The Essence of Budo: A Practitioner's Guide to Understanding the Japanese Martial Ways

Description

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 master The 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, kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido as their training develops. He examines such questions as- . What is the relationship between the student and teacher, and what should one expect from the other? .What does rank really mean? .How do you correctly and sensitively practice with someone less experienced than you? .What does practice look like as one ages? .Why do budo arts put such an emphasis on etiquette? .And many others Lowry also gives practical advice for beginning and advanced students on improving structural integrity in posture and movement, focusing under stress, stances and preparatory actions before engaging with an opponent, and recognizing a good teacher from a bad one.

Dave Lowry is an accomplished martial artist, calligrapher, and writer. He is the restaurant critic for St. Louis Magazine and writes regularly for a number of magazines on a wide variety of subjects, many of them related to Japan and the Japanese martial arts. He is the author of numerous books including Autumn Lightning- The Education of an American Samurai, Sword & Brush- The Spirit of the Martial Arts, Clouds in the West- Lessons from the Martial Arts of Japan, and The Connoisseur's Guide to Sushi.

"One of the most attractive aspects of this book is the humor. Mr. Lowry points out the sheer necessity of self-deprecation and humor, mellowing the inevitable mistakes and failings of both students and sensei. Mr. Lowry's debunking of myth, placement of budo where it belongs in a healthy life, and recommendations for picking a sensei are invaluable. If you or your child are contemplating Japanese martial arts training, buy this book."-San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review