After reading all the previous pro and con comments, I decided to also review this excellent book. As a life-time student of the martial arts with ranks in Jujitsu, Karate, Judo and Kobudo, as well as a follower and student of reality based systems such as Jim Wagner's and Krav Maga, I found this book to be a good introduction to the use of the Hanbo (3 foot stick) and other stick weapons. Yes, it is true that the techniques are shown in a formal way with deep stances; nevertheless, the majority of techniques are effective and practical for combat. The techniques shown in this text were developed for real life combat and it is a mistake to dismiss them as worthless, which some of the reviewers seem to think. In conclusion, this book is for anyone who is interested in the historical aspects of stick fighting and how it relates to the martial arts in general. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, Use of the Cane and Walking Stick for Self-Defense Manual, Yawara Stick Techniques Manual, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu manual, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).