In the tradition of The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings, one of America's most experienced teachers of karate offers new interpretations of fundamental martial arts texts. The book includes new translations of essays on leadership, correct behavior, character, and values. "Hereditary Manual of Fighting Techniques" by Yagyu Tajimanokami Munenori explores the relationship between Zen philosophy and warfare and the mental preparation for successful fighting. In "The Ultimate Sword," Takuan Soho describes the unremitting effort that must be undertaken to become a true master of strategy. He uses key aspects of sword-fighting strategy to shed light on the path to self-realization in "The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom." Kotoda Yahei Toshisada emphasizes the importance of training and learning techniques over theory in 'Technical Study of Kenpo." In "The School of Two Heavens," Musashi Miyamoto applies the principles of sword fighting to military arts and politics. Mastuura Saizan focuses on strengthening the weak points of the human mind, and exploiting the natural movements of the human body, in "Jyoseihi Kendan." And "Tengu's Dialogue on the Martial Arts" by Issai Chosanshi is a manual for students of the martial arts, presented in the form of a dialogue with a master.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Wow.... Comment: This may actually be the best book I have ever read. The principles can be applied to all aspects of life, so it's certainly for anyone. It's a shame that it's not more widely known, but word of mouth should help to make this book the classic it should be.
Okay, for those of you wondering what's in the book, it has a lot of very insightful information and it is written very well. Lots of books such as these may babble on and on about some of the philosophies, but this book is very to the point. It doesn't, by any means, skimp on information, it's just very direct and efficient. The writing in many ways is consistent with the teachings within. Read the book...... EVERYONE!!!! Customer Rating: Summary: A Must Comment: I agree that truth prevails over deception, but this book isn't about spreading the Good News, it's about learning how to train your body, mind and spirit in the ways of martial arts, but not just in that specific field but in any, you would only have to replace words in the text with their corresponding counterparts for the situation.
I find that anybody learning martial arts would definetly benefit from the teachings from this book, especially those learning any art focused around a sword (Iaido, Kendo, Iaijutsu, ...). Also, the leadership area of the book is great and easily transposed to any field.
If you are a Martial Arts instructor I suggest reading a teaching from this book to every class you teach and if possible, focus the training of the day on that which was read or will be read afterwards.
I hope this is useful for you... Customer Rating: Summary: Master of Life, Deep Wisdom from the Martial Arts Comment: This is my favorite book on the Martial Arts and I keep it as a treasure in my library.
In fact, next to the Bible, this is probably my favorite book. The life lessons in this book are invaluable.
You actually have three books in one.
Book One: The Book of the Seven Masters deals with the Body and Physical tactics to overcome a enemy.
Book Two: Leadership, promotes high moral and ethical base. The values of the immovable mind.
Book Three: Enlightenment is the seeking to become one with God, Nature and the Universe, the Spirit.
Therefore, the relation is that to be complete human being in life the Physical tranforms the mind and the mind transforms the Spirit.
To be a Martial Arts Master is to be a Master of Life. To seek control of the Mind, Body and Spirit.
Something that Western culture can not comprehend is Zen, is not really a religion in as sense but a philosophy. The lessons in this book actually support Christian thought and views.
This book is a guideline to live a long, happy and ethical life in harmony with yourself and others around you while at the same time promoting a rock solid value system and ethical base that does not condone or support immoral behavior of any kind. Customer Rating: Summary: A Reader Comment: I bought this book - and I regret it, gomen-nasai. It's filled with all of the expected cliches, and the content has no lasting deep meaning.
Take, for example, the premise that the unethical practice of using deception and confusion to forestall one's opponent makes one strong. A truly strong warrior is able to force one's enemies to confront the truth, after which the defeated opporent becomes the student and future teacher. The fatal flaw of this book is that it supposes to teach "the way" (as if there were only one), and blatantly seeks to push the so-called 'secret tactics' as metaphorically relevant for real-life confrontations, without ever overcoming the faults it identifies in its own first chapter (hei-ho-kaden-sho).
Anyone who adopts this book as their manual for how to deal with potentially real or perceived confrontation will be forever stuck in the self-defeating mode of the arrogant aggressor.
A much deeper and more penetrating book is "Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts", which more correctly stresses the utility of mastering the art of threat assessment.
gomen-nasai, but I say avoid this book. It will send you on an errant journey. Customer Rating: Summary: A Seminal Work Comment: This book is a very deep research text. It comprehensively unites, comments on and extends past writings on martial arts.
Beautiful calligraphies notwithstanding, it is not a work for the coffee table. In an attempt to properly understand the content, this reader was slowed down to about three pages a day.
In turn, rewards are sweet and plentiful. Master Tabata characterizes clearly how the basic tenets and spiritual practice of martial arts are different from other strands of eastern philosophical and religious traditions.
This book will be seminal, as it combines scholarly rigour and original insight to establish martial arts as an independent spiritual system. It traces its roots in India and East Asia but highlights its original contributions over traditional Buddhist or Confuzian beliefs and ideals.
It also gives helpful advice on how to beat up your opponent in a match.
This book is indispensable for any instructor or serious practitioner of martial arts. It will be the standard reference work for anyone trying to discover the meaning and foundations of martial arts.
