CompleteMartialArts.com - Sword and Brush: The Spirit of the Martial Arts
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List Price: $14.95
Our Price: $10.17
Your Save: $ 4.78 ( 32% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Shambhala
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Average Customer Rating: 
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.80952
EAN: 9781570621123
ISBN: 1570621128
Label: Shambhala
Manufacturer: Shambhala
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 119
Publication Date: 1995-09-19
Publisher: Shambhala
Release Date: 1995-09-19
Studio: Shambhala
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Editorial Reviews:
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This moment of perfect clarity that is the force behind all the traditional Japanese arts—from archery to flower arranging—is celebrated here in Dave Lowry's exploration of the common principles shared by calligraphy and the martial arts. Forty-two examples of Lowry's calligraphy, accompanied by his essays, show how the way of the brush reflects the strategic principles of the way of the sword. Each calligraphy represents a term from the martial arts—such as do, the way, or wa, harmony. The accompanying text amplifies our understanding of the term, what it meant to Japanese warriors, and what it means to practitioners of calligraphy and the martial arts today. What becomes clear is that these two seemingly unrelated disciplines actually partake of the same profound elemental spirit.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Both the Sword and the Brush becomes an extension of the self.
Comment: This is a must read for any serious practitioner of budo.
Dave Lowry is in top form as he explains the the deeper meaning of Kanjis that a budoka might encounter as they progress in their training.
This is an essential guide to understanding what we can learn from the time spent "In the Dojo" and how it could transfer to our daily lives.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Wonderful food for thought
Comment: Lowry has created a series of 2-3 page mini-essays comparing and contrasting the budo and shodo, the art of Japanese caligraphy.
A wonderful inspiration for the beginning or advanced martial artist alike, he provides another delightful vehicle for reflection. A book to be read slowly and savored.
A lack of familiarity with the written Japanese language is no impediment to the enjoyment of this book. In fact, it may serve as something as a primer for the novice.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Worth multiple readings
Comment: Dave Lowry has written an excellent book that I've read on more than one occassion. As a bugeisha (one that studies the traditional Japanese martial ways) this small treatise on terms, kanji and philosophy used in most budo settings is quite enthralling.
I've found that as I've progressed in my own training, Mr. Lowry's "Sword and Brush" becomes even more profound. Going to my bookshelf, dusting off the book cover and reading it each year has proven fruitful. His simple and direct approach provide insight into shodo (the way of the brush), a particular kanji(s) history, which allows the reader to visualize the origins of the pictograph, and its transcendence into the combat ways of Japan. Each philosophical overview imparts a wisdom found by one who has truly studied the arts and can teach intricate meanings to the reader.
Lowry is a true student of the arts; an individual steeped in budo and bujutsu. He gets "it," and tries to share his knowledge with others.
Buy this book, you won't regret it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The way of calligraphy illuminates the way of the warrior
Comment: This elegant book from renowned martial arts author Dave Lowry is both enlightening and pleasing to the spirit. Mixing examples of his masterful brush work with insightful and thought provoking stories, Lowry delves into the deeper meaning of common martial concepts. It is easy reading yet profound. I read it for the first time nearly a decade ago then recently picked it up again. I do not know if it is the natural maturity that comes with age or through the furtherance of my martial training but I have found it even better the second time around. If you are looking for deeper meaning in from your budo training, this work belongs on your bookshelf!
Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Must For Any Serious Martial Artist!
Comment: Plain and simple - Mr. Lowry lays it all on the line. This book captures the TRUE spirit of the martial arts! It's not about being "bad" or even about self-defense (although martial arts properly studied and used can come in handy when your back's against the wall) - it's about self-development. Nuff sed! Get the book - read it and learn!
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