The Curious Case of “Secret Fighting Arts of the World” and the Art of Martial Arts Parody
In 1963, Tuttle Publishing released a book that would become something of a legend – and a source of ongoing debate – within martial arts circles: Secret Fighting Arts of the World. Penned under the name John F. Gilbey, the book promised to reveal “secret fighting techniques never before divulged in print,” from the “Oriental delayed death touch” to the “Macedonian Buttock.” But as it turns out, the book was largely a deliberate parody, a fact that wasn’t widely known for decades.
A Millionaire Author and Dubious Techniques
The book’s blurb presented Gilbey as a world-renowned expert, a Ph.D. Fluent in seven languages with high-level dan rankings in judo and karate. He was portrayed as a wealthy man studying Icelandic wrestling in Reykjavik although compiling his research. However, this persona was entirely fabricated. Secret Fighting Arts was a collaborative effort by Robert W. Smith, Jim Bregman, Donn Draeger, and Jon Bluming, who intended to satirize the sensationalism often found in martial arts literature.
The techniques described within are, to put it mildly, outlandish. Readers are introduced to masters of the “Ganges Groin Gouge,” the “Parisian Halitotic Attack” (weaponizing bad breath), and the aforementioned “Macedonian Buttock,” a technique involving hardening one’s posterior for combat. The descriptions are detailed and presented with a straight face, contributing to the book’s deceptive quality.
Unmasking the Hoax and Lasting Impact
The truth behind Secret Fighting Arts wasn’t revealed until Robert W. Smith confessed in his 1999 autobiography, Martial Musings. He explained that the book was intended as an exaggeration, a fantasy designed to poke fun at the more unbelievable claims within the martial arts world. However, the parody proved surprisingly effective, with many readers taking the book’s contents at face value.
This led to some bizarre consequences. Smith recounts receiving letters from readers, including one from a Swedish mother concerned about her son Sven, who believed he was suffering from a “delayed-action death touch” after a minor workplace accident. The book even attracted the attention of Hollywood talent agency William Morris, and publishers continued to reprint it for decades, with editions appearing in Burmese, Vietnamese, and Russian.
A Reflection on Martial Arts Publishing
The story of Secret Fighting Arts of the World raises questions about the standards and credibility within martial arts publishing. A 1977 publisher’s circular described the book as “a repulsive mixture of nonsense and myth (presented as fact) for the credulous customer.” Despite this criticism, the book continued to sell, and even received a positive review in Black Belt magazine in 1964, highlighting the potential for misinformation to gain traction.
The book’s enduring appeal, even after its true nature was revealed, suggests a fascination with the mysterious and the exotic within the martial arts community. It as well underscores the importance of critical thinking and source verification when exploring this subject.
The “Ninja” Connection: A Brief Mention
While not the primary focus, Secret Fighting Arts does briefly touch upon the subject of ninjutsu. Gilbey recounts a chance encounter with a man named Hirose Junzō, who, coincidentally, is revealed to be one of the last remaining “ninja” masters in Japan. This inclusion, however, is presented as a tongue-in-cheek moment, adding to the book’s overall satirical tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Was John F. Gilbey a real person?
A: No, John F. Gilbey was a pseudonym created by a group of martial arts practitioners and writers.
Q: What was the purpose of “Secret Fighting Arts of the World”?
A: The book was intended as a parody of sensationalized martial arts literature.
Q: Did anyone believe the techniques described in the book were real?
A: Yes, many readers took the book’s contents at face value, leading to some unusual consequences.
Q: Is the book still available today?
A: Yes, Secret Fighting Arts of the World remains in print and can be found through various booksellers.
Pro Tip: When researching martial arts techniques or history, always consult multiple sources and be wary of claims that seem too good to be true.
Did you realize? The book was translated into Russian in 1991, suggesting its appeal extended beyond Western audiences.
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