Hadaka-Jime: The Core Technique for Practical Unarmed Combat

"A must-have for Feldenkrais® Practitioners."
- Dennis Leri, Feldenkrais Trainer and Martial Artist

Hadaka-Jime: Practical Unarmed Combat is a unique training program that is based on one core technique. Dr. Feldenkrais developed the program as emergency training for soldiers in World War II. Through ten one-hour lessons, soldiers learned to defend themselves against an armed opponent in the most rapid and effective way possible. The program is based on one Judo technique.

Feldenkrais emphasized concepts of the learning process throughout the book. He encouraged the reader to maintain a relaxed attitude, to start with slow and precise movements as he explained the timing, and to master the movements by repetition. The result would be a spontaneous movement which was correct and precise.

He claimed that a fighter must first acquire the ability and then put it to practical use. Thus, the first three lessons teach the core technique, Hadaka-Jime. The remaining lessons implement the technique in a variety of situations - against armed or unarmed attacks from different directions - all of which culminate in the use of the core technique. This approach deepens the learning so that the fighter can effectively perform the core technique with many alternatives to survive the situation.

Praise for Hadaka-Jime: Practical Unarmed Combat

"Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais was a remarkable man; teacher, soldier, researcher, judoka, visionary, martial artist, physicist, and pioneer. He was a founder of the European Judo Union, and respected by Gunji Koizumi, Mikinosuke Kawaishi, and Jigoro Kano. I therefore consider it an honour and a privilege to have been asked to write an endorsement to the new edition of his important text.

"I met Moti Nativ when he visited the Bowen History of Judo Archive at University of Bath to continue his research into the life and work of Moshe Feldenkrais. I was immediately struck by his passion and commitment, and his depth of understanding into the relationship of mind and body as applied to Budo.

"For me this book speaks on three levels. It is a treatise of an effective course of unarmed combat which has withstood the test of time. It is also an important document of social and cultural history when considered in the context that it was written. Thirdly it provides a level of insight for the advanced follower of the Feldenkrais Method into the early thought processes of the founder. Moti Nativ and Genesis II Publishing are to be commended for reminding us about the relevance of this text, and sharing with us the thoughts of a remarkable man." -Dr. Mike Callan, President, The International Association of Judo Researchers, International Judo Federation Sixth Dan

"This is a small book with big ideas. Utilizing his deep understanding and mastery of Judo, Moshe Feldenkrais created a course in practical unarmed self defense for the British during WWII. However, it was in how he addressed his task that we see the mind of a genius at work. Feldenkrais merged age old, Oriental self-defense techniques with the explanatory power of science, combined with his own unique brand of pedagogy to create a novel self defense strategy that is easy to learn and use. Based on the slow and thorough learning of one technique and its applications, the ten lessons artfully disarm the fears and apprehensions of those being trained while giving them the expertise necessary to succeed in combat. For the discerning reader a central idea will become evident: that if one first trains the act to be accomplished from its “ending” it allows for many beginnings. Once an act, here a particular stranglehold, is learned in its simplest form and becomes second nature and can be performed unselfconsciously, then that simple unitary act can be made either more complex or made to fit more complex situations. The approach taken in this book is consonant with the basis of all Feldenkrais’ approach to learning. It will be of unquestioned value to both martial artists and Feldenkrais practitioners. Moti Nativ is to be commended not only for bringing this book out of retirement but also for his introduction and commentaries which convey the observations of a true teacher of the martial arts and a Feldenkrais Practitioner." -Dennis Leri, Feldenkrais Trainer and Martial Artist

"This welcome new edition is a valuable resource which clarifies a fundamental source of the Feldenkrais Method: Feldenkrais' diverse personal experience in unarmed combat and training in judo. The fitting of one's action to dynamically changing circumstances, functional awareness of self in the environment, and the development of a sense of security based in understanding and ability can all be found interwoven with a practical system of learning in the lessons here. These abilities, all vital for effective response to threat, will also be familiar to students of the Feldenkrais Method of somatic education. For those more familiar with the technical material presented, the elegance, sophistication, and utility of the system of learning which Feldenkrais developed is demonstrated in a familiar context. The additional material provided by Moti Nativ in this new volume, with his own expertise in these domains, will certainly be of interest to students of both." -Tres Hofmeister, 6th Dan Aikido, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner

" 'Hadaka - Jime: Practical Unarmed Combat' is just as vital today as it was 67 years ago. The systematic steps and strategies shown from this “one core” movement confirm the principles throughout the book. The practical applications can be used as a foundation of study in any martial art or self-defense course.

"A sincere note of gratitude to Moti Nativ! Your passion and deep insight in both the martial arts and the Feldenkrais Method shine through your commentary. Your gift offers a sophistication, which allows a broader understanding for people. Thank you for revitalizing this book." -Cathy Lewis, 14th Dan - Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Irvine, California, U.S.A

This impactful book reveals a pioneer who is equal parts warrior and educator, and offers a snapshot of a method in the midst of its making.

If you follow the trajectory of training outlined in this book, you’ll find the very same strategies and techniques that become the basis of Dr. Feldenkrais’ yet-to-be-announced method. By teaching only one martial arts technique, Feldenkrais creates a lesson-like experiment, rich in the interplay of theme and variation. The training reveals the big picture as it clarifies the details and, just as the student begins to put it all together, Moshe changes the action’s orientation to space. And so on!

"Thank you, Moti, for making this book available once again. The beautiful, user-friendly design is a fitting tribute to its historical importance." -Larry Goldfarb, Feldenkrais Trainer

"Moti Nativ’s Foreword directs readers to understand that the concepts, principles, and methodology laid out by Feldenkrais can be applied to all areas “where learning and mastery result in achieving the maximum.” He has done a brilliant job of revivifying these techniques which are still relevant today. This efficient system by Feldenkrais can serve as a template for martial arts, combat training, and self-defense instructional programs. It is simple, effective, and duplicable." -Sheila Haddad, 15th Dan Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, Director, Seido Institute for the Warrior and Healing Arts

"Both martial artists and movement students will find 'Hadaka-Jime The Core Technique for Practical Unarmed Combat' a valuable guide with both practical techniques and profound insights about the learning process. Feldenkrais’ clear instructions, peppered with his wry humor and personal philosophy, make this much more than a combat training manual. The illustrations provide a fascinating window into the development of Moshe Feldenkrais’ methodology as well as clear instructions to accompany the text." -Lavinia Plonka, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, author, "What are You Afraid of" and "Walking Your Talk"