Customer Reviews

A Dictionary of the Martial Arts

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own three martial arts dictionaries and this one is the most detailed of the three. It does not cover every martial art in existance, but it does provided depth in the arts it does describe. Almost all of the terms are listed in Japanese, so finding the Japanese term when you only know the English term is sometimes difficult.

First written in French in 1988 then translated in 1991, this is the fourth printing of A Dictionary of the Martial Arts. This book is a great little reference dictionary to the martial arts, especially those pertaining to Japan. Even though the book is quite detailed in its many definitions, and is filled with numerous diagrams, photos and several Hokusai prints. I would not recommend this work to those seeking to study an individual martial art for the first time. Instead this work touches upon the understanding of and the historical significance of the martial arts. A definite book for the shelf any martial art enthusiast.

The Dictionary tends to place emphasis on the more "popular" martial arts such as Karate and Judo, and in Japanese styles in general. Although the information given pertaining to Japanese styles is very thorough and comprehensive, "definitions" given on many other arts (Chinese Gung Fu, Brazilian Capoera, Phillipino Eskrima, etc.)is often lacking. In fact, some, such as French Savat, are completely left out.

This is my 3rd martial arts dictionary. I'm not that impressed. The book is largely devoted to more full explanations of the terms used in various arts. But it's hardly encompassing. In fact, there are so many items left out that I'm left wondering why it wasn't 3 times it's size. There's certainly enough source material!

I have another Martial Arts dictionary which is tiny (not quite as thick and about 1/4 the size) with 10 times the number of terms and they are fairly well explained in there. I like reference material, so this will probably get a 2.5 in reality, but I'm rounding down for lack of depth. The explanations are quite nice, however, so if that's what you are looking for, you will be happy. It does, at least, cover some phrases as well as words.

If, like me, you are looking for a real dictionary with a ton of entries and hopefully as many phrases, as they say in Star Wars: "move along"

This is one of four or five books I always keep nearby when writing. The content is comprehensive and easy to use and I appreciate the lack of stylistic or nationalistic prejudice.