Tricks of Self-Defence: A Useful Book for Everybody

 
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ere you have another nice, old item, titled "Tricks of Self-Defence". At the time this book was published, the term tricks of self-defense was the same as ju jitsu of course. There is no date to be found anywhere as far as I can see. An owner has written 1944 inside of the cover, but it is my guess that the book si somewhat older. Judging from the style, clothing, text etc. it may actually be from the 1920s.

In the preface, the author (W. H. Collingridge) does mention the considerable amount of books and litterature on the topic of ju jitsu in general. He does specifically mention S. K. Uenishi (click here to read more about his book). According to the author these books are more about ju jitsu as an art or a system, something which naturally will take a great deal of time to be able to master. The author states that this is the reason for writing the book - choosing some functional techniques for those who were somewhat pressed for time (sounds familiar, anyone? :)

Allegedly Collingridge was one of the original students of Yukio Tani and Taro Miyake. Miyake came to England in 1904. He (Miyake) had a background in Yoshin ryu ju jitsu as well as Kodokan judo. Taro opened "the Japanese School of Jiu Jitsu" (with Tani) in 1905. According to Collingridge the two Japanese gentlemen had recently opened the said school when he and two others joined. These three men eventually became instructors in the art.

From what I'm led to believe Collingridge trained for three years at the hands of Tani and Miyake. In his own words he claims to have picked the most effective methods he was taught for this book.

The content is a rather mixed lot. There are a total of 31 stand-up techniques, or tricks, and 9 ground defenses. The majority of the methods are eiter locks or takedowns - very few pure throws (tomoe nage seems to be the only exception).

Actually most of the techniques are quite ok. Lots of great shots. there's only one showing a lady performing - the one you see on your left where this elegant lady does a kote gaeshi, wrist throw - classy!. Each single technique is described with a picture and accompanied by text.

The lower, bright green book (or booklet rather) is a newer edition originating from 1958. It is very close to the original, but the shots are new, and the order of the techniques has been changed. Further there are two stand-up techniques that have been omitted in the newer printing. And... the classy lady has not been given room... Not good!

By all means, this is a really nice book that you should try and get a hold of. Free tip of the day: Use the Net!

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