Honor Blackman is mainly known for her roles on The Avengers and the Bond films where she regularly put the beat down on goons and thugs. But I'm not going to dwell on her illustrious career as a Chuck Norris with boobs. Instead, I want to just want to look at one of her books. Her bio can be found all over the internets, but I haven't seen much on her amazing martial arts book. So, to fill that void, here goes.
Honor Blackman's Book of Self Defense was published in 1965. It was made with Joe Robinson and his brother Doug, a judo champion and black belt in karate. Joe was a British wrestler (didn't think there was such a thing, did you) and made a name for himself arranging stunts on the Bond films and the occasional acting gig.
It's a weird book, really. It outlines some moves (yawn) and some reasons why women need it, and there's a shitload of pictures of Blackman putting the smack down on various unlucky blokes. Not surprisingly, it didn't take long for the book to fade into the mists of time, forgotten completely. It wasn't re-issued, and all that remains are a few old copies, an old interview where she mentions it, and.... well, this post.
Here's some of the pictures. Click to enlarge. Enjoy.
I love her tough expression in these illustrations. Get 'em, Blackman! I am so glad you've made me aware of this title. GREAT POST.
ReplyDeleteWe've got some serious teeth grinding going on in these pics.
ReplyDeleteLove the handbag on the cover.
Is it weird that I spotted the upskirt in just a few seconds?
ReplyDeleteRight there with ya pal!
ReplyDeleteDitto.
ReplyDeleteWe are dirty old men...
How cool is that? Thanks, I'd never heard of this book. I'll keep my eyes out.
ReplyDeleteShe was one kick-ass chick! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHa! Beatings Galore!
ReplyDeleteWhen your name is Honor Blackman and you're famous as Pussy Galore, you BETTER know how to throw guys around in a skirt and bikini. Notice the "Casuality and Out-Patient Department Entrance" sign.
ReplyDeleteHonor just turned 86. Wonder if she still has the moves?
When she was 71, she threw the Japanese karate champion with a judo throw that almost broke his back. She and Lucille Ball studied with the same Sensei (Mrs. Garwood).
ReplyDeletehonor blackman was at the time a blackbelt in kempo( one ot the various styles of karate).
ReplyDeleteThe sexiest woman to ever wear a judo gi.
ReplyDeleteAnne Francis was also great in a gi.
DeleteCheck out Sensei Miss Blackman's judo demonstration on youtube. No other woman has ever given so many guys a hard (and I mean really hard) time.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Lucille Ball Morton was a judo expert, as was Mrs. Honor Blackman Kaufman. It must have been sexual heaven for the husbands, although Lucy and Honor could beat the living crap out of anyone.
ReplyDeleteKeep coming across a Sensei Mrs. Mary Ann Garwood from the 60's, She was Head Sensei of the Blue Blouse Jujitsu Academy, did Judo and Jujitsu often attired in a long blue blouse over a beige skirt.
ReplyDeleteThe sexiest woman ever. She must hold the record for guys jerking off. Oh Mrs Kaufman, teach me jujitsu and judo!
ReplyDeleteOver the years, Sensei Honor Blackman downplayed her knowledge of judo and jujitsu, including her several Black Belts. She was capable of crippling and killing any male opponent.
ReplyDelete