Lively, detailed essays explaining the meaning behind the apparatus, traditions, and etiquette particular to the Japanese martial arts—by an American sword masterBeginning students in Japanese martial arts, such as karate, judo, aikido, iaido, kyudo, and kendo, learn that when they are in the dojo (the practice space), they must don their practice garb with ritual precision, address their teacher and senior students in a specific way, and follow certain unwritten b...

Dave Lowry juxtaposes his singular experience as an adept student of kenjutsu (the art of swordsmanship) under a Japanese teacher in St. Louis with a riveting account of the samurai tradition in Japan. Intertwining tales of the masters with reflections on his own apprenticeship in the samurai's arts, he reveals in their time-honored methods a way of life with profound relevance to modern times. The result is a fascinating, singular autobiography. Lowry captures the sense of wonder...

With The Connoisseur's Guide to Sushi, you'll feel confident (and maybe even a little smug) the next time you go out for sushi. No matter how many times you've gone before!The comprehensive and informative guide includes easy-to-understand terminology and descriptions that help simplify, clarify and edify what can be an exotic subject. It is the everyday person's guide to sushi for both sushi aficionados and sushi novices.

A guide to the practice, history, and etiquette of budo, the study of Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation—written by an American martial arts masterThe study of budo, or the Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, a sword master who has practiced and taught budo for over forty years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, k...

Karate is not just a sport or a hobby—it’s a lifetime study toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, one of the best-known writers on the Japanese martial arts, illuminates the complete path of karate including practice, philosophy, and culture. He covers myriad subjects of interest to karate practitioners of all ages and levels, including:• The relationship between students and teachers• Cultivating the correct attitude during practice• The differences betwe...

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...

Warrior Mind is a guide to understanding and developing the warriors essential mind-set. Warrior mind has three components.The first is inner strengththe development of unassailable integrity, clear intent, and unwavering tenacity.The second is a thorough understanding of the principles of strategycorrect movement and balance, proper angles, proper timing, and proper entry.The thirdis acquiring body intelligence- aspontaneous flow of movement in response to an at...

HARDCORE SELF-DEFENSE is totally unlike any other martial-arts book you've ever read. It is the result of a lifetime of experience by one who walks the Warrior's Path. Jam-packed with useful information, no space is wasted with "filler material" like training methods, foreign terminology, or photographs of the author pretending to spar. No, this book gets right to the point and tells you the best ways to defend oneself, as well as commonly taught nonsense that will not work agains...

"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action."--Samurai Maximum.Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image,...

This Book Stands Alone as an Introduction to the Context of Self-Defense.There are seven elements that must be addressed to bring self-defense training to something approaching ‘complete.’ Any training that dismisses any of these areas leaves you vulnerable.We strongly recommend this book to anybody wishing to learn self-defense, or understand how to stay safe should violence rear it's ugly head.Legal and ethical implications....

An entertaining and insightful history of martial arts and the role of the warrior, drawing on pop culture, philosophy, mythology, religion, and spiritualityThe urge to forge one’s character by fighting, in daily life as well as on the mat, appeals to something deep within us. More than a collection of fighting techniques, martial arts constitute a path to developing body, spirit, and awareness. On the Warrior’s Path connects the martial arts with this lar...

Written in 1645, The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin no Sho) is a legendary Japanese treatise on strategy, combat, and discipline by master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Divided into five sections—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void—the book outlines Musashi's philosophy of martial arts and the mindset required for victory. Beyond swordsmanship, Musashi's teachings emphasize awareness, adaptability, mental clarity, and strategic thinking. His principles extend far beyond the battlefield, offering ...