Hand techniques with tsuba

I was reading "Classical Weaponry of Japan" (Serge Mol), which briefly described tsuba technique as a hand held self-defense weapon. It wasn't the sort where someone simply employed a random tsuba, but rather purposefully prepared it for hand use. I have yet to read of such applications and am having a difficult time understanding how a round, light-weight, blunt object would be so effective (as say, a tessen) in yawara-type techniques. Can someone shed light on this? Thanks. Ryan

Ryan,

Do you have the ISBN number for the book at all, (If it has one) as I am interested.

My instructors do teach us some methods to defend and remove yourself from attackers taking hold of you, your tsuba, saya etc. Is this what you mean?

[Jock Armstrong]

I think he means on its own, hand held, like a yawara or kubotan.

[jest]

I doubt most tsuba would make practical yawara, but there are probably exceptions (maybe the "musashi" tsuba?)

This thing would probably pack a good fistload weight...

I know the Goran Iaito/Mushashi with the open tsuba can be put to good use with fingers and the wrist...dislocations breaks etc.

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Tiger Ed
Do you have the ISBN number for the book at all, (If it has one) as I am interested.

Here is a link to an Amazon.com page for this book:

Classical Weaponry of Japan by Serge Mol

Thanks fella, you can never have enough books.

[Gattsu]

...beside the tsuba issue, what do you think about the book? I'm planning to buy it but if its not worth it...

thanx

That's the one. Thanks for all of your thoughts on the tsuba issue...interesting. I think the book is well-written, nicely illustrated and to the extent that it can be, all inclusive. I'd buy it at the price of Amazon, but not for $40 through the local bookstore.

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Gattsu
...beside the tsuba issue, what do you think about the book? I'm planning to buy it but if its not worth it...

I found it to be worth adding to my library.

It offers some insight into less commonly known weapons and tactics of the Samurai and other Japanese warriors.

I don't know much about the qualifications of the author, and some have cast doubt about the qualifications/legitimacy of his sensei (Fumon Tanaka), but as an author, at least, he seems to me to have done a good job.

I give it a solid "Buy" rating. (But I buy almost everything.)

[Gattsu]

[i]Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi

I don't know much about the qualifications of the author, and some have cast doubt about the qualifications/legitimacy of his sensei (Fumon Tanaka), but as an author, at least, he seems to me to have done a good job.

I give it a solid "Buy" rating. (But I buy almost everything.) [/b]

...thanx...just another small OT, what about the book "Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice" by Fumon Tanaka? Does anybody have any opinions or commentary?!
thanx again

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Gattsu
...thanx...just another small OT, what about the book "Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice" by Fumon Tanaka? Does anybody have any opinions or commentary?

The first few chapters have some material and photographs on samurai history; development of the sword, including photos of some unusual precursors to the katana; samurai attire during different periods; etc.

The majority of the book is devoted to explanations of the techniques of Mr. Tanaka's style, and -- as with all such material -- I find it's value to be limited. If I were a student of that style it might be different.

Still, just for the material at the beginning, I would consider this a good addition to a library if you have money to spare.

"(But I buy almost everything.)"

[Gattsu]

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
[b]The first few chapters have some material and photographs on samurai history; development of the sword, including photos of some unusual precursors to the katana; samurai attire during different periods; etc...

Thanx...saved me some money