Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

I don't know if anyone has started any threads about budo books they've read (other than "Meditations on Violence"), but I thought I'd mention one I've been reading.

In the Dojo: A Guide to the Rituals and Etiquette of the Japanese Martial Arts
by Dave Lowry

Synopsis: "Beginning 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 but deeply held codes of behavior. But very soon they begin to wonder about the meaning behind the traditions, gear, and relationships in the dojo.

"In this collection of lively, detailed essays, Dave Lowry, one of the most well-known and respected swordsmen in the United States, illuminates the history and meaning behind the rituals, training costumes, objects, and relationships that have such profound significance in Japanese martial arts, including the dojo space itself, the teacher-student relationship, the act of bowing, and what to expect—and what will be expected of you—when you visit a dojo."

Most folks probably aren't that interested in budo to learn about all the minutia of what we do, which Mr. Lowry readily acknowledges in a funny way in the introduction. He candidly admits that knowing this stuff won't make your budo any better, but sometimes people have asked him, "Hey, why do we do this or that?". So for the Cliff Clavens in da house, it's a fascinating read. It's got lots of detail, but it's not a very long read, either. It's also kind of funny when he points out things that some dojos or arts do that really have no historical precedence. And he's a skilled writer, too, so I'm curious to read other things he's written.

One thing I definitely come away with was a better understanding of just how much modern Japanese martial arts owes to Jigoru Kano.

Anyone else have any good budo book recommendations?

One book that had several things in it that I found useful for myself is also by Dave Lowry entitled The Karate Way. It covers a range of topics I feel would be relevant to any art besides Karate, but the primary focus of the book is discussing the benefits of long-term practice for its own sake rather than a goal-oriented practice,(ie., the next competition, or the attainment of rank, etc.)

Another book that I found interesting is entitled Dueling with O'Sensei by Ellis Amdur. This book also covers a wide range of topics but primarily deals with the authors struggle to deal with the myths of Aikido versus the reality of Aikido. He ended up leaving Aikido and continuing his pursuit of other arts. I think he has since returned to Aikido in a limited way.

I agree with you both -- Dave Lowry and Ellis Amdur are both excellent-- i have been consistantly impressed by both authors -- BTW-- another budo author i am enjoying lately in his many fine blogs is Nev Sagiba-- though not as polished as Lowry or Amdur --his stuff is mighty good nonetheless-- lots of it on Aikido Journal

if you like Lowry and Amdur also check out Dreager's three part survey of Budo and and BuJutsu -- Meik and Diane Skosse's overview series on Koryu, and Furuya's book entitled Kodo