Book Review: Complete Book of Jukado |
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Complete Book of Jukado, by Bruce Tegner (Thor Publishing Company 1968; Bantam, Books, 1969) The subtitle of this book is “Jiujitsu Modernized” This book is a unique system of Japanese jujutsu written by a pioneer of the Oriental martial arts in the U.S., Bruce Tegner. As noted in a past article for Arresting Solutions, it has arguably been said that Tegner books, which were seen and sold in bookstores, candy store book racks, and anywhere else one could imagine, were responsible for more people entering the martial arts than anything else. His books were everywhere. In formulating the requirements for Jukado (the words are taken from the words, judo, karate, and aikido), Tegner Sensei took techniques which he found useful for self- defense, and were easy to learn. Further, the techniques had to be easily remembered, and were classified according to types of attacks rather than requiring students to learn numerous defenses against each particular attack. A belt rank system from White to First Degree Black is presented in the text, with the inclusion of the yawara stick and the medium-sized baton. As a street oriented system, an interesting note is that there are no mat techniques shown as a requirement for Shodan. Although it is not specified, one can assume that Tegner did not feel these were practical or street effective. What is interesting is that Tegner was an experienced Nidan in judo.
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The text itself was originally published in both hard and soft cover editions by Thor Publishing Company, and later in paperback by Bantam Books. Photos in the Thor volumes are large and clear. While somewhat smaller in the Bantam editions, they too are nonetheless clear and crisp. Each of the 746 photos is accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow instructions, and all techniques are grouped by belt color: White, Blue, Brown (three grades), and Black. Included in the requirements for Black Belt is knowledge of resuscitation methods from accidental chokes, and groin blows. Rather than formal kata, the candidate for rank must display defenses against unrehearsed attacks. A board of three Black Belt holders evaluates the candidates for Black Belt. A Black Belt can promote one to the highest level of Brown Belt, with a second Black Belt concurring. All other rank may be awarded by an individual Black Belt. As is the case with any style of traditional/ classical jujutsu, the determining factor as to whether or not one chooses to study this style is subjective. Regardless of whether one finds merit and compatibility in the system or not, this book, as a jujutsu text offering instruction, is recommended. As a final note, the only place to currently find the Bantam editions are in places like eBay, used book sellers, and Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s used book sections. The Thor additions may possibly be purchased directly from the publisher in Ventura, California.
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