Jiu-Jitsu Combat Tricks, by H. Irving Hancock

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ere you have three nice and really old books, all three from what is (most probably) the early part of the 1900. The lower one, sporting a dust jacket (which is extremely unusual), is very likely a first issue, and it has the year of print inside (1904). The dark brown one seems to be from the same year, although it is not printed. There is a reference to "Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu" in the uppermost (light brown) book. This is missing in the darker one below. "Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu" was first printed in 1905, so one can assume that the dark brown one is from 1904. Apart from this all three books seems to be identical.

The author is H. (for Harrie) Irving Hancock. Hancock was an American who died in 1922. He wrote a long string of books, amongst them many books for young boys and teenagers. He was viewed to be fascinated by the military (the army), doing many a travel together with American troops in Cuba and the Philippines.

Hancock is the co-writer to "The Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu" As stated earlier this was published in 1905, showing without doubt the close relationship between ju jitsu and the older forms of Kano judo. From what I understand Hancock learned jiu-jitsu i Nagasaki from a police Inspector, named Inouye. This was most probaly Tenshin Ryu.

In "Jiu-Jitsu Combat Tricks" Hancock start of with going though preliminary training, such as warm-ups, how to strenghten and condition the body etc.

Further on he explain the use of different self-defense techniques, holds etc., and also counters and escapes from these methodes.

The bulk of techniques are explained very thorough in writing - there are not many picturers throughout. I have to say though, that the few pictures you will find are of a really high quality. Some are taken by persons wearing training outfit and traditional hakama. Yet other pictures are of stout and sharp-dressed gentlemen in Bowler-hats and suites. Very stylish indeed!

In brief: If you can get this book for a reasonable amount of money, my advise is to go for it! The historical value is high, the pictures as well as the content is great.

I always recommend: Abebooks. Being the largest Internet-based supplier of used, vintage and rare books, you really should ceck with them first.

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