og S. K. Uyenishi through W. E. Barton-Wright (the person who introduced ju jitsu to England in the early 1900's). Longhust started "The British Ju Jitsu Society" together with three other gentlemen, and became Tani's pupil. In turn Longhurst introduced the art to various police departments (The London Metro Police amongst them).

In this book by Longhurst he describes a rather large number of methods in great detail. Many of these methods are indeed quite good and ans such make up a great and entertaining read. As each and every technique has an accompanying drawing, as well as very detailed text, it is quite feasible to understand the methods that are shown here.

 The book starts off by explaining various standing methods. These involve mostly locks, but also some takedowns/throws and some defences against punches and kicks. After that the book goes into ground defences (holds, locks and chokes), followed by a chapter titled: "Jiu-Jitsu for Ladies". This has some rather cool action-packed drawings sporting ladies defending against some mean looking assailants.

There is also a chapter called  "Simple Tricks of Self-Defence". Here you will find (amongst other things) some methods with the cane (or walking stick). From what I see these are derived from M. Pierre Vigny and "shillelagh".

As with the other books from Longhurst there is given no date of printing.  It is however the elleventh edition, and it looks like it may have been issued som time during the 1920s. Anyhow it is a very nice, old book, that I hereby urge you to get hold of!.

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