Product Description

The goals of the budo - the martial arts and ways of Japan - lie in refining the body and spirit. These goals are not always the obvious ones and are learned only through the guidance and direction of great teachers. The techniques, methods and rituals of the sensei can serve as guides to a well-lived life and provide invaluable lessons for today's martial artists. This collection of essays includes discussions of: the spirit of ryomi; the importance of yuyo; and the significance of ma. With its focus on traditional martial arts and stories that illustrate key martial arts principles, "Traditions" aims to be required reading for serious martial artists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #407098 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 184 pages

Synopsis
The goals of the budo - the martial arts and ways of Japan - lie in refining the body and spirit. These goals are not always the obvious ones and are learned only through the guidance and direction of great teachers. The techniques, methods and rituals of the sensei can serve as guides to a well-lived life and provide invaluable lessons for today's martial artists. This collection of essays includes discussions of: the spirit of ryomi; the importance of yuyo; and the significance of ma. With its focus on traditional martial arts and stories that illustrate key martial arts principles, "Traditions" aims to be required reading for serious martial artists.

Customer Reviews

Excellent for all martial arts
This is an excellent book for all martial arts. I recommend you read one or two essays a day and integrate them into your training and everyday life. I felt inspired to train more and more effectively, and to live more openly and honourably after virtually every essay. A must read for any TRUE martial artist.

Essential reading for all Budo-Ka
Dave Lowry manages to capture and present core edicts of the Japanese Martial Ways for the Occidental reader without polluting the ideas with his, [and our own] emotional and intellectual baggage. This is no mean feat. An excellent book that should be read, its ideas digested then put into practise by any one treading the path of any Way, although it would be uncharitable to suggest that this book does not contain sound philosophical advice for anyone. Buy it now.

Solid, accurate, and useful information and history
Once again Dave Lowry produces a book that every martial artist should read. A collection of his magazine columns, 'Traditions' is a set of essays each about a different aspect of training, or etiquette, or the history of Japanese martial ways. His writing is clear, concise (each essay is only 2-3 pages, so bite-sized lessons are easily absorbed) and generously illustrated with stories, anecdotes, and allegory. Often personal, usually very funny, and always instructive, Mr. Lowry is an honest and sincere practitioner of his arts, and this comes across clearly in all his writings. 'Traditions' is no exception, and I highly recommend it.