'Studying a martial art is more than a five-step learning process; it is a life sequence.'

American Ju-Jitsu Associaiton co-founder and jujitsu pioneer George Kirby takes the next step foward with his new book Jujitsu Figure-4 Locks: Submission Holds of the Gentle Art. As a continuation of his series from Black Belt Books, the well-respected martial artist continues to document his jujitsu evolution and experience for readers of all skill levels. Having explored techniques thoroughly, Kirby now focuses on the essential principles for jujitsu's most effective trapping techniques: the figure-4 lock and its variations.

Jujitsu- Figure-4 Locks features:

Detailed photos sequences, comprehensive captions and illustrations.
Meticulous but engaging prose that clearly explains the techniques.
Key technical information that is accessible and useful to beginning and advanced grapplers.
Fundamental figure-4 lock characteristics as well as variations from multiple positions.

Like the other books in Kirby's lifelong study on jujitsu, such as Advanced Jujitsu: The Science Behind the Gentle Art and Jujitsu Nerve Techniques: The Invisible weapon of Self-Defense, his book is an excellent reference, insightful learning resource and a fascinating study of a key element to successful grappling.

George Kirby is a 10th -degree black belt in jujitsu as well as an internationally recognized martial arts instructor and author. He is the 2007 Black Belt Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year and has been teaching the art since 1967. The author of books, DVDs and magazine articles, Kirby is also the co-founder of the American Ju-Jitsu Association and serves as a defensive-tactics consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department and other law-enforcement agencies. He is also the organizer of the popular Camp Budoshin in California.

'George Kirby is a unique and highly skilled martial artist who has selflessly served the profession for decades as an outstanding instructor and communicator. His life's work serves to improve the overall knowledge, skill level and personal safety of all who train seriously in the self-defense and fighting arts.'-Daren R. Levine U.S. Chief Instructor, Krav Maga System

'In (Advanced Jujitsu), George continues his tradition of presenting martial arts theories in a clear manner so that other martial artists can learn. Like his other books, many of the ideas presented can be applied to martial arts other than jujitsu.'-Professor Wally Jay Founder of Small-Circle Jujitsu

Focusing on essential principles, this overview illustrates jujitsu’s most effective trapping technique. From elementary figure-4 lock characteristics to variations on multiple positions, practitioners of all skill levels will learn how to utilize basic methods through detailed photographic sequences and easy-to-read captions. Accessible and comprehensive, this guidebook will prove invaluable to both beginning and advanced grapplers.
As a study of one of jujitsu’s most essential principles, this book breaks down the art’s most effective trapping technique. From fundamental figure-4 lock characteristics to figure-4 variations from multiple positions, practitioners of all skill levels will learn how to utilize these powerful pressure holds through detailed photographic sequences and easy-to-read captions. Accessible and comprehensive, this guidebook will prove invaluable to both beginning and advanced grapplers.

The author is well-known in the Jujitsu community for his many years of teaching as well as having many jujitsu books published. This book covers Jujitsu figure-4 armlocks in great detail. I have often stressed the fact that 'the devil is always in the details' and the author certainly follows this philosophy. This book begins by explaining the foundation of properly learning armlocks and then moves to building a framework for applying armlocks. In chapter three he gos into ki flow, hand grip, hook grip, pronation vs. supination and other topics. Kirby covers the difference between applying an armlock in the dojo and the street in chapter four. The final chapter gets into the actual application of numerous figure-4- armlocks.

The only complaint I have of this book is that many of the photographs are just to dark to actually see the details. Nevertheless, this is an excellent reference book for Jujitsu students and instructors.

Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Use of the Mini-Baton Official manual for Law Enforcement and Security).joseph J. Truncale

Contents

Acknowledgments
About the author
Introduction
Part One
Chapter 1 Setting the foundation
Axes
Joint-chain hierarchy
Leverage
Axial rotation and torque
Chapter 2 Building the framework
Common attributes
Consistent control movements
Standard steps
Locking a joint-chain hierarchy
Chapter 3 Finishing the house-the small stuff is important
Ki flow
Hand grip vs. hook for effective leverage
Pronation vs. supination
Foot and torso placement
Keep hold of the extremity: Resistance is futile
Chapter 4 The street and the dojo-a sense of direction
Part Two
Chapter 5 Figure-4 locks
A serious word of caution!
Armbars and arm locks
Shoulder locks
Leg and hip locks
Pins and chokes
Miscellaneous techniques
Concluding remarks
Glossary for figure-4 locks