Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts - Tapa dura

This is an in-depth study of more than 100 special weapons developed for use as part of the armoury of the traditional martial arts of Japan. Each weapon is illustrated with detailed photographs to support the text explaining its history and usage. There are also photographs which show present-day grandmasters demonstrating how each weapon was used.

SERGE MOL is the author of the acclaimed Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide To Koryu Jujutsu, and is the first and only non-Japanese to have received the rank of menkyo kaiden in Enshin Ryu Iai, Suemonogiri, Kenpo and Yawara, or to have received menkyo in Hoki Ryu Juutsu.
Before specializing in classical martial arts, Mol also studied various modern budo including kendo, iaido and judo; he has dan ranking in iaido and judo.
Mol has lived and trained in Japan for several years as a direct disciple of Grandmaster Tanaka Fumon-one of Japan's foremost authorities on classical martial arts and special weaponry-and Grandmaster Nakashima Atsumi. In addition to more orthodox classical martial arts such as jujutsu, iaijutsu, kenjutsu, and bojutsu, the author has studied the use of various hibuki (secret weapons) and kakushibuki (concealed weapons). The author's relationship with these grandmasters and reliance solely on original Japanese materials-many of which are ancient, secret texts-make his work uniquely reliable.
Mol lives in Belgium and travels frequently to Japan for additional training and research.