A Defense Manual of Commando Jiu Jitsu (1943)

First Edition of A Defense Manual of Commando Jiu Jitsu, 1943

Cahn, Irvin. A Defense Manual of Commando Jiu Jitsu. Chicago: Wilcox & Follett, 1943.

Slim octavo. Softcover. 1st Edition.

First edition of Marine instructor Irvin Cahn's wartime Jiu Jitsu manual, with over 110 action photos and 40 sketches. During World War II, the Japanese martial art Jiu Jitsu was taught by the Marines as a combat technique due to its suitability for both offense and defense in close combat situations. Interestingly, many women were also taught how to use it in the intelligence services, as body weight and overall strength were not determinative factors in its effectiveness. The author, Irvin Cahn, was a prominent instructor within the Marine Corps. Numerous similar editions--with different titles--were published, all varying numbers of illustrations; this copy has a relatively large number of illustrations and photographs compared to some versions. About-fine condition.